Best free blogging platforms
If you don’t yet have a blog, some good blogging platforms to check out are:
WordPress: The darling of the blogosphere, WordPress features two versions; WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Though built on the same platform; WordPress.com offers free and ready-made templates, while WordPress.org supplies a great deal of customization features and website integration. If you are going to go the.ORG route, you better know how to do a little programming, or hire someone who does. Both versions offer good SEO (Search Engine Optimization) options.
Blogger: After Google acquired Blogspot, the name was shortened to Blogger. The great thing about Blogger is that it is very highly searchable and Google-friendly. It is also very easy to get started and easy to monetize (make money) with Google AdSense features built in (if you want Google ads on your blog). The less appealing part is that Blogger’s templates are very generic and limited. Both WordPress.com and Blogger are great options for beginning bloggers.
TypePad or Movable Type: Solid blogging platforms from parent company Six Apart, and like WordPress, both versions are built on the same platform. TypePad is targeted at a less technical market, and does not allow the customization that Movable Type does. Movable Type requires some technical skills.
Tumblr: A relative newcomer compared to the other blog services; Tumblr is easy to use, progressive, the hippest and best looking of the free platforms. Tumblr is also optimized for mobile phone use, is designed to be part of the newer social media experience and has some good customizability. It is is designed more for the social aspect of the web and has yet to truly target businesses.
Each of these services provide templates that you can use and somewhat personalize. But if you want a customized look consistent with your website or have your blog integrated into your site, hire a web developer who can take care of that for you. You have a business to run, and any project you take on should compliment your business and not take you away from it.
Check them out, you will likely discover the one that is right for you.
nice article, i just finished bookmarking it to regularly check it. i would like to check on new posts. how do i configure the rss reader again? thanks!