Methodology
As we reviewed platforms for potential inclusion in this best-of list, we looked for providers that offer an easy blogging experience but also took into account the different technical experience levels of our readers. We also evaluated inclusions based on added costs and fees, customisation levels, added features and functionality and customer support.
Here is a closer look at our methodology for selecting inclusions for this year’s best-of list:
- Ease of use: We looked for providers that offer an easy blogging experience, depending on diverse needs. We did so by offering a selection of choices based on different skill levels, from zero blog-site design experience to experienced developers
- Optional cost and fees: We focused on providing a selection of platforms you can use for free to launch your blog. However, we also included some platforms that offer paid functionality options to enhance the blogging experience as budgets and goals grow
- Customisation levels: We provided a variety of inclusions with different levels of customisation capabilities, from no customisation options but an extremely easy blogging experience to the ability to delve into HTML/CSS or JS to customise every inch of a blogging site
- Features and functionality: We looked for blogging platforms that offer added features, such as marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), e-commerce, rich media, mobile responsive and analytics capabilities and tools.
- Customer support: We recognise that free versions are unlikely to offer premium 24/7 customer support. However, we looked for platforms that offered at least a functional level of customer support, such as a community forum or email support.
What is a blogging platform?
A blogging platform is a service that allows users to create, curate and manage a blog or website. There are countless providers to choose from, but of the 600 million blogs* worldwide, WordPress powers over 98% of them, according to BuiltWith.com data.
Using a blogging platform makes it easier for people with little or no knowledge of how web pages are built to create something themselves. It’s not necessary for users to even know basic HTML coding.
As well as hosting your published posts, a blogging platform can hold all of the uploaded photos, videos and other media you use in your posts.
Other popular blogging platforms include Medium, Joomla and Drupal. The majority of these platforms tend to be free, though you’ll need to pay for a domain on which to site the blog, and hosting to install your chosen platform.
*Per WebTribunal.net
How to choose a free blogging platform
When choosing a free blogging platform, it is important to consider how easy it is to build a blog on the chosen platform, its customisation options and any added costs that must be paid to make it work for your needs. This cost analysis should consider short- and long-term costs to help you meet both your immediate and future needs.
Some free blogging platforms offer the tools and space to build your own blog site. Others offer a prebuilt blogging platform where you can register your profile and publish blog posts.
If you need a free blogging platform that allows you to design your own blogging site, be sure to explore how easy the design process is. If you are not versed in coding, look for a blogging platform with a drag-and-drop builder for an easy design experience.
Some blogging platforms offer zero customisation options via an already-built or minimalist blogging platform. Others allow you to customise background colours and add pre-built content blocks or blog features to customise your blog’s look. Still, others allow you to deeply customise every inch of your blog via coding. Decide on the level of customisation you need and find a platform that aligns with it.
Once you’ve chosen the design ease and customisation levels you prefer, take a look at any costs you may have to pay, despite having chosen a free platform.
For example, open-source platforms may require you to pay for website hosting and a custom domain. Likewise, free versions offered by website builders, such as Wix and Weebly, do not offer a custom domain. So, if you seek a branded website, you’ll have to eventually upgrade to a paid plan.
The effectiveness of a blog will vary according to the type of website, investment into the blog and the quality of the content. But the following survey from website Techjury gives an idea of success rates.
Which blogging platform is best for small business owners?
If running a small business full time leaves you with limited resources for also running a website, some blogging platforms require less time investment and are generally more accessible for people with less experience and knowledge.
We found Wix and Weebly particularly good for niche bloggers and newcomers, respectively. Wix has more than 800 templates, meaning you can set up something professional looking that hasn’t been overused to the point of looking generic. Wix also has a site generator that will automatically create a website based on your answers to a few simple questions.
Weebly, meanwhile, makes creating easy with drag-and-drop editing, automatic mobile responsiveness and templates.
Do I need a website to start a blog?
No, but you do need a domain, which is an address on the web where people can find you. You can either pay for the domain you’d like, or opt for a free domain provided by a blogging platform. For example, Wix gives you a free address in the following format: accountname.wixsite.com/siteaddress.
If you pay for a domain, you’ll need to host it somewhere before you can set up a blog. This also needs to be paid for. After that you can install your chosen blogging platform. If you use a free domain from a blogging platform like Wix, your domain will be hosted there for free but with limitations on how many pages you can have, and how much media you can upload.
How do bloggers make money?
There are many ways to make money as a blogger. You can host display advertising and take a share of the money earned from impressions. You can include affiliate links in your blogs which will earn you a payout if someone who visited your site goes on to spend money with your affiliate.
Depending on your niche, you can also sell products and services via your blog, or sell space on your blog for others to promote themselves. Among bloggers who earn more than £40,000 yearly, 45% sell their own product or service. In comparison, only 8% of bloggers earning less do the same.
Some research indicates that first-year earnings from blogging can range from £20,000 to £40,000 depending on the blogging platform and monetisation methods. The following chart from website, Techjury shows revenue sources among bloggers.
Which free blogging platform is best for making money?
It depends on how you plan on monetising your blog, but Weebly has built-in e-commerce tools, while WordPress has more than 50,000 available plugins, including many e-commerce options. If you want to sell goods or services via your blog, these tools will make it easier.
As for display advertising, affiliate marketing and selling space on your blog, any of the blogging platforms on our list have the capability you’ll need.
Source: 7 Best Free Blogging Platforms 2024
