Common Blogging Platforms and Domain Names
When starting a blog, two decisions will shape your online presence: selecting the right blogging platform and choosing a memorable domain name. These choices impact everything from your creative control to your ability to reach readers.
As indicated in the title, these are pretty common platforms and domain name discussions. That doesn't mean they're always the best for everyone. It just means they've been discussed enough that it's worth keeping them in mind if they're the right fit for you.
Exceptions exist and will keep popping up as the internet expands.
Blogging Platform Comparison
WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)
WordPress.org powers over 43% of all websites and remains the top choice for serious bloggers who want complete control.[1][2]
Pros:
- Full ownership of content and data[2][3]
- Access to thousands of themes and plugins[4][2]
- No restrictions on monetization or customization[2][4]
- Complete creative control over design and functionality[2]
- Strong SEO capabilities with plugins[2]
- Large community support and resources[1]
Cons:
- Requires hosting costs ($3-10 per month)[4][2]
- Need to handle updates, backups, and security[3][2]
- Steeper learning curve for beginners[2]
- Responsible for technical maintenance[2]
Ghost
Ghost is a modern platform designed specifically for professional bloggers and publishers.[5][1]
Pros:
- Built-in membership and newsletter features[6][7]
- Fast loading speeds with Node.js architecture[8]
- Clean, distraction-free writing interface[8]
- Built-in SEO optimization[6][8]
- Professional themes optimized for speed[8]
Cons:
- More expensive than WordPress - plans start at $9/month[9][6]
- Limited plugin ecosystem compared to WordPress[10]
- Less customization flexibility[10]
- Smaller community and fewer resources[5]
Medium
Medium is a minimalist publishing platform with a built-in audience of 100 million monthly users.[11]
Pros:
- No setup required - can start writing immediately[11][5]
- Built-in audience discovery[5][11]
- Partner Program for monetization (earning $10-20 per 1000 reads)[12]
- Clean, professional interface[5]
- No hosting or maintenance concerns[11]
Cons:
- Limited customization options[10][5]
- No custom domain on free plan[5]
- Platform controls content distribution[5]
- Revenue sharing required for monetization[13]
- Risk of platform changes affecting reach[13]
WordPress.com (Hosted)
WordPress.com offers managed hosting with less control than self-hosted WordPress.[14]
Pros:
- No technical setup required[3][14]
- Automatic updates and backups[3]
- Built-in security[3]
- Free plan available[14]
Cons:
- Limited customization on free plan[14][3]
- Cannot install plugins on basic plans[3]
- Ads displayed unless you pay to remove them[3]
- Less control over monetization[3]
Domain Name Selection Guide
Best Practices for Domain Names
Keep It Short and Simple Aim for 3-15 characters when possible. Studies show that top websites average 9 characters or fewer. Short domains are easier to remember, type, and share.[15][16][17][18]
Choose the Right Extension
- .com - Most trusted and recognized, best for businesses and general websites[19][20]
- .org - Ideal for non-profits, educational sites, and organizations[20][19]
- .net - Good for tech companies or as an alternative when .com isn't available[19][20]
Make It Memorable Your domain should be easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. Avoid hyphens, numbers, and complex spelling.[21][22][15]
Consider Your Brand Include relevant keywords if they fit naturally, but prioritize brandability over keyword stuffing. Your domain represents your brand identity.[23][15][21]
Domain Costs in 2025
Standard Extensions:
- .com: $8-20 per year[24][25][26]
- .org: $9-20 per year[25][26][24]
- .net: $10-20 per year[26][24][25]
Newer Extensions:
- .io: $40-70 per year[25][26]
- .ai: $50-100+ per year[26][25]
- .co: $15-35 per year[25][26]
Remember to budget for annual renewal fees, which may be higher than first-year registration costs.[26]
Platform Recommendations by Need
For Complete Control: WordPress.org offers the most flexibility and ownership, making it ideal for serious bloggers who want to build a business.[27][1]
For Professional Publishers: Ghost provides excellent performance and built-in monetization features, perfect for subscription-based content.[1][5]
For Quick Start: Medium allows immediate publishing with built-in audience, great for testing content ideas.[11][5]
For Beginners: WordPress.com or Wix offer user-friendly interfaces with managed hosting.[28][1]
The best platform depends on your goals, technical comfort level, and budget. WordPress.org remains the top choice for long-term growth and control, while Ghost excels for modern publishing needs. Medium works well for writers focused purely on content creation without technical concerns.
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