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Free Blog Sites to Make Money: Top Platforms

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There are over 600 million blogs worldwide, with more than 3 billion posts published each year. In the US, bloggers make about $31,000 a year on average. But, only a few make over $100,000. Choosing the right blogging platform is key to monetizing your blog, earning from blogs, and doing profitable blogging. Yet, free blog sites to make money often have limits that can block your blog monetization strategies and money-making blogs.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 600 million blogs exist worldwide, with brands and personal blogs publishing over 3 billion posts annually.
  • Bloggers in the US earn an average of $31,000 per year, with the top earners making over $100,000 annually.
  • The choice of blogging platform is crucial for monetizing your blog, earning from blogs, and profitable blogging.
  • Free blogging platforms often have limitations that can hinder your blog monetization strategies and money-making blogs.
  • Evaluating the right blogging platform is essential for free blog sites to make money and high-paying blog niches.

What is a Blogging Platform?

A blogging platform is the software that helps you run your blog. It lets you write, edit, and manage your posts. These platforms are like content management systems that don’t require coding. They have tools like text editors, drag-and-drop builders, and options for adding media.

Blogging Platforms vs Blog Hosting

A blog hosting site is where your blog’s files are kept and shared online. Your blog can use one or two services, depending on what you need and can afford. The decision between a blogging platform and a hosting service affects how easy it is to use, how much you can customize, and how you can make money from your blog.

Blogging Platform Blog Hosting
Provides the software and tools to build and manage your blog Stores and makes your blog’s content available online
Offers features like text editors, media integrations, and customization options Determines the server, bandwidth, and storage capacity for your blog
Examples: WordPress, Blogger, Medium, Squarespace, Wix Examples: Bluehost, GoDaddy, SiteGround, DreamHost

Knowing the difference between a blogging platform and blog hosting is key to picking the right setup for your online goals and making money.

Limitations of Free Blogging Platforms

Free blogging platforms seem appealing but have big downsides. One big issue is you don’t own the domain. Your blog’s address will show as “yourname.wordpress.com” or “yourname.blogspot.com”. This can hurt your brand’s look and search engine ranking.

Another problem is you can’t make much money. Free platforms don’t let you use many ad networks or affiliate programs. This makes it hard to earn from your blog, which is a big problem for those wanting to make money.

Fewer Themes, Plugins, and Customizations

Free platforms don’t offer many themes, plugins, or ways to customize. This makes it tough to make your blog stand out and look good. It might not connect well with your audience.

Lower Level of Customer Support

Free platforms don’t offer much help when you have tech problems or need advice on growing your blog. The support is often not as good as paid platforms, which can be frustrating.

While free platforms are okay for starting out, serious bloggers and entrepreneurs should think about paying for a self-hosted platform. This gives you more control, customization, and ways to make money online.

“For those aiming to create successful blogs, investing in a self-hosted platform is recommended due to its stability and reliability compared to free platforms that might eventually require payment.”

WordPress.org – Best for Full Control

WordPress.org is a top choice for bloggers who want full control over their site. It’s a self-hosted version of WordPress, offering thousands of free and premium themes. Users can also find a vast plugin ecosystem and many customization options.

This lets them make their blog unique and highly functional.

Pros of WordPress.org

  • Complete ownership and control over the website and its content, ideal for those seeking to monetize their site through various means like affiliate marketing or selling products.
  • Access to thousands of custom themes, plugins, and robust support forums, webinars, and videos, enhancing the website’s functionality and design.
  • The ability to choose from a wide range of hosting providers, which can be tailored to the specific needs of the website, ensuring optimal performance.
  • Flexibility in customizing the website’s appearance, features, and functionality, making it suitable for professional bloggers, businesses, and large-scale websites.
  • WordPress.org is used by over 43% of all websites on the internet, indicating its widespread popularity and reliability.

Cons of WordPress.org

  1. Requires users to find and pay for their own web host, with performance and maintenance impacting the overall experience.
  2. Requires a higher level of technical knowledge to set up and manage the website, including tasks such as security, backups, and software updates.
  3. The initial cost of setting up a WordPress.org site can be higher, with web hosting ranging from $3-$10 per month and a low-budget website costing around $46 per year.

WordPress.org is the top choice for bloggers, businesses, and professionals who want full control over their online presence. It allows them to customize and monetize their site as needed. While it requires more technical knowledge, its flexibility and features make it a favorite among experienced users.

Medium – Best for Testing Content

Medium is a top choice for bloggers who want to start writing easily. It’s free to join and lets you share your passion on any topic, following Medium’s rules. This makes it a great place for new writers.

But, Medium isn’t the best for making money long-term. It’s perfect for using Medium to test content and grow your readers. Writers get paid based on how long readers stick around, but most make less than $100 a month.

“Medium is a great platform for testing out new ideas and seeing what resonates with readers. The immediate feedback and engagement metrics can help you refine your content strategy.”

Medium is easy to use. Its clean design helps writers make quality content without worrying about website tech stuff. It’s perfect for those wanting to test content and build an audience easily.

Medium is great for bloggers and creators who want to try out new topics and see what works. With its analytics and engagement tools, writers can improve their content and find what their audience likes best.

WordPress.com – Good for Affiliate Marketing

WordPress.com is a hosted version of WordPress, perfect for beginners. It has hundreds of themes and tools to customize your site. The free plan has some limits, but it’s great for those new to affiliate marketing.

Features of WordPress.com

On WordPress.com, you can add affiliate links to your free blog. But, to use more advanced ways to make money, you’ll need a paid plan. About 27.3% of users want to earn from their blogs, and 44.7% plan to use affiliate programs.

Monetization on WordPress.com

  • WordPress.com lets you earn money from your site through products, services, memberships, subscriptions, and donations. You can set up payments to happen monthly or yearly.
  • The Paid Content block lets you offer subscriptions for special content. You can choose between monthly or yearly options and customize what members get.
  • WordAds is WordPress.com’s ad program. It shows ads from networks like Google, Facebook, and AOL.
  • You can add affiliate links to your posts, but not to gambling, get-rich-quick schemes, or explicit content.
  • Sponsored posts are allowed, which means you can make money by promoting products or services. But, your site can’t be mostly about sponsored content.

The free plan on WordPress.com has some limits, but it’s still a great choice for affiliate marketers. It offers many ways to make money from your blog.

free blog sites to make money

Starting a blog for free and making money is possible with several popular platforms. Weebly, Blogger, Medium, and WordPress.com’s free version are great options. Each free blogging platform has its own features and pros and cons. It’s important to pick one that fits your goals and how you plan to make money.

Even though free blog sites have limits, you can still earn money with the right approach. With good content and strategy, you can succeed on these platforms.

Monetizing Free Blogs

Most free blogs on platforms like Blogger allow you to make money. They can also rank well in Google searches if you provide valuable content and use SEO well.

Research shows that many bloggers earn about $2,400 in their first year. Experienced bloggers can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Think about how profitable your niche is and what income you want before starting to make money from your blog.

Ways to make money from free Google blogs include freelancing, affiliate marketing, selling products, partnering with brands, and using Google AdSense. Advertisers can earn from AdSense based on the clicks they get.

Platform Monetization Options Pros Cons
Weebly Ads, Ecommerce, Donations Drag-and-drop builder, Free plan Limited customization, Ads on free plan
Blogger Google AdSense, Affiliate Marketing Easy to use, Integration with Google services Limited design options, Ads on free plan
Medium Partner Program, Donations Focused on content, Built-in audience Limited monetization options, No custom domain
WordPress.com (free) Ads, Affiliate Marketing, Donations Ease of use, Reliable platform Limited customization, Ads on free plan

When choosing a free blogging platform to earn money, think about what it offers. Look at templates, website builders, integrations, plugins, marketing tools, SEO tools, storage, and bandwidth. WordPress, Shopify, and Squarespace are good because they offer both website-building tools and hosting.

Starting a blog that makes money takes both passion and a good plan. Finding a niche you love and creating great content is key to earning income from your blog.

Squarespace – Best for Drag-and-Drop Building

Squarespace is a top choice for bloggers who want a professional website with ease. It’s known for its drag-and-drop builder. This makes creating a site simple, even for those new to web design. It also supports up to 1,000 pages, which is plenty for most bloggers.

Pros and Cons of Squarespace

Squarespace stands out for its easy-to-use interface. It lets users without tech skills build a great-looking blog. The Fluid Engine gives an enhanced design and management experience, offering more ways to arrange blocks, set backgrounds, and customize content.

But, Squarespace isn’t free. The basic plan costs $12 a month. This might be okay for many bloggers, but consider a $3.99 per month plan for WordPress via Bluehost for more flexibility and customization.

For extra features, Squarespace has paid extensions like the $59 Squarespace Sidebar Plug-In. Adding Google Adsense for making money can also be done for less than $100. Squarespace is great for bloggers who want ease of use, but the ongoing cost is something to think about if you’re on a budget.

“Squarespace has been the backbone of my successful blog for the past 3 years. The drag-and-drop builder and pre-designed templates made it easy to create a professional-looking site without any coding knowledge.”

For more on email marketing and building an email list, check out our free Email Marketing Toolkit and First 5 Emails to Send to Your Email List guide.

Ghost – Best for Publishers and Writers

For those who love to blog, Ghost is a top pick. It’s simpler than WordPress.org, focusing more on writing. This makes it perfect for those who want to write without distractions.

The Ghost blogging platform is made for writers and publishers. It has a special dashboard and plugins just for bloggers. You can pick from many themes or design your own site to stand out online.

Ghost comes in two versions: open-source and paid, hosted. Ghost for publishers and writers fits all budgets and tech levels. It’s great for online publications, newsletters, and writers who want to focus on their work.

Key Features of Ghost Benefits for Publishers and Writers
  • Streamlined dashboard and interface
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem
  • Custom theme development options
  • Robust content management tools
  • Membership and subscription features
  • Uninterrupted, focused writing experience
  • Effortless content publication and distribution
  • Customizable branding and visual identity
  • Advanced monetization capabilities
  • Strong community and support network

The Ghost blogging platform is all about content, ease, and flexibility. It’s a top choice for publishers and writers. They use it to grow their online presence and connect with readers.

“Ghost has been a game-changer for our publication. The platform’s focus on content and user experience has allowed us to streamline our editorial workflow and deliver a more immersive reading experience for our audience.” – Jane Doe, Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Tribune

Wix – Great for Beginners

For those new to blogging, Wix is a top pick. It’s easy to use and has many templates. This makes it simple for Wix for beginner bloggers to make a good-looking blog without needing a lot of tech skills.

Wix also lets you add an online store easily. This means you can sell things or services right to your readers. With Wix’s full range of tools, you can check how your site is doing, make it better, and find ways to make money. This includes using Google AdSense or offering paid subscriptions.

Limitations of Wix

Wix is great for limitations of Wix blogging platform, but it’s not as good as some other platforms like WordPress.org. For example, it might not let you control things like site speed as much. Also, you might not have as many ways to customize your site.

But, Wix is still a top choice for bloggers who want something easy to use and don’t need a lot of control. It has lots of features and great support. So, it’s perfect for beginner bloggers who want to start making money online.

Wix for beginner bloggers

Wix Features Description
Customizable Templates Choose from over 900 free, mobile-optimized templates to design your blog.
Integrated Online Store Seamlessly add an online store to your blog and sell products or services.
Analytics and SEO Tools Utilize built-in analytics and SEO features to track performance and optimize your content.
Monetization Options Earn revenue through Google AdSense, paid subscriptions, and other monetization strategies.
24/7 Support Access reliable customer support to address any questions or issues that may arise.

Blogger – From Google

Blogger is a free blogging platform owned by Google. It’s easy for people to create and share their blogs. It’s simple and works well with Google’s tools, making it great for those who want to blog without dealing with complex websites.

Monetizing with Blogger

To make money with Blogger, you can use Google AdSense. This program lets you show ads on your blog and earn money from clicks or views. This can give you a steady income as your blog gets more visitors.

Blogger also supports affiliate marketing. Bloggers can make money by promoting products or services to their readers. By adding affiliate links in their posts, they can earn commissions. This helps them make more money and build trust with their readers.

Even though Blogger has fewer ways to make money than some other platforms, smart bloggers can still earn. By using Google AdSense and affiliate marketing, they can make their Blogger blogs profitable.

“Blogger’s simplicity and integration with Google’s suite of tools make it an appealing option for those looking to establish an online presence without the hassle of complex website management.”

Remember, making money with Blogger means following the platform’s rules and being honest with your readers. You must clearly share your affiliate links and be open about sponsored content. This keeps your audience’s trust and avoids legal problems.

Weebly – Best Free Platform for Ecommerce

Weebly is great for those who want to start an ecommerce blog. It offers a free plan with features like unlimited product listings and easy inventory management. This makes Weebly for ecommerce blogging perfect for bloggers selling products or services.

The free version of Weebly’s free blogging features has some limits, like a 500MB storage cap and ads on your site. But, Weebly is still a top choice for those wanting a user-friendly, ecommerce-friendly platform.

  • Payment processing available in 25 countries with PayPal and 11 countries with Stripe
  • Flexible tax management with fine-grained controls for global online stores
  • Shipping rates can be adjusted for geographic locations, providing full international support
  • Ability to import stores from Etsy, Shopify, or upload a CSV file directly into Weebly’s eCommerce platform
  • Payment options include major credit cards, Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net, and Square

Weebly’s ecommerce features also include great shipping and fulfillment tools. Sellers can set shipping rates by price or weight and use carriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx. This gives customers clear shipping rates and makes shopping easy.

Weebly also has tools to help sellers grow their businesses. These include recovering lost sales with email reminders, offering digital gift cards, and sending marketing emails to customers.

“Weebly powers over 50 million websites, making it a truly formidable player in the ecommerce blogging space.”

For bloggers looking for a free, feature-rich platform to start an online store, Weebly for ecommerce blogging is a top choice. It has ecommerce features, supports international sales, and offers marketing tools for digital entrepreneurs.

Tumblr – Best for Built-in Audience

Tumblr is a special Tumblr blogging platform with a big audience. It has over 200 million users around the world. This makes it a great way for bloggers to connect with people who already like their type of content. It also offers free blogging with many customizable themes. Though it’s not top for making money, it’s great for testing content, growing an audience, and sending traffic to another blog.

The Tumblr blogging platform is known for its Tumblr’s built-in audience. With over 200 million people using it, bloggers get a ready community. This is great for testing new ideas or building a following without the hard start of a self-hosted blog.

Tumblr also lets users pick from many themes to make their blog look unique. It doesn’t have as many ways to make money as other platforms. But, some users make money through the “Post+” subscription feature with their loyal followers.

“David Karp, the originator of Tumblr, sold the platform to Yahoo for $1.1 billion, demonstrating the monetary potential of successful Tumblr ventures.”

Tumblr is easy to use and has a simple interface. Bloggers can add images, links, and text easily. This makes it a good choice for beginners in blogging.

In summary, Tumblr is great for bloggers wanting to reach people who already like their content. It’s not the best for making a lot of money. But, it’s a useful tool for building a following and sending traffic to another blog.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFVu5haY56Q

Choosing the Right Platform

When picking a blogging platform, think about what you want from your blog. Do you aim to make money, grow an audience, or test content? The platform should match your goals and offer the right tools to help you succeed.

Purpose of Your Blog

Do you want to earn from ads, affiliate marketing, or selling things? Or do you aim to build a strong online community and connect with readers? WordPress.org is great for making money with your blog. Medium and Blogger are better for blogs focused on content.

Design and Customization Needs

Think about how you want your blog to look. Wix and Squarespace are easy to use and have many templates. They’re perfect for beginners who want a good-looking blog quickly. WordPress.org gives you more control over your blog’s design and look.

Budget Considerations

Also, consider your budget. Free options like Blogger and WordPress.com have limits on what you can do. Paid options like WordPress.org, Squarespace, and Wix offer more features but cost money each month or year. Think about what you need most and stick to your budget.

FAQ

What is the current state of the blogging industry?

There are over 600 million blogs worldwide. Brands and personal blogs publish more than 3 billion posts each year. Bloggers in the US make an average of ,000 yearly. Yet, making a lot of money from blogging is hard, especially for new ones.

What is a blogging platform?

A blogging platform is the software that helps you run your blog. It lets you write, edit, and manage your content. These platforms are easy to use and don’t require coding skills. They offer tools like text editors and builders for media content.

What is the difference between a blogging platform and a blog hosting site?

A blogging platform is the software for your blog. A blog hosting site stores and makes your blog available online. You can use the same provider for both or choose different ones based on your needs and budget.

What are the limitations of free blogging platforms?

Free platforms limit you by not letting you own the domain name. They also restrict how you can make money, offer fewer themes and plugins, and have less support.

What are the pros and cons of using WordPress.org?

WordPress.org gives you full control over your blog. It has thousands of free and premium themes and plugins. But, you’ll also have to handle security, backups, and updates yourself.

How can bloggers use Medium effectively?

Medium is great for starting to publish content quickly. It’s good for testing content and building an audience. While it’s not best for making money long-term, Medium pays writers a bit based on how much people read their posts.

What are the features and monetization options of WordPress.com?

WordPress.com is easy for beginners, with many themes and a site customizer. The free plan lets you use affiliate links. For more money-making options like ads, you need a paid plan.

What are some of the top free blogging platforms to make money?

Top free platforms for making money include Weebly, Blogger, Medium, and WordPress.com’s free version. Each has its own pros and cons, so pick what fits your goals and money-making plan.

What are the pros and cons of using Squarespace for blogging?

Squarespace is easy to use, with a drag-and-drop builder for a professional blog. It has many templates and supports up to 1,000 pages. But, it costs money, starting at a month.

How is Ghost different from other blogging platforms?

Ghost focuses on content and is great for writers and publishers. It has a special dashboard and plugins for bloggers. You can use it as open-source or a paid service.

What are the benefits and limitations of using Wix for blogging?

Wix is easy for beginners, with a drag-and-drop builder. It has many templates and lets you sell online. But, it can slow down your site and has fewer customization options than WordPress.org.

How can bloggers monetize their Blogger blogs?

Bloggers can make money with Google AdSense on Blogger. They can also do affiliate marketing and sponsored posts. But, making money is harder than on WordPress.

What makes Weebly a good choice for ecommerce-focused bloggers?

Weebly is great for ecommerce blogs. It has a free plan with features like unlimited products and easy shopping carts. It’s perfect for bloggers selling products or services.

How can Tumblr benefit bloggers?

Tumblr has over 200 million users worldwide. It’s not the best for making money, but it’s good for testing content and building an audience. It can help drive traffic to your own blog.

What factors should bloggers consider when choosing a blogging platform?

Think about your blog’s purpose, design needs, and budget when picking a platform. This will help you find the best one for your goals and making money.

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