Blogger vs WordPress is a debate that bloggers know well. Many sites and bloggers discuss the benefits and disadvantages between the two and today I am going to join the ranks.
At the beginning of the week, I made the hard decision to move my blog back to blogger. I originally jumped on the WordPress band wagon when I had a bit of a falling out with a “friend” last year. I wanted Becoming Homegrown to get high ranking stats and I wanted to see my business skyrocket. Not the best reasoning behind a major blog overhaul but I did it nonetheless.
It is almost one year to the day that I made this dramatic jump and I have been questioning my leap for the last six months. Yes, my stats did rise dramatically and yes there are more visitors however at what cost? I am not a coding genius and I do not have the time nor the desire to sit down and scour the internet learning how to improve my site. It is basic and it has remained that way for a solid year.
I have been longing for the easy adaptability that Blogger boasts. I wanted to be able to just add a button or change my background with a few simple keystrokes. I wanted simple, easy, and Google Friend Connect. These dreams were quickly extinguished when I learned that not only is it nearly impossible to export a blog from WordPress to Blogger but it WAS impossible for me because I have too much history, i.e. posts. I have to stay right here and work out my issues.
Here is what I learned. These are my basic opinions. Let me stress BASIC.
WordPress:
Plus:
GREAT for stats – The hits on my site have gone up dramatically from search engines…I am also hosting through Bluehost. Just a free wordpress blog would probably not have hit the same numbers
RSS – My subscriber rates have jumped
I was able to create and publish my own logo and use it as a header.
The options to change the site are extensive through a knowledge of HTML & CSS coding. You can make your site look amazing with the right tools.
Plug-ins and widgets are great. Individuals, not wordpress, have created a variety of things that can really enhance a blog
Negative:
I am not proficient in HTML and CSS. I was confused right from the start. This is was a HUGE factor for my desire to move.
Because of my lack of knowledge my style of the blog is basic.
Suddenly, I no longer get the same amount of comments. I can see that my post are being read through Facebook likes and stats but I no longer get comments. I miss comments.
The plug-ins and widgets. Because they are made by people and not wordpress they have ability to crash your site. (I know because my site went down for 2 days from a plug-in)
Blogger:
Plus:
User FRIENDLY. Modifications are quick and simple. You can change the look of your site within seconds.
HTML is good to know but not required.
Google Friend Connect – I really liked GFC. It made me feel important and loved.
Blogs look cute and are easily navigated.
Negative:
As of last year, they gave bloggers a glimpse into their stats. Mine were constant but I never knew exactly how people found me or where my hits were coming from. I am not sure if that has changed now.
The options that are available through CSS and HTML can really make your site stand out. You don’t have as much control as you do in WordPress. BUT if this not something that interests you don’t worry about it.
Now, I just purchased WordPress for Dummies and this dummy is slowly working her way through CSS. I have finally figured out what exactly certain add ons, options and widgets are capable of handling. I am not as afraid of tinkering in the background and I am looking forward to eventually having my site look a little more professional. I will get there but it will take some learning and because I am a notorious procrastinator this will probably take some time.
Bottom line: If you are comfortable with where you are DON’T let what others say, brag or appear to have accomplished influence your decision. Stay where you have the most fun and are the most productive.
