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Top Blogging Platforms to Earn Money Online

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Kenneth Keith
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There are over 600 million blog sites worldwide, with 3 billion posts added each year. This makes the blogging world very competitive. While most US bloggers earn about $31,000 a year, some top ones make $100,000 or more. Picking the right best blogging platform to make money is key to your success. This guide will look at the top earning blogs and the best high-income blogging platforms. It aims to help you create a lucrative blogging website and make profitable content creation.

Key Takeaways

  • The blogging industry is highly competitive, with over 600 million active blog sites worldwide.
  • Top bloggers can earn $100,000 or more per year, while the average US blogger earns $31,000 annually.
  • Choosing the right money-making blogs platform is essential for successful blog monetization strategies and income-generating blog platforms.
  • This article will explore the top blogging platforms to help you maximize your online earnings.
  • Key factors to consider when selecting a blogging platform include pricing, features, customization, and ease of use.

What Are the Best Blogging Platforms to Make Money?

The digital world is always changing, and so is the best way to make money blogging. Today, there are almost two billion websites and over 600 million blogs. This means there are plenty of chances to make money from blogging.

Every year, brands and personal blogs create over three billion posts. Smart bloggers use these platforms to earn a good income. They make money from money-making blogs and income-generating blog platforms.

In the U.S., bloggers make an average of just over $31,000 a year. Some even earn up to $100,000, depending on their audience and traffic. Medium says about 60% of its writers earn money, but most make less than $100 a month.

So, what are the top blogs and platforms for making money? Let’s look at the best ones for making money and creating profitable content:

  • WordPress.org: This platform lets you customize your blog with thousands of free themes. It’s great for making money blogs.
  • Wix: Wix has a free basic plan for building websites and blogs. You’ll need to pay for more advanced features, starting at $23 a month.
  • Squarespace: Known for its stylish blogs, Squarespace offers a $12-a-month plan for personal blogs. Business plans start at $18 a month.
  • Blogger: Owned by Google, Blogger lets you add Google Adsense ads to your blog. It’s easy to use with other Google services, making it a good choice for making money.
  • Medium: Medium has a big audience and allows affiliate marketing in posts. It’s a good option for making more money.

The world of making money from blogs is always changing. These top platforms offer great features to help bloggers and content creators succeed. They can build successful, money-making blogs.

WordPress.org: The Ultimate Self-Hosted Blogging Platform

WordPress.org is the top choice for bloggers who want flexibility and customization. It’s a self-hosted platform that gives you lots of benefits. These make it perfect for serious bloggers and online entrepreneurs.

Pros of WordPress.org

  • Access to thousands of free and premium themes, allowing you to create a unique and visually appealing blog.
  • A vast library of plugins to extend the functionality of your blog, from e-commerce to SEO optimization and beyond.
  • Complete control over your content and monetization strategies, without having to share revenue with the platform.
  • Ability to customize your website to the fullest extent, with in-depth technical control over the code and design.
  • WordPress.org powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, making it a reliable and widely-adopted platform.

Cons of WordPress.org

WordPress.org has many benefits, but it does need some technical skills to use and keep up. You’ll also have to pay for web hosting, domain registration, and maybe premium themes or plugins. But, for those ready to put in the effort, the rewards of a fully customized blog can be huge.

“WordPress is the blogging tool of choice for more bloggers and independent creators than any other platform in the industry.”

In conclusion, WordPress.org is the top choice for those who want full control over their blogs. It’s great for hobby bloggers, small business owners, or big companies. WordPress.org has the tools and resources to help you build a successful blog.

Medium: A Free Platform with Built-in Audience

If you’re looking for a free blogging platform, Medium could be perfect for you. It’s known for its built-in audience. As of December 2023, Medium is ranked 357 globally and 227 in the USA. It gets 151.6 million visits each month, mostly from the USA, India, UK, Canada, and Taiwan.

Medium is simple to use. Signing up is free, and you can post content without knowing how to code. This makes it great for content monetization and getting algorithm-driven traffic from Medium.

“Medium is seen as a viable platform to quickly gain exposure for well-written content due to its traffic and authority.”

But, Medium’s options for making money are limited. You also can’t fully control your content or build your own audience outside Medium. So, while Medium is good for starting out, you might want to switch to a self-hosted platform like WordPress.org later. This gives you more control over your online presence.

Medium is a free blogging platform with a built-in audience and easy posting. It’s a good choice for getting your content seen quickly. But, think about its limits in making money and building your audience when planning your blogging future.

WordPress.com: The Hosted Alternative to WordPress.org

WordPress.com is a hosted version of WordPress.org for bloggers. It’s easy to start a blog here, perfect for those who want a simple setup. You get free themes and can start posting quickly, making it a great choice for new bloggers.

Pros of WordPress.com

  • Ease of use: WordPress.com makes setting up a blog easy, letting you focus on writing.
  • Free themes: You can pick from many free themes to make your blog look great without spending more.
  • Quick start: You can start posting right away, as WordPress.com takes care of the technical stuff.

Cons of WordPress.com

  1. Limited customization: WordPress.com has many features, but you can’t customize as much as with WordPress.org.
  2. Monetization restrictions: There are limits on making money, since WordPress.com shows its own ads on blogs.
  3. Inability to use all WordPress.org plugins: You can only use a few plugins, not all the ones available on WordPress.org.

WordPress.com is great for easy blogging, perfect for beginners. But, if you want more control over your blog, WordPress.org might be better. It offers more customization, ways to make money, and plugin options.

Squarespace: Drag-and-Drop Website Builder with Blogging

Squarespace is a top choice for those wanting a simple way to make a professional blog. It has a drag-and-drop editor that’s easy for all levels of users. This makes it great for showing off your work, whether it’s photos, writing, or both.

Squarespace is also great for selling things online. Bloggers and business owners can easily sell products or showcase their work. It makes selling online smooth for both you and your customers.

Even though Squarespace costs a bit more, it’s worth it for its beautiful and customizable sites. The drag-and-drop feature and many templates help users create their blogs easily, without needing to know a lot about coding.

The SEO-friendly features of Squarespace are a big plus. They help coaches, creatives, and entrepreneurs build a strong online presence. The platform also has tools to track your site’s performance and improve it.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive blogging platform that also supports online sales and looks great, Squarespace is a good choice.

Feature Squarespace WordPress.org
Pricing $16 – $72 per month $4 – $45 per month
User Rating 4.2 3.8
Customer Support 24/7 via email, social media, and live chat Limited phone support, live chat, and concierge support with paid plans
Storage Unlimited 3GB – 200GB depending on plan
SEO Tools Meta descriptions, customized URLs, Google Analytics available for all plans Auto-generated XML sitemaps, SEO optimization with Business tier, enabling third-party plugins
eCommerce Business, Basic Commerce, and Advanced Commerce plans with unlimited product sales eCommerce tier, premium design options, shipping integrations, payments from over 60 countries
Backups Manual Automatic

“Squarespace’s drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates make it easy for users to create a professional-looking blog without any coding experience.”

Ghost: The Minimalist Blogging Platform

Ghost is a simple blogging platform that stands out in the content creation world. It offers a clean, distraction-free writing space. This lets writers focus better without the clutter of many tools and options.

Pros of Ghost

  • Clean, Minimalist Interface: Ghost has a clean interface that focuses on the content. This helps writers stay focused and productive.
  • Robust Customization Options: Despite being simple, Ghost lets users customize it to fit their needs and brand.
  • Regular Software Updates: As an open-source project, Ghost gets regular updates from a dedicated team. This keeps the platform secure and current.
  • Affordable Hosted Version: The hosted version of Ghost starts at $9 a month. This is much cheaper than WordPress’s managed hosting, which can be over $35 a month.

Cons of Ghost

  • Lack of Mobile Apps: Ghost doesn’t have mobile apps. This makes it less easy for users who like to manage their content on their phones.
  • Technical Expertise Required: For the self-hosted version, you’ll need some tech skills to set it up and keep it running. This might be hard for some users.

Ghost is a minimalist blogging platform that focuses on a simple, distraction-free writing experience. It may not have all the features of its competitors. But, its clean design, customization options, and affordable hosting make it great for writers who like simplicity and efficiency.

Ghost blogging platform

Wix: The Best Blogging Platform to Make Money Easily

For bloggers wanting to make money easily, Wix is a top choice. It’s a user-friendly website builder with a drag-and-drop editor. This makes it easy to create a professional-looking blog. Wix also has many monetization options to help you earn from your blog.

Wix has over 900+ free templates for your blog. This lets you design a blog that looks great and matches your brand. You can also earn money through Google AdSense ads. Plus, Wix has a full eCommerce platform. This lets you sell things like branded merchandise and digital products right from your blog.

Wix also supports paid subscriptions, webinars, and online courses. If you’re a well-known blogger or influencer, you can even host meetups. And, Wix offers 24/7 support to help you along the way, no matter your skill level.

Whether you blog about lifestyle, travel, food, or fashion, Wix is the best blogging platform to make money easily. It has a free plan and affordable options, making it great for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.

Wix Pricing Plans Monthly Cost
Free Plan $0
Light $17
Core $29
Business $36
Business Elite $159
Enterprise Custom

Blogger: Google’s Free Blogging Platform

Blogger is a free blogging platform from Google. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require complex website management. It works well with other Google services, making it great for those already using Google.

Pros of Blogger

  • Easy Setup and Use: Blogger’s drag-and-drop editor and templates make starting a blog simple for beginners.
  • Google Integration: It connects with Google services like Google Analytics, giving users detailed blog performance data.
  • Monetization Opportunities: Users can earn money with Google AdSense, placing ads on their blogs.
  • Free Platform: Blogger doesn’t cost anything, with no extra fees for hosting.

Cons of Blogger

  1. Limited Customization: Blogger has fewer design options, which might be a problem for those wanting a unique blog look.
  2. Google-owned Content: Remember, Blogger is owned by Google, which means Google owns your content too.
  3. Lack of E-commerce Features: Blogger isn’t good for selling products or services directly from your blog.
  4. Limited Customer Support: Support is mainly through a help center and forum, with no live chat.

Blogger is a great choice for beginners and those already using Google. It’s free, easy to use, and integrates well with Google services. But, it has some downsides like limited design options, no e-commerce features, and being owned by Google.

Tumblr: Best for Visual and Media-Rich Blogs

Tumblr is a special blogging site for those who love to share pictures and videos. It’s like a social media platform, making it easy to connect with others and share posts. But, it has limited customization and can be hard to make money from your blog.

One big plus of Tumblr is its focus on visual blogging. It’s easy to post images, GIFs, and videos. This is great for photographers, designers, and artists who want to show off their work to more people.

Even though Tumblr is a social media platform, it doesn’t have many ways to make money. You can earn through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. But, the way it shares revenue can make it hard for bloggers to make a steady income.

Another thing to consider is that Tumblr doesn’t let you customize much. The site has set themes and layouts. This might not work for bloggers who like to have more control over how their site looks.

In the end, Tumblr is great for sharing visually-driven and media-rich content on a social media platform. But, its limited customization and monetization challenges might not be what bloggers looking to make a lot of money want.

Key Advantages of Tumblr Key Limitations of Tumblr
  • Emphasis on visual and media-rich content
  • Vibrant social media-style community
  • Easy to share and reblog content
  • Limited customization options
  • Challenges with effective monetization
  • May not be suitable for text-heavy blogs

Weebly: Website Builder with Ecommerce Features

For those wanting to start online, Weebly is a great choice. It’s easy to use and combines blogging and ecommerce. Even if you know little about web design, Weebly’s drag-and-drop feature helps you make professional sites.

Weebly shines with its ecommerce tools. It has Square payment processing and tools for shipping and taxes. You can start an online store easily. The free version has strong ecommerce features, and paid plans start at $6 a month. This makes it great for small businesses and those watching their budget.

Weebly Ecommerce Features Benefits
Payment processing in 25 countries with PayPal and 11 countries with Stripe Expand your reach and accept payments globally
Flexible shipping options and tax management Streamline order fulfillment and comply with tax regulations
Abandoned cart recovery and digital gift cards Boost sales and customer engagement
Automated email campaigns and transaction emails Enhance the customer experience and stay connected

Weebly has some downsides as a website builder. It has many themes and over 360 apps for beginners. But, it’s not as customizable as some other platforms. Also, some users feel Weebly has slowed down in updates since being bought by Square in 2018.

Still, Weebly is a solid choice for those wanting a simple website builder. It’s great for blogging and selling online. With strong ecommerce tools and good prices, it’s perfect for small businesses and entrepreneurs starting out.

Monetization Strategies for Blogging Platforms

There are many ways to make money from your blog, no matter the platform you use. You can try affiliate marketing, sponsorships, display ads, selling digital products, or membership programs. The best method depends on your blog’s niche, audience, and platform features.

WordPress.org is great for making money with its SEO and eCommerce tools. Blogger is free but has fewer options, which might affect your earnings. Wix has SEO tools but costs more for advanced features. Squarespace is perfect for visually-focused blogs but might not be as strong in SEO and making money.

Free platforms like Blogger and Medium cost nothing to start and are easy to use. But, they might limit how you can customize your blog or your earnings. Paid platforms like WordPress and Squarespace offer more ways to make money with SEO and tools. But, you’ll need to pay upfront and might not see profits right away.

Monetization Option Suitable Blogging Platforms
Display Ads (Pay-per-Click) Blogger, WordPress
Affiliate Marketing WordPress, Blogger
Sponsored Content Squarespace, WordPress
Product Sales Squarespace, WordPress
Subscription/Membership Models Medium, WordPress

The blogging world is always changing, with social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter offering new ways to make money. Successful bloggers can earn from a few hundred to thousands of dollars a month. By using different monetization methods and the features of various platforms, you can turn your blog into a profitable business.

Conclusion

Blogging offers many chances for those who want to make money online. You can pick from WordPress.org for its flexibility or Squarespace and Wix for ease of use. The best choice depends on what you need and your goals.

Think about ease of use, how much you can change things, making money, and getting help from others. This will help you pick the best blogging platform to make money. It’s great for both new and experienced bloggers. The right platform can open doors to making a lot of money.

Your success in money-making blogs comes from making great content that your audience loves. Use the features of your income-generating blog platforms well. Stay up to date and be flexible to succeed in profitable content creation and top earning blogs.

FAQ

What are the top blogging platforms to make money?

Top platforms for making money include WordPress.org, Medium, WordPress.com, Squarespace, Ghost, Wix, Blogger, Tumblr, and Weebly. Each offers different features and options for making money and controlling your blog.

What are the pros and cons of using WordPress.org for making money through blogging?

WordPress.org is great for its flexibility and wide range of themes and plugins. It lets you control your content and monetization. But, it requires more tech skills and can be more expensive due to hosting and premium themes.

What are the benefits and limitations of using Medium for blog monetization?

Medium is great for quick content creation and reaching an audience. But, it limits your monetization options and doesn’t let you fully control your content or audience.

How does WordPress.com differ from the self-hosted WordPress.org platform in terms of making money from a blog?

WordPress.com is easy to start with and offers free themes. But, it has fewer customization options and plugin choices. It also runs its own ads, limiting your control over monetization.

What are the key features of Squarespace that make it a good option for earning money through blogging?

Squarespace is easy to use and has ecommerce features for selling products or services. It’s more expensive and has less customization than some platforms, but it looks professional.

What are the pros and cons of using Ghost as a blogging platform for making money?

Ghost offers a clean writing experience and full customization. It’s great for writers. But, it lacks mobile apps and might need more tech skills for self-hosted setups.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Wix for monetizing a blog?

Wix is easy to use and offers many ways to make money, like selling products. But, it has less control over your site and fewer customization options than some platforms.

What are the key benefits and drawbacks of using Blogger for blog monetization?

Blogger is easy to start with and works well with Google services. You can use Google AdSense to make money. But, it has limited customization and your content is owned by Google.

How can Tumblr be used for making money through blogging, and what are the challenges?

Tumblr is good for sharing visual and media-rich content. It’s like a social media platform, easy to connect with others. But, it has limited customization and can be hard to make money.

What are the key features of Weebly that make it a good option for earning money through blogging?

Weebly is easy to set up and works well with Square payments for ecommerce. It’s good for blogs and stores together. But, it has less control and customization than advanced platforms.

What are some effective monetization strategies for blogs across different platforms?

Good ways to make money include affiliate marketing, sponsorships, ads, selling digital products, and membership programs. The best method depends on your blog’s niche and platform features.

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