Which Blogging Platform Is Best for Making Money

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Blogging is a great way to make money online. But choosing the right platform is key. Some platforms are better for monetization than others. In this article, we will compare the best blogging platforms for earning money.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Blogging Platform

Before picking a platform, consider these factors:

1. Monetization Options – Can you run ads, sell products, or use affiliate links?
2. Customization – Does it allow full control over design and branding?
3. SEO-Friendliness – Will your blog rank well on search engines?
4. Ease of Use – Is it beginner-friendly?
5. Cost – Are there hidden fees or expensive plans?

Now, let’s explore the best platforms for making money.

WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)

WordPress.org is the best choice for serious bloggers. It offers full control and flexibility.

Pros:

• Complete Ownership – You own your content and website.
• Unlimited Monetization – Use ads, affiliate links, and eCommerce.
• SEO Benefits – Plugins like Yoast SEO help with rankings.
• Customization – Thousands of themes and plugins available.

Cons:

• Requires Hosting – You need to buy a domain and hosting.
• Learning Curve – Beginners may find it slightly complex.

Best For:

Bloggers who want full control and long-term growth.

Medium

Medium is a simple platform for writers. It has a built-in audience.

Pros:

• Easy to Use – No setup needed; just start writing.
• Built-In Audience – Readers can discover your work easily.
• Partner Program – Earn money based on member reading time.

Cons:

• Limited Monetization – Only the Partner Program pays.
• No Ownership – Medium can change rules anytime.

Best For:

Writers who want quick exposure without technical hassle.

Blogger (by Google)

Blogger is a free platform owned by Google.

Pros:

• Free to Use – No hosting or domain costs.
• Simple Setup – Good for beginners.
• Google Integration – Works well with AdSense.

Cons:

• Limited Features – Fewer customization options.
• Google’s Control – They can shut down blogs without notice.

Best For:

Beginners testing blogging before investing money.

Wix

Wix is a website builder with blogging features.

Pros:

• Drag-and-Drop Edit– Easy for non-tech users.
• Good Templates – Professional designs available.
• Ecommerce Options – Sell products directly.

Cons:

• Expensive Premium Plans – Free version has limits.
• Less SEO-Friendly – Harder to rank than WordPress.

Best For:

Bloggers who prefer visual design over coding.

Squarespace

Squarespace is known for beautiful designs.

Pros:

• Stunning Templates – Great for creative bloggers.
• All-in-One Solution – Hosting and domain included.
• Ecommerce Support – Sell products easily.

Cons:

• Higher Cost – More expensive than WordPress.
• Limited Plugins – Fewer third-party tools.

Best For:

Artists, photographers, and designers who value aesthetics.

Ghost

Ghost is a platform focused on professional publishing.

Pros:

• Built for Monetization – Memberships and subscriptions.
• Fast Performance – Optimized for speed.
• Clean Interface – Minimal distractions.

Cons:

• Less Flexible – Fewer plugins than WordPress.
• Paid Hosting Required – No free plan.

Best For:

Bloggers who want to sell premium content.

Substack

Substack is popular for newsletter-based blogs.

Pros:

• Easy Monetization – Paid subscriptions.
• Email Focused – Direct connection with readers.

Cons:

• Limited Customization – Not a full blogging platform.
• Revenue Share – Substack takes a cut.

Best For:

Writers building an email list and paid subscribers.

Which Platform Is the Best for Making Money?

If you want full control and highest earnings, WordPress.org is the best. It allows ads, affiliates, and eCommerce.

For simplicity, Medium or Substack work if you prefer writing over technical setup.

Wix and Squarespace are good for visual bloggers selling products.

Ghost is ideal for membership-based blogs.

Free platforms like Blogger are okay for beginners but limit growth.

Conclusion

Choosing the right blogging platform is crucial if you want to make money online. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so your decision should align with your goals, skills, and budget.

If you’re serious about blogging as a long-term business, WordPress.org remains the top choice. It gives you complete control over your content, design, and monetization. You can run ads, sell digital products, offer memberships, and use affiliate marketing—all without restrictions. While it requires some initial setup (hosting, domain, and plugins), the flexibility and earning potential make it worth the effort.

For writers who want a hassle-free experience, Medium and Substack are excellent options. Medium’s Partner Program allows you to earn from reader engagement, while Substack helps you monetize through paid newsletters. However, remember that you don’t own your audience on these platforms—they do. If they change their policies, your income could be affected.

If you prefer a visually appealing blog with built-in eCommerce, Wix and Squarespace are solid choices. They’re user-friendly and great for selling physical or digital products. However, they lack the SEO power and scalability of WordPress.

Ghost is perfect if you want to focus on subscriptions and premium content. It’s fast, clean, and built for monetization. But it doesn’t have as many plugins or themes as WordPress.

Free platforms like Blogger are decent for beginners, but they come with limitations. You don’t fully own your blog, and monetization options are restricted. If you’re just testing the waters, it’s fine—but for serious income, you’ll eventually need to switch.

Key Takeaways:

• Ownership matters – Platforms like WordPress.org let you control your future.
• Monetization flexibility – More options mean more ways to earn.
• SEO is critical – Better rankings lead to more traffic and revenue.
• Start simple if needed – You can always migrate later as your blog grows.

Ultimately, the best platform is the one that fits your needs today while allowing room for growth. If you’re committed to making money blogging, invest in a self-hosted WordPress site. If you’re still exploring, try Medium or Substack first.

The sooner you start, the faster you’ll learn and earn. Pick a platform, create valuable content, and monetize strategically. Success in blogging doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right foundation, it’s absolutely achievable. Happy blogging!

Relation topics：

• 5 Best Free Blog Platforms for Beginners
• How to Get Rich Blogging
• Which Wordpress Theme Is Best for Blogging