Website Platform Basics

 

Are you confused about which website/blogging platform to use?

We often hear people mentioning and discussing different platforms they use to build their websites. Does that information create more confusion in your mind for you? Would you like somebody to simplify it for you? 

Oh, you know what, that person can be you! Instead of waiting for the right person with correct information come to you, how about you take charge, research and educate yourself so that you can make some informed choices.

As a new blogger or a new entrepreneur, you are looking for ease – The ease in setting up your business blog or website without getting distracted or overwhelmed by complicated procedure, pricey developers, and millions of suggestions by affiliate marketers.

I’ve made more than 10+ personal websites and private blogs for myself for the last 10 years using various platforms. Here are some of the ones I stayed with and now use for my professional purposes.

WordPress.org

 WordPress.com

Squarespace

Wix

Blogger

WordPress

WordPress is an open-source website creation tool that is the easiest and most powerful blogging and website content management system (or CMS). It comes with 2 choices. WordPress.org and WordPress.com.

WordPress.org

This platform is the most loved and used platform for building websites. The flexibility it gives you to play with is amazing. It’ s self-hosted that means you have to rent a space which can host your website. You own the content of your site.

Pros

It gives you full control and flexibility.

The scope of expansion as your business grows is brilliant.

Technically sturdy platform.

Supports different payment gateways, membership site, online stores

The looks of the site can be made stunning with – Free and Premium Themes

Cons

For a non-techie beginner, a steep learning curve can be challenging.

As an owner, you are responsible for updates, backups, and security.

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WordPress.com

This platform allows you to make a basic website/blog and along with FREE hosting. Premium services like domain name, storage etc. can be purchased.

Pros

The platform is Free.

It’s effortless to set up.

The basic functionality of the platform keeps things simple.

Cons

Limited functions can make your website a cookie-cutter look.

You do not own your site and blog and run a risk of losing the content if service provider shut shops.

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Squarespace

Squarespace is a sturdy website building and hosting services. The Squarespace website has stunning visual appeal to it. The drag and drop facility makes it so easy-peasy and much fun. It doesn’t require one to know any code. But if you do know codes, it does give you ways to tech-customize your site. 

Pros

Simple and easy to set up for a beginner who is not tech-savvy.

Very professional and visually stunning looks.

Cons

The personal hosting plan comes with a limitation.

Demands up-gradation of the hosting plan to professional and business from personal if your business picks up.

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Wix

Wix is again an easy and powerful WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) interface website builder. It’s a free platform and provides visually-impressive templates.

Pros

Drag and drop tools make it very easy for a beginner.

You don’t have to spend time figuring out the platform.

You can buy a custom domain.

Quick solutions.

cons

It adds its brand name on top and bottom of the website.

You do not have ownership of your website.

If you plan to buy paid services later, it can be more pricey.

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Blogger

Blogger is Google’s tool for creating free blogs. This is the first tool I laid my hands on. I still have 3 active private blogs on it. I loved the simplicity and functionality it gave me to document my interests and to share it with selected people.

Pros

Being a Google product gives it credibility.

Completely free and can be made & accessed easily using Gmail account.

cons

It doesn’t allow much customization.

Scalability is not possible.

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 Disclaimer: “I don’t claim myself to be a tech expert to review these platform technically. These are my personal observations having used each platform for quite a while. I am very grateful to all of them and the services each of them offer.”

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Here are some essential points to consider before you pick up the platform that’s best for you. Think, reflect, take notes, research, ask questions and enjoy the whole process to tap into the awareness of your future creation.

• Need analysis – Why do you want a website
• What stage of your business you are in
• Cost involved
• Scalability – Plans for future expansion
• Monetizing plans
• Is it fun & contributive to you
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