If you are looking for a way to start a blog, but don’t want to spend any money on it, there are many tools that can help. In this post, we will go over some of the best free blog platforms and blogging software available today.
Whether you want a hosted platform or something more DIY-oriented, these 7 options offer everything from social media integration to analytics packages.
In this article we will discuss:
- WordPress
- Blogger
- Tumblr
- Wix
- Weebly
- Squarespace
- OLITT
Table of Contents
1). WordPress
WordPress is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) that lets you easily create a website or blog from scratch, or convert an existing site to WordPress. It is free and relatively easy to use, even for beginners.
At the same time, wordpress.com is a tool you can use to START a blog in South Africa for free.
Why use it?
WordPress is one of the most popular CMSs around and has a large, active community of users and developers.
It is also easy to use – you can have your first website up and running in as little as ten minutes using WordPress’ famous five-minute installation process.
WordPress is the best blogging platform in South Africa if you are planning on hosting multiple posts or pages that require more advanced formatting options such as sidebars, drop-down menus, and custom headers.
WordPress also offers tons of free themes to choose from, which you can find in its theme directory, or by looking on the web for WordPress’ “showcase” pages (such as this one ).
These showcase pages show off some of the most-used templates around. If you can’t find a theme that meets your needs, you can also hire a designer to create a custom template for you.
How do I get started?
To get started with WordPress, you first need to head over to wordpress.com and create a free account.
Once you have created an account, you can start using WordPress right away – no download or installation required.
From there, you can either use one of the many pre-made templates that come with WordPress or hire a designer to create a custom template for you.
You can also choose from thousands of free and premium themes from the WordPress Theme Directory.
2). Blogger
Blogger is Google’s web-based blogging platform, which was launched in 1999 to allow users to create their own online diaries.
Why use it?
Blogger is free and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginner bloggers. It is also owned by Google, which means that you can use your existing Google account to log in.
And if you ever need help with Blogger, the Google Help Center has tons of articles and tutorials on how to use it.
How do I get started?
To create your first blog, head over to blogger.com and sign in with your Google account.
Once you are signed in to Blogger, click on the “New” button at the top of the screen to start a new page or post. From there It is easy – just enter your desired title for each post and start writing.
Blogger also offers a wide range of templates to choose from, which you can find by clicking on the “Template” button on the left-hand side of your screen.
Once you have chosen a template, just enter in some content for each post and then publish it. You can also add images, videos, and other multimedia content to your posts with ease.
3). Tumblr
Tumblr is a microblogging social media platform that was launched in 2007. Tumblr allows you to post text, photos, quotes, links, and other multimedia content to your own blog or a public audience.
Why use it?
Free of charge with no ads displayed on the site. It is also easy for beginning bloggers because there are only three steps involved in setting up your first blog in South Africa:
- Choose a Tumblr theme.
- Create your blog by entering the required information.
- Start posting content to it!
How do I get started?
To use Tumblr, all you need is an email address and some way of accessing the internet – whether that’s through a desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Once you have created an account, the next step is to choose a theme for your blog. Tumblr offers a wide variety of free themes to choose from, and you can preview each one before you decide on which one to use.
After choosing a theme, the next step is to create your blog by entering in some basic information – such as your desired username and password. You can also add in a custom email address if you wish, but this isn’t required to get started.
Once you have finished, click on the “Create Blog” button to finalize your site.
Now that you have a Tumblr blog set up, you can start posting content to it immediately.
You can post text, links, photos, and videos – all of which will be shown on your blog in chronological order, one after another.
You can also re-order the posts however you choose so that your blog’s content is displayed exactly how you want it to be.
What tools do I need?
In order to use Tumblr, all you really need is an email address and a way to access the internet.
You don’t even need to download any special software or sign up for anything – just create an account online and you can start posting content right away.
However, there are some other tools that can make using Tumblr even easier.
For example, the Tumblr app for smartphones and tablets allows you to post content while on the go, and there are also a number of Tumblr plug-ins that can be used with your blog to make it more interactive.
4). Wix
Wix is a website builder that was launched in 2006. It allows users to create their own responsive websites, blogs, or online stores using pre-made templates and simple drag-and-drop tools.
Why use it?
Wix sites look professional
How do I get started?
To start building your site on the Wix platform, just choose “Create your free account” at the top of the homepage page and fill out some basic information about yourself – name, email address, etc.
Then click Sign Up to move forward with the signup process.
You will also be asked if you want to import your contacts from Facebook so follow those directions before clicking on next again (this will help speed up the registration process).
Next enter in your website’s name and the URL you would like to use for it.
You can choose from a variety of templates that Wix offers, or you can upload your own designs if you have them.
To start, just click on one of the many templates that are displayed on the homepage.
Once you have chosen a template, Wix will walk you through the process of customizing it to fit your needs.
You can add text, images, videos, and other multimedia content as well as change the layout, color scheme, and other design elements.
What tools do I need?
In order to use Wix, all you need is an internet connection – whether that is through a desktop computer or laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
There is no software to download and no special skills required – you can create a website or blog in minutes using Wix.
There are also a number of apps and tools that can be used with Wix to make creating and managing your site even easier.
For example, the Wix App Market offers a variety of free and paid apps that can help you add more features and functionality to your website, and the Wix Support Center provides helpful articles, tutorials, and videos on how to use all the different features of Wix.
You don’t need any prior experience in web design or coding to use Wix – It is really easy for anyone to get started. Just choose one of their pre-made templates, customize it to fit your needs, and start sharing your content online.
5). Squarespace
Squarespace was launched in 2003 and is an all-in-one platform that allows users to create websites, blogs, or online stores.
Why use it?
Squarespace comes with a professional design/layout and allows you to start a blog in South Africa for free.
How do I get started?
To start using Squarespace, just choose “Sign up for free” at the top of this page and enter your email address – no credit card information is required so you can sign up without worrying about any hidden fees.
Then click on the button marked “Get Started” which will take you through a series of questions regarding what type of site you want to build (blog, portfolio, etc) as well as how many pages it will include, whether or not you will be selling products and other details.
From there you will be given a choice of templates and layout options that can help determine the overall look and feel of your website.
Just choose one, click on “Continue to next step” at the bottom of the page, then follow along with some basic instructions about adding text content or importing an existing blog.
It is really easy to get started building your site on Squarespace – all it takes is just a few clicks of your mouse!
What tools do I need?
To use Squarespace to start a blog in South Africa for free, you only need an internet connection (whether through a desktop computer or tablet/smartphone).
There are no additional software components needed so anyone can build their own professional-looking website using this platform.
You don’t have access to any of the code so you won’t be able to modify any of the fundamental features of your site.
There are also some helpful apps available, like the “Squarespace Logo” so you can put your own company logo on the site.
You can even use Squarespace to sell products online in South Africa and make money– they offer a number of features and integrations to make this process as easy as possible.
6). Weebly
Weebly was founded in 2006 and is another platform that allows users to create websites, START a blog in South Africa for free, or online stores.
Why use it?
Some of the advantages of using Weebly include;
- Drag-and-drop interface for easy website building
- Free account with limited features
How do I get started?
Creating a Weebly account is free and only takes a few minutes – just enter your email address, password, and desired username on their homepage.
Once you have registered for an account, you can start creating your website by clicking on the “Create Site” button. you will be asked to choose between creating a website, blog, or online store and then given some basic instructions about adding text content or importing an existing one.
It is really easy to get started building your site on Weebly – all it takes is just a few clicks of your mouse!
What tools do I need?
To use Weebly you only need an internet connection (whether through a desktop computer or tablet/smartphone).
There are no additional software components needed so anyone can build their own professional-looking website using this platform.
You don’t have access to any of the code so you won’t be able to modify any of the fundamental features of your site.
Weebly also offers a number of helpful apps, like the “Weebly App” which allows you to manage and update your website from anywhere with an internet connection.
You can also use Weeb to sell products online – they offer a number of features and integrations to make this process as easy as possible.
7). OLITT
OLITT is another one of the best tools you can use to start a blog in South Africa for free.
With this website builder, you can create a professional and beautiful website without having to worry about coding ever.
OLITT comes with a ton of features and most of them are available for you free of charge.
For example;
You can create a website and connect a custom domain for free!
In fact, OLITT is the only tool in the world that allows that.
With Wix for example, you must first upgrade your plan to a higher package in order to add a custom domain to your free website.
What’s more?
OLITT gives you unlimited bandwidth and access to tools and resources you will need to rank your blog higher on Google in South Africa.
Conclusion
There are a number of great tools you can use to start a blog in South Africa for free. Just choose which one is right for you and then get started building your site in no time.