There are so many things I knew nothing about when I started blogging.?Granted, I started “blogging” in the LiveJournal days, but still. That was a different kind of blogging. Trust me when I say there are so many things I would tell myself if I could go back but at the same time I am so thankful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Starting a few months ago, it seemed everywhere I turned there was one big hot topic.?Why you should switch to WordPress. In fact I had many conversations with blog friends about why I didn’t want to switch. Slowly though, I began to hear more and more reasons why I should switch and ultimately I decided it was the best next step for my blog and the future I want for my blog!
I wanted to share a few of the big reasons that I switched from Blogger to WordPress (self-hosted, for the record) in case you’ve been considering switching or you just don’t know what all the hype is about.
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Flexibility
There weren’t a ton of things that I wanted to do on Blogger that I couldn’t, or so I thought. I didn’t realize until I was actually on WordPress how EASY so many of the features I wanted to do are. I was mostly lazy and never tried to do them on Blogger, but because of my experience with coding on Blogger, I know it was a lot easier doing things like adding a contact form, a category drop down and most recent 5 posts. Those things seem simple to do but for me, it was so much easier doing them on WordPress versus Blogger. So far I haven’t run into anything I’ve wanted to add to my design that I couldn’t find a tutorial for and do myself.
Design
Speaking of design, I was in hate with my Blogger design by the end of my time on Blogger. I was itching for something new, fresh, modern. After designing my graphic design and photography website, Grace + Vine Studios, I wanted an platform that was simply more sophisticated than Blogger. I use Squarespace for my other website?but?WordPress is a much more advanced platform than it?for now and has a ton more SEO capabilities, using frameworks like Genesis. If you’re interested in working with me on a blog design, I have a few openings each month. Find more info here!
Monetization
This is probably one of the biggest advantages to switching. With a self-hosted WordPress blog, you don’t have to worry about anyone being able to tell you what you can or cannot do with your blog in terms of making money. With regular WordPress.com and Blogger blogs, there are various restrictions about how you can make money through your blog. Again, I didn’t run into any of these issues but I wanted to make sure I could control that part of my blog.
Ownership
Similarly to the argument about monetization, with a WordPress.com or Blogger blog, you do not own your content. Read over that one more time. To me, that’s a terrifying thought. At any given moment, your blog could be shut down for no reason at all. I’ve put way too many blog sweat and tears into this baby to have that happen. Knowing my content is 100% mine is hugely important to me.
Professionalism
Let me preface this section by saying I don’t think all Blogger blogs are unprofessional. In fact,?most?of the blogs I read and adore are on Blogger. There are huge blogs on Blogger. To each his own! For me though, switching to WordPress was in a way taking control of my blog’s future. I needed to take the next step in not only me taking my blog seriously but others too. It was exactly what I needed to do for my blog and my brand.
If you’re like me, you might be sitting there thinking, yeah I’ll probably end up switching?eventually. I was right there with you. And then I went to the Pro Blogging Mini Con hosted by the North Carolina Blogger Network. And they were screaming (okay, no they weren’t, it just felt like it since I?knew I needed to switch) at me that WordPress was the way to go. There are brands, blogs and companies out there who will not take your blog seriously if it’s on Blogger. To me, that was enough of a reason to switch.
I know what you’re thinking… It’s too expensive, I’m not making any money on my blog, I don’t know how to migrate all of my info. It’s cheaper than you think (less than a drink and a pastry from Starbucks per month), but you want to eventually, right?, and if you don’t know how you can hire someone.
Even though I was pretty determined to stay on Blogger, it was all because I wasn’t aware of the full benefits of being on WordPress. I thought people were just snobby about Blogger not being as good when in reality it is just as good in a lot of ways! Better in some, even. I’m so glad that I did the research to decide what was best for my blog and brand. Now I’m wishing I had switched sooner (or even better… started on WordPress!)
Some FAQ’s:
What do you need to move to WP?
A hosting company, domain name (custom URL), blog template or framework, time! My host is Blue Host?and I have been 100% happy with them so far! I use GoDaddy for my domain name. I use the Genesis framework and the child theme Jane. I did my entire design by myself with the help of some amazing tutorials!
How much does it cost?
Blue Host’s plans start as low as $4 a month, but the one I recommend getting is the “plus” plan which is $7 a month (paid annually). I purchased my hosting for three years which cost me around $300. It is an?investment into your blog and business.
Is it easy to use?
I was pleasantly surprised at the user friendliness that WP has. If you’re used to coding and HTML in Blogger, things might be tricky to find at first, but within a week or two you’ll be used to it. It’s super easy to post, too!
What are your favorite plugins?
Here is a post about my favorite plugins for WordPress users!
So tell me…
Kerri Queen says
I really wish more people would realize that WordPress is better. No offense to those who use Blogger. It’s all about preference. I’ve been using WordPress since it launched in 2003, so I’m kind of biased. Haha!
This is a great post! I’ll be sure to refer bloggers to it when they ask me which way to go!
Madison says
It is definitely about preference and what you want to do with your blog. But I really love it now that I’m on WordPress 🙂 And thanks for recommending it to people 🙂
Caroline @ In Due Time says
I made the switch too! SO glad I did! So much better – you can’t even compare the two 😉
Madison says
I agree 🙂
Sheryl @ How to Make a Life says
I’m in the process of switching and I am so excited. I will admit I am a little nervous about the change and having to learn new things. However, I know it will be worth it! Thanks for the validation.
Madison says
Good luck!! It’s so worth it 🙂
Lauren | 34 Magnolia Street says
Ahh this is so tempting and I’ve just been making excuses as to why I haven’t done it yet. The scariest part for me is not owning my content!
Madison says
Do it, do it! 🙂 It’s SO worth it.
Nina B says
WordPress. Great points. So many of those reasons were why I started my blog there.
Madison says
You made a great choice starting that way.
The Grits says
I haven’t done this because I am scared to annnddd I don’t want to pay to host LOL. If my blog continues to grow, I suppose I will make the switch but for now, I really like blogger.
Madison says
I know, it’s hard to want to pay. I think you’ll know when you’re ready to switch! I was the same way 🙂
Hayley says
Such great information! Can’t wait for December! 🙂
Madison says
So so excited for you, girl!
Jenny R. says
I want to make the leap, but I loathe the learning curve that will come with it! This post definitely makes a good case for switching over though.
Madison says
I think it’s fairly easy to learn! There is just SO much info out there on WordPress which makes it easy to learn.
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
This post made me so glad I started with WordPress! I had no idea that with Blogger you don’t own your content and can be shut down at any time. That is scary stuff! I know a majority of people that start with Blogger do it because it is so user-friendly. I had an easier time since I used WP before, but there is still a lot I want to learn! Fortunately other bloggers are happy to help anytime I ask a question in a Facebook group.
Madison says
I think it’s great that you started on WP, but I also think you knew where you wanted to go with your blog and you had purpose behind it. That makes a huge difference! A lot of people just start a blog for fun or as a diary, and if it’s only for that I don’t see the argument to be on WP. That’s a lot of money for a hobby. But if people want to start a blog to grow it and eventually make money from it in any way, I think WP is a must! 🙂
Skye @ Planet Jinxatron says
Having that ownership of your content really is important.
Madison says
Yes!! That’s such a big thing for me.
Heather Heinlein says
I think I only blogged on Blogger for about a month before I made the move and I am so glad I did.
Madison says
Yeah! I had no idea there was such a huge difference between the two when I started.
Alli Smith says
When I began blogging, I started out with self hosted WordPress and I really don’t know anything about Blogger. I did use the ZipList recipe plugin for a long time, but during one of the upgrades, Ziplist didn’t work for a little while until the developer could get it up to speed, so I panicked and switched to Easy Recipe+. Looking forward to your post on CoSchedule! Great post, by the way!
Madison says
Thanks Alli! I think starting on WP was so smart! I had no idea where I would go with my blog when I started so I had no idea WP would be needed. I can’t wait for the CoSchedule post!!
Neatly-Packaged says
I LOVED making the switch. I don’t know how many times I tried to talk myself out of it. But then when I sat down and said “Ok, I can do this” …. it was so easy! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
http://neatly-packaged.com/
Madison says
I agree– it was a lot easier than I thought it would be!
Megan Sybrant says
Ah I do love Blogger but more and more I’ve been thinking about WordPress…it just sounds like so much work!
Madison says
It is but it’s well worth it! If you decide, let me know and I can help if you have questions 🙂
sarahsofiaproductions says
You have so many talents and one of them is explaining the process in detail. When I started my own wedding and planning business 4 years ago I did some research on WordPress vs. Blogger. I liked the more professional look of WordPress and most of my friends that blogged were on Blogger, but they were personal blogs. Over the years, it look like my initial decision to go with WordPress has paid off with most blogger conference talking about the importance of switching to WordPress. Great article.
Madison says
Awe! Thank you Sarah! For websites, I think WP or Squarespace is a must! They are both so professional! I think it will definitely pay off as time goes on! 🙂
Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M says
I switched over in August and I’m so glad I did. It just gave me a huge peace of mind.
Madison says
Yes! Kind of like it was a huge check off my to do list since I know I would have switched eventually!
Amy Hodgdon says
I am a WordPress lady! I started there, and I am glad I did!
I switched to .org at the beginning of this year- and that was an amazing switch for me!
I am glad that you are liking it so much! Your site looks great!
Madison says
That’s awesome!! I really didn’t get it at first, but I love being on WP now 🙂
Kristyn H. says
I have people ask me fairly frequently why I switched to WP. I LOVE it. I love the freedom I have, the flexibility, and god…the plug ins are amazing. I paid the CoSchedule fee and I haven’t looked back. It really is one of the best plugins I have encountered with WP. I had Lisette at High Note Designs migrate me and redesign my blog. Getting it all done at one time was very expensive, but now I love it. I have also changed my hosting after BlueHost decided to just suck. They were terrible, but I switched to A Small Orange and I love them.
Madison says
Plug ins really are the bomb! CoSchedule, seriously the best! I can’t wait to share it with people! It is expensive at first but it pays off 🙂
Brittany Houchins says
I love WordPress 🙂 I decided to start my blog on it and pay the fees because I want to begin a professional brand right from the start. I bought a template that was minimal and did some CSS coding to make it look the way I wanted 🙂 Can’t wait to read your post on CoSchedule. It looks and sounds interesting!
Madison says
That’s awesome Brittany! I love hearing about people starting on WP and loving that decision!
Leah Van Ert says
I switched to self-hosted WordPress this summer when I did my relaunch/rebrand. I’m so glad that I did! The possibilities are endless. I’ll never look back!
Madison says
They really are!! So many options that are so easy to do through plug ins!
meg - me with the three says
Just wondering… did you do any research on Squarespace before you chose WordPress? I’m thinking of changing over and Squarespace has caught my eye… I’m trying to decide between WordPress or Squarespace.
Madison says
Yes, I did! My photo and design website is on Squarespace and I love it. However from everyone I’ve talked to, Squarespace isn’t quite there yet. They don’t have many plugins and the SEO isn’t as advanced. But people do think it will rival WP someday. I paid around $175 for one year for my SS account, which is the professional level. When you think about the price different between that and WP, WP is still a big contender as far as cost goes because it’s not much more expensive. The theme and framework are both one time fees. Let me know what you decide to do 🙂
Bailey says
I’ve thought about making the switch but I don’t think at this point I’m ready to make the investment.
Madison says
That’s totally fine 🙂 You’ll know when the time is right for you, if it ever gets that way! 🙂
Lauren Flowers says
Wow, I never have heard such positive things about WordPress in the past but it really seems like people are loving it these days! The fact that you own your blog 100% is such a relief! I had no clue that Blogger could shut my site down at any time. That is kinda creepy. I’ve never really ventured into what WordPress is all about so all this you shared is very helpful! I have heard that you have to be talented in HTML before the switch, but I’m not so sure how much talent that requires. I think I have a lot more growing before I make the switch but whenever I do, expect a phone call because I will be too confused 🙂
Madison says
I’ll be here for you girl 🙂 Anytime! It’s definitely scary that they can shut you down :/ I can’t imagine!
Kristie says
Glad I could move your blog to WordPress, Madison! Thanks for mentioning my blogger to WordPress services! Loved this post, owning your content is the #1 reason I recommend serious bloggers make the switch to WordPress.
Madison says
I literally could not have done it without you! So thankful you contacted me 🙂 I hope others take advantage of your expertise!
Becca Davis says
I’m SO glad I switched from Blogger to WordPress. I have no coding background, but it’s still been relatively easy to make any changes that I need to on the blog.
Madison says
I agree! So many tutorials out there!
[email protected] Tree says
Great points! I’m glad you covered so many topics for switching over. Good stuff!
I was curious about this sentence,
“There are brands, blogs, and companies out there who will not take your blog seriously if it?s not on blogger.”
Did you mean if it is on blogger?
Madison says
Yea, that’s what I meant. Sorry about that!! 🙂
Cia | CiaSays.com says
Whenever anyone asks me I ALWAYS recommend WordPress. Its such an open ended design platform compared to blogger. When I go to a website I can IMMEDIATELY tell if its a blogger site.
Madison says
Yeah, that’s true, it’s really easy to tell sometimes!
Angela says
I am on blogger still but would love to switch one day mostly for the fact that I’m worried about losing everything without notice!
Madison says
Exactly!!!
Karimah says
Your story was very helpful????????
Madison says
Thanks Karimah!
Natasha Red says
Oh gosh! I’m horrified that I don’t own my content. That is not good. That’s reason enough to switch but it seems like there’s no way for me to do it now. Will have to pick your brain one day about it!
Madison says
There’s always a way! But yes, definitely let me know! I wish I had switched months ago, the more you wait the more you’ll have to switch over! It’s definitely an investment though.
Victoria says
So let me get this straight…Unless you host you’re own blog, you don’t own your content no matter what blogging platform you use?
Madison says
Yep, pretty much :/
Leigh Powell Hines says
Great topic. I need to do it, too, but just haven’t.
Madison says
Thanks Leigh! I was the same way for a while.
Madison says
Genesis is AWESOME! I love how user friendly it is.
Alex says
We switched from Blogger to WordPress in January 2013 and I’m sooo glad we did! As wedding photographers who rely a lot on SEO to grow our business WordPress has done wonders for us! With Blogger we did not show up on google search results for our keywords at all but this changed within a few short months once we were on WordPress – such an important point to consider when choosing a blogging platform. Great post!
Madison says
The SEO benefits are so valuable! I’m sure being on WordPress has really helped your business! 🙂
Nataliya Bogdanets says
I started to blog with Blogger and soon felt limited with its possibilities. I made the switch (automatedly with cms2cms converter) and have had zero regrets. WP has allowed me to more freedom in terms of layout and design, and increased my pageviews significantly.
Madison says
I completely agree! It’s worth it to get started on WP right away 🙂
Madison says
I’m so glad you’ve had more freedom on WordPress! I definitely have too 🙂
Kelly says
First, thanks for being honest and trustworthy in your posts. It is much appreciated!
Second, I am just starting my blog and I chose wordpress.com (am not paying for it). I’m struggling with wordpress vs. blogger. I see successful blogs on both and it seems as though on blogger you can have more control as a new blogger and not pay anything. I’m nervous about staying with wordpress because I don’t want to invest financially and then it not pay off in the end. What a conundrum! 🙂 Thanks again for this post, Madison!
jeanholiday.wordpress.com
Madison says
Awe, thank you Kelly! Honestly, if you’re choosing between free wordpress and blogger, I think Blogger is superior, BUT I will say that migrating from WordPress.com to .org is a lot more smooth than Blogger to WP. So, if you think you may switch over eventually that might be the way to go. Free WordPress is even more limited than Blogger though so I like that route more! Let me know what you decide to do 🙂
Kelly says
Oh golly, there’s So much to think about. Thanks for taking interest in your readers and me. Talk to you soon 🙂