Every business knows that a blog can be a game-changer. But, creating a business blog that truly stands out requires the right tools. With so many options, finding the best blog website builder can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you compare and choose the best tool.
Feather's notion to blog is here to help you achieve your goals.
What Is a Blog Website Builder?
A blog website builder is a powerful tool that lets you create a professional-looking website without knowing how to code. Think of it as a user-friendly program or platform that helps establish an online presence tailored to your business goals.
Whether a small business owner or someone with little to no coding experience, a blog website builder can be your best friend. Thanks to the no-code movement's impact on web development, the global market for website builders is projected to grow to $3.8 billion by 2030.
The Drag-and-Drop Interface
Most website builders use drag-and-drop software, allowing you to customize elements on a page by selecting from hundreds of available web page templates. This means you can easily create a unique website that reflects your:
Brand's content
Elements
Offerings
You don't need to be a tech expert to make your website look amazing, just drag drop, and you're good to go.
Online vs. Offline Builders
There are two main types of website builders:
Online
Offline
The main difference is whether you need an internet connection to use them. Online builders work through your internet browser, so you don't need to download any software. You can build your site anytime, anywhere, with an internet connection. Plus, online builders often come with hosting services, meaning your site is live online as soon as you publish it.
A More Technical Approach
Offline builders require you to download a software program and work without an internet connection. They allow you to host files on your computer until you can upload them to a web host. You'll need more technical knowledge, as you must purchase a web host separately.
What to Look for in a Blog Website Builder
When choosing a blog website builder, look for one that helps you manage all your website:
Settings
Content
Design from a single dashboard
It should allow you to easily import page templates or build your global templates using a simple drag-and-drop interface. You should be able to control the configuration of all pages and SEO settings right from the editor. And don't forget the ability to preview your content on all devices before publishing.
The Future of Website Builders
As the demand for customized websites continues to rise, the popularity of website builders is only expected to grow. By 2030, the global market for these tools is projected to reach $3.8 billion, thanks to the no-code movement's impact on web development. So, whether you're a small business owner or someone with little to no coding experience, a blog website builder can help you establish an online presence tailored to your unique business goals.
Building a blog without technical know-how can seem daunting. But with a blog website builder, you can create and customize your blog using drag-and-drop technology. Add text and images with just a few clicks; no coding required. This means no more fussing with FTP or dealing with complex technical stuff. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, a website builder makes the process straightforward and accessible.
Edit Anywhere, Anytime—No Worries
Life happens, and you need to make changes on the go. You can edit your site from any device with a blog website builder. Your web files are hosted on the service provider’s server, so you only need a browser and an internet connection. Log in, make your changes, and publish them instantly. It’s that easy.
Stunning Design Without the Stress
Designing a beautiful blog doesn’t require a design degree. Website builders offer professionally designed templates that look great right out of the box. Choose a template that fits your style, and customize it to your liking. You can tweak colors, fonts, and layouts to make it uniquely yours. The best part? You don’t need to be a design expert to create something visually stunning.
Boost Functionality with Built-In Tools
Want to add a contact form, social media buttons, or an image gallery? Website builders come with libraries of free and paid applications that you can easily integrate into your blog. Some tools are built-in, while others are third-party integrations. These apps can enhance your blog’s functionality without any hassle. Just drag and drop them into place.
Launch Your Blog in Record Time
Website builders streamline the entire process of creating a blog. Start with a pre-designed template and pre-populated pages. Add your content, click “Publish,” and you’re live! You can launch your blog quickly without sacrificing quality. This means you can focus on what matters most, your content.
Maintain Your Blog with Ease
Keeping your blog updated is crucial for success. A website builder makes it easy to manage changes and updates. The drag-and-drop editor and user-friendly interface simplify adding new posts, images, or features. Regular maintenance becomes a breeze, allowing you to keep your audience engaged.
Affordable Blogging Without Breaking the Bank
Starting a blog doesn’t have to be expensive. Many website builders offer accessible and affordable plans that include hosting and domain names. Even paid plans are a fraction of the cost of hiring professional help. You can launch and maintain your blog on a budget without compromising quality.
Feather: Your Seamless Blogging and Email Solution
Create a new account and send emails from Notion, or go from notion to blog in minutes! Feather is an SEO-friendly blog and email newsletter service that lets you publish content effortlessly. With Feather, you can manage your CRM and website blog directly in Notion, making collaboration and publishing a breeze.
When deciding between a free or paid blog website builder, ask yourself what you want to achieve. A free platform like Medium can be ideal if you're just beginning and testing the waters. These platforms let you start writing immediately without any investment. Free options come with limitations. You’re stuck with their design constraints, and your domain will likely include their branding, which might not look professional. Monetization can be tricky too.
On the other hand, if you're serious about blogging, a paid platform provides you with control and flexibility. You can:
Customize your site
Use your domain
Tailor monetization strategies to your liking
Expect to pay for hosting, premium themes, and other tools. While it’s not free, the investment can be worthwhile if you're aiming to create a successful, professional blog.
Visibility vs. Control: Choosing What Matters Most
Free platforms can offer immediate visibility, attracting readers already on the site. This can be a big plus if you're writing casually or want to share your thoughts without hassle. But if you're going to stand out, having your domain and unique design can help. Paid platforms allow you to build a brand and create a memorable online presence. You can also have more control over SEO, which is crucial for attracting readers from search engines.
Budget Considerations: What Can You Afford?
Budget is another key factor in choosing a blog website builder. Free platforms are great if you don’t want to spend any money. You can start writing immediately and see if you enjoy it before committing any funds. But if you’re ready to invest in your blog, a paid platform can offer more features and flexibility. Just be aware that costs can add up. You’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain, and possibly other tools to make your blog look and function how you want.
Long-Term Goals: Planning for the Future
Think about where you want your blog to be in the future. If you’re just writing for fun or want to share your thoughts with a small audience, a free platform might be all you need. But if you hope to turn your blog into a business, a paid platform is likely a better choice. You'll have more control over your design, domain, and monetization strategies. You can also build a brand and attract a larger audience.
17 Best Blog Website Builders for Creating a User-Friendly Blog
1. Feather: Notion to Blog, Simplified
Feather is a cutting-edge tool that integrates seamlessly with Notion, allowing you to publish blog content and newsletters without coding. Its SEO-friendly features enable you to manage your blog and CRM tasks effortlessly through Notion. Feather offers everything you need to run your blog smoothly with options for:
Custom CSS
Email collection and more
Run your blog and newsletter with Feather today! Create a new account and send emails from Notion, or go from notion to blog in minutes!
2. WordPress
WordPress (.org, not .com) is among the best blogging platforms due to its versatility, user-friendliness, and extensive customization options. It offers a wide range of themes and plugins, allowing users to create visually appealing and functional blogs tailored to their needs. WordPress’s intuitive interface and easy-to-use content management system make it accessible for beginners, while its advanced features cater to more experienced bloggers.
A Powerful Platform for Bloggers
WordPress is an open-source platform with a vast community of developers, ensuring continuous updates and improvements. Its search engine optimization capabilities and seamless integration with various tools make it an excellent choice for bloggers seeking to grow their online visibility and engage with their audience.
3. Wix
Wix offers a full suite of intuitive design features and powerful marketing tools to create a unique, professional blog. The platform offers over 900 free, customizable blog templates with everything needed to start a blog. Wix has advanced design options to:
Capture any brand’s personality
SEO tools to grow organic search traffic
Monetization capabilities like ads, online stores, and paid subscriptions.
A Comprehensive Blogging Solution for All Levels
Wix also enables scheduling posts, collaborating with multiple writers, blogging on the go via a mobile app, and analyzing audience insights. Wix is an excellent choice for bloggers of all levels with:
Reliable hosting
Fast loading times
24/7 support
4. Drupal
As an open-source Content Management System (CMS) with a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, Drupal stands out as the optimal blogging platform for enterprises. That's a lot of jargon, so let's break it down to help you better understand why businesses like Nokia, NASA, and Charles Schwab use Drupal.
The Power of Open-Source for Enterprise Blogging
Open-source is code you can freely use, modify, and distribute. Drupal's open-source CMS empowers enterprises to develop blogs that fit their purposes without the constraints that proprietary software imposes.
A Visual Editing Experience for All
WYSIWYG means that the content you edit within Drupal's editor mirrors its final layout upon publication. Essentially, Drupal's editor provides a means to visualize and edit content exactly as readers will see it. When you combine those two features, you get a flexible toolset that an enterprise's technical team can develop freely and its content team can easily use, even if they aren’t tech-savvy.
5. Squarespace
Squarespace is one of the best blogging platforms for several reasons. It offers a user-friendly interface with a proper WYSIWYG editor, allowing bloggers to focus on creating content without worrying about coding. The platform is renowned for its visually appealing templates, making it an excellent choice for visual-based blogs and author websites.
A Minimalist Approach to Professional Blogging
Ensuring that blogs are optimized for search engines and accessible across devices, Squarespace also provides:
Built-in SEO tools
E-commerce capabilities
Mobile responsiveness
Squarespace’s minimalistic design and emphasis on content enable bloggers to create a professional and engaging online presence.
6. HubSpot
HubSpot is a leading blogging platform with a user-friendly interface. It makes creating and publishing blog posts easy. The platform provides pre-designed templates, a rich text editor, and integrated stock images, streamlining the blogging process.
A Marketing Powerhouse for Blogging
HubSpot offers a full suite of marketing automation and customer relationship management tools, allowing businesses to leverage their blogs for lead generation and engagement. With its comprehensive features and seamless integration, HubSpot empowers enterprises to manage their blogging efforts effectively and achieve their marketing goals.
7. Contently
Contently is a content marketing/blogging platform built for enterprises. It is ideal for enterprises that don’t have many internal content capabilities. Contently offers a comprehensive content marketing solution, connecting businesses with talented writers and providing tools for managing the entire content creation process.
Contently’s platform streamlines collaboration, ensuring high-quality content delivery. It provides access to a vast network of vetted freelance writers across various industries, making finding the right talent for any project easier. Contently has a user-friendly interface and robust features that make it perfect for creating engaging content at scale.
8. Hostinger Website Builder
Hostinger Website Builder is a drag-and-drop, intuitive builder for multiple purposes, including blogs. It’s excellent for first-time website owners and established bloggers alike. It has a G2 rating of 4.4 with over 500 reviews.
AI-Powered Website Creation with Hostinger
With a user-friendly interface, Hostinger Website Builder ensures a smooth and intuitive experience. The platform’s standout feature is the AI builder. It can instantly generate a full-functioning website only by having you answer three questions about the blog you want to create.
Customizable Templates and All-in-One Features
You can also choose to build a website with pre-made templates. With 20 blog-related templates available, it’s easier to pick a blog template that suits your brand the best. Since it’s an all-in-one website-building solution with built-in SEO and eCommerce features, most users won’t need to install additional plugins or integrations.
Scalability and Future Development
As a scalable platform, you can easily upgrade your hosting plan to support your blog's growth with the necessary resources. Currently, the builder has no blog search functionality. This feature is under development and will soon be available to users.
9. Webflow
Some of the free site builders on this list are super easy to use, with hundreds of templates and drag-and-drop editors. That's not Webflow. Once you create an account, Webflow asks who you are (marketer, website builder, etc.) and if you have experience with CSS/HTML.
This is a great way for them to create an easier platform for everyone to use but it seemed to fall short. I tried creating a second account and said I was building a site for myself with no coding experience and the onboarding was the same.
Limited Templates and Optional Tutorials
They have a few free templates, or you can purchase one that makes building your site easier. Plus, they offer an optional walk-through (and email tutorials) to familiarize you with the platform, which is quite helpful. If you're comfortable with WordPress and the concept of styles and classes, you should be ok. But if you're new to website builders, it might be hard to get your footing.
Extensive Customization Options
There's a reason for that: many features and customization options exist. You can:
Add containers
Adjust the height
Change fonts
Add buttons
Stack containers horizontally and much more
10. Ghost
Ghost is one of the best blogging platforms due to its minimalist and clean design, allowing writers to focus solely on creating content without distractions. It is built with modern technologies like Node.js and React, ensuring a fast and responsive experience for writers and readers. Ghost offers a user-friendly interface with a distraction-free writing environment, making it easy to draft and publish posts efficiently.
Newsletter Subscriptions and Paid Memberships
The platform provides built-in features for newsletter subscriptions and paid memberships, enabling bloggers to monetize their content effectively. With its focus on simplicity and functionality, Ghost has become a popular choice among professional writers and content creators.
11. Webnode
Webnode is a user-friendly website builder that now comes with built-in AI. The design process is straightforward. You choose from three options, whether website, online store, or blog and then decide how to create your website: with AI help or a template. Both options are equally good.
AI-Powered Site Generation or Template Selection
For AI, you answer questions about your site, the pages you want, and your business. The AI builder then generates three versions tailored to your requirements, and you choose one. Alternatively, you can choose from over 150 templates with great designs.
Customizable Design Elements and Easy Editing
You can edit your site freely with whichever option you choose. Use the site settings to:
Change the color scheme or button designs (rounded corners, shadow, size, border, etc.)
The section settings to change the background (image, photo, color, etc.)
The drag-and-drop editor to move elements (lines, videos, forms, etc.) around the page.
The only downside is the need for granular headings (H1/H2/H3, etc.) when editing text elements.
User-Friendly Interface and SEO Features
The clean interface is friendly to use, and unlike other site builders, there's no sidebar to overwhelm you. If you want to edit something, click on it and make changes. Plus, you get all the standard SEO settings for each page.
12. Weebly
Weebly is a website builder similar to Wix, providing an extensive choice of themes and blogging tools. It is a perfect starting point if you don’t want to pay for your site’s hosting and domain and just want to start publishing using one of the several provided designs.
Pre-Designed Themes and Easy Blog Creation
As one of the best personal blog websites currently offering eight ready-made themes for blogs, Weebly delivers basic customization features with full access to text formatting and publishing tools. As a result, you get everything necessary to create any kind of blog in a few clicks, be it about lifestyle, food, or fitness. You can get access to extra features, such as connecting a custom domain for a small monthly payment.
13. Yola
Yola rightly earns its label as the best no-fuss website builder. The setup process guides you through choosing the type of website you want, personal, business, store, or community and then offers an automated AI builder or a selection of DIY templates. The good thing is that you can always swap the template later without losing any content you create.
Their business templates all make sense, they contain the elements you'd expect to see on a business website. For example, the marketing agency template includes:
A strong header section
Client logos
Services offered
Client testimonials
An “About Us” snippet
A call to action before the footer section
Working with Yola's block editor is simple. You can easily add, remove, or rearrange blocks on your page. And unlike other website builders, Yola has a rich block library, including:
Services
Logo wall
FAQ
Call to action
Limited Customization Options for Individual Elements
You can work within parameters if you want to change individual elements, like a button color. For example, you'd have to change the entire color palette for your site if you desperately wanted red buttons instead of blue. But this keeps your website design looking professional instead of kindergarten slapdash.
Pre-Designed Color Palettes and Font Combinations
The color palettes, font combinations, and button styles are chosen carefully to work together harmoniously. So, if you decide to change the color palette, you can instantly see the changes on your website and click through a few options until you find what you want. There are 70 palette options, so you're bound to find one that works for you.
Free and Premium Plans with Limited Features
If you choose the free plan, your site will have Yola ads and a domain, which is standard for free site builders. But the premium plans aren't too expensive: You can connect a custom domain for $6/month and remove Yola branding for $14/month. If you need more than this tool offers, I'd opt for one of the other apps on the list.
14. Jekyll
Unlike many other platforms on this list, Jekyll isn’t a content management system (CMS) but an open-source static site generator built on Ruby programming.
Strong Community Support and Extensive Documentation
The platform benefits from an active developer community that offers support, guidance, and resources. Extensive support documentation is a standout feature, providing invaluable assistance for overcoming challenges during the blog-building and optimization process.
Jekyll's Performance Advantage: Pre-Generated Static HTML
Jekyll sites are faster than other websites because Jekyll pre-generates static HTML files for each page, eliminating the need for on-the-fly database queries and complex processing. This results in quicker load times and improved user experience.
Faster Load Times and Improved SEO
Because Jekyll operates without needing on-the-fly database queries and complex processing, the sites it generates have a rapid loading time that outpaces those built on other blogging platforms. This rapid loading time elevates user engagement and contributes to better search engine rankings, ultimately bolstering the visibility and impact of your developer-centric content.
15. Pixpa
Pixpa is an excellent option for bloggers in creative fields who want to showcase their work and share their ideas through attractive and professionally designed blogs. The platform offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of templates, allowing bloggers to customize their blogs to match their style and branding.
Pixpa's integrated blogging feature provides bloggers a convenient and user-friendly platform for creating, managing, and optimizing their blogs.
With Pixpa’s wide range of 150+ professionally designed templates, bloggers can easily customize their:
Blog layouts
Colors
Fonts and more
This helps create a unique and engaging online presence. Pixpa offers essential features for:
Content organization
Customization
SEO optimization
Social sharing
This makes it a comprehensive solution for bloggers. Pixpa's e-commerce integration and 100+ built-in apps enable bloggers to power up their blog, website, and online store—all in one place.
User-Friendly but Limited Advanced Features
While Pixpa offers easy-to-use, out-of-the-box blogging capabilities, it may not provide the advanced customizations and features of dedicated blogging platforms like Wordpress. No built-in traffic analytics are available. You must use Google Analytics or a similar tool to measure traffic analytics.
16. Craft CMS
Craft CMS is a blogging platform for developers, designers, and web professionals. With Craft's personalized content modeling, powerful templating, and the option to edit your source code, you can completely control the appearance and functionality of your site, if you have the necessary experience.
Craft CMS also offers:
Image editor
Collaboration tools
A localization feature that can translate your content to specific languages.
Scalability and Future Development
You can now also manage multiple blogs from within a single Craft install. To analyze your content's performance, you can integrate Craft CMS' dashboard with Google Analytics and familiarize yourself with Craft CMS Hosting.
This blog platform has a 4.1 G2 rating. If you have the web development experience to leverage the power of Craft CMS fully, you can create a complex blog with custom post types, like this travel blog below.
17. Joomla
Joomla is an open-source CMS with advanced content and user management features built directly into the platform. This makes it an excellent choice for creating community-centric blogs. Joomla offers rich built-in functionality and thousands of extensions. For example, Joomla allows you to create custom post types, manage hundreds of users, and publish content in multiple languages immediately.
Enhanced Blogging Experience with Extensions
It also offers some great extensions for blogging. EasyBlog by StackIdeas, for example, has a much cleaner drag-and-drop editor than Joomla's built-in editor. With this extension, you can also enable star ratings on your blog and automatically publish posts to your social media platforms.
Steeper Learning Curve and Limited Customization Options
Joomla’s G2 rating is 4/5. Because of its robust built-in functionality, Joomla has a steeper learning curve than a CMS, so it'll take more time to set up. It also offers a smaller selection of themes and extensions, which can limit your customization options.
What Is the Best Blog Builder? Choosing the Best Blog Website Builder
Defining Your Budget
When picking a website builder for your blog, start with the numbers. Knowing your budget is key. Some builders offer fancy features but come with a higher price tag. Others might be wallet-friendly but have limitations. Setting a clear budget helps you find a platform that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Think of it like shopping: you need the right balance of quality without overspending.
User-Friendly Platforms for Non-Techies
You’re a blogger, not a coder. You want a platform that lets you focus on writing, not fiddling with tech stuff. Look for a builder with a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality. This makes building and editing your blog easy, even if you don’t know a line of code. Platforms like Dorik excel in simplicity, perfect for those who’d rather write than wrestle with code.
Unleashing Your Creative Side
Templates are great, but you’ll want your blog to stand out. Look for builders that offer a high degree of customization. You can tweak fonts, colors, and layouts to match your brand. It’s like choosing the right outfit for an event, your blog should fit your style and personality.
SEO: The Secret Sauce for Visibility
Getting noticed online means mastering the art of SEO. A good website builder should come with built-in SEO tools. Look for features like customizable:
Meta tags
Headers
Descriptions
Sitemaps
These tools help improve your site’s visibility in search engines. Dorik, for example, is known for strong SEO features, making it easier for your blog to rank higher on Google.
Ensuring Mobile Friendliness
With more people browsing on smartphones, a mobile-responsive blog is a must. Ensure the website builder offers responsive design templates that automatically adjust your blog for different screen sizes. Some builders also offer customization options for mobile layouts, giving you more control over how your blog looks on the go.
Getting the Help You Need
At some point, everyone needs a little help. Look for builders that offer reliable customer support options. Whether it’s troubleshooting a technical issue or learning a new feature, support options like live chat, email, or phone support can save you a lot of headaches.
Planning for Growth
Your blog will grow, and your website should be able to keep up. Choose a builder that offers scalability. You can add new features, pages, or functionalities as needed. Whether you want to start a store, add a membership section, or expand your blog’s content, ensure the platform can support that growth.
Which Blog Host Is Best for SEO?
Choosing the best platform for your blog can make or break your SEO efforts. First and foremost, you need a platform that gets along with search engines. How well does it work with on-page optimization? Look for features that let you tweak titles, meta descriptions, and image alt text. These are minor details that can have a big impact.
Then there’s the technical side. A good blogging platform should handle your sitemap, URLs, and redirects. If it doesn’t do it for you, it should at least let you integrate with third-party tools that can.
SEO Tools and Features to Look For
Having built-in SEO tools is a plus. Some platforms will give you real-time feedback on how well your post is optimized. They might suggest keywords or tell you if your headline is too long. Those are the little things that can add up and save you time.
If a platform doesn’t have these features, make sure it supports plugins that do. WordPress is a go-to for many because of its flexibility. With plugins like Yoast SEO, you can optimize your posts without knowing code.
Technical SEO Matters
Beyond on-page SEO, you need to consider technical aspects. Make sure your platform can handle things like mobile-friendliness and page speed. These factors are becoming more important as search engines become smarter.
Check if the platform lets you customize your URLs. You want clean, descriptive URLs that are easy for both users and search engines to read, and having control over this can make a big difference.
Extensions and Integrations
As your blog grows, you’ll likely want to add or improve new features. Look for a platform that’s flexible and supports extensions or integrations.
Go From Notion to Blog With Ease Today With Feather
Feather is the bridge between simplicity and sophistication in blog and newsletter management. Seamlessly integrate your Notion work with an SEO-friendly blog and email newsletter service that thrives without coding or design headaches. Imagine drafting your blog content on Notion and watching it effortlessly go live on your Feather blog. It's about ease and efficiency, publishing quality content in record time.
SEO-Boosting Subfolder Setup
SEO can be tricky, but Feather makes it straightforward. With a subfolder setup (think domain.com/blog instead of blog.domain.com), you're optimizing your SEO. This structure enhances your site’s authority and search engine ranking. Feather takes care of the technicalities so you can focus on crafting compelling content.
HubSpot Functionality, Notion Simplicity
Wouldn’t it be great to manage everything from one platform? Feather lets you experience HubSpot-like capabilities right in Notion. Handle your CRM, blog, and website management without juggling multiple tools. This streamlined process enhances productivity and collaboration, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly during the publishing process.
Design Freedom and Email Collection
Feather isn’t just about getting your content out there; it’s about doing it your way. Customize the look and feel of your blog with custom CSS options. Plus, collect emails effortlessly to grow your subscriber list. These features give you control over your brand’s narrative and audience engagement.
Effortless Newsletter Management
Feather goes beyond blogging. You can set up and send newsletters to your subscribers directly from Notion. Keep your audience informed and engaged with minimal effort. This seamless integration ensures your communication remains consistent and efficient.
Start Your Feather Journey
Feather makes managing blogs and newsletters straightforward and efficient. You can create a new account, send emails from Notion, and watch your content go live in minutes. Why wait? Leap and transform how you manage your content today.