Today Jerry, from web hosting reviews wrote an interesting article where he has mentioned about the Pros and Cons about free and paid blog platforms.
It is very frequent to see bloggers face dilemma when it comes to selecting the right blog platform. Should you host your blog on its own domain or on a free blogging platform like WordPress.com? Unfortunately, there is no fix answer for the question as different bloggers require different blogging features. Some blog platforms are much more suited for the hobby bloggers and others to more professional blogging application. Fact is there are both pros and cons for both. With that being said, I am not going to tell you which blog platform you be supposed to use. Instead, I am going to compare both choices and let you make a decision for yourself.
Free Blogging Platforms
Free blogging platforms are websites that offer free hosting service that comes with blogging tools. Blog hosted on free blogging platforms normally runs on a third level domain name (something like http://www.blogname.blogspot.com). Many bloggers start out with free blogging platform as they are easy and free to use. It requires minimum IT knowledge to publish web content and there are little web maintenance job to be done. WordPress, Blogger, Blogster, and Bravenet are some of the names that offer free blogging platform.
It’s worth noting that not all hosted blogs (blog hosted by others, on a third level domain) are running free. Blogs on TypePad for example, require monthly subscription fees.
Blog on its own hosting and domain
The other sort of blog platform is the kind of blog that hosted on its own domain/web server and is run on a stand alone blogging platform. WordPress.org (different from WordPress.com), B2Evolution, Greymatter, and TextPattern are some of the big names for such service. These services normally come free along with your hosting package and can be installed easily.
What’s good about free blogging platform?
The biggest advantage of a free blogging platform is that it requires zero operationg cost. Blogging platforms like WordPress.com and Blogger.com are totally free of charge. On the other hand, blogs running on its own domain/hosting comes with domain registration and web hosting cost.
Free blogging platforms are often recommended for the hobby bloggers as it requires minimum maintenance. You don’t have to go detail with the hosting as things are all settled by the admin. Database setup, blogging tools installation, server configuration – all these are none of your business when you pick up free blogging platform. All you need to do is select your blog name and start writing.
Another plus point with free blogging platform is that it requires minimum maintenance job. As the blogs are hosted by
How about blog on its own hosting/domain?
While blog on its own hosting/domain requires extra time and money; there are several advantages that free blogs can’t offer. Generally, these type of blogs work better when it comes to monetization and advance web designs.
Blog running on its own hosting/domain allows advance web designs and developments as server usage is more flexible. For example access of .htaccess enable website redirects; robots.txt enable search engine bots control, and access of cgi bin allows bloggers to install advance web features on their blogs.
Some free blogging platforms (WordPress.com for example) prohibit their users to monetize their blog. You will not have such problem with blog on its own hosting/domain. Also, a blog with its own hosting/domain is better when it comes to branding and web marketing. A free blog long URL is hard to remember and it gives the image of part-timer. Many advertisers are reluctant to buy ads on a free blog and most webmasters are unwilling to joint venture with free blog owners.
What is the right option for you?
Back to our question: which blogging platform should you go with? The answer is in your hand. Are you a hobby blogger? What is the goal of your blog? Do you plan to blog for long term? Do you plan to sell your blog in future? Do you wish to monetize your blog? Do you have extra budget if you wish to host your blog on its own domain? These are the questions to ask before you make up your mind.
Generally, a free blog is best for those who do not wish to spend much time and money; while blog with its own hosting/domain is for those who are more serious about blogging.
This was a guest post by Jerry of W.H.S.R. Jerry write web hosting reviews based on his own usage experience, you can read more about his works at Web Hosting Secret Revealed.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
The wierd thing is that both types of platforms can earn you thousands…there are just as many successful free blogs as there are self-hosted blogs…
The real secret is your content along with the way you market it ;-)
Market Secrets Blogger’s latest blog post..Multiple Site Hosting Made Easy With Add-Ons
@Market Secrets Blogger: Off course, I started to blog on a free platform (blogspot) and I was successful to drive readers, traffic and profit. It totally depends on your effort but you should always own your content by purchasing domain and hosting space.
Theres no problem using a free host, but like Tamal said, once you can afford to you should upgrade to a self hosted blog.
A self hosted blog will look more professional and serious, in my opinion.
@Geoserv: Free web hosts provides a very bad service and specially when you’re pages are not loading well. Free blog platforms provides such a wonderful service, I found blogger and wordpress.com are one of the fastest loading blogs.
But as it’s a free account, they can decide to turn it off anytime without prior notice.
I think it is always good to have your own domain and brand, I believe there are so many good blogs on those free platforms but they are buried down among many time more useless blogs. I personally do not read any emails about offers from a free blog.
Chinese Girl’s latest blog post..Foshan Trains
@Chinese Girl: Establishing a subdomain means working for another company in a job. Working with paid domain means building your own business. Most people start out with a sub domain and I did that too. But you should move to your own domain as fast as you can.
I know how it feels, google will have to re-index your site and you’ll get new rankings.
Thank you for good Article
The question is definitely complicated although things are clear. Personally i like wordpress most for its cool looking dashboard, userfriendliness and easy maintenance system. Moreover, you can get the IP address of your commentators by which you can trace out the location. Blogspot doesn’t offer this. As i use adsense for some extra money from my blogging effort, i miss this feature very badly.
I agree with the above comments, but free blogs are a great way to start out and learn.