Caption: Choosing the right platform is a crucial first step when you start a blog.
If you’re ready to start a blog in 2025, congratulations—you’re taking the first step toward building a powerful online presence. Whether you’re blogging as a hobby, to make money online, or as part of the best online business strategy, the first big decision you’ll face is this:
Which blogging platform should you choose—WordPress or something else?
In this post, we’ll break down how WordPress compares to other popular blogging platforms like Wix, Blogger, Squarespace, and Medium. We’ll help you choose the best option based on your goals, budget, and long-term vision. Some of this are powerful content management systems are widely used in the blogging industry.
Why Your Blogging Platform Matters
Your blogging platform isn’t just a place to write—it’s the foundation of your entire online business. It affects:
- How professional your blog looks
- How well you can optimize for SEO and get traffic
- Your ability to scale, monetize, and grow over time
If you want to make money blogging, choosing the right platform is non-negotiable.
| Platform | Best For | Description |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress.org | Serious bloggers & online businesses | Self-hosted, full control, highly customizable, SEO-friendly. |
| WordPress.com | Beginners & casual bloggers | Hosted version of WordPress; easier setup but more limited. |
| Wix | Visual blogs & small business sites | Drag-and-drop builder, beginner-friendly, limited growth. |
| Squarespace | Creatives & portfolios | Beautiful templates, all-in-one solution, less flexible. |
| Blogger | Simple personal blogs | Free and easy, owned by Google, but outdated. |
| Medium | Writers who just want to publish | Minimalist, built-in audience, limited branding/monetization. |
| Ghost | Content creators & newsletter blogs | Clean, fast, SEO-friendly, ideal for memberships. |
| Weebly | Small business websites with blogs | Simple site builder, limited blogging tools. |
| Substack | Newsletter-based bloggers | Great for paid subscriptions and email-driven content. |
| Tumblr | Microblogging and visual content | Best for short-form posts, memes, gifs, creative writing. |
| LinkedIn Articles | Professionals and B2B content | Built-in audience, great for authority building, but limited format. |
| Jekyll + GitHub Pages | Developers & tech bloggers | Static site generator, requires technical knowledge. |
WordPress: The Gold Standard for Bloggers
What is WordPress?
There are two types of WordPress:
- WordPress.org: The self-hosted version that gives you full control.
- WordPress.com: A hosted solution with more limitations.
In this post, we’re mostly referring to WordPress.org, the preferred choice for professional bloggers.
Pros of WordPress
✅ Full Control & Ownership
You own your website. Customize everything from design to code.
✅ SEO-Friendly
With plugins like Rank Math or Yoast SEO, it’s easy to optimize posts and get traffic from Google.
✅ Monetization Flexibility
Use Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, sell digital products, or run an email list. All options are open.
✅ Tons of Plugins and Themes
Over 50,000 plugins and thousands of themes let you build anything—from a blog to an online store.
✅ Scalability
Want to start small and grow into the best online business? WordPress is made for it.
Cons of WordPress
❌ Requires Hosting
You’ll need to set up hosting (we recommend Bluehost or SiteGround) and manage security/backups.
❌ Slight Learning Curve
If you’re a complete beginner, it may take a few days to feel comfortable.
Check out Top 10 Free WordPress Plugins for Blogger
Comparing Other Blogging Platforms
Let’s look at how WordPress stacks up against its competitors.
1. Wix
Caption: Wix offers drag-and-drop design but has limitations for growth.
Pros:
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Good for beginners with no tech skills
- Built-in hosting and templates
Cons:
- Limited SEO features
- Harder to migrate if you outgrow it
- Fewer monetization options
✅ Best for: Hobby bloggers or small local business websites
❌ Not ideal for: Long-term growth or serious monetization
2. Blogger
Pros:
- Completely free
- Owned by Google (so integrates well with other Google tools)
Cons:
- Outdated design and functionality
- Limited customization
- You don’t truly “own” your content
✅ Best for: Personal diaries or non-commercial blogs
❌ Not ideal for: Building a brand or making money online
3. Squarespace
Pros:
- Gorgeous templates
- All-in-one setup with hosting and domains
Cons:
- More expensive
- Less flexible than WordPress
- Limited third-party apps
✅ Best for: Creative portfolios or visual businesses
❌ Not ideal for: Bloggers who want robust SEO and monetization
4. Medium
Pros:
- Built-in audience
- Clean, minimalistic writing experience
Cons:
- No design control
- Hard to build a brand
- Monetization only through Medium’s partner program
✅ Best for: Writers focused purely on content
❌ Not ideal for: Building your own email list or products
WordPress vs Others: Feature Comparison
| Feature | WordPress.org | Wix | Blogger | Squarespace | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customization | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★ |
| SEO Optimization | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Monetization Options | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★ |
| Ownership & Scalability | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★ |
| Learning Curve | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
✅ Recommended for Beginners:
-
WordPress.com
-
Wix
-
Medium
-
Blogger
🚀 Recommended for Growth & Monetization:
-
WordPress.org
-
Ghost
-
Substack
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose WordPress if:
- You want to start a blog and turn it into a long-term online business
- You’re serious about SEO and traffic growth
- You want full control over your site and branding
- You plan to make money online with affiliate marketing, ads, or digital products
Choose Other Platforms if:
- You’re blogging casually or for fun
- You don’t plan to monetize your blog
- You want a quick and easy setup with minimal effort
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about starting a blog that grows, attracts traffic, and eventually becomes a profitable online business, WordPress is the best platform to get started with.
It might take a bit more setup in the beginning, but the flexibility, customization, and potential for growth make it more than worth it.
👉 Want help getting started?
Check out our step-by-step guide:
How to Start a Blog in 2026: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Caption: With WordPress, you can grow your blog into a thriving business over time.
Resources Mentioned
- WordPress.org
- Bluehost Hosting
- Rank Math SEO Plugin
- Can You Start a Blog Without WordPress? (Beginner’s Guide)
- How to Make Money Blogging in 2025
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