The Best Website Builder for Your Blog BY A. Lindenmuth

​If you’re a Buzz fanatic then you’ve probably read Melinda Harris’ post, “Three Reasons Writers Might Want A Blog” about the importance of keeping a blog. Here’s a recap in case you haven’t: a blog “keeps you writing,” “builds a readership,” and helps to develop an online “community.” Sounds rather nice, right? So we’ve established why having a blog is an awesome tool for any writer. Now it’s time to get technical. You want a blog, but what website builder should you be using? I’ve provided a list of pros and cons for three popular and free website builders that anyone can use which are WordPress.com, Weebly.com, and Wix.com. I built my own unpublished blogging websites using these three builders so I could personally give you an account of what makes each different.

Before delving into the differences of these builders, let me mention a few features that they all have in common. All three builders are easy to learn, customizable, have search engine optimization (SEO), can be edited from mobile devices, and allow you customize your blog posts using HTML. When used correctly, each of these features will help you build and maintain a stellar blog.  

So, without further ado, let me introduce my findings:  

WordPress.com:
Most likely if you’ve ever looked into building a blog or you follow a blog, you’ve come across WordPress and there’s a reason for that. Not only does WordPress power 25% of the web, but it was built with blogging in mind!

Pros:

• Tons of themes to choose from
• Connect with other writers and their blogs through forums, mailing lists, and comments
• Change your theme whenever you want
• The “Discover” feature allows you to find and follow other Wordpress sites (think Facebook for websites)
• In-depth Stats analysis that shows the amount of traffic your site has received without downloading an app or buying an upgrade

Cons:

• Themes and templates are simple and can’t be customized using code
• No Apps store that you can use
• Weebly and Wix have more customizable features for your website then Wordpress

Weebly.com:
Weebly allows you to build beautiful and simple websites with pre-made themes ranging from business to blogging. This builder has a unique drag and drop features that simplifies any website building. For those who aren’t tech savvy, Weebly allows you to contact support via emails regardless of if you’re using a free account or an upgraded one.

Pros:

• E-commerce features, such as shopping carts, secure checkouts, inventory tracker, and product filter, can be used to sell your products
• Allows for media integrations of video, audio, etc.  
• Has an App center
• Trial to Weebly “Promote” allows you to write emails and newsletters that can be sent to your readers
• Use the “embed code” feature to customize templates using HTML

Cons:

• Currently, there are only 10 themes to choose from specifically for blogging
• According to one reviewer from whoishostingthis.com, customer service will not help with any coding issues you have if you use own personal code
• Weebly created blogs lack many features that other blogging websites give you like the ability to showcase certain posts

Wix.com:
Wix is an amazing builder for those who love a little extra glam for their websites. Not only are their themes fun and interesting, but, without having to upgrade to a paid website, you can upload video clips to use as your background. Plus, they have animation features that will bring to life any piece of content you write.

Pros:

• Has an App market
• “My Blog” feature makes managing and editing blogs easy
• Use e-commerce features to sell your work
• The “Add” button on the site editor allows you to customize your template with hundreds of additional features
• Write 3 newsletters per month with Wix ShoutOuts

Cons:

• Comments can be enabled, but only through Facebook and Disqus or by downloading a comments app
• Cannot change templates once you’ve published so choose wisely!
• Most templates appear as pre-done websites which can make customizing a bit awkward

These are, in my opinion, the best of the free website builders that you can use for your blog. Wordpress would be your best bet if you want a no frills website that is devoted to blogging and building a blogging community. Weebly is a wonderful option for both those who are and are not tech savvy due to the ability to customize templates with code and their customer support. Wix is a must for bloggers who really want to stick out by using their amazing video and animation features. Weebly’s and Wix’s easily enabled e-commerce options make them great options for anyone who wants to mix business with blogging. If you’re still not sure which builder to use, create websites using all three and publish your favorite one!