choicesIf you’re starting a new blog, you may think your only option is WordPress. And while it may be the best blogging platform (IMHO), it’s certainly not the only one. Other choices such as Blogger, TypePad, and Weebly, along with many others you probably never heard of. The thing is to use the best platform to fit your needs and preferences.

You can choose either a self-hosted blog, which means you buy your own domain name and hosting, then install the blogging software on your website, or a blog that’s hosted by the developer. Blogger, for instance, is hosted on Blogger’s site rather than your own. You end up with a URL that looks like what it is—a sub-domain. Blogger and similar sites are free.

On the other hand, a self-hosted blog allows you to use your own domain name, which is better for SEO and branding. It’s also a good way to go since it gives you greater control over your blog and you usually have more options and widgets available to you. This one will cost a bit, though.

You also need to consider the blog design. Does your blog use HTML coding and CSS (style sheets that allow you to make sitewide changes easily)? Or do you need to know PHP or another language to edit your theme? This is a personal preference and should depend on your abilities and knowledge of programming and coding.

The ease of installation and customization are other aspects of choosing the right blogging platform. If you choose self-hosted, it’s more than likely your site comes with Fantastico programs. WordPress is provided through this medium and it’s very easy to install. Hosted blogs, however, require no installation since the blog is entirely online. You need to know which will work best for you.

If you’re able to choose a self-hosted blog, rather than one that’s hosted on another site, it’s really the best way to go. You’ll appear much more professional, though pros use Blogger, too. And you’ll have much more control over the layout, design and format of your blog. Either way, consider the pros and cons of both options, then choose the blog that offers the most of what you want in a blogging platform.