Which Blogging Platform is Best for Making Money? My Favorite Anyway… I’ll Tell You Why…

Have you ever dreamed of turning your passion for writing into a lucrative online business? Imagine waking up every morning, coffee in hand, ready to share your thoughts with the world – and getting paid for it.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s not!

It’s pretty much what I do…

But here’s the million-dollar question:

Which Blogging Platform is Best for Making Money?

The best blogging platform for making money in 2024 is WordPress.org. This is the quick answer. Why? It stands out by offering unparalleled flexibility, a wide range of monetization options, and complete control over your content and earnings, making it an awesome blog platform if you are looking to make money.

But, please remember, that the “best” platform can vary depending on your specific needs, technical skills, and niche. So, in this article, I’ll look at a few platforms to help you find the perfect fit for starting your first money-making blog.

Now, let’s get into it…

My Criteria for Evaluating Money-Making Blogging Platforms

Before we look at each blogging platform, it’s really important to understand what really makes a blogging platform awesome for monetization.

Think of this as your checklist for your own blog success – these are the features that can make or break your blogging business.

#1 Ease of Use and Setup

So, you raring to go?

Bursting with ideas, and ready to share your excellence with the world, but you’re stuck trying to figure out how to change your font color.

Annoying…, right?

That’s why ease of use is so important. A good blog site should be intuitive enough for beginners but powerful enough for pros.

Some blogging platforms are as easy as pie – you can set up a blog in minutes without breaking a sweat.

Others might require a bit more tech-savviness but offer greater control in return. Your ideal choice depends on your comfort level with technology and things like coding knowledge (which I have pretty much none) and how much time you’re willing to invest in learning the ropes.

#2 Customization Options

Your blog is your digital home (it really is), and just like your home, you’ll want to decorate it to reflect your personality (like mine here)… you know, customize it to stand out from the crowd.

The ability to tweak your blog’s appearance and functionality can be an awesome addition.

Look for platforms that offer a variety of themes and templates. Can you add your logo easily? Create custom pages?

The more you can make your blog uniquely yours, the better chance you have of building a loyal audience – and we all know a loyal audience is key to raking in the dough!

#3 SEO Capabilities

You could have the most amazing content in the world, but if no one can find it, you might as well write in a notebook. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in.

It’s the magic that helps your blog posts show up when people search for topics you write about.

A blogging platform with great SEO tools can give you a serious edge (which is why I like WordPress).

Look for features like customizable URLs, meta descriptions, and alt text for images.

Some platforms even offer built-in SEO suggestions – like a friendly robot assistant helping you climb those search engine rankings!

Monetization Features

The different blogging platforms we use to make money offer various ways to monetize your traffic, and it’s best to choose one that aligns with your monetization strategy.

Are you planning to run ads?

Look for platforms with easy AdSense integration (A WordPress blog is great for this).

Want to sell products?

E-commerce capabilities might be your priority (Shopify is an excellent choice).

Some platforms make it super simple to set up affiliate links, while others excel at helping you sell digital products or courses.

The key is to think about how you plan to make money and ensure your chosen platform supports those methods.

Cost (Free vs. Paid Options)

Let’s talk money… not just the money you’ll make, but the money you might need to spend.

Many platforms offer free options, which can be great for testing the waters. But remember, free mostly comes with limitations.

Blogging Platforms	Price
WordPress.com	Free / Paid
Blogger	Free
Wix	Free / Paid
Squarespace	Paid
Medium	Free
WordPress.org (self-hosted)	Paid (Hosting Required)
Ghost	Paid
Substack	Free / Paid

Paid platforms or self-hosted options typically offer more features, greater control, and better monetization opportunities.

It’s a classic case of “you get what you pay for.”

But I’m not saying you need the paid option (Although I recommend it), as many successful bloggers started on free platforms and upgraded as they grew.

So, think about your budget, and also the long-term potential. Sometimes, investing a little upfront can pay off big time down the road… as The Mandalorian would say… “This is the way”.

Top Free Blogging Platforms for Monetization

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some of the best free blogging platform options that can help you start earning a wedge without breaking the bank.

WordPress.com

WordPress.com is like the Swiss Army knife of blogging platforms – versatile, user-friendly, and packed with features.

It’s the completely free blog version of the WordPress self-hosted blogging platform, and while it has some limitations compared to its bigger brother (which we’ll get to later), it’s still a solid choice for beginners looking to monetize their blog.

Features and Limitations

Setting up a blog on WordPress.com is super easy.

You get a decent selection of themes to choose from, and the editor is intuitive enough for most people to grasp quickly. Plus, you don’t have to worry about hosting or security – WordPress.com takes care of all that for you.

However, there are some limitations to keep in mind. On the free plan, you’ll have a WordPress.com subdomain (yourblog.wordpress.com), which is a free domain but may not look as professional.

Also, on the free version, you’ll see ads on your site (which you don’t earn from). Customization options are also somewhat limited compared to paid plans or self-hosted WordPress.

Monetization Options

When it comes to getting paid, WordPress.com offers several options, but they come with caveats:

You can start earning this way… but for advanced monetization features, you’ll need to upgrade.

Medium

Medium is unique… it’s almost like a part social media platform, part blogging platform.

It’s clean, distraction-free, and has a built-in audience of readers, which is why it hits the list of best blogging platforms.

Medium Partner Program

Where it really stands out… is the Medium Partner Program. Medium pays you based on how much time paying Medium members spend reading your stories… better content more moola.

It’s like getting paid for people’s attention!

And… you don’t need a massive following to start earning. If you write great content that keeps readers engaged, you can make money even with a pretty small audience.

Built-in Audience Advantage

One of Medium’s coolest strengths is its existing readership…

When you publish, your articles have the potential to reach readers interested in your topic. This built-in discoverability can be a huge advantage, especially when you’re just starting out.

But, remember that you’re playing in Medium’s sandbox.

You don’t have as much control over your content or your audience as you would on your own site. It’s a trade-off between ease of use and potential reach versus ownership and control.

Blogger

Ah, Blogger – the granddaddy of free blogging platforms and where many started making money blogging.

Owned by Google, Blogger has been around since the early days of the internet, and it’s still kicking… well, softly.

Google AdSense Integration

One of Blogger’s biggest advantages for monetization is its integration with Google AdSense. AdSense is an advertising network that places relevant ads on your blog, and you earn money when readers click on these ads.

Setting up AdSense on Blogger is typically easier than on other platforms, thanks to its Google ownership.

This can be a great way to start your blogging journey, even if starting out with a simple hobby blog.

Ease of Use for Beginners

If you can use Google Docs, you can use Blogger. It’s really user-friendly, and a good choice if you want to focus on writing rather than dealing with technical details and have zero coding knowledge.

I will say… this simplicity comes at a cost.

Blogger is limited in terms of design customization and advanced features, but this is what you get with a free blog platform.

While it’s great for hobbyist bloggers or those just starting out, you will outgrow it when your blog takes off and you want more control and you want to stick a custom domain name on your hard work.

Self-Hosted WordPress: My Favorite Blogging Platform

The heavyweight champion of the blogging world? A self-hosted blog on WordPress.

This is where things get exciting for serious bloggers (like me and you) looking to maximize their earning potential.

WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com

First, let’s clear up a common confusion.

WordPress.org (a self-hosted WordPress blog or website) is different from WordPress.com (which we discussed earlier).

WordPress.org is a free blogging platform, that is open-sourced software.

You do have to install it on your own paid hosting service, but with the way web hosting is nowadays, you can get your new blog created in just a few clicks.

WordPress.com, on the other hand, is a hosting service that uses the WordPress software… and you get it for free, no hosting needed.

Think of it this way: WordPress.com is like renting an apartment, while WordPress.org is like owning a house.

Advantages of a Self-Hosted WordPress Blog

The benefits of going the self-hosted route are numerous:

Monetization Possibilities

When it comes to making money, self-hosted WordPress blog sites open up a world of possibilities:

Really… the sky is the limit with WordPress, which is why I love it over the other blogging platforms on this list.

Customization and Plugin Options

Once you install WordPress, which is also called the WordPress CMS (Content Management System) you open up a huge ecosystem of paid and free themes, along with plugins (think of them like third-party apps) and widgets.

Themes control how your blog looks, while plugins add functionality.

Want to create an online store? There’s a plugin for that. Need advanced SEO tools? There are loads of great options. Looking to improve your site’s speed? Yep, there are plugins for that too.

This plugin allows for easy access to all your Google Analytics data… all inside your own WordPress blog.

You can see why it is one of the most popular blogging platforms…

Other Popular Blogging Platforms with Money-Making Potential

WordPress is the gold standard for monetization, but it’s not the only player in the game.

Wix

Wix is a user-friendly blogging site and website builder, but it’s also a capable platform with some pretty cool monetization features.

Website Builder Features

I love the drag-and-drop editor.

You can create a stunning blog without touching a line of code. It’s like playing with digital Lego blocks – fun and surprisingly powerful.

The platform has a cool array of professionally designed templates, making it easy to create a blog that looks professional and publish content easily.

This can be a big plus when you’re trying to attract readers and potential sponsors.

E-commerce Capabilities

What I think Wix does really well is its e-commerce features.

If you’re looking at selling products alongside your blog content, Wix makes it easy.

You can set up an online store, manage inventory, and process payments all from the same platform you use to publish content.

This integration of blogging and e-commerce is a powerful combination, especially if you’re in a niche where product sales are a key part of your monetization strategy.

Squarespace

Squarespace, is it the right blogging platform for you?

It’s a cool platform… it’s sleek, has modern designs, and all-in-one web hosting platform approach, making it far more than just a blogging platform.

It’s a favorite among creative professionals (my brother the artist loves it!) and anyone who wants a visually stunning blog without the hassle of deep customization.

Design-Focused Platform

Their templates are some of the most beautiful in the business, and they’re designed to look great on all devices without any extra work on your part.

This focus on design can be a real asset when it comes to monetization.

Built-in Monetization Tools

Squarespace has several built-in features for monetization:

Squarespace might not offer the same level of flexibility as a WordPress blogging site, but its all-in-one approach to getting a blog online is definitely appealing to bloggers who want a streamlined, hassle-free way to create a beautiful blog and start earning money.

Ghost

Ghost is a relative newcomer to the blogging sites scene, but it’s quickly gained a following, especially among professional bloggers and online publications.

Focus on Professional Publishing

Ghost was built from the ground up with professional publishers in mind.

Its clean, minimalist interface is designed to put the focus squarely on your content.

But don’t let the simplicity fool you – under the hood, Ghost is a powerful blogging platform to make money with and has some serious monetization capabilities.

Membership and Subscription Features

Ghost’s standout feature for monetization is its built-in membership and subscription system. This isn’t just a bolt-on feature – it’s a core part of the platform, deeply integrated into everything Ghost does.

With Ghost, you can:

If your monetization strategy revolves around building a loyal, paying audience rather than relying on ads or affiliate marketing, Ghost could be an excellent choice.

Substack

Sometimes, the best platform for making moola isn’t a general-purpose blogging platform at all, but a specialized platform designed for a specific type of content or monetization strategy.

Substack for Newsletter Monetization

Substack in my opinion is very high on the list of blogging platforms to make money from… and has taken the world of online writing by storm, popularizing the idea of paid newsletters.

It’s not a traditional blogging platform, but rather a newsletter platform that allows writers to monetize their subscriber base directly.

It allows easy sharing of your newsletters on social media platforms, helping you reach a wider audience.

Here’s how it works:

The beauty of Substack is its simplicity.

There’s no need to fiddle with plugins or payment gateways – you just write, and Substack takes care of the rest.

If you have a devoted following who’s willing to pay for your insights, Substack is one of the best free blogging platforms you can get to grips with.

Factors Affecting Blog Profitability

Now that we’ve covered the various platforms, let’s talk about what really makes a blog profitable.

Because here’s the truth…

The platform you choose is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of your online business. There are several other super important factors at play.

Diversification of Income Streams

Ever heard the saying “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”?

It applies to blog money making too.

Relying on a single income stream can be very risky indeed – if that stream dries up, so does your income.

Successful bloggers often use multiple monetization methods, such as:

The right mix will depend on your niche, your audience, and your personal strengths. Don’t be afraid to experiment, even on the free blog sites to find what works best for you.

Monetization Strategies Across Platforms

Now that we’ve covered the factors that affect blog profitability, let’s dive into specific monetization strategies you can use across different platforms.

Display Advertising

Display ads are probably the most straightforward way to monetize a blog. You simply place ads on your site, and you earn money when visitors view or click on them.

The most popular ad network is Google AdSense, which is available on most blogging platforms. For higher-traffic blogs, networks like Mediavine or AdThrive can offer better rates.

Pro tip: While ads can be a good source of passive income, too many ads can hurt user experience. Strike a balance on your blog site between monetization and readability.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people’s products and earning a commission on sales. It’s a popular choice because it doesn’t require you to create your own products. It’s my favorite…

To kick-butt with affiliate marketing:

Platforms like Amazon Associates and Clickbank are great for beginners, while networks like ShareASale or CJ Affiliate offer a wider range of products to promote.

Sponsored Content

As your blog grows, you might have opportunities to create sponsored content for brands. This could involve writing a review of a product, creating a how-to post using a brand’s product, or simply mentioning a brand in your content.

Sponsored blog content can be lucrative, but it’s important to maintain your authenticity. Only work with brands that align with your values and are relevant to your audience.

Digital Products and Services

Creating and selling your own digital products can be one of the most profitable ways to monetize a blog. This could include:

The beauty of digital products is that once created, they can be sold indefinitely with minimal additional cost.

Memberships and Subscriptions

If you consistently provide high-value content, some of your readers might be willing to pay for exclusive access or additional perks. This could involve:

Platforms like Patreon make it easy to set up a membership program, while self-hosted WordPress offers plugins like MemberPress for this purpose.

SEO Considerations for Money-Making Blogs

SEO is a critical skill for any blogger looking to make money.

After all, organic search traffic can be a consistent source of visitors who are actively looking for what you have to offer.

Importance of Search Engine Optimization

Good SEO practices can help your blog:

Remember, SEO is a long-term strategy. It takes time to see results, but the payoff can be substantial. The best blogging platform will have easy SEO integration, so make sure you pay attention.

Platform-Specific SEO Tools and Features

Different blogging platforms offer various SEO tools:

Regardless of your platform, make sure you can at least optimize your page titles, meta descriptions, and URL structures, and really also add a custom domain name.

My Final Thoughts

Ai has come into blogging now, and a lot of people are talking about the ruin of this awesome money-making online business, but I feel it is the opposite…

With this AI blog surge, the call is now for real blogging services, ones that real people make…

Let me just say this… “with the help of AI”…

It becomes more important than ever to pick your platform correctly.

Choosing the best blogging platform for making money isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision.

It depends on your goals, technical skills, and the type of content you want to create.

WordPress.org offers the most flexibility and monetization options, but it also requires more technical know-how (not much though… nothing you can’t learn as you go along with).

Platforms like Wix or Squarespace might be better if you want an all-in-one solution with less hassle.

Remember, the best blogging platform is just a tool.

Your success will ultimately come down to the value you provide to your readers, your consistency, and your ability to build a loyal audience.

So, what’s your next step?

Look, I’d love to say if you’re just starting out, why not try a free platform to get a feel for blogging…

But I can’t.

A free blogging platform is a bad way to start your blog business journey.

The best blogging platform is WordPress, it’s a self-hosted blog and needs website hosting. My recommendation is Dreamhost for real beginners. You will get a free domain name, and free things like SSL, free email addresses, etc…

Do you want your own blog? It is the only way forward in my opinion.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What platform are you using for your blog? How has it worked for your monetization efforts? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights could be incredibly valuable for other aspiring bloggers. Let’s learn from each other and grow together in this exciting world of blogging!