Whether you’re blogging for a business, to grow your personal brand, or simply as a hobby, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for increasing your visibility online. The Web is growing at an exponential rate and this means search results are becoming saturated with thousands – if not millions – of results. You’ll want to do whatever it takes to keep your blog and brand relevant, which is where SEO comes in. Optimising your blog content could make the difference in whether you attract dozens or thousands of readers, so it’s crucial that you choose the right blogging platform to aid you in this venture. Below are some of the most highly-reviewed platforms loved by bloggers everywhere.
Top 5 Best Blogging Platforms for SEO
- WordPress.org – Best Overall Platform
- Wix – Best Platform for Small Blogs
- Squarespace – Best Platform for Lifestyle Blogging
- Strikingly – Best Platform for Creative Blogging
- Weebly – Best Platform for Beginners
1. WordPress.org – Best Overall Platform
PRICING: Free, but you will need to buy extras to build your site.
Not to be confused with WordPress.com, WordPress.org is the actual website software which allows you to self-host, create, and customise your website. Its customisation potential, using add-ons and plugins from the extensive database, allows you to curate the website according to your needs – create an online storefront, sell memberships, and even make your own ads.
KEY FEATURES:
- Range of third-party extensions and tools – like Yoast SEO and Google Analytics
- Self-hosted
- Manages workflow
- Automatic save
REASONS TO BUY:
- Highly customisable
- Flexible
- Good support from community forums and customer service
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Costs can add up with the need for a web host, domain name, any paid plugins or site designs
- No automatic backup
2. Wix – Best Platform for Small Blogs
PRICING: Free version, paid plans from $16/month.
With Wix you can create an eye-catching, modern website and get access to a huge database of third-party add-ons, extensions, and plugins. Wix’s blogging capabilities are comprehensive and ideal for setting up and expanding your blog. You can easily edit text and links, as well as customise the URL and title tag. It even has its own guide to help you learn all things SEO and how to use it to transform your blog! The Wix SEO Wiz provides helpful tutorials and tips for online growth and maximum visibility, which is particularly helpful for smaller bloggers who are just getting started with their site.
KEY FEATURES:
- Wix SEO Wiz
- Stylish templates
- E-commerce tools
- Mobile optimisation
REASONS TO BUY:
- Highly customisable
- Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Free plan is limited
- Paid plan is pricey
3. Squarespace – Best Platform for Lifestyle Blogging
PRICING: Plans from $12/month.
Squarespace is a website builder used by millions all over the globe. It’s known for its modern layouts and aesthetically appealing designs, which makes it a top choice for lifestyle blogs on beauty or fashion. Although it’s not known for its SEO capabilities, if you’re already familiar with SEO processes and know generally how to use it in your blogging, Squarespace should offer you all the right tools to implement it correctly.
KEY FEATURES:
- Reliable SEO toolkit
- E-commerce tools
- Social media integration
REASONS TO BUY:
- Great template selection
- Strong marketing features
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Unsuitable for SEO amateurs
- Not compatible with SEO plugins like Yoast
4. Strikingly – Best Platform for Creative Blogging
PRICING: Free 14-day trial, plans from $8/month.
Strikingly is a website builder with embedded blogging features. Hosting is included in the platform, which is incredibly quick and easy to use. In under 30 minutes you can have a functioning website and blog, and with just a little more time and focus you can work towards significant SEO, too.
KEY FEATURES:
- Template-based
- Hosting included
- SEO-based features (clear meta description, image title etc)
REASONS TO BUY:
- Quick to set up and use
- Easy design customisation
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Limited storage
5. Weebly – Best Platform for Beginners
PRICING: Free version, paid plans from $5/month.
Another simple blogging platform, Weebly is ideal for beginners owing to how easy it is to learn and use. Its pricing is incredible affordable and competitive, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much money on something that you’re not familiar with.
KEY FEATURES:
- Optimised for mobile
- e-Commerce integration
- Drag and drop tools
REASONS TO BUY:
- Integrates with Google Analytics
- Affordable
- Secure
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Limited storage with free and $5 plans
- Limited toolkit
References and Links
- https://www.crazyegg.com/blog/best-blogging-platforms/
- https://www.tooltester.com/en/reviews/wix-review/
- https://www.websitebuilderexpert.com/website-builders/squarespace-review/
- https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/best-blogging-platform
- https://www.weebly.com
- https://bloggingwizard.com/blogging-platforms/