There is much online information about the difference between blogging platforms. There are pros and cons to each of the main platforms and these are widely discussed across the internet. A search of “blogger versus wordpress” will return many interesting discussions. The most important first step is to select the best platform for one’s needs.
Blogging Platforms
A platform simply refers to the type of software or the host that a blogger uses to create and develop their blog. It is the medium through which the blog exists—the physical (although digital) framework of the blog—much the way the physical, paper pages of a book form the medium through which the book’s text can exist in a physical form that readers can access. So, a blog needs somewhere to exist. It exists in a platform on the internet.
There are several popular blogging platforms available to bloggers and the choice of which to use depends on the blogger’s objectives and circumstances. The most popular platforms are Blogger and Wordpress, although Typepad and Joomla also have their followers. This article will focus on two most popular platforms: Wordpress and Blogger
Blogger as a blogging platform
In a nutshell, the main advantages of Blogger, which is owned by Google, is that it is free with a Google account, it is simple and intuitive with no prior blogging experience, and there is no “back end” (behind the scenes) maintenance needed. A blogger can be up and posting in about an hour.
The main disadvantages of Blogger are that it is a less flexible medium with fewer tools to develop a strong online presence compared with other platforms. It is owned by Google which means that even if a blogger builds up a strong following on their Blogger blog, Google can shut it down any time, without warning. They have been known to do this. It’s risky, therefore, for those who want to develop a serious blogging presence.
As a travel blogger, particularly a blogger on a budget, Blogger offers the advantage of being fast and easy to use. It’s possible to post directly to Blogger from a handset too. If serious or professional blogging is not an objective, but rather keeping an online journal or chronicle of travel experiences for friends or family and any interested readers, then Blogger is perfect.
An examples of attractive Blogger based travel blogs are Nateniale and Holl's Ramblings.
Wordpress as a Blogging Platform
Most professional bloggers swear by Wordpress. Wordpress offers bloggers who wish to develop a serious online presence a reasonably intuitive interface and pre-designed set of resources—“widgets,” “plug-ins” and themes—to help bloggers develop their best online presence.
Wordpress also offers a free hosted blog option at Wordpress.com (as opposed to Wordpress.org). This has the same disadvantage regarding ownership of the blog as Blogger, since Wordpress also owns those blogs that it hosts, but it offers bloggers all the advantages of the Wordpress platform. For those who want a more sophisticated platform, without any costs or back end work, and one simple log-in page, Wordpress.com hosted blogs is an excellent option. Here are some examples: True Bulgaria is an example of a hosted Wordpress travel blog.
A simple process for determining which free blogging platform to go with could look like this. Main objective: chronicle journey = Blogger. Main objective: Chronicle journey, maybe get serious in future, and add some fancy whatsits to the design = Wordpress.com.
Introduction to Travel Blogging and Travel Blogging Tips and Tools will also give new travel bloggers a head start in preparing their travel blog writing experience. Choose a Travel Blog Niche helps new bloggers find their focus. Wordpress for Pro Travel Bloggers explains the advantages and disadvantages of a hosted Wordpress travel blog.
Gayle Pescud - Co-founder of G-lish Foundation in Ghana, an award winning non-profit that welcomes volunteers in Africa.
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