Starting a blog feels overwhelming when you’re staring at dozens of platform options, each promising to be “the best.” After spending almost two decades in the development world and testing countless platforms, I’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are definitely smarter choices depending on your goals.
Let me walk you through the real contenders, minus the marketing fluff.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Platform
Before diving into specific platforms, let’s talk about what you should actually care about:
Control vs. Convenience
This is the fundamental trade-off. Do you want complete ownership and flexibility, or would you rather have someone else handle the technical stuff while you focus on writing?
Your Monetization Plans
Planning to make money? Some platforms actively support this, while others put up roadblocks. If revenue is your goal, this should be your primary filter.
Growth Potential
Starting small is fine, but switching platforms later is painful. Choose something that can grow with your ambitions.
Real Costs
“Free” platforms often come with hidden costs – whether that’s intrusive ads, limited features, or lack of professional credibility. Budget realistically from the start.
The Platforms Worth Your Time
After extensive testing, here are the platforms that actually deliver on their promises:
1. WordPress.org – The Professional’s Choice
The Reality: WordPress powers 43% of the internet for good reasons. It’s not the easiest option, but it’s the most powerful.
What You Get:
- Complete ownership of your content and data
- Unlimited customization through 60,000+ plugins
- Professional credibility with your own domain
- Multiple monetization options without restrictions
- SEO advantages that actually matter
The Catch:
- You need hosting (budget $2-10/month)
- There’s a learning curve (though it’s gentler than you’d think)
- You’re responsible for maintenance and updates
Best For: Anyone serious about blogging as a business or long-term project. If you’re planning to monetize, build an audience, or create a professional presence, this is your platform.
Getting Started: Most beginners succeed with managed WordPress hosting from providers like Bluehost or SiteGround. They handle the technical setup while you focus on content.
2. Hostinger Website Builder – The AI-Powered Shortcut
The Reality: A surprisingly capable builder that uses AI to eliminate most of the setup headaches.
What You Get:
- AI builds your initial site based on simple questions
- Hosting, domain, and email included
- Drag-and-drop customization
- Built-in SEO tools
- eCommerce capabilities for up to 500 products
The Catch:
- Less flexibility than WordPress
- Limited third-party integrations
- Harder to migrate away if you outgrow it
Best For: Beginners who want a professional blog quickly without the WordPress learning curve. Great if you value simplicity over ultimate flexibility.
3. HubSpot Website Builder – The Business-Minded Option
The Reality: More than just a website builder – it’s an entire business platform with blogging capabilities.
What You Get:
- Actually free to start (rare for quality builders)
- Integrated CRM and marketing tools
- Professional templates
- No coding required
- Email marketing and live chat included
The Catch:
- Free plan includes HubSpot branding
- Premium upgrades get expensive fast
- Overkill if you just want to blog
Best For: Small business owners who need a blog as part of a larger marketing strategy. The integrated tools make sense if you’re building a business, not just a blog.
4. Medium – The Writer’s Platform
The Reality: It’s not really your blog – it’s Medium’s platform where you can publish.
What You Get:
- Zero setup or maintenance
- Built-in audience of readers
- Clean, distraction-free writing environment
- Potential earnings through their Partner Program
The Catch:
- No customization whatsoever
- You don’t own your audience
- Limited monetization options
- Your content lives on their terms
Best For: Writers who just want to write and potentially reach readers without building a platform. Think of it as a publishing venue, not a blog home.
5. Ghost – The Minimalist’s Dream
The Reality: A modern, fast platform built specifically for publishers and content creators.
What You Get:
- Lightning-fast performance
- Beautiful, minimal design
- Built-in membership and subscription features
- Modern editor with great writing experience
The Catch:
- Limited themes and customization
- Smaller ecosystem than WordPress
- Technical setup if self-hosting
- Paid hosting starts at $9/month
Best For: Serious writers and publishers who prioritize speed and simplicity over extensive features. Perfect if you want a clean, professional publication.
Platforms to Skip (And Why)
Wix
Pretty templates, but poor SEO capabilities and you’re locked into their ecosystem. Moving away later is nearly impossible.
Blogger
Google’s forgotten platform. It works, but feels abandoned. No modern features, limited customization, and zero innovation in years.
Squarespace
Beautiful designs at premium prices. Great for portfolios, overpriced for blogging. You’re paying for aesthetics, not functionality.
Weebly
Decent for simple sites, but the blogging features feel like an afterthought. Better alternatives exist at every price point.
Making Your Decision
Here’s your decision framework:
Choose WordPress.org if:
- You’re serious about building an audience
- Monetization is a goal
- You want complete control
- You’re willing to invest time in learning
Choose a Website Builder (Hostinger/HubSpot) if:
- You need something professional quickly
- Technical stuff makes you nervous
- You prefer all-in-one solutions
- Your needs are relatively simple
Choose Medium if:
- You just want to write
- Building a platform isn’t your goal
- You want to tap into an existing audience
- Ownership isn’t a concern
Choose Ghost if:
- You’re building a publication
- Speed and minimalism matter
- You want built-in membership features
- You’re comfortable with some technical setup
The Bottom Line
After all the testing and comparison, WordPress.org remains the gold standard for serious bloggers. Yes, it requires more initial setup, but the payoff in flexibility, ownership, and growth potential is unmatched.
That said, the best platform is the one you’ll actually use. If WordPress feels overwhelming, starting with something simpler is better than not starting at all. You can always migrate later (though it’s easier to start right).
Your Next Steps
- Define your goals: Hobby blog? Business platform? Writing outlet?
- Set a realistic budget: Include hosting, domain, and any premium features
- Pick your platform: Use the framework above
- Start creating: The platform matters less than the content you put on it
Remember: Your choice of platform is important, but not irreversible. The biggest mistake is spending months deciding instead of starting. Pick something that fits your current needs and comfort level, then focus on what really matters – creating great content.
Happy blogging!
