Blog software enables end users to write and edit blog posts, add images and media files to posts, reply to comments, and manage every aspect of their online blog with ease. With so many different types of blog software available today, how do you know which is the right one for you?
Figuring out your web hosting options
Many web hosting companies today give clients a control panel with their web hosting account. A control panel is a simple way for end users to administer changes to their account, such as adding and removing email addresses, uploading files, and installing software. Such control panels have several different types of blogging software available for quick and easy installation. If you’re a new webmaster who is unfamiliar with how to install or manage server software or you’d prefer the convenience and ease of automated installation, it’s a good idea to seek out a web hosting company whose plans feature a built-in control panel. If you’re comfortable using FTP programs, making changes to file permissions at server level, and installing software, a control panel will not be a necessity for you.
What features would you like?
Blogging software comes in all shapes and sizes and each has its own set of features. Some of the most prominent blogging software includes options for all of the following:
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Themes. Themes help you give your blog a unique look.
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Categories. Categories enable you to separate blog posts by subject matter.
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Advertising options. Advertising options give you space and tools to monetize your blog.
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Widgets. Widgets are blog add-ons that help to extend the basic feature set of blogging software.
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Multiple authors. Some software affords the ability for multiple authors.
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Some types of blogging software have SEO options built in and others require you download plugins or widgets to optimize search engine results.
Free client side blogging software is very basic and perfect for beginners, but does not permit as much customization or offer as many features as server side blogging software.
Should you use what everybody else is using?
There are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using popular blogging software like WordPress. Aside from the ability to host on your own domain name and monetize your blog, well known blogging software has these advantages:
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More well developed themes available.
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Better selection of widgets.
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Bug fixes and software updates are frequently available.
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Mobile options for posting, editing and management.
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Multiple authorship.
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Constantly improved.
Software like WordPress also comes with disadvantages, including the fact that because so many people have adopted this platform, it is easily and often exploited.
Server side blogging software can be downloaded and installed on your web hosting server and is also readily available for quick and easy installation through your web hosting control panel.
Narrowing down your options
Because there are so many client side and server side blogging software options available to you, the quickest way to narrow down your options and figure out what will work best for you is to do some testing. Visit the websites of software that interests you most and feature test each until you find the perfect fit.
Blogging is a rewarding, fun way to get your thoughts and ideas online and also make a little money. Choosing blog software that doesn’t fulfill all of your needs or is difficult to operate can make blogging a chore you won’t want to contend with often.