6 Simple Platforms for Starting a Personal Blog
Starting a personal blog in today’s digital age has never been easier, but choosing the right platform can be overwhelming. Whether you want to share your thoughts, build a personal brand, or create a space for storytelling, selecting the right blogging platform is crucial to achieving your goals. You want a solution that is reliable, user-friendly, and matches your technical comfort level. Let’s explore the best platforms that make launching a personal blog simple and effective.
TL;DR: If you’re looking to start a personal blog, you don’t need to be a tech expert. Platforms like WordPress.com, Blogger, and Medium make it easy to get started quickly, offering either drag-and-drop interfaces or streamlined publishing tools. For more design freedom and control, options like Wix or Ghost may be better suited. Read on to explore six trusted platforms worth considering.
1. WordPress.com – The Most Flexible Blogging Solution
Best for: Writers who want control, customization, and room to grow
WordPress.com is one of the most established and widely used blogging platforms. It provides a user-friendly interface with robust features for both beginners and advanced users. Unlike WordPress.org, which requires separate hosting, WordPress.com is a hosted solution, making it ideal for users who want to avoid the technicalities of server management.
- Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop block editor
- Cost: Free plan available, paid plans for added features
- Customization: Broad theme library and plugin access with premium plans
- Reliability: Excellent uptime and security
Though there’s a learning curve as you go deeper into customization, WordPress.com supports bloggers who eventually want to evolve from hobby-level to professional-grade content creation.
2. Medium – Focus on Writing and Readability
Best for: Writers who want exposure and minimalist design
Medium is a platform tailored for writers who want simplicity and a guaranteed audience. Owned by the creator of Twitter, Medium emphasizes clean publishing without the clutter of web design or technical configuration.
- No Setup Hassle: Simply create an account and start writing
- Design: Clean, uniform aesthetic removes distractions
- Audience Reach: Built-in reader network that can help you gain followers
- Monetization: Partner Program allows you to earn based on article engagement
The platform’s biggest drawback is the lack of visual and structural customization. Medium is ideal for those who prioritize storytelling and don’t need brand-centric design.
3. Blogger – Google’s Time-Tested Blogging Platform
Best for: Casual bloggers and first-timers
Blogger is one of the oldest blogging platforms, maintained by Google. It’s particularly easy to use and integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Analytics and AdSense.
- Setup: Sign in with your Google account and go
- Hosting: Completely free and hosted by Google
- Customization: Basic themes and layout editing
- Monetization: Google AdSense integration
While Blogger doesn’t offer the cutting-edge tools or elegant design options of newer platforms, it’s a great launchpad if your goal is to start small and without investment.
4. Wix – Drag-and-Drop Design Freedom
Best for: Visual creators and bloggers with a design focus
Wix is a popular website builder that also supports blogging. Its strength lies in its powerful drag-and-drop editor, which makes it accessible for anyone with zero coding skills.
- Design Control: Thousands of pre-made templates and widgets
- Ease of Use: Intuitive page builder for layout and styling
- Hosting: Included in all plans, with security features
- Monetization: Options to sell products, memberships, and more
Wix is best suited for people who want their blog to be part of a wider website, such as artists, photographers, or entrepreneurs showcasing their brand. Blogging features, while robust, take a backseat to design in this platform.
5. Substack – Newsletters and Blogging Combined
Best for: Writers building an email-first audience
Substack has rapidly emerged as a favorite for independent writers and thinkers. Its unique selling proposition is its focus on email distribution, making your blog posts double as newsletters.
- Email Integration: Built-in mailing list management
- Revenue Model: Paid subscriptions supported
- Setup: Extremely minimal; write and publish
- Ownership: You own your content and mailing list
Substack’s heavy focus on email engagement over website design makes it perfect for serious writers looking to cultivate an engaged community, especially if monetization is a priority early on.
6. Ghost – For Professional Blogging and Membership Sites
Best for: Professional bloggers and technical users
Ghost is a lesser-known but powerful platform specifically created for writing and publishing. It’s open-source and offers both a hosted and self-hosted option, making it extremely flexible.
- Speed and Performance: Built with modern architecture
- User Experience: Clean, distraction-free editor
- Membership Tools: Subscription services out of the box
- Hosting: Paid hosting plans with advanced features
Ghost is not the easiest platform for beginners, especially if you go the self-hosted route. But for those who have some technical background or are ready to take blogging seriously, it’s one of the best long-term blogging solutions.
Final Thoughts
Starting a personal blog is an exciting journey, and the platform you choose can make that journey smoother—or more complicated. If you’re looking for the easiest path, consider Medium or Blogger. Want more control over appearance and features? WordPress.com or Wix may serve you better. For more professional publishing with monetization in mind, Substack and Ghost stand out.
Ultimately, the best blogging platform should serve your content—not the other way around. Choose one that aligns with your purpose and audience. By asking yourself why you want to blog and how much effort you’re willing to invest, the right solution will become clear.
Happy blogging!