This is a documentation as part of my pain journey to get things working and particularly involving more HTML coding which isn't too tedious but is indefinitely time-consuming. Looking at a few years back, bloggers are now spoilt for choices on blogging platforms as back then blogger was 'THE BLOG' and I will unveil on my choice in just a bit.
Who's for blogging?
Anyone who wishes to broadcast/share/throw a shoutout on their hobbies/unusual activities/collection, or even a firefighter sharing the techniques of rescuing cats from the tree are gladly welcome.
There is certainly no age limit as presumably any toddler/child prodigy may start from the moment they know how to put a donut into their mouth. Always remember, there is no restrain by knowledge; want to learn vs its too difficult. I believe its never too difficult, its just a matter of effort.
Choice of blogging platforms?
When I say you're spoilt for choices, I mean to compare a bowl of Laksa against a fleet of vessels sending you a spectrum of master-class cuisine from worldwide.
Among my favourite choices, I will recommend the top few to share some of the more recognisable qualities of various platforms for a starter.
1. Wordpress: A dynamic option which you can pen your bucks for its wide array of templates and dummy proof user interface. If you are proficient within drag-and-down function, then you will be advised on this pick. Not forgetting, it has ridiculously easy to connect built-in script with other multimedia platforms topping the highest rating among so many other options. Knowing nuts on html coding could provide you a less probable hair-pulling experience.
Best aspect on this: Easy to start, need minimum coding fundamental, centralised kit for starting (you are not required to navigate as much when sourcing for nicer templates, widgets, functions, the like). Works better on functional aspects such as e-commerce, promoting business-sense identity rather than informative ones like tourism, food blogging, fashion by labels.
Shortcoming for consideration: Too good to be true, indeed. There are some rather hefty limitations for experienced users as probably this may not be a good long-term platform to invest your content. There is certainly restricted capability to extend your content beyond two tiers (link this to that and that to another, goes on the list), thus explained the suitability for the above-mentioned; commercial vs informative blogging. For a free version, the most major out-spark lies in its irritating advertisement which takes a chunk of your space and can be a eye sore.
For Singaporeans who yearns for a shortcut, I will definitely recommend wordpress; lah.cc has proudly been ranked in the top few nominees among blogs on our nation.
2. Blogger/Blogspot: Aiya (Slang), both the names are the same having bought over by Google in year 2003 for many zeros on the cheque. Being part of google, the user experience is pretty much coherent with google search engine as it is neat and easy to navigate although fresh starters may mis-navigate initially and only to master blogging after investing in a good span of time.
Better at: Signing in to blogger is effortless especially for gmail users. It holds the capability to interconnect to google-owned spots such as youtube, gmail, introducing a truely centralised and convenient blogging experience. As compared to WordPress, you are able to customised your own CSS and edit HTML without investing from your pocket first.
Not so good at: Take this pick if you fancy the path of reading codings and customising your blog to an intermediate range. It is not too complicated nor too easy; like a game of difficulty, this is a medium mode. Blogger will lose out clearly on its social media intergration like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Tumblr for automatic sharing. It is thus apparent that Google+ get deserted from the top 3 and it does not work as infamously among the Singaporean. The trade-off is obvious in marketing; you will need to share and publicise more through other means to improve on your Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
3. Wix: Seemingly, Wix is more popular on the other parts of the continent as this platform is a highly proven with hassle-free experience for a grand display of informative channel. If you do not reek the smell of monetization, this is definitely the best place for a start. I can neither draw distinct on the big advantage nor discriminate on its shortcomings but to link you here. On my say, this is somewhat between the thin red line on the brim of a blog and a website.
On the plus point? Need I say more, the vast arrays of templates readily available and visual appeal. On your first visit, I am truely convinced that you will be drawn into signing up for a trial. Expansion into the premium is quite similar to any other platforms.
4. Joomla! : On the winning podium for functionality and depth of content, we have joomla! and yes it does comes with a free exclamation, looks exciting isn't it? This is more relevant for a website rather than a blog. I listed joomla! last so as to draw out the comparison in the sequence downwards of trading functionality for user-savviness. If you have thick layers of content like a dictionary or another sort of encyclopaedic materials, you may consider upgrading your blog into website. This stays on top of my choices for fully compact and highly customizable software.
Conclusion: There are shoes of different sizes for different pair of legs of different comfort. Likewise if you are totally clueless on blogging, do head for wordpress but you have been warned of the monetary charges. However if you fall short of finances but attempt to reach out on a relatively niche audiences then there is not a need to hesitate for a blogger. Ultimately, it really depends on the extent on your blog/website/business; Wordpress, Blogger, Joomla! - choose your mode.