There are over 600 million blogs on the internet, but does anyone use Blogger anymore?
I’ve totally been in that spot before.
Maybe you’re also thinking about starting your own blog on Blogger but feeling unsure if it’s the right move.
Let me tell you – my very first blog was on Blogger, and then… well, let’s just say I ended up with quite a few more after that.
It wasn’t exactly what I planned for, but it turned out to be a good start.
So If you’re feeling lost in the world of blogging platforms and wondering if yourwebsite.blogspot.com is worth it, then this blog post will help guide you in making the right decision.
So keep reading!
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The History of Blogger.com
It all started back in 1999 when a company called Pyra Labs launched this cool platform that allowed people to create and manage their own blogs for free.
Over time, as technology advanced, so did Blogger – adding new features like customizable templates, integration with Google services (since Google acquired Blogger.com in February 2003), and even mobile-friendly designs.
At the moment, there are over 502,779 active websites using Blogger. This platform has been a popular choice for bloggers as well, with an additional 650,905 sites having used it in the past.
Pros and Cons of Using Blogger
When it comes to doing anything, there are always good and not-so-good sides to consider. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using Blogger as your go-to blogging platform.
By weighing these factors, we can gain a better understanding of whether it’s beneficial for us or not.
Pros
1. It won’t cost you a dime
One major advantage of using Blogger is that it won’t cost you a penny. For beginners or hobby bloggers who may not want to invest in their blog right away, this can be a huge plus!
2. It’s super easy to use
With its user-friendly interface and simple setup process, Blogger is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for those who are new to the world of blogging.
3. You can have your own custom domain name
With Blogger, you have the option to use a custom domain name for your blog instead of ending with “.blogspot.com”. This gives your blog a kind of a professional appearance.
4. Perfect if you’re just starting out
If you’re just starting out on your blogging journey or simply want an outlet for sharing your thoughts and experiences with others, then Blogger provides an ideal entry point without any learning curve.
Cons
1. It doesn’t offer many advanced features
While simplicity can be great for beginners, more experienced bloggers may find themselves wishing they had access to advanced features such as custom plugins and themes that other platforms offer.
2. No eCommerce capabilities here
If selling products through your blog is part of your plan from day one – think twice because Blogger lacks eCommerce capabilities compared to other platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Shopify.
3. Monetizing options are limited
While there are limited monetization options directly available on Blogger, one popular method is using Google AdSense. However, if you’re looking for more diverse ways to monetize your blog, this might not fully satisfy your needs.
4. Your blog isn’t entirely yours
One important thing worth noting about using Blogger is that Google hosts all content created within the platform hence meaning certain ownership rights fall under Google terms rather than solely being yours.
5. Some .Blogspot blogs get hit hard with spam
Unfortunately, blogs hosted on the “.blogspot” domain can sometimes attract spam due to its open nature. This can be frustrating when trying to maintain a clean and professional-looking blog.
6. Customer support? Not much help there.
While there are online resources available like forums and help articles provided by Google support isn’t good enough when issues arise – so better hope nothing goes wrong!
Ready, set, blog!
Learn how to start a blog, even if you have no experience.
Comparison with Other Platforms
When it comes to choosing the right platform for your blog, it’s important to weigh your options and find the best fit for your needs.
There are several popular blogging platforms out there, each with its own unique features and capabilities.
Let’s compare Blogger with other top blogging platforms like WordPress, Medium, and Wix.
We’ll take a closer look at the variations in features, customization choices, eCommerce capabilities, and earning potential to see which one could be the best fit for you.
Feature | Blogger | WordPress (self-hosted) | WordPress | Medium | Wix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ease of Use | Simple | Slight learning curve | Easy to use | Easy to use | Easy to use |
Customization Options | Limited | Extensive | Limited | Limited | Extensive |
Custom Domain | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
eCommerce Options | No | Extensive | Limited | Limited | Available |
Monetization Capabilities | Limited | Extensive | Limited | Limited | Limited |
SEO Tools | Basic | Extensive | Basic | Basic | Basic |
Mobile Responsiveness | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Community Interaction | Basic | Plugins available | Limited | Limited | Basic |
Newsletter Integration | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Custom Forms | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Each platform offers its own unique set of features designed to cater to different blogging needs and preferences.
However, it’s important to note that some of these platforms require an upgrade to a paid plan for access to certain essential features.
Let me break it down for you real quick:
Blogger: Perfect for hobby bloggers and beginners looking for an easy-to-use platform without any additional costs.
WordPress (self-hosted): This option is great if you want complete control over your blog and want to make money from it. You’ll need to invest in a domain name and web hosting, but in return, you have full ownership of your blog from top to bottom – just like how I built this very own blog!
WordPress.com: Suited both personal as well as professional blogs; however, more advanced options come with paid plans.
Medium: A fantastic choice if you’re seeking exposure through its built-in audience base; just keep in mind that custom domains may necessitate an upgrade.
Wix: Tailored towards small businesses or individuals looking toward business growth while having limited functionality on their free plan when crafting something particularly professional.
Now that we’ve covered these details, it should give you clear insight into how Blogger or Blogspot can benefit your blogging journey!
Recommendations and Future Outlook
If you’re wondering if anyone still uses Blogger these days, the answer is yes! Despite its limitations in advanced features, customization, and monetization options, it can still be a great platform for those new to blogging.
However, if you want to generate income from your blog or have full control over it, I wouldn’t suggest using Blogger.
Why?
If making money and having complete control are on your blogging agenda, then I’d recommend WordPress.com or Self-hosted WordPress as better alternatives for achieving those goals.
These platforms offer more flexibility and opportunities for growth compared to what Blogger provides.
Here’s why I recommend them:
WordPress.com is a fantastic choice for both newbie and experienced bloggers. It’s super easy to use, offers tons of customization options, and comes with built-in SEO tools. Plus, you can make money by running ads or selling stuff on your blog!
Best part? You can start for free and upgrade as you go.
If ultimate control is more your thing, self-hosted WordPress might be your way! With this option, you get to pick your own domain name, and web host and access loads of plugins and themes for personalizing your site just the way you like it.
This one’s popular among serious bloggers and online entrepreneurs, as it’s used by 43.3% of all websites. But keep in mind that some investment will be needed upfront.
I’ve created a comprehensive guide on self-hosted WordPress so that whenever you’re ready – click here to give it a read before getting started.
It’ll make starting your WordPress blog with Bluehost (where you can get your domain and web hosting) easier, saving both time and money!
Wrapping Up
In wrapping up, it’s clear that Blogger offers some great advantages for beginners, such as being free, user-friendly, and providing the option for a custom domain name. That being said, people still use Blogger.
However, it also has limitations, such as lacking advanced features, eCommerce capabilities, and limited monetization options.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
Do you still use Blogger, or have you found a different platform that works better for you?
Share your experiences and let’s keep the conversation going!
