How to choose the right blogging platform for your blog

Choosing a blogging platform can be confusing because on the surface, the various blogging software products such as Wordpress, Blogger, TypePad, Tumblr, LiveJournal and more are quite similar. Following are six questions to ask yourself before you select your blogging software to help you make the best choice to be a successful blogger.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Before You Choose Your Blogging Application, Ask Yourself These Questions[/caption]

1. What Are Your Goals for Your Blog?

Do you want to blog for fun or are you trying to make money or build a popular, highly-trafficked blog? The blogging application you choose is largely dependent upon your goals for your blog. Ask yourself the following questions to determine your goals for your blog:

• How much space will you need to store your blog's images and content?


• Do you want to display ads on your blog?


• Do you want to add forums and other features to your blog?

2. Do You Need to Significantly Customize Your Blog's Design?

Blogging applications vary in terms of features that allow bloggers to customize the appearance and layout of their blogs with logos, specific fonts, designs and more. It's important that you determine the amount of customization you want and need for your blog before you select your blogging application.

3. Are You or Is Someone You Know Technical?

Different blogging platforms require varying amounts of technical skill and knowledge. While there are blogging application options that even the most technically-challenged people can navigate and use successfully, many of the blogging applications that provide advanced customization and features require at least some technical ability.

4. Will Your Blog Have Multiple Authors?

Some blogging platforms are easier to configure with multiple authors than others. Determine your author needs before you choose your blogging application.

5. Do You Need Custom Email Addresses Tied to Your Blog's Domain Name?

If you want to have email addresses customized to match your blog's domain name than your blogging application options are more limited. Even if this is something you may not need in the short term, it's important to think about it now before you choose your blogging application.

6. Do You Have Money to Spend Each Month on Blogging Software and a Blog Host?

Your budget will have a significant impact on the blogging application you choose. While there are many free blogging platforms available online, those free blogging applications typically offer limited features. Although those limited features are usually adequate for the average blogger, they may not be enough for your blog depending on your long term goals for it.

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• The Reality of Blogging Might Not Be What You Imagine


• Don't bother starting a blog unless you know blogging is right for you.


• Which Third-Party Blog Commenting System is Right for Your Blog?