Is It Better To Write on Medium or WordPress? WordPress vs Medium

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Do you need help to choose between WordPress and Medium for your business blog? You're not alone. With so many options, picking the right platform can feel like a chore. But it's worth it. The right one can boost your brand, improve your reach, and help your business grow. Luckily, we're here to help. This article will compare WordPress and Medium, focusing on what matters most for business blogging.

Feather's solution, notion to blog, can help you make the right decision. It will help you weigh the pros and cons of each platform so you can choose the one that's best for your business.

WordPress vs. Medium at a Glance

WordPress is more than a blogging tool; it’s a full-fledged content management system (CMS) powering nearly half of the web. Want to create a personal blog, portfolio, or even a robust e-commerce site? WordPress can handle it. Its flexibility allows for extensive customization through thousands of themes and plugins.

You can tweak your site to your heart’s content, controlling everything from layout to functionality. This makes it ideal for creators and businesses wanting a unique, branded online presence.

Its complexity comes with a learning curve, especially for beginners. You’ll need to handle:

Hosting

Domain registration

Maintenance

Medium: The Minimalist’s Playground

Medium, on the other hand, is the minimalist blogger’s dream. It’s straightforward and easy to use:

Set up an account

Start writing

Publish your stories

You don’t have to worry about hosting or design. Everything is handled so you can simply focus on your writing. The platform’s clean design and readability make it ideal for sharing ideas and connecting with readers.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Medium’s simplicity also means limited customization. You can’t change the look of your blog or add plugins. And your content lives on Medium’s platform, not your site. This can be a downside if you want to build a unique brand or collect data on your audience. But if your goal is to write and share content quickly with minimal fuss, Medium is a great choice.

Control and Ownership: Who’s Really in Charge?

Control and ownership are key differences between WordPress and Medium. With WordPress, you own your site and content. You can move your site to another host if needed and have full control over how your site looks and functions. This is great if you want to build a brand or business.

Ownership and Limited Control on Medium

Medium, however, owns the platform, and your content lives on their servers. You can’t move your blog elsewhere or make changes to the platform. This is fine if you’re a hobbyist writer, but not ideal if you want to build a long-term presence online.

What Is WordPress?

WordPress, launched in 2003, ranks globally among the top content management systems (CMS). It's the go-to tool for effortlessly creating and managing websites and blogs. Users can leverage its customizable interface, offering plugins and themes to tailor sites to unique needs.

Customization and Flexibility

WordPress shines with its:

Extensive array of templates

SEO tools

Easy eCommerce integrations

It’s a versatile platform that supports free and paid plans, allowing users to align their choices with budget constraints and specific requirements.

Why WordPress Is a Top Pick

Bloggers, businesses, and developers often choose WordPress due to its extensive features and robust community support. Users can monetize their sites through advertising, affiliate marketing, and selling products or services. WordPress also provides a collaborative space to share ideas and engage with audiences.

WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org: What’s the Difference?

WordPress.org, or self-hosted WordPress, is the free, open-source software you can install on your web host to create a website that’s entirely your own. On the other hand, WordPress.com is a paid service powered by the WordPress.org software. It’s simple to use, but you lose a lot of the flexibility found with self-hosted WordPress.

Pros and Cons

The benefits of using WordPress are numerous:

Free

Open-source

User-friendly

Hosting your WordPress site on your server gives you complete content control. The block editor is beginner-friendly, and you can add more features using plugins. Customization is easy with themes, and there are many ways to make money with a WordPress blog.

Setting Up WordPress

WordPress does require more setup than some competitors, including purchasing web hosting. You must install the WordPress software, but many hosting providers offer automatic installation. You’ll also need to update and back up your WordPress site, but plenty of easy-to-use plugins help.

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What Is Medium?

Medium is an open digital publishing platform for independent writers and storytellers to share ideas and perspectives. It might be helpful when running a writing-focused business, such as blogging or freelance writing.

Building an Audience and Earning Money on Medium

Medium has many active users for more accessible audience building. The key is to make as many friends as possible and publish great content. Find people who share your ideas and turn them into loyal followers. Medium aims to create an informed society by rewarding high-quality content. It implements a content-based filtering system to recommend readers with relevant content based on their interests.

Engaging with Others and Measuring Performance on Medium

You can earn money from writing through the Medium Partner Program. Medium writers can engage with others in various ways. The Clap rating system lets you appreciate articles you find interesting and valuable. It also helps the writer measure reader engagement. The more claps you get, the more insights you get on your article’s performance.

Another useful feature to increase engagement is Highlight. The author will be notified when readers highlight specific paragraphs, phrases, or sentences. You can also create and manage a visible highlights list for your followers.

The Perks of Medium: Why Choose It?

You don’t need to install software to use Medium; just sign up for an account. The Medium content editor is streamlined and easy to use, offering only the most essential features. The Medium team handles backups and security.

The Drawbacks of Medium: What to Watch Out For

Medium has limited features, and you can’t add more using plugins. Medium offers only basic layout and customization options. Medium will present content by other authors right next to yours. There is only one way to make money using Medium: by signing up for their Partner Program. Medium membership can be a little more expensive than WordPress, depending on your preferences and needs.

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!

WordPress vs Medium: Detailed Feature Comparison

WordPress gives you the reins. Your content is yours, and you can do whatever you like. Want to update, delete, or even sell it? Go ahead. WordPress doesn’t restrict you, offering a blank canvas for everything from blogs to e-commerce stores.

Medium is similar to renting an apartment. You have control over the content, but there are guidelines to follow. Your content is stored on Medium's servers, and if you violate their policies, your post may be removed. If you want to remove your content, you must delete it entirely.

Crafting Your Masterpiece: The Content Creation Experience

WordPress offers a powerful creation experience. You’ve got the classic editor and the modern block-based editor, Gutenberg. Yes, there’s a learning curve, but it’s worth it. Once you’re over the hump, the flexibility is liberating. You get to design intricate layouts and manage content with ease.

A Minimalist Writing Platform

Medium, is perfect if you want to focus on your words without distraction. But don’t expect the same level of customization as WordPress. You trade flexibility for simplicity.

Styling Your Words: Formatting Options Unleashed

WordPress excels in formatting. The block-based editor lets you include:

Multimedia elements

CTA buttons

Columns

Tables

You have extensive control over your content's appearance, which is excellent for creating dynamic, visually appealing posts. Medium keeps things simple. You can add images, videos, and embeds, but the options are limited. It’s perfect if you want a clean, uncomplicated look but not if you need more complexity.

Building Your Brand: Design and Customization Freedom

WordPress is king when it comes to design. Thousands of themes are available, both free and premium. Whether you want minimalist or elaborate, WordPress can deliver. You can even create custom designs or tweak the code to reflect your brand perfectly.

Medium enforces a consistent design. You can’t install custom themes, and the options are limited. This ensures a uniform look, but it can be restrictive for building a distinct brand identity.

Establishing Your Presence: Branding Options for Bloggers

WordPress is the go-to for branding. You’ve got complete control over your site’s identity. From personalized domain names to custom logos and themes, you can create a unique and memorable online presence.

Medium offers limited branding opportunities. You can upload a profile picture and write a bio, but the focus is more on content than individual branding.

Finding Your Tribe: Community and Networking on Blogging Platforms

WordPress doesn’t have a built-in community like Medium. You’ll need to work on building an audience from scratch. It’s challenging, but it lets you cultivate a niche, targeted readership.

Medium’s biggest strength is its community. The built-in audience gives your content visibility without extensive promotion. It’s ideal for gaining exposure quickly.

WordPress offers customizable social media integration. With plugins and built-in features, you can control how your content is shared. This tailored approach makes it ideal for marketers and influencers.

Medium simplifies social sharing. It automatically formats posts for easy distribution. While convenient, you have less control over your content's appearance than WordPress.

Making Money: Monetization Opportunities for Bloggers

WordPress offers numerous monetization methods:

Run ads

Engage in affiliate marketing

Set up an e-commerce store

The platform’s flexibility lets you pick the best strategy for your blog.

Medium provides a more limited option through its Partner Program. Writers earn based on engagement from Medium Premium members, but income can be unpredictable.

Getting Found: SEO and Discoverability for Your Blog

WordPress is incredibly SEO-friendly. You can fine-tune everything from meta descriptions to sitemaps with plugins like:

Yoast SEO

All in One SEO

Medium provides some built-in SEO features but needs more customization options that WordPress offers. Its capabilities are decent for writers focused on quality content.

Staying Safe Online: Security Considerations for Bloggers

With WordPress, security is in your hands. You’re responsible for protecting your site from threats. However, there are plugins and measures available to keep your site safe.

Medium manages all security on its platform, so you don’t need to worry about installing plugins or updates. This can be an advantage for users who prefer not to deal with technical aspects.

Getting Help: Support Options for Bloggers

WordPress has a vast community, along with extensive documentation and forums. It’s easy to find help when you encounter issues. However, there’s no direct support team for WordPress.org.

Medium offers a Help Center and allows users to submit support tickets. Its documentation covers basic functionality but is not as extensive as WordPress’s resources.

What Do Users Say? Real WordPress and Medium Reviews

WordPress gets praise for:

User-friendliness

Cost-effectiveness

Extensive customization options

However, users mention technical challenges and a learning curve.

Medium can be valuable for writers looking to monetize and connect with a community. But potential users should be aware of the variability in earnings.

WordPress vs Medium: Pricing Comparison

WordPress is a self-hosted platform, so you're responsible for handling the following:

Hosting

Domain

Any additional features you want

While WordPress is free to download and use, getting your site live and functional comes at a cost. You'll need to pay for hosting and a custom domain immediately. Hosting fees can vary widely depending on your needs. You might also want a premium theme and plugins to customize your site's look and functionality.

All these elements can add up, and if you're not careful, costs can quickly skyrocket into the thousands. However, according to research by Website Builder Expert, most people find that building a WordPress site averages around $200, with monthly management costs between $11 and $40.

Medium: Free to Start, But Not Really

Medium offers a free plan that lets you start without paying a dime, but you'll quickly want to become a paying member. For $5 per month or $50 per year, Medium's membership offers several crucial benefits to content creators.

For starters, free users are limited in what they can read; most articles are behind a paywall. Paying members can also:

Make money from their content

See more detailed analytics

Use their domain name

If you're serious about publishing on Medium, the membership fee is a small price to pay for the added benefits.

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Is It Better To Write on Medium or WordPress? Choosing Between Medium & WordPress

Medium: Simple and Ready to Go

Are you looking for a fast and easy way to start blogging? Medium offers simplicity and a built-in audience. You can dive into writing without worrying about design or technical stuff. The platform’s minimalist design encourages you to focus on your stories. It's like a blank canvas where your words are the star.

But there are trade-offs. Medium's customization options are limited, and you don’t completely own your content. It’s hosted on their servers, and you must follow their rules.

WordPress: Your Creative Playground

WordPress has you covered if you aim for more control and flexibility. Want to tweak your site’s design or add cool features with plugins? You can do it here. WordPress gives you full ownership of your content. It’s a playground for creativity where you can shape your blog to fit your brand.

But this freedom comes with some challenges. There’s a learning curve, and building an audience might take more time and effort. But if you’re ready to invest, the possibilities are endless.

Stuck in the Middle? Try Feather

Medium may feel too limited, and WordPress seems to be too much work. Feather could be your answer. It offers a nice balance with more straightforward setup and customization than WordPress and more freedom than Medium. You get the best of both worlds without the headaches.

FAQs on WordPress vs Medium

Does Medium Offer the Best Blogging Experience?

Medium is often celebrated for its sleek design and simplicity. If you want to write, Medium takes care of the tech stuff like hosting and design. Plus, there’s a built-in audience, which is a big help in getting your content seen. But there's a catch. You don’t have complete control over your content and are at the mercy of Medium’s algorithms.

Those looking for advanced SEO or full monetization features might find Medium lacking. It's solid for writers who want ease and audience but less for those who crave control and flexibility.

Looking for More Control? Alternatives to Medium

There are better options if you’re seeking more than what Medium offers. WordPress is a standout. It’s customizable, giving bloggers control over:

Design

Monetization

This makes it ideal for those looking to integrate blogging into a broader business strategy.

If you want Medium’s simplicity with more freedom, check out Feather. It maintains a minimalist approach but allows for more customization and control. Feather lets you keep things simple while offering personalization, making it a strong choice for those who want a tailored blogging experience.

Ready for a Change? Platforms That Challenge WordPress

WordPress is a powerhouse that offers extensive customization and control. Thanks to thousands of themes and plugins, it’s perfect for everything from simple blogs to full-scale websites. But it can be overwhelming for those who just want a simple blog.

Feather: A Simplified Alternative to WordPress

Feather offers a focused blogging environment with enough customization to be versatile but without the steep learning curve of WordPress. Feather simplifies content management, offering a streamlined experience for those who find WordPress too complex.

Cost Comparison: Is WordPress or Medium More Budget-Friendly?

While WordPress is free, you must pay for hosting and a domain. With a Bluehost coupon, you can start for just $2.75 per month. Medium lets you start writing for free, but advanced features like analytics and monetization will cost you $5 per month. Depending on your needs, WordPress may end up being the cheaper option.

Usability Showdown: WordPress vs Medium

WordPress and Medium are both user-friendly, but they cater to different needs. Medium’s interface is more straightforward, making it easier for beginners. But this simplicity comes with limited functionality. WordPress offers more features and customization, leading to a higher learning curve and more growth potential for your blog.

Custom Domains and Medium: What You Need to Know

If you're a Medium member, you can use a custom domain or subdomain for your profile page or publication. This feature provides customization and brand recognition, a nice perk for those serious about their blogging endeavors.

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Go From Notion to Blog With Ease Today With Feather

You don’t need to be a coding whiz to get your blog and newsletter off the ground. Feather makes it easy to publish straight from Notion, saving you time and hassle by eliminating the need for separate tools. You can write your content in Notion and automatically publish it to your Feather blog, streamlining the process and making collaboration with your team a breeze. Feather’s subfolder setup is better for SEO than a subdomain, giving you a leg up on the competition. You can customize the design with CSS, collect emails, and more.

Run your blog and newsletter with Feather today! Create a new account and see how easy it is to go from notion to blog in minutes!

Seamless Subfolder Setup

Feather’s subfolder setup is better for SEO than a subdomain, giving you a leg up on the competition. By setting up your blog as a subfolder (e.g., domain.com/blog), you’re ensuring that your blog content is seen as part of your main website, which search engines love.

This can boost your overall site ranking and make it easier for people to find your content. Plus, Feather makes it easy to set up a subfolder blog to get all the benefits without any headaches. This means you can focus on creating great content and leave the technical stuff to us.