Blogger (Blogspot) and WordPress are the two most popular blogging platforms on the Internet. If you’re a netizen then most probably Blogger (or Blogspot) needs no introduction. But I bet it’s because Blogger is owned by Google so it’s almost everywhere. Blogger offers .blogspot.com address and WordPress.com offers .wordpress.com address. You must be familiar with blogspot addresses since it’s 100% free and most Google users own a blogspot blog. But I’m not sure whether you have heard about WordPress.
WordPress is the Big Daddy of Blogosphere. WordPress is the most popular Content Management System (CMS). It is a state-of-the-art semantic personal publishing platform with a focus on aesthetics, web standards, and usability. The word “WordPress” may not be as popular as “Blogspot” but I bet your favorite blogs are powered by WordPress.
Blogger & WordPress – Pros and Cons
WordPress and Blogger are the most popular blogging platform and both have its own advantages and disadvantages. Blogger is owned by Google. WordPress is an open source and free blogging software.
Blogger Pros and Cons
Pros:
It’s 100% free and is owned by Google.
It’s extremely easy to setup and manage a Blogspot blog.
Publishing contents is straightforward.
You can use your own custom domain name if you own one.
Allows you to display ads like – Amazon, Google AdSense etc.
Built in social networking features.
It’s very reliable since Blogger is powered by Google.
No need to backup databases.
Yours posts are automatically indexed by Google.
100% ad free.
Cons:
Only 1 GB storage.
You don’t own the blog.
No FTP support.
WordPress: WordPress.com & WordPress.org
WordPress.org is an open source and free blogging software. WordPress.com is the hosted version of WordPress.org. Anyone can download WordPress software from WordPress.org and install on their website for FREE.
WordPress (via WordPress.com) offers a free version with limited features as well as a paid version with premium features. But I recommend the self-hosted WordPress.org which is every professional blogger’s choice. It’s the self-hosted WordPress.org that really rules the blogosphere.
If you choose the free WordPress.com blog then the features are limited and you will have only limited control over the blog. Also, most of the themes and plugins support only the self-hosted WordPress platform.
WordPress Pros and Cons (FREE Version)
Pros:
WordPress is simple to use however it takes some time to get to know it’s interface. Once you learn it’s very easy to navigate.
It’s 100% free.
It’s very Search Engine friendly.
No need to backup databases.
Cons:
WordPress releases frequent updates so you have to update the software every time they release a new version (but it requires only few clicks).
You don’t own the blog.
You are not allowed to monetize your WordPress.com blog using Google AdSense, Chitika, Amazon, banners etc.
Limited support of themes and plugins.
No FTP Access.
Displays ads unless you buy opt for ad-free version which costs $29.97 annually.
WordPress.org Pros and Cons (Self Hosted)
Pros:
WordPress is very flexible since it’s open source. So you can customize your blog the way you want.
You own the blog and you have full control over your blog
You can install any themes or plugins. There are tons of free and premium WordPress themes and plugins.
It’s search engine friendly and you can set your own custom meta tags.
It takes just minutes to setup your blog.
Cons:
You have to buy a domain name and web hosting plan.
You have to take regular backups of databases.
WordPress vs Blogger / WordPress vs BlogspotFeatures Blogger (FREE) WordPress.com (FREE)
You get a .blogspot.com address .wordpress.com address
Can you map your own custom domain name? Yes (FREE) Yes ($10/year)
Languages Support nearly 50 languages Supports over 120 languages
Customizing You can edit the HTML, Colors or CSS file without any hassle. No
Use your own theme? Yes No
Categories Labels. It acts as categories and tags. Supports both categories and tags.
Mobile Access? Yes Yes
Storage 1 GB 3 GB
Ad free? Yes No
Can you display ads? Yes No
Can you add scripts? Yes No
Search Engine Optimized Yes Yes
Google Analytics Allowed? Yes No
Can you password protect posts? No Yes
Can you edit comments? No Yes
Importing posts from another platform Only from another blogspot blog Can import posts from Blogger, WordPress, TypePad, and more.
Team Blogs Administrators and non-administrators only. Administrator, Editors, Authors, Subscribers, and Contributors.
Why You Should Choose Self-hosted WordPress Platform?
When you setup your blog on Blogspot, you don’t actually own your blog, Google owns it. Google have the right to suspend any blog hosted by Blogger. If they think that you’re spamming or using copyrighted material then they will shut down your blog. Google has shut down so many popular blogs in the past. Read: (Google Shuts Down Popular Blogger After Publishing Controversial Post & Blogger Account Disabled). It can happen to you if their algorithm thinks that you’re spamming or if you’re violating any of their terms.
If you’re serious about blogging and wants to setup a professional blog then a self-hosted WordPress is the right choice that’s why 90% of all business blogs are powered by WordPress. Most Blogspot users move to WordPress once they have established their blog. But If you’re a newbie then I would recommend Blogger as it’s easy to setup and 100% free. When you’re ready you can switch to WordPress.
So, WordPress or Blogspot? Which is your choice and why?
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