Friday, February 28, 2014

Which is the Best Blogging Platform for Your Food Blog?

So now that you’ve decided to start a food blog and already come up with a name for it, the next thing you need to consider is what platform to use. When we talk about platform, it means what service to use to get your content published on the Web. [NOTE: Hyperlink italicized phrases]

For quick reference, Mike Wallagher of Start Blogging Online put together a comparison chart of blogging platforms that would suit your purpose.

Blogging Platform Comparison Chart | Start Blogging Online
Photo by Mike Wallagher
With a handful of blogging platform available online, one would be confused as to what service to use. However, the most famous choice among them is either WordPress or Blogger. As to which one should you pick between the two lies on the type of blogging that you intend to do.

WordPress: For the Streamlined and Sophisticated Looking Websites

WordPress, which powers almost 19 percent of the Web, comes in two options. There is the WordPress.com that allows you to start a blog for free with limited customizations, as well as purchase your domain. On the other hand, WordPress.org enables you to host your blog on your own server, giving you much control to edit your themes, hack code, and add as many plugins as you like.

WordPress.com Sign In Page | Official Website
Screenshot by Aki Libo-on
However, their wide array of customization options could be cumbersome and complicated for the less-experienced and non-technical user. That’s because redesigning a particular theme to make it more streamlined and look professional would require a plugin or CSS coding.

Nevertheless, its customization options and community of developers make WordPress still the number one option out there. Not to mention that this platform is useful for those who intend to turn their blog into a professional site.

Blogger: A Newbie’s Take on Blogging

Blogger is an ideal platform for beginners, especially to those who have zero knowledge about HTML and CSS. All you need is a Gmail account to get started, and you can now customize your blog’s background and layout that easy. It is actually the reason why I chose to use Blogger for Lost in Flavors.

It is also powered by Google, which happens to be the most popular search engine in the world. Additionally, it is hooked into the search engine giant’s AdSense program, Google+ and Feedburner.

Blogger Sign In Page | Official Website
Screenshot by Aki Libo-on
However, all Blogger blogs look the same. Take Lost in Flavors, The Pickiest Eater, YedyLicous and The Purple Doll for example and you’ll know what I’m talking about. That’s because their customization options pale in comparison to others. Due to this, sites using Google’s blogging platform looks less professional. But of course, those who use Blogger—including me—will just go “meh!” about it.

Which One Should You Choose?

As mentioned earlier, which platform to choose depends on the type of blogging you intend to do. Other factors you need to consider are your budget and technical skills. That way, you can pick the blogging platform that will suit you best.

2 comments:

  1. I used to use Blogspot because it is newbie-friendly,then went to Wordpress and never went back. The good thing about Wordpress,if you want to monetized your blog,it is SEO friendly and get PR easily compare to blogspot,which is kinda confusing knowing that google owns blogspot.Also,WP is google's most favored platform.Not to mentioned with lots of plugins as well.

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    1. Well said, Willa. I'm also thinking of moving my food blog to WordPress because I'm planning to claim my domain name. I hope there's a step-by-step guide on how to build your blog/website on WordPress.

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