INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
If you want to create a self-hosted blog, the downloadable version of WordPress is an excellent option, with total flexibility, support for
third-party plugins, and as much storage as your hosting plan allows.If you're interested in making a static website rather than an online
journal, take a look at our guide to the best free website builders.You can host a WordPress blog yourself, or create one online and have it
WordPressAdvanced features, plugins and a generous storage allowancePowerful customization optionsUseful analyticsActive support
communityPowerful and highly customizable, WordPress is a brilliant platform for blogs of any size, and bloggers of any level of
experience.Creating your first blog is very straightforward, with a simple wizard that guides you through the process of choosing a name and
You can leave it there and begin writing posts immediately, but the real fun lies in the more advanced editor, which lets you customize
familiarize yourself with its system of menus
desktop word processor (though some options are presented in a toolbar at the top, while others are in a menu at the side, which can be a
little confusing at first)
Again, time spent getting to know the interface is rewarded with advanced features like customizable social media sharing buttons,
geotagging, and the ability to pick a custom style for individual posts.Sometimes you might want to create a photo gallery, for example, and
other times a more text-focused style would be more appropriate
You can also view and edit the HTML source.As your blog grows, WordPress lets you track its stats, including page views, visitors, likes and
You can also see how readers reach your site, which content they viewed, and where they are in the world, so you can tailor your content
accordingly.Your site is hosted on WordPress servers, with an address in the format yoursite.wordpress.com
blogging site around.Try it online: WordPressBlogger has been around for many years, but has kept up with current trends and technology,
including responsive blog templates2
BloggerBoasts mobile-friendly features and Google app integrationVery accessible for newbiesImpressive selection of templatesNot as powerful
as WordPressBlogger is another superb blogging platform
with other Google apps and services
For example, it uses your Google Drive account to store images and other files for your blog
There are some handy visualizations here, including a world map to show the global distribution of your readers.Your blog will have an
address in the format yoursite.blogger.com, and, like all Google services, will include ads
Support is available through the Blogger user forum, which is very active but has a strange layout that can be a little off-putting.In all
the Google ecosystem.Try it online: BloggerWix offers a choice of blog building tools, making the process as simple or involved as you like3
WixGreat for new users, with free stock photos to get you startedADI feature is great for total beginnersExcellent on the media frontLimited
storage and traffic allowanceWix is our favorite general-purpose free website builder, and is great for creating stylish blogs too
choose either Wix Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) or Wix Editor
find the idea intimidating
Wix Editor is very straightforward too (simpler than Blogger or WordPress), but is much more flexible than ADI and will be a better choice
itself, and pictures from its partner stock photography site Bigstock
If your blog posts are text-heavy, these free images are a great way to make them look more appealing.On the downside, your custom wix.com
approach mean Wix just pips Weebly to third place
blog.Try it online: WixBlogs on Weebly are built from a combination of content blocks4
WeeblyDrag-and-drop your way to a smart looking blogSimple but powerful blog buildingNeat extras like post previewingLimited to 500MB of
storageWeebly takes a modular approach to blog-building, with a drag-and-drop editor that lets you choose which elements to add to your
photographers might want to look elsewhere
that lets you create your own private diary5
PenzuA secure journal for your private thoughtsEmphasis on privacy and securityFree mobile appsSome pressure to upgrade to paid
versionWhereas the other free blogging sites are designed to get as many eyeballs on your posts as possible, Penzu is the equivalent of a
locked diary stashed in a safe.Penzu is a journal platform that makes your posts private by default and locks them down with at least one
There are free apps for iOS and Android that enable you to update your Penzu diary anywhere, but the contents are for your eyes only.Penzu
Extra options are often dangled under your nose then yanked away, but the core offering is a good one, and if you simply want a place to
record your thoughts and practise writing, Penzu could be just what you need.Try it online: Penzuaobn7BYfdnX2NbFDmzdTfU.jpg#
