Blogging Platforms 2023 | 8 Free Platforms

Looking to start a blog, but don't want to spend a fortune on hosting and website development? You're in luck! In today's digital age, there are numerous free blogging platforms available that can help you get your voice heard without spending a dime.

Whether you're a hobby blogger or a budding entrepreneur, these platforms offer an easy and cost-effective way to create and manage your blog. So, if you're ready to take the plunge and start your blog, read on to learn about some of the best free blogging platforms available in 2023.

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What are Blogging Platforms? Why someone should use them?

Blogging platforms are web-based software tools that allow users to create and publish content on the internet. These platforms offer a range of features and customization options that make it easy for bloggers to create and manage their blogs without extensive technical knowledge or coding skills.

There are different blogging platforms available, from free platforms like WordPress.com and Blogger to more advanced platforms like WordPress.org and Ghost. Each platform has its unique features and benefits, so it's essential to choose one that best fits your needs and goals as a blogger.

Here are some reasons why someone might choose to use a blogging platform.

Ease of use

Blogging platforms are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, even for people with little or no technical knowledge.

Customization options

Most blogging platforms offer a range of customizable templates and themes, as well as plugins and widgets which are useful to add functionality to your blog.

Cost-effective

Many blogging platforms offer free plans or low-cost options, making it easy to get started with blogging without breaking the bank.

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Community

 Many blogging platforms have large and active communities of users who can provide support, feedback, and inspiration for your blog.

Monetization

Some blogging platforms offer built-in monetization options, such as advertising or affiliate marketing, making it easier to earn money from your blog.

What is self hosted and platform hosted blog?

The main difference between a self-hosted blog and a platform-hosted blog is the hosting type of blog and who has control over it.

Self Hosted Blog

A self-hosted blog is where the blogger installs the blogging software on their web server or hosting account. It gives the blogger complete control over the design, functionality, and content. They can customize the site with their domain name, themes, plugins, and code modifications. Examples of self-hosted blogging platforms include WordPress.org, Drupal, and Ghost. Here, are some examples.

• WordPress.org
• Ghost

Platform Hosted Blog

A platform-hosted blog, on the other hand, is one where the blogger creates and hosts their blog on a third-party platform, such as WordPress.com, Blogger, or Tumblr. The platform provides hosting and technical support for the blog and typically offers a range of customization options, such as themes and plugins. However, the blogger may have some limitations on the design and functionality of their blog, as well as restrictions on monetization options and control over their content.

Here are some examples.

• WordPress.com
• Blogger
• Tumblr

Free Blogging Platforms in 2023

8 Best Blogging platforms in 2023 which are free of cost and easy to use.

1. WordPress.com

2. Blogger

3.Wix

4. Medium

5. Ghost

6. Tumblr

7. Strikingly

8. Weebly

These platforms offer a range of features and customization options and are suitable for different types of bloggers and websites. Whether you're a beginner blogger or an experienced content creator, there's likely a free blogging platform that will meet your needs.

1. WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a web-based platform for creating and hosting blogs and websites. It is owned and managed by Automattic, the same company that developed the popular WordPress software used for self-hosted blogs. WordPress.com is a hosted blogging platform, which means that users do not need to download and install the software on their web server or hosting account. Instead, they can create and manage their blogs through a web-based dashboard.

WordPress.com offers a range of features and tools designed to make blogging easy for bloggers to create and publish content online. Some of its key features for bloggers include the following.

Customizable themes

WordPress.com offers a variety of free and premium themes that can be customized to match the blogger's style and brand.

Drag-and-drop editor

The platform's block editor allows bloggers to create and format their posts using a drag-and-drop interface.

Media management

WordPress.com makes it easy to upload and manage images, videos, and other media files.

Built-in social sharing

Bloggers can easily share their posts on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Community features

WordPress.com has a large and active community of bloggers, which can provide support and feedback for new bloggers.

Pros of WordPress.com

Some of the pros of using WordPress.com for blogging include the following.

• Ease of use

WordPress.com is user-friendly and easy to set up, even for beginners.

• Customization options

 The platform offers a range of customization options, including themes, widgets, and plugins.

• Security and reliability

WordPress.com handles all the technical details, including security and backups, so bloggers can focus on creating content.

• Community

The platform has a large and active community of bloggers, which can provide support and inspiration.

Cons of WordPress.com

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using WordPress.com.

• Limited control

Because WordPress.com is a hosted platform, bloggers have limited control over their site's design, functionality, and monetization options.

• Cost

While there is a free plan available, some of the more advanced features and customization options require a paid subscription.

• Advertising restrictions

 WordPress.com has strict rules on advertising and monetization, which can limit a blogger's ability to earn income from their site.

WordPress.com is a popular and versatile platform for bloggers, offering a range of features and customization options. While it may not be the best choice for every blogger, it can be a great option for those looking for a user-friendly and reliable platform to start their blog.

2. Blogger

Blogger is a free blogging platform that is owned and managed by Google. It allows users to create and host their blogs on Google's servers. Blogger has been around since 1999, and it remains a popular choice for beginner bloggers.

Some of the features and tools that Blogger offers for bloggers include the following.

Customizable templates

Blogger has a variety of templates that users can choose from, and they can customize these templates using HTML and CSS.

Easy publishing

Blogger's interface is user-friendly. It allows bloggers to easily create and publish posts, add images and videos, and manage comments.

Integration with Google services

Since Google owns Blogger, it integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Analytics and AdSense.

Social sharing

 Bloggers can easily share their posts on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Custom domains

Blogger allows users to use their custom domain name, which can make their blog look more professional.

Pros of Blogger

Some of the pros of using Blogger for blogging include the following.

• Ease of use

Blogger is user-friendly and easy to set up, even for beginners.

• Customization options

Users can customize their blog's design using HTML and CSS, which gives them a lot of flexibility.

• Integration with Google services

Since Blogger is owned by Google, it integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Analytics and AdSense.

• Free to use

Blogger is completely free to use, which makes it a great choice for bloggers who are just starting.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using Blogger.

• Limited features

Blogger does not have as many features and customization options as some other blogging platforms.

• Limited control

Since Blogger is hosted on Google's servers, users have limited control over their blog's design, functionality, and monetization options.

• Limited support

Blogger's support resources are somewhat limited, which makes it difficult to deal with technical issues.

 Blogger is a popular and easy-to-use platform for bloggers who are just starting. While it may not be the best choice for more advanced bloggers who need a lot of customization options, it can be a great choice for beginners who want a simple way to start their blog.

3. Wix.com

Wix is a popular website-building platform that can be used to create several websites, including blogs. It offers a range of features and tools designed to make it easy for bloggers to create and publish content online. Some of its features for bloggers include the following.

Customizable templates

Wix offers a range of customizable templates that can be used to create a professional-looking blog.

Drag-and-drop edition

The platform's drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create and format blog posts.

Media management

Wix allows bloggers to upload and manage images, videos, and other media files.

Built-in SEO

The platform includes built-in SEO tools to help bloggers optimize their content for search engines.

Mobile Optimization

Wix automatically optimizes blogs for mobile devices, ensuring that they look great on any screen size.

Pros of using Wix

Some of the pros of using Wix are listed below.

• Easy to use

Wix is user-friendly and easy to set up, even for beginners.

• Customization options

The platform offers a wide range of customization options, including templates, widgets, and apps.

• Security and reliability

Wix handles all the technical details, including security and backups, so bloggers can focus on creating content.

• E-commerce integration

Wix offers built-in e-commerce functionality, making it easy for bloggers to sell products and services.

Cons of Using Wix

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using Wix:

• Limited control

 Wix is a hosted platform, which means that bloggers have limited control over their site's design, functionality, and monetization options.

• Cost

While there is a free plan available, some of the more advanced features and customization options require a paid subscription.

• Blog-specific features

While Wix offers a range of features and tools, it may not have as many blog-specific features as some other platforms.

Wix is a versatile platform that can be a great choice for bloggers who want a user-friendly and customizable platform for their blogs. While it may not be the best choice for every blogger, it offers a range of features and tools that can help bloggers create a professional-looking blog with ease.

4. Medium

Medium is a popular online publishing platform that allows users to create and publish articles, essays, and stories. It was launched in 2012 and has become a go-to platform for writers, journalists, and bloggers looking to share their work with a wider audience.

Some of the key features and benefits of using Medium for blogging include

Simple and intuitive interface

 Medium has a user-friendly interface which makes it easy for bloggers to create and publish content quickly.

Wide reach

Medium has a large and engaged audience, which can help bloggers to reach new readers and build their following.

Built-in social features

Medium makes it easy for bloggers to share their content on social media and to connect with other writers and readers.

Powerful analytics

Medium provides detailed analytics and metrics that can help bloggers to track the performance of their content and improve their strategy.

Collaboration tool

 The medium allows multiple writers to collaborate on a single publication, which can be useful for teams and organizations.

Cons of Medium

Some potential drawbacks of using Medium for blogging include the following.

• Limited customization

While Medium offers some customization options, bloggers have limited control over the design and functionality of their sites.

• Monetization limitations

Medium has strict rules on monetization and advertising, which can limit a blogger's ability to earn income from their content.

• Dependency on the platform

Because Medium is a third-party platform, bloggers are reliant on its features and functionality and are subject to its terms of service.

 The medium can be a great choice for bloggers looking for a simple and user-friendly platform to share their ideas and connect with a wider audience. While it may not be the best option for every blogger, it offers a range of features and benefits that can help writers to reach new readers and build their brand online.

5. Ghost

Ghost is a modern and open-source blogging platform designed for writers and bloggers. It was founded in 2013 by John O'Nolan, to provide a simple, fast, and elegant platform for creating and publishing content online. Ghost is a self-hosted platform, which means that users need to download and install the software on their web server or hosting account.

Some of the key features and tools that Ghost offers for bloggers include:

Minimalist editor

 Ghost's editor is designed to be clean and distraction-free, allowing bloggers to focus on their writing.

Customizable themes

Ghost offers a range of customizable themes that can be tailored to fit the blogger's style and brand.

Built-in SEO

Ghost has built-in search engine optimization (SEO) features, including automatic sitemaps and meta tags.

Membership and subscription options

 Ghost offers tools for creating paid memberships and subscriptions, which can be a great way for bloggers to earn income from their sites.

Content scheduling

Ghost allows bloggers to schedule their posts for future publication, which can help them stay organized and consistent with their content.

Pros of using Ghost

Some of the pros of using Ghost for blogging include the following.

• Simple and fast

 Ghost is designed to be quick and easy to use and focused on writing and publishing content.

• Customizable

 Ghost offers multiple customizable themes and templates, allowing bloggers to create a unique and personalized site.

• SEO-friendly

Ghost is designed with SEO in mind, making it easier for bloggers to optimize their content for search engines.

• Membership and subscription options: 

Ghost's built-in tools for creating paid memberships and subscriptions can be a great way for bloggers to monetize their sites.

Cons of Ghost

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using Ghost.

• Self-hosting

Because Ghost is a self-hosted platform, users need technical knowledge to set up and manage their sites.

• Limited plugins and extensions

Ghost has a limited selection of plugins and extensions compared to other platforms like WordPress.

• Cost

While the basic version of Ghost is free, more advanced features and tools require a paid subscription.

Ghost is a great platform for bloggers looking for a simple and fast platform for writing and publishing content online. Its focus on minimalism and SEO makes it a great choice for writers who prioritize the quality and readability of their content. However, it may not be the best choice for bloggers who need more advanced functionality or customization options.

6. Tumblr

 Tumblr is a microblogging and social networking platform that allows users to create and share multimedia content, such as blog posts, photos, videos, and music. It was founded in 2007 and acquired by Yahoo in 2013, which was later acquired by Verizon in 2017.

Some of the features that Tumblr offers for bloggers include the following.

Customizable themes

Tumblr provides a variety of free and premium themes customized to match the blogger's style and brand.

Multimedia content support

Tumblr supports a wide range of multimedia content, including photos, videos, music, and GIFs.

Social networking

Tumblr has a strong social networking component, allowing users to follow and interact with other bloggers on the platform.

Mobile app

Tumblr has a mobile app that allows bloggers to create and manage their content on the go.

Pros of using Tumblr

Some of the pros of using Tumblr for blogging include the following.

• Ease of use

Tumblr is easy to set up and use, making it accessible to bloggers of all levels.

• Community

Tumblr has a large and active community of bloggers, which can provide support and inspiration.

• Multimedia content support

Tumblr's focus on multimedia content makes it an ideal platform for bloggers who want to share visual and audio content.

• Social networking

Tumblr's social networking features can help bloggers build an audience and connect with like-minded individuals.

Cons of Tumblr

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using Tumblr.

• Limited control

Tumblr is a hosted platform, which means that bloggers have limited control over their site's design, functionality, and monetization options.

• Advertising restrictions

Tumblr has strict rules on advertising and monetization, which can limit a blogger's ability to earn income from their site.

• Limited features

 While Tumblr does offer a range of features for bloggers, it may not be as comprehensive as other blogging platforms.

Tumblr is a unique and popular platform for bloggers who want to share multimedia content and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. While it may not be the best choice for every blogger, it can be a great option for those looking for a user-friendly social platform to start their blog.

7. Strikingly

Strikingly is a website builder and blogging platform that allows users to create websites and blogs without coding or design experience. It was founded in 2012 and has since become popular among small business owners, freelancers, and bloggers.

Here are some of the features of Strikingly for bloggers.

Easy-to-use editor

Strikingly has a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor that allows bloggers to create and customize their sites quickly and easily.

Mobile-friendly templates

The platform offers a range of mobile-responsive templates optimized for different types of content and audiences.

Built-in blogging tools

Strikingly has a range of built-in blogging tools, including customizable blog pages, post scheduling, and social sharing buttons.

E-commerce features

Bloggers can also use Strikingly to sell products or services through their site, with built-in e-commerce tools like payment processing and order tracking.

SEO optimization

The platform has built-in SEO tools that can help bloggers improve their search engine rankings and visibility.

Pros of using Strikingly

Some of the pros of using Strikingly for blogging include the following.

• User-friendly interface

Strikingly's drag-and-drop editor and customizable templates make it easy for bloggers to create a professional-looking site without any design or coding skills.

• Mobile optimization

The platform's templates are all optimized for mobile devices, making it easy for users to access and read content on the go.

• E-commerce features

Strikingly's built-in e-commerce tools make it easy for bloggers to sell products or services directly from their sites.

• Affordable pricing

 Strikingly offers a range of pricing plans, including a free plan and affordable paid plans with more advanced features.

Cons of Strikingly

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using Strikingly for blogging.

• Limited customization

While Strikingly's templates are customizable, users may find options are somewhat limited compared to other platforms.

• Limited design options

Strikingly's templates are designed to be simple and easy to use, which may not appeal to bloggers who want unique designs.

• Limited blogging features

While Strikingly does offer some basic blogging tools, bloggers may find that the platform is more geared towards website creation and e-commerce than blogging specifically.

Strikingly is a great option for bloggers who want an easy-to-use, affordable platform for creating a professional-looking website or blog, with built-in e-commerce features. However, it may not be the best choice for bloggers who want more advanced customization or blogging features.

8. Weebly

This platforms is a website builder and hosting platform that allows users to create blogs and websites without coding or technical skills. Weebly was founded in 2007 and acquired by Square, Inc. in 2018.

Here are some of the features of Weebly for bloggers.

Drag-and-drop website builder

 Weebly's website builder is intuitive and easy to use. Users can simply drag and drop elements onto the page to create their blog.

Customizable templates

Weebly offers a range of customizable templates that users can use to create a unique design for their blog.

Blogging tools

It includes a range of blogging tools, such as a post editor, social media sharing, and comment management.

E-commerce features

 Weebly also includes e-commerce features, such as a shopping cart and payment processing, which can be useful for bloggers who want to sell products or services.

SEO tools

It includes built-in SEO tools that can help bloggers optimize their content for search engines.

Pros of using Weebly

Some of the pros of using this platform for blogging include the following.

• Ease of use

It's drag-and-drop website builder is easy to use, even for beginners.

• Customization options 

It offers a range of customizable templates and design options, allowing bloggers to create a unique look for their blogs.

• E-commerce features

Weebly's e-commerce features can be useful for bloggers who want to sell products or services.

• Mobile-responsive design

Weebly's templates are mobile-responsive, which means that they will look great on any device.

Cons of Weebly

However, there are also some potential drawbacks.

• Limited customization

While Weebly does offer customization options, users may find that they are limited in their ability to create a truly unique design for their blog.

• Limited control

Because it is a hosted platform, users have limited control over the technical details of their site.

• Cost

 While there is a free plan available, some of the more advanced features and customization options require a paid subscription.

It is a user-friendly and versatile platform for bloggers who want to create a professional-looking blog without coding or technical skills. While it may not be the best option for bloggers who need complete control over their sites, it can be a great choice for those who want a simple and reliable platform to get started.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting a blog is an exciting endeavor, and with so many free blogging platforms available today, it's never been easier to get started. Whether you're looking for a user-friendly platform like WordPress.com, the design flexibility of Wix, or the e-commerce features of Weebly, there's a platform out there that will suit your needs.

Of course, every platform has pros and cons, so it's important to carefully consider your options before making a decision. But with the right platform and creativity, you can create a successful blog that engages your audience and helps you achieve your goals.

So, whether you're starting a personal blog or a professional one, don't be afraid to explore the free blogging platforms available to you. With their range of features, customization options, and ease of use, they're the perfect starting point for any aspiring blogger.