Top 10 Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online (Even If You’re a Newbie)

Welcome to my article “Top 10 Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online (Even If You’re a Newbie)”. So, you’ve decided to jump into the blogging game and make some sweet online cash? Smart move. Whether you’re dreaming of passive income while sipping coconut water on a beach or just want to monetize your midnight rants about bad coffee, one thing’s for sure: you need the right platform to get started. But with a gazillion blogging platforms out there — each claiming to be “the best” — it can feel like picking a Netflix show when you’re already hungry. Overwhelming, right?

Don’t worry, we’ve done the digital legwork for you (no actual jogging involved, we promise). In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 best blogging platforms for making money online, especially if you’re starting with zero experience and a budget that screams “I just Googled free options.” Whether you’re into affiliate marketing, selling products, offering coaching, or just monetizing with good ol’ ads, we’ve got a platform that fits your hustle.

We’ll cover the pros, cons, costs, and money-making features of each platform, so you can skip the tech headaches and focus on creating content — and income. No fluff, no jargon, and absolutely no “guru” nonsense. Just real info to help you launch your blog like a boss (or at least a boss in pajama pants). Let’s dive in and find the perfect blogging home for your online empire-in-the-making.

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What to Look for in a Money-Making Blogging Platform

(Because Not All Platforms Are Created Equal — Some Are Just Pretty with No Paychecks)

Before you dive headfirst into writing blog posts about your favorite keto recipes, productivity hacks, or conspiracy theories about why your houseplants are plotting against you, let’s talk platforms. Not just any platform — but the right one for making actual money online.

See, choosing a blogging platform isn’t just about what looks nice or has the most drag-and-drop widgets.Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online. If you want to turn your blog into a revenue-generating machine (even a small one at first), you’ve got to look under the hood. Here’s what really matters:

1. Monetization Options

The first — and most obvious — question: Can this platform actually make you money?

Look for:

Affiliate link support (can you easily add and track links?)

Ad integrations (Google AdSense, Mediavine, Ezoic)

E-commerce tools (for selling digital/physical products)

Membership/paywall options (for exclusive content or newsletters)

Example:

WordPress.org lets you monetize in practically every way known to the internet gods.

Medium, however? Great for writing, but limited to Medium’s Partner Program (read: you get paid based on reading time, not hustle).

2. Customization & Control

A blogging platform should be more than just a pretty face. You need:

Full access to your own domain name

Theme flexibility (because nobody wants a generic blog)

Plugin or app integration (to add features like email sign-ups, pop-ups, and more)

Pro Tip: The more you can tweak, the more you can optimize for conversions — and cha-ching, that means more money.

3. SEO Capabilities

If Google can’t find you, your blog might as well be a beautifully written message in a bottle.

Look for:

Customizable meta titles and descriptions

Image optimization

Clean URLs

Access to SEO plugins/tools (like Yoast or Rank Math for WordPress)

Platforms like WordPress and Ghost have solid SEO tools baked in — or at least available. Others (cough Blogger cough) may need some serious extra effort to rank well.

4. Ease of Use (Especially for Beginners)

Let’s be real: If it takes you 6 hours and 3 mental breakdowns to figure out how to publish your first post, you’re probably not going to stick with it.

Ask yourself:

Is there a learning curve?

Does the platform have templates or onboarding help?

Is tech support available if you get stuck?

Best for ease-of-use: Wix, Squarespace, and Substack.

Best if you love a good challenge (with reward): WordPress.org.

5. Cost vs. Value

Ah, the budget question. Some platforms are “free” — but you’ll pay with limited features, domain restrictions, or awkward ads splashed all over your blog. Others cost more upfront but give you tools to earn faster.

Breakdown:

Free platforms: Blogger, Medium, Substack (limited monetization control)

Affordable + powerful: WordPress.org (you pay for hosting, but gain full control)

Premium, all-in-one builders: Squarespace, Wix, Ghost

Think of your blog like a business. Investing $10–$30/month is often worth it if you can turn around and earn even $100 back.

6. Scalability & Growth Potential

Sure, your blog might start as a side hustle or passion project, but what if it takes off? Can the platform grow with you?

Ask:

Can I add email lists or sell products later?

Is there an upgrade path if my traffic grows?

Are there tools for funnel building, analytics, and advanced features?

WordPress, Shopify, and Ghost are great for scaling. Others might lock you into a box once you hit a certain level (and no, upgrading from “basic” to “basic plus” won’t cut it).

7. Community & Support

You’re going to have questions. Trust me. A platform with an active community, robust tutorials, or good customer support can be the difference between a thriving blog and you rage-quitting after a plugin breaks.

Look for:

Helpful forums (WordPress and Ghost have solid communities)

Responsive email/chat support

Tutorials, YouTube guides, or documentation

Bonus: Platforms with large communities often mean more third-party tools and integrations too.

TL;DR:

When choosing a blogging platform for making money online, don’t just go for the shiny one with the prettiest templates. Go for one that:

Supports multiple income streams

Grows with your goals

Helps you get discovered (hi, Google)

Doesn’t make you want to throw your laptop out the window

The Top 10 Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online

Even If You Don’t Know What a Plugin Is… Yet

So, you’ve decided you want to start a blog and make money doing it. Congratulations! You’re officially part of the “I’d like to get paid in my pajamas” club. But before you start typing up your thoughts on coffee, tech reviews, or conspiracy theories about why your cat is ignoring you — there’s one big decision to make:

Where should you build your blog?

Not all platforms are built for profits. Some are perfect for hobbyists who just want to journal online, while others are built like digital money printers (okay, not quite — but close enough). Let’s break down the top 10 blogging platforms that are actually worth your time and have serious moneymaking potential.

1. WordPress.org (The Undisputed King of Blogging for Money)

Best For: Full control, serious bloggers, affiliate marketing, ad revenue, selling stuff

Pros: Highly customizable, massive plugin library, endless monetization options

Cons: Steeper learning curve, needs separate hosting

If blogging platforms were a video game, WordPress.org would be the “expert” mode — but with the highest reward. You get total control over your blog’s design, SEO, and monetization. Want to run ads, sell eBooks, launch an email list, or host an online course? WordPress says, “Sure thing, boss.”

But be warned: this isn’t plug-and-play. You’ll need hosting (like Bluehost or SiteGround), a theme, and a little patience.

2. Wix (The Drag-and-Drop Darling)

Best For: Beginners who want beautiful design with monetization options

Pros: Super easy to use, visually stunning templates, app market

Cons: Less flexible for scaling and SEO than WordPress

If WordPress feels like a spaceship, Wix is like hopping into a sleek Tesla. You can drag and drop your way to a gorgeous blog in minutes — and still have access to tools for affiliate marketing, e-commerce, and subscriptions.Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online. Great for creatives, lifestyle bloggers, and anyone allergic to coding.

Just know that SEO and customization may hit a wall once your traffic grows.

3. Squarespace (The Stylish Side Hustler’s Choice)

Best For: Creatives, freelancers, portfolio blogs, small online shops

Pros: Beautiful design, easy setup, built-in eCommerce

Cons: Limited 3rd-party app integrations, not the best for complex blogs

Squarespace is what you’d get if Apple made a blogging platform: elegant, smooth, but slightly controlling. It’s great for showing off your work and selling products or services, but less ideal if you want deep customization or advanced affiliate tracking.

Still, for sleek websites that impress and convert, Squarespace is a solid choice.

4. Medium (The Writer’s Playground — with a Catch)

Best For: Writers focused on storytelling, thought leadership, and passive reads

Pros: Built-in audience, clean writing interface, Medium Partner Program

Cons: You don’t own your audience, limited branding and monetization control

If you just want to write and let the money (maybe) follow, Medium is your place. You can earn through the Medium Partner Program, which pays based on how long people read your posts. But… you’re building on someone else’s land. That means limited control over branding, SEO, and affiliate links.

Use Medium as a supplement — not your home base.

5. Ghost (The Clean, Fast, and Paid-Subscriber Friendly Option)

Best For: Newsletter bloggers, membership content, tech-savvy creators

Pros: Lightning-fast, SEO-friendly, built-in membership/paywall tools

Cons: Requires technical setup, less beginner-friendly than Wix or Squarespace

Ghost is like WordPress’s minimalist cousin who drinks espresso and speaks in clean code. It’s designed for speed and subscription revenue — perfect if your goal is paid newsletters, gated content, or community building. But there’s a learning curve, and it’s not ideal for complex affiliate sites or ads.

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Still, for creators focused on long-term income from loyal readers? Ghost is gold.

6. Blogger (The OG Platform That Refuses to Die)

Best For: Absolute beginners or nostalgic 2009 bloggers

Pros: Free, simple, integrates with Google AdSense

Cons: Outdated design, minimal customization, not ideal for serious growth

Blogger is like the MySpace of blogging platforms — still around, still functioning, but probably not your best bet for monetization in 2025. That said, it’s free, AdSense-compatible, and ridiculously easy to use. It’s a good training ground but not where you build your empire.

7. Substack (The New Kid for Paid Newsletters)

Best For: Writers, journalists, niche experts building an email-based audience

Pros: Free to start, built-in payment processing, clean and email-first

Cons: Limited site customization, you’re stuck in Substack’s ecosystem

Substack is booming, especially among thought leaders and niche experts. If your strength lies in writing valuable, opinionated, or entertaining long-form content, and you’re good at building email lists, Substack helps you make money via paid subscriptions.

Just note: you’re essentially renting space. If Substack changes its policies, you’re along for the ride.

8. Shopify (with a blog)

Best For: E-commerce sites that want to use content to drive sales

Pros: Built-in sales tools, payment integration, apps galore

Cons: Not designed just for blogging, can be pricey

Shopify isn’t a blogging platform per se — but it has a blogging function. If you’re selling products (physical or digital), content marketing is your best friend. Using blog posts to drive organic traffic and lead readers into your shop? Smart, very smart.

9. Weebly (The Budget-Friendly Beginner Option)

Best For: Simple blogs with a mix of personal and business content

Pros: Affordable, drag-and-drop builder, basic eCommerce

Cons: Limited design freedom, weaker SEO features

Weebly is like the younger sibling of Wix — cheaper, simpler, and good for dipping your toes into blogging. It’s beginner-friendly and supports some monetization, but don’t expect advanced features or huge growth potential.

10. Tumblr (Wait… It’s Still Alive?)

Best For: Creative niches, microblogging, memes, fandom content

Pros: Social media meets blogging, free, easy to use

Cons: Limited monetization, more social than business

Tumblr’s strength lies in its community and culture — not in making you money. That said, some creative bloggers and affiliate marketers have carved out niches here. It’s not a mainstream money-maker, but if your audience lives on Tumblr, you can experiment.

Final Thoughts: Pick What Pays YOU

When it comes to making money from blogging, the best platform is the one that:

Matches your skill level

Supports your monetization method(s)

Grows as your blog grows

Doesn’t make you want to scream every time you open the dashboard

If you’re a total beginner, Wix or Squarespace might be perfect. If you’re ready to go pro, WordPress.org is king. And if you’re into newsletters or community-driven income? Substack or Ghost is your playground.

Which Platform Is Best for YOUR Blogging Income Goal?

Because not everyone wants to be the next millionaire blogger (but hey, we won’t stop you).

Let’s be real for a second: blogging isn’t one-size-fits-all — especially when we’re talking about money. Some folks want to build a full-blown online empire, others are just looking to make a little extra pizza money every month. And guess what? Your income goals should shape the platform you choose like a good pair of yoga pants: snug, flexible, and totally supportive.

Here’s how to match your blogging goals to the right platform, so you’re not trying to run a marathon in flip-flops.

Goal 1: “I Just Want Some Side Income — Nothing Fancy”

Estimated target: $100–$500/month

Best Platforms: Wix, Squarespace, Blogger

You’re not trying to quit your day job (yet). You just want to blog about your favorite recipes, books, or personal finance hacks and earn some passive income via affiliate links or display ads.

Go with Wix or Squarespace if you want your blog to look sleek without hiring a designer. Or try Blogger if you’re dipping your toes in the water with zero budget (but keep in mind it’s not very future-proof).

These platforms are beginner-friendly and won’t overwhelm you with technical mumbo jumbo — perfect if “installing a plugin” sounds like a plumbing issue.

Goal 2: “I Want to Replace My 9–5 Job with Blogging”

Estimated target: $1,000–$5,000/month

Best Platform: WordPress.org

You’re serious now. This isn’t just a hobby — it’s a hustle. You’re aiming for affiliate marketing, sponsored content, maybe even a digital product or two. You need freedom, flexibility, and all the fancy plugins.

WordPress.org is your best bet. It’s like building your own online business HQ. Sure, there’s a learning curve (and yes, you’ll probably Google “how to fix my broken theme” at 2 a.m.), but it gives you total control over your income streams.

Think of WordPress.org as a DIY income machine — with the potential to scale like crazy if you stick with it.

Goal 3: “I Want to Monetize My Writing or Expertise”

Estimated target: $500–$2,000/month (or more with subscriptions)

Best Platforms: Substack, Medium, Ghost

You’ve got stories, insights, or hot takes that people want to read. You’re not looking to sell physical products or plaster your site with ads. You want loyal readers — and maybe even paying subscribers.

If that’s you, Substack or Ghost is gold.Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online. They’re built for creators who want to earn directly from their audience via email newsletters or memberships. Medium is also worth exploring for its built-in audience and passive earnings through the Partner Program (though it’s more of a side dish than the main course).

These platforms are for the writers who’d rather type than tinker with SEO plugins.

Goal 4: “I Want to Sell Stuff on My Blog”

Estimated target: Variable (depends on what you’re selling)

Best Platforms: Shopify, WordPress.org, Squarespace

Whether you’re selling homemade candles, eBooks, or a digital course called “How to Teach Your Cat to Meditate,” you need solid eCommerce tools.

Shopify is perfect for product-first creators, with blogging as a traffic booster. If your blog is your primary focus, WordPress.org + WooCommerce gives you maximum flexibility. Or go with Squarespace for a more visual, less techy eCommerce experience.

Selling through your blog? Make sure your platform doesn’t treat your shop like an awkward add-on.

Goal 5: “I Want to Build a Brand and Go Big”

Estimated target: $5,000+/month

Best Platform: WordPress.org (again!)

If your vision includes building a personal brand, monetizing multiple streams (ads, affiliates, courses, sponsorships, etc.), and becoming an authority in your niche — WordPress.org is your playground.

You’ll want advanced SEO tools, custom branding, email marketing integrations, and maybe even a membership site down the road. WordPress lets you go as far as your hustle takes you.

Warning: Side effects may include growing an email list, attracting brand deals, and saying “I blog for a living” at dinner parties.

Final Thought: Pick Your Platform Like You’d Pick a Business Partner

Choose a platform that aligns with what you want now, but can grow with you later. If you’re not sure where you’ll be in 6 months, start with something beginner-friendly — then upgrade when your traffic (and confidence) starts to grow.

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Just remember: the blog doesn’t make the blogger. Your content, consistency, and creativity will always be the real money-makers.

How to Choose the Right Blogging Platform (Even If You’re a Total Newbie)

Because making money online shouldn’t feel like defusing a digital bomb.

Let’s get one thing straight: starting a blog doesn’t mean you have to become a part-time developer or learn what “HTML5” even stands for. But choosing the right blogging platform is a decision that can seriously impact your growth, your income, and your sanity.

Whether your goal is to build a six-figure affiliate site or just get paid to rant about your favorite conspiracy theories (no judgment), the platform you choose should align with your vision, budget, skill level, and future plans.

Here’s your step-by-step deep dive into picking a platform that fits like your comfiest hoodie — while still being ready to help you cash in.Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online.

1. Clarify Your Purpose Before You Touch a Platform

Start by asking yourself: “What exactly am I blogging for?”

Are you building a personal brand?

Want to generate income via ads, affiliates, or sponsorships?

Planning to sell products or services?

Or just sharing your thoughts with the world… and if it makes money, cool?

This clarity shapes everything else. For example:

Want control and monetization flexibility? → WordPress.org

Want to build an audience and monetize with subscriptions? → Substack

Want a no-code, visual blog with eCommerce potential? → Squarespace or Wix

Pro Tip: Choosing a platform without knowing your goal is like buying running shoes before you know if you’re sprinting or hiking a mountain.

2. Match the Platform to Your Tech Confidence Level

Let’s talk real-life usability — because not all blogging platforms are created equal.

Tech SkillPlatform ExamplesWhy It Works“I get hives from the word ‘dashboard’”Wix, Squarespace, BloggerDrag-and-drop editors, minimal learning curve“I can Google my way through a problem”WordPress.org, GhostSteeper learning curve but full control“I love writing, not tinkering”Substack, MediumJust write and publish. Zero backend stress

WordPress.org gives you flexibility but asks for some technical patience. Squarespace/Wix are super visual and beginner-friendly but can be limiting for long-term scaling.

Think of this like choosing a car: If you’re not into driving stick shift (tech stuff), go automatic (Wix/Squarespace). But if you want more power under the hood, go with a manual (WordPress).

3. Don’t Let “Free” Fool You — Consider Your Budget Smartly

Some platforms are free upfront… but you pay later in limitations.

Free platforms (Blogger, WordPress.com’s free plan, Medium): Good for learning, not great for real monetization.

Affordable all-in-ones (Wix, Squarespace): $10–$25/month for hosting, custom domains, and templates.

Self-hosted WordPress.org: Hosting ($5–$15/month) + domain ($10/year) = more effort, more flexibility, more earning power.

Reality Check: If your blog is meant to make real money, treat it like a real business — invest a little.

4. Scalability: Will This Platform Grow With You?

Maybe you’re starting small, but what happens when:

You want to add an email newsletter?

Sell an online course?

Get a million monthly visitors?

Platforms like WordPress.org and Ghost scale like champs. Meanwhile, something like Blogger or Medium might start choking once you try to build funnels or customize SEO.

Quick tip: Choose a platform that can grow with your ambitions — not one you’ll outgrow in 3 months.

5. Features You Shouldn’t Ignore as a Newbie (But Often Do)

Here’s your blogger survival kit — look for these features upfront:

FeatureWhy You Need ItCustom Domain Support“yourname.com” looks way more pro than “yourname.blogspot.com.”Built-in SEO ToolsHelps Google actually find your posts (essential for traffic).Monetization OptionsCan you easily add ads, affiliate links, or products?Mobile ResponsivenessOver 50% of traffic = mobile. Your blog must look good on phones.Analytics IntegrationYou can’t grow what you can’t measure. Google Analytics is key.

6. Test Before You Commit (Because Regret Is Real)

Use the free trials or demos most platforms offer:

Try building a fake post.

Mess with the design.

Look at the backend — does it make sense to you?

If it feels overwhelming, clunky, or looks like it belongs on MySpace, skip it.

Rule of Thumb: If it takes you more than 2 hours to figure out how to publish a blog post, it’s probably not your soulmate platform.

Final Thoughts: The Best Platform Is the One You’ll Actually Use

You can always upgrade, redesign, or even migrate later — but in the beginning, go with a platform that:

Matches your goals

Fits your skill level

Doesn’t stress you out

And makes it easy to get your content out into the world

Because at the end of the day, consistency, quality content, and smart monetization are what bring the money in — not the platform itself.

So pick your platform, fire up your first post, and don’t let analysis paralysis keep you from becoming the money-making blogger you were meant to be.

Conclusion + Next Steps

You’re one platform away from turning “just blogging” into “profitable blogging.”

Let’s recap: Choosing the best blogging platform isn’t about jumping on the most popular bandwagon or picking the one your cousin Gary uses to blog about lizards (no offense to Gary). It’s about aligning your goals, budget, skills, and vision with a platform that actually sets you up to earn — without making you want to throw your laptop out the window.

Whether you’re dreaming of passive income through affiliate links, launching a digital product empire, or simply monetizing your midnight thoughts, the platform you choose should be a partner, not a roadblock.Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online.

Remember:

If you want total control and plan to grow big → WordPress.org is your BFF.

If you want zero tech headaches and fast setup → Wix, Squarespace, or Substack will keep you sane.

If you’re here to write first, think later → Medium or Blogger might help you dip your toes in.

And hey, don’t worry about getting it perfect on Day One. Most successful bloggers didn’t — they tweaked, pivoted, and sometimes totally jumped platforms. What matters most is that you start.

Next Steps: Your Action Plan to Start Earning

Step 1: Define your blogging goals (income, traffic, niche, etc.)

Step 2: Pick 2–3 platforms that align with those goals

Step 3: Test drive them (free trials, templates, tutorials)

Step 4: Choose one and publish your first post — don’t overthink it

Step 5: Set up monetization tools (affiliate links, ads, email capture, etc.)

Bonus: Bookmark this guide and come back when you hit your first $100. We’ll celebrate with virtual confetti.

Starting a money-making blog may feel intimidating at first, but with the right platform and a consistent plan, you’re not just “starting a blog” — you’re building a digital asset that can generate income while you sleep, snack, or scroll TikTok.

Now go on, hit “publish,” and show the internet what you’ve got.

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Thanks a lot for reading my article on “Top 10 Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online (Even If You’re a Newbie)“ till the end. Hope you’ve helped. See you with another article.

Source: Top 10 Best Blogging Platforms for Making Money Online (Even If You’re a Newbie)

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