Blog Tool Recommendations

In my last post - Ten Things to Consider Before You Blog - Carol posted a comment and asked,

"What should a person look for in a blog provider? Are there any disadvantages to starting with a 100% free provider? Are there distinct advantages to starting with a provider that charges?"

An excellent question and one best left to the experts to answer. Paul provided the "Ten Things To Consider," so let's let my blog mentor Toby Bloomberg and my new blogging friend Josh Hallett take a crack at this one.

Because she is a smart marketer, Toby reinforces marketing fundamentals,

"The question is not necessarily free or paid - especially with a business blog - but is the functionality needed. As with any smart marketing tactic/strategy you need to start with your goals and objectives and then use the blog to support those.

Ask yourself, do you want trackbacks? Do you want the ability to add multiple pages off the blog? Do you want an "About Us" page? If so, the free Blogger may not be the right platform.

How much control of the software does your IT department want? Will the IT people have time to administer and support it? Should you go with software that is hosted on your server or do you want an ASP like Typepad?"

In addition, Toby has also heard it is difficult to export content from free Blogger. So consider long-term consequences.

Toby also provided a great comparison chart of the major blog platforms.

Josh said he could go on and on,

"I just don't let me friends use bad blogging tools."

And then proceeded to write an information packed post on his site to answer my question. To sum it up:

• An installed solution is his preferred method, but you or someone you know needs some technical know-how to get it off the ground.
• A blog provider is more like the services Toby listed below (more appropriate for a techno-phobe like myself).
• Consider the following when choosing a good blog provider - cost (you get what you pay for... or don't pay for), options, lock-in, and customization. Read more...

Thanks Paul for starting off this conversation and Toby and Josh for providing additional information.

Keep the great questions coming.

Comments

[Carol Kirshner]

Thank you! Tisa, Toby & Josh you give wonderful guidance and have given me a lot to ponder and weigh. Thanks for the assistance and your time.