10 Best Free Blog Platforms for Beginners
Everyone's got things to say these days, right? It’s as if we all have these mini soap boxes readily in our pockets and are constantly searching for ears to unload them, minus the fear of being unheard.
There is more to this than just having something to say. The other part remains in touch – finding the right place to say such things.
This is where free blog platforms come in. Imagine walking into an ‘all you can eat’ restaurant when you thought what you were doing now was it. Scary? Probably, yes. Thrilling? Yes, indeed.
But the truth is that you do not have to be a computer expert or be trained in Information Technology to begin your blogging journey. All you need is an idea and enough guts to click on ‘publish’.
Such platforms are the incredible levels of the social web. These are the easels awaiting paint by a stroke in the forms of designs and structures, which are the empty stage waiting to be filled by one’s act.
So, suppose you are an enthusiastic gourmet who loves explaining your taste for quality, a commentator on soja lattes’ priciness or a thinker about the essence of existence. In that case, there is a free blog platform with your name.
So, you are all set to settle down in your new online space. Then, let's get down to discussing the ten best free blog platforms that will enable you to transform your thoughts into a piece of the web you can claim as your own.
Remember that the most crucial step is not finding the ideal platform but taking action. Because your content is significant, and it is time for the audience to listen to what you talk about.
1. WordPress.com: The Grand Dame of Blogging
Regarding free blog services, it’s fair to say that WordPress.com is simply the best. If I may, it’s like a Jack of all trades on the blogging front — efficient and conveniently equipped.
Reasons to Use WordPress.com
- Easy to use
- Overwhelming number of responsive templates
- Every blog has built-in features for Search Engine optimisation
- Responsive design
But here is the twist: WordPress.com is for more than just those who understand technology and programming. You can still build an impressive blog even if you are as good in technology as a potato. It is like carrying a web designer in your pocket at no charge.
The Bottom Line
WordPress.com has a basic free plan that provides:
- 3GB worth of space
- Basic customisation of the template designs
- There are many free templates to choose from
- The subdomain of WordPress.com (yourblog.wordpress.com)
Of course, while this hasn’t been of any concern to new bloggers adopting the paid plans, one will find it certainly not lacking in that department.
2. Blogger: Google's Gift to the Blogging World
Good old times when blogs were merely understood as weblogs. Pepperidge Farm and Blogger do remember those days. This platform, owned by Google, has existed forever (well, at least since the internet came into existence) and still exists today.
The Blogger Advantage
- Integration with free tools from Google
- Simple dashboard
- No limit to photos & videos
- Custom Domain option available (including free account)
Blogger could be that older bike resting years in your garage. It might not have the newest features, but you can be sure it will take you where you want quickly.
What does one get?
With Blogger, one gets:
- Free hosting services on Google for the blogging
- Pre-defined template designs
- Allows usage of Google AdSense in the content
- Responsive templates
There are better blogging platforms out there, but if you want a simple and no-frills approach to blogging, qui bono works.
3. Medium: Where Words Matter
Medium is the most relaxed and modern coffee place in the blogging community – informative and minimalist in appearance. It is less appealing to flashy designs and lets words do most of the talking.
Medium's Magic
- Clean writing space with no distractions
- Access built audience because of Membership to Medium
- Financial compensation for successful freelance writers
- All stylings fit the media type and user’s type of access
If your blog were a cocktail mix, Medium would be one of the oldest and favourite vermouth martini-tube – clean, uncomplicated, but powerful.
The Medium Experience
When you join the Medium network, you can expect the following:
- Posting any amount of your articles and reading them all.
- Analytics of how well your story has performed.
- The option to be a member of different varieties of publications and communities.
- An opportunity to engage in conversation with millions of internet users who would pay attention to innovative ideas.
It should be clear, therefore, that even though Medium is an open-access platform, they have an option of membership that attracts you to their service by awarding you premium materials and helping finance the authors you follow.
4. Wix: The DIY Dream
Wix is a box packed with all the building tools needed to develop a website, even for those not designing web pages.
Wix's Wonderful World
- Drag and drop website builder
- Tons of templates can be modified
- Free hosting and a domain name (with Wix advertisement)
- Optimisation to mobile devices
With the help of Wix, users will be able to take the site from “I’ve got no clue” to “Wow, this is my incredible blog!” instead of saying “artificial intelligence”.
What Packages Are There
The free package for users on Wix incorporates the following;
- 500MB of storage
- 500MB of bandwidth
- Safe hosting
- Access to the app market
The advertisements on the Wix advertising plan notwithstanding, this plan is a good fit for bloggers keen to do some design on their sites without the technical stresses of it.
5. Tumblr: The Social Butterfly
With its mixed blogging and networking functions and fun-filled environment, Tumblr has already established itself in the blogging community. Memes are generated, and fandoms flourish here.
Tumblr's Spectacular Features
- Enable easy multimedia manipulation
- Hear and perform some reblogging as well as engage other users
- Allow for theme alteration
- Mobile application – allows users to blog at any location
Scrapbook enables users to bring together anything and everything that represents them personally and provides a way to share those things.
The Tumblr Breakdown of the Site
By signing up to Tumblr, you can have:
- An endless amount of posts
- Possibility of a custom domain
- The ability to schedule posts for later
- A tagging system that facilitates easy navigation for the readers
It provides an excellent platform for bloggers who want to create a relationship with their audience and are confident dealing with a little mess and disorder.
6. Ghost: The Minimalist's Dream
Ghost is a blogging website template that is gorgeous and simple for users. It is open-source software that keeps changing due to its enthused developers.
Ghost's Glow-Up
- Inline Markdown support makes formatting a breeze
- Built-in SEO solutions
- Ability to connect to other apps and services
- Options for subscription and membership
Ghost is one such platform, like a cup of coffee that is well brewed and just enough for everyone, even though it is pretty simple.
The Ghost Experience
Allowing for a paid hosting service by Ghost, the platform can also be used free of charge with self-service hosting and is one of the original plans:
- Complete control of the blog’s architecture
- A variety of templates are available
- Applications for mobile and desktop devices
- Availability of the application programming interface for the developers
Of course, the self-hosting option entails some knowledge of technical details, but for those who like to play around, it is a fantasy come true.
7. Weebly: The All-in-One Solution
Like most website builders, Weebly has every tool available, including a blogging tool, which can be called the activities involved in the blogging process. This is ideal for persons whose interest is more than just a blog; they need a complete website that includes the blog.
The wonders of Weebly
- Drag-and-drop page editor
- Responsive templates
- Plans for E-commerce
- Complimentary SSL certificate
Thus, with Weebly, a person does not simply have a blog but also a whole website ecosystem.
What is on offer?
In Weebly, among the things you can get in the free plan are;
- 500MB of space
- Free hosting cannot be overlooked
- SEO managers
- Community forums to go over queries
Although this has disadvantages, such as ads and limits in the feature set of the free plan, it is a reasonable place for bloggers wishing to become more expansive and create a complete website in future.
8. Joomla: The Power User's Paradise
Joomla is the blogging platform for coders wanting to get their hands dirty. Open-source? Check. Powerful? Check. Unlimited modification options. Check
Joomla joys
- Huge extension library
- Built-in multilingual support
- Versatile content handling
- Enforced strict security policies
In short, Joomla is like a race machine. It requires effort to control it for some time, yet you realise all the obstacles are gone later.
The journey of Joomla
It is possible to run Joomla without incurring any charges. However, you'll do so on your own –
- Independently design how your site will look done
- Have access to many templates and extensions
- Easily make complex and multifunctional websites
- Security updates and software patching
As with Ghost, Joomla may be complex to use without the technical knowledge, but when you want power and flexibility, this one outshines the rest.
9. Site123: The Newbie's Nirvana
Site123 is the friendliest website builder I’ve encountered; it is always willing to help and make your life easier. It is very much set up, so getting you to go online is relatively easy.
Site123’s Strengths
- Pre-designed templates for fast setup
- Free subdomain and web hosting
- Supports various languages
- 24/7 live chat assistance
Site123 is like having instant noodles- quick, simple and delicious when what you are looking for is in rush hour.
The Site123 Scoop
The free plan includes:
- 500MB storage
- 1GB bandwidth
- Simple WordPress Features
- Mobile friendly designs
Site123 might possess only some of the superior features other sites have, but it is ideal for anyone wishing to begin a blogging journey without choking on technology.
10. Penzu: The Digital Diary
Last, we have Penzu – the introverted cousin of the blogging universe. It is ideal for those who prefer to blog in a closed environment or to a restricted audience.
Penzu's Perks
- High level of privacy using military-grade security
- Sufficient customisation of the journal cover
- Categories for easy organisation
- Outstation reminders for backups
Penzu is like a locked diary with a resilient lock system – you can be sure your thoughts will be secure.
The Penzu Package
The free version of Penzu includes the following:
- Unlimited entries
- Basic options for customisation
- Mobile apps for both IOS and Android
- The option of forwarding the entries via email
Even though it may only be for some, Penzu is a boon for those who still wish to make their blog without a vacuum audience.
Choosing Your Perfect Platform
With that, you have come to the end of this short overview of top free blog sites. But which one to go for? Here are several points to think about:
- User-friendly: How much do you know about the technical side? If you feel sick when someone utters the word HTML, consider platform options such as WordPress.com or Wix.
- Design: Are there ways to design? Do you have to mess up all the pixels, or will you use the existing templates? Joomla and such want details, whereas Site123 offers a more accessible alternative.
- Target Audience: Are you interested in growing an audience? Sites like Medium and Tumblr have built a community that helps you find new audiences.
- Technical Nature of Content: Are you for the writer, or do you want to showcase some photographs, videos, and other stuff? Only some platforms are created to present content; some are better-oriented.
- Expansion Strategies: Look forward to a year or two down the line. Where do you see your blog? Are you looking to make money? Are you planning on selling your products? Work with a platform that has these plans.
It is worth noting that everyone’s situation is different. The best platform for you should be the one suitable to your needs, skills and objectives. So, sample these options, kick the tyres, and find your fit.
That is it, friends; see you in the next blog. Your writing shall not be obstructed, your images will load fast, and your comments section will be troll-free. Now, go ahead and make something cool!
Conclusion
Finding your way around free blog platforms is like escaping from a digital maze. Yet, the quest to locate one becomes more manageable with the information regarding these ten best blogging platforms.
Suppose you are a writer searching for a tidy space while working on the literature, a painter who requires a space for bringing his ideas to fruition, or a multi-functional person who wants options for blogging or anything. In that case, there is a free blogging site for you.
A word of advice: just get started. Do not allow the bogey of picking a ‘wrong’ platform to hinder you from the beginning. If the need arises later, you can always move. The most important aspect is sharing and airing your views, meeting the audience and expressing yourself.
Now, what more are you waiting for? Choose a platform, write, and get started. You never know if you could be the next sensation in the blogging world.
FAQs
Can I earn with a free blog?
Yes, earning money with a free blog is possible. Although some platforms will not allow you to make money, most will let you earn money through advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling goods or services. Just remember to look out for the terms of service of your chosen platform.
What is the main difference between these free blog sites and self-hosting?
Free blog sites come with essential features such as hosting, a domain name (usually a subdomain) and other features without charge. With self-hosting, you incur charges for hosting services and obtaining a domain name, but you have greater latitude regarding the site.
Should free blog platforms be used for business purposes?
Even though free platforms can work for small businesses or startups, most companies, at some point in their existence, outgrow these platforms and move to self-hosted solutions, which offer sundry features and give a more professional look.
What happens if I change my mind later on and want to go to another platform?
Generally, you can export your content on most platforms, but the amount of work involved and the ease of doing so can differ. In any case, it’s always wise to back up your posts.
Do I require coding knowledge to operate these platforms?
In most cases, no coding is needed for these platforms. However, it would be beneficial to be familiar with simple HTML for more intricate options.
What is the usual capacity of free blog dedicated servers?
The storage ranges from as low as 500MB to as high as unlimited. Also, think about the type of content and the number of posts when deciding on the platform to use.
Am I allowed to use my domain with a free blog?
For some services, it is possible to use a domain name that you own even in the free usage plans, or it might be free of charge, but in some services, domain usage will only be offered after an upgrade. Features of the concerned platform should be checked to seek such information.
Is there any catch to the free blog services offered?
Even though there is no charge for the leading service, development costs may arise if you use premium themes and plug-ins or more advanced features. Read the terms of service carefully, and always be bold and ask.
How do I narrow it down to just one of these options?
Focus on your requirements, technology familiarity and future aspirations. Experiment with some services and find out which experience comes out better.
Do you have to restrict yourself to one blog regarding free platforms?
Some sites support multiple blogs within a single account; others require a separate account for each blog. Look at individual platform policies.
What assistance will I receive on a free blog platform?
The service offered differs from platform to platform. While some might provide online support communities, others have support via email, and some even have support on live chat. In most cases, premium plans have advanced support features.
Is it safe to use free blog sites?
Most well-known platforms provide security features, but it is still advisable to be careful and use strong passwords and two-factor authentication wherever possible.
