10 Best Blogging Platforms To Make Money in 2024

Are you passionate about writing? Ever wondered if you could turn that passion into a profitable venture?

With over 600 million blog sites among the nearly two billion websites online today, it’s evident that many have found a way to do just that.

But, how exactly?

In this article, we’ll delve into the top blogging platforms you can use to start earning from your writing in 2024.

Why Blogging?

Every year, a staggering three billion posts are published by brands and personal blogs. Given the effort and time dedicated, there must be lucrative returns. Indeed, blogging can be profitable. While it isn’t a get-rich-quick avenue, dedicated bloggers in the US earn an average of $31,000 annually. Seasoned bloggers with vast audiences can even rake in over $100,000 per year.

Choosing The Right Blogging Platform

Your earnings as a blogger largely hinge on your chosen platform. A blogging platform is essentially a service or software that enables you to publish and manage content. It can range from traditional written blogs to more visual content. Some platforms even allow you to create personalized websites with custom domain names, paving the way for diverse monetization opportunities. Others, however, restrict you to their environment, offering limited customization.

Key Considerations:

• Monetization: The main objective here is to make money. Thus, it’s crucial to select a platform that aligns with your monetization strategy, whether it’s affiliate marketing, selling online courses, or ad space.
• Customization: If you desire full control over your site, free platforms might not suffice. Tailoring your site and controlling content access often necessitates backend access.
• Cost: While some platforms are free, others may come with costs such as platform fees, hosting, and plugins. Opt for a platform that’s budget-friendly initially but scalable for the future.
• Ease Of Use: The platform’s user-friendliness is subjective. While some may need a simple interface, others might require more advanced features.

Top Blogging Platforms To Consider

Let’s explore some of the top contenders:

1. WordPress.Org

• Best For: Versatile bloggers looking for a customizable platform.
• Pricing: While WordPress.org itself is free, domain name and hosting can incur costs.

Pros:

• Affordable startup costs.
• Immense customization potential.
• Complete freedom over monetization avenues.

Cons:

• Slightly complex interface for beginners.
• Requires regular updates and backups.

Insight: WordPress.org, not to be mistaken for WordPress.com, is a self-hosted platform providing immense flexibility. With a plethora of free themes and monetization-enhancing plugins, it’s a top choice for those who wish to be in full control.

2. Medium

• Best For: Blogging beginners wanting to test the waters.
• Pricing: Completely free.

Pros:

• Zero costs involved.
• Effortless to start and requires no technical knowledge.
• Ideal for testing content resonance.

Cons:

• Reliance on Medium’s algorithm for traffic.
• Absence of domain ownership.
• No personal ad capabilities.

Insight: Medium’s simplicity makes it one of the top platforms globally. However, monetization is a challenge. The Medium Partner Program only pays a modest amount based on content engagement. Plus, it’s unavailable in certain countries.

3. WordPress.Com

• Best For: Newbies not ready to invest in self-hosting.
• Pricing: A free version exists, but optimal features demand an upgrade.

Pros:

• Straightforward setup.
• Adequate features in the free version.
• Maintenance aspects like updates and backups are handled.

Cons:

• Restrictions on theme and plugin usage.
• Presence of WordPress ads on free sites.

Insight: Being a more beginner-friendly sibling of WordPress.org, WordPress.com simplifies the blogging initiation process. While the free version comes with limitations, it’s an excellent stepping stone.

4. SquareSpace

• Best For: Those seeking professional template designs.
• Pricing: Ranges between $12 and $40 monthly.

Pros:

• Access to numerous high-quality templates.
• Hassle-free updates.
• Supports numerous SEO and marketing tools.

Cons:

• More expensive compared to competitors.
• Templates are less flexible than WordPress.org.

Insight: SquareSpace stands out for its drag-and-drop system and a vast array of templates. Despite its higher pricing, it’s favored by many for its professional feel.

5. Ghost

• Best For: A clean, minimalistic blogging experience.
• Pricing: Varies based on functionality, starting at $9 monthly.

Pros:

• Clean interface.
• Full content control.
• Tailored for bloggers.

Cons:

• No ecommerce features.
• Fewer themes compared to competitors.
• Not free, hence might not be ideal for those on a budget.

Insight: Ghost, similar to WordPress, offers two versions – an open-source version and a Pro version. Its blogging-centric design makes it an attractive option for pure content creators.

6. Blogger

• Best For: Beginners looking for a simple and free platform.
• Pricing: Free.

Pros:

• Completely free with Google’s reliability.
• Beginner-friendly interface.
• Allows for custom domain integration.

Cons:

• Limited customization options.
• Appears somewhat dated compared to modern platforms.

Insight: Owned by Google, Blogger is one of the earliest platforms that remains relevant today. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to begin without initial costs. Monetization can be achieved through Google AdSense, though customization constraints might limit your growth in the long run.

7. Wix

• Best For: Those who want a website builder with a blog functionality.
• Pricing: Offers a free version but optimal features are paid.

Pros:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• Extensive app market for additional functionality.
• Free hosting included.

Cons:

• Limited free version.
• The site can get slow with excessive apps or media.

Insight: Wix is predominantly a website builder, but it boasts a robust blogging function. It’s particularly beneficial for those wanting an all-in-one solution, from online stores to portfolios, alongside their blog.

8. Weebly

• Best For: Small business owners wanting to combine e-commerce with blogging.
• Pricing: Free to start, with premium features priced.

Pros:

• Integrated e-commerce features.
• Drag-and-drop site builder.
• Mobile-responsive templates.

Cons:

• Less feature-rich compared to dedicated blogging platforms.
• Limited integration and plugin options.

Insight: Weebly, like Wix, is primarily a website builder but has a sufficient blogging component. Its primary advantage lies in its e-commerce capabilities, making it a fit for bloggers aiming to sell products directly.

9. Tumblr

• Best For: Microblogging and sharing multimedia content.
• Pricing: Free.

Pros:

• Ideal for short-form content and visual posts.
• Engaging social media-like community.
• Extremely user-friendly.

Cons:

• Less suitable for in-depth, long-form content.
• Customization can be challenging.

Insight: Tumblr is unique, bridging the gap between traditional blogging and social media. It’s fantastic for those looking to engage directly with a community and share multimedia content, but might not be ideal for conventional bloggers.

10. LinkedIn

• Best For: Professionals looking to position themselves as thought leaders.
• Pricing: Free.

Pros:

• Tap into LinkedIn’s vast professional network.
• Enhances personal branding.
• No need for additional platforms.

Cons:

• Limited to LinkedIn’s ecosystem.
• Less customization.

Insight: LinkedIn has transformed from a mere job-seeking platform. By publishing articles, professionals can bolster their profiles, engage their network, and even attract new opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right blogging platform is a critical step in your blogging journey. With varying features, costs, and ease of use, each platform offers something unique.

As we step into 2024, consider your blogging goals, budget, and technical know-how before committing to a platform.

By aligning your choice with your needs, you’re one step closer to a profitable blogging endeavor.