Beginner's Guide: What blogging tools are at your disposal
Several friends come to me and ask what software I use for my blogging. Personally I use WordPress.com to host and manage my blog; however, there are many different tools from several different providers that you can use to create and maintain your blog. I think it really comes down to a matter of personal preference as to what will work best for you.
What blogging tools are available?
- WordPress.com - free blog hosting. Also known as WP.
- Blogger.com - free blog hosting.
- WordPress.org - free blog installation. Separate hosting required.
Free blog services along with free blog hosting usually enlists your blog to be hosted as a subdomain of the main site. For instance, this current hosting arrangement for my personal blog is free through WordPress so it is by default at bcoppernoll.wordpress.com. Blogger hosted blogs are hosted at blogspot.com. An example would be mommacopp.blogspot.com.
The WordPress installation provided by WordPress.org is free, but you must have more knowledge on how to set up a hosting account in order to install and run this blogging engine. You must set up your own host, upload the files, set up the database and run the installation script to set up the blog from scratch. It does come with benefits. You will have complete access to the code back-end to be able to update the design, functionality and add additional functionality for your use. I recommend not to do this when you first start out unless you have previous knowledge and site hosting experience.
There are many other tools, and I'd be interested in hearing other opinions on blogging sites that others use. Even when starting out on your first blog consider talking to other experienced bloggers on what makes a good blog.
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September 23rd, 2009 - 11:15
The only other one that comes to mind is Typepad. I believe WordPress has become a leader in the industry. Nearly everything is compatible and it offers more flexibility. Blogger is great for beginners as well.