5 Best Blogging Platforms For Students in 2024

Starting a blog as a student can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make! Not only can you express your ideas, but you can also build a portfolio, connect with like-minded people, and even generate passive income. With so many platforms available, which one is the best for you? I’ll break down 5 of the  best blogging platforms for students out there, each with its pros and cons.

Why Students Should Start Blogging

Blogging is more than just writing posts; it helps you grow in multiple ways. Let’s look at some key benefits:

• Improves Your Writing and Communication Skills: The more you write, the better you get at articulating your thoughts.
• Builds an Online Presence: A blog is like your digital resume. It’s a great way to showcase your work to potential employers, universities, or anyone interested in your work.
• Opens Doors to Networking: Blogging connects you with like-minded individuals. This opens opportunities for collaboration and networking.
• Helps Generate Passive Income: You can monetize your blog by joining an affiliate program or an ad network. Once you gain more experience, you can even start selling digital products like ebooks and courses on your blog. 

What to Look for in a Blogging Platform for Students

Each blogging platform is made for a different purpose. Here’s what you should consider when choosing one:

• Free or Affordable: As a student, affordability matters. So, Look for platforms that offer free or affordable plans.
• User-Friendly Interface: You don’t want a complicated setup. Choose platforms that allow you to focus on writing, not on the technical details.
• Customization Options: Your blog should reflect your personality or niche. So, Try going for a platform that allows you to customize your blog’s themes, layouts, and designs.
• Security: Security is of utmost importance for your site. Therefore, Make sure the platform has good security features, like SSL certificates, two-factor authentication, and moderation options.

What are the Best Blogging Platforms for Students?

The 5 Best Blogging Platforms for Students :

1. WordPress.com

WordPress.com is one of the most popular blogging platforms. It is a fantastic option for students looking for both simplicity and growth potential. Its free plan offers basic features which are perfect for starting a personal blog.

You can later upgrade to more advanced features if needed. It’s great for blogging websites where you want control but aren’t ready to handle a self-hosted site yet.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly interface.
• Easy to set up and use.
• Offers a wide range of customizable themes.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version, like having a ‘.wordpress.com’ suffix in your domain name.

However, WordPress.org is a completely different platform. This is what many bloggers (43.5 % according to Google data) go for when they are ready to treat their blog as a business and make serious money from it. More on WordPress.org is discussed below.

2. Blogger

Google’s Blogger is an easy-to-use platform that’s perfect for beginner blogging platforms. It is integrated with Google tools like Google AdSense and Google Analytics , so you can focus on creating content that works for your audience. While the customization is somewhat limited, it’s great for students looking for a hassle-free free blog. The simplicity of Blogger makes it one of the best blogging platforms for students.

Many professional bloggers first started out on Blogger. For example, popular Italian fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni , who owns the blog The Blonde Salad , started out with Blogger.

Pros:

• Simple setup with Google integration.
• Free to use.

Cons:

• Fewer customization options compared to WordPress.com.

3. Medium

If your focus is strictly on writing, Medium is an ideal platform. It’s minimalistic, easy to use, and perfect for students who just want to share their ideas. You won’t have much control over the layout, but it’s an excellent choice for writing platforms for students.

Pros:

• Large community of readers.
• Medium has a Partner Program (but you must pay a small fee first)where you can earn money based on your readers’ engagement. 

Cons:

• Limited customization
• As a writer on Medium myself, I have found it difficult to stand out and build a following while starting out. It is a slow process.

4. Wix

Wix is user-friendly and is known for its drag-and-drop feature. You can customize your blog as much as you like, and they offer a free plan, though it comes with ads. This platform is perfect for you if you want full creative control and plan to showcase multimedia projects like photography, art, or design work.

Pros:

• Highly customizable with a drag-and-drop editor.
• Beautiful templates for creative portfolios.

Cons:

• The free plan comes with Wix branding and ads.

5. WordPress.org

If you’re ready to take blogging seriously and want complete control, WordPress.org is your go-to. This open-source platform allows you to self-host your blog, meaning you can monetize it and scale it as you wish. You’ll need to buy your own domain and hosting, but the flexibility is unmatched. 

My blog is a WordPress.org blog and is hosted by Hostinger. 

Pros:

• Full control over customization and monetization.
• Many plugins are available to improve your site.
• Ideal for those who want to grow their blog into a business.

Cons:

• Requires more technical knowledge and a budget for hosting and domain costs.

How to Choose the Best Blogging Platform for You

The best blogging platform depends on your goals. Are you starting a student blog for fun, or do you want to build a professional portfolio or even earn money through your blog? Here are some factors to consider:

• Ease of Use: If you’re just starting out, go for a simple platform like Blogger or Medium. They’re perfect for writing without worrying about complex design tools.
• Customization: If you want full creative control, platforms like Wix or WordPress.org let you customize your blog according to your needs.
• Monetization Potential: For those looking to turn their blog into a source of income, WordPress.org is the best option. It has advanced features like WooCommerce for selling products.

Blogging is an incredible tool for students to create content, connect with peers, and build a personal brand. With free blogging platforms like WordPress.com, Blogger, and Medium, it is easy to get started.