6 Questions Bloggers Should Ask Themselves When Choosing a Blogging Software
Choosing a
blogging software can be confusing because on the surface, the various blogging software products such as
Wordpress,
Blogger,
TypePad,
Movable Type,
LiveJournal
and more are quite similar. Following are six questions to ask
yourself before you select your blogging software to help you make the
best choice to be a successful blogger.
1. What Are Your Goals for Your Blog?
Do
you want to blog for fun or are you trying to make money or build a
popular, highly-trafficked blog? The blogging software you choose is
largely dependent upon your goals for your blog. Ask yourself the
following questions to determine your goals for your blog:
- How much space will you need to store your blog's images and content?
- Do you want to display ads on your blog?
- Do you want to add forums and other features to your blog?
2. Do You Need to Significantly Customize Your Blog's Design?
Blogging
software varies in terms of its ability to allow bloggers to customize
the appearance and layout of their blogs with logos, specific fonts,
designs and more. It's important that you determine the amount of
customization you want and need for your blog before you select your
blogging software.
3. Are You or Is Someone You Know Technical?
Different
blogging software platforms require varying amounts of technical skill
and knowledge. While there are blogging software options that even the
most technically-challenged people can navigate and use successfully,
many of the blogging software packages that provide advanced
customization and features require at least some technical ability.
4. Will Your Blog Have Multiple Authors?
Some
blogging software platforms are easier to configure with multiple
authors than others. Determine your author needs before you choose your
blogging software.
5. Do You Need Custom Email Addresses Tied to Your Blog's Domain Name?
If
you want to have email addresses customized to match your blog's domain
name than your blogging software options are more limited. Even if this
is something you may not need in the short term, it's important to
think about it now before you choose your blogging software.
6. Do You Have Money to Spend Each Month on Blogging Software and a Blog Host?
Your
budget will have a significant impact on the blogging software you
choose. While there are many free blogging software platforms available
online, those free blogging programs typically offer limited features.
Although those limited features are usually adequate for the average
blogger, they may not be enough for your blog depending on your long
term goals for it.
