An honest look at the pros and cons of Google's blogging platform, from a blogger who has stayed with it for years.
Have you ever wondered which platform is best for starting a blog?
There are plenty of choices out there. WordPress, Wix, Squarespace and many other platforms offer different ways to create and manage a website.
I have tried several blogging and website-building tools over the years, including WordPress, TypePad and Homestead. They each have their strengths and weaknesses.
But here is something interesting: I am still using Google Blogger.
Why?
Because sometimes the best tool isn't necessarily the one with the most features. It is the one that lets you get on with what you really want to do.
For me, that means writing, sharing ideas, documenting experiences and connecting with readers.
I have been using Blogger for years, and AI123.ca continues to run on this platform. I have also used it for other personal blogging projects.
Let me share what I like, what I don't like, and why I still think Blogger deserves consideration.
Why I Like Google Blogger
1. Easy to Get Started
One of Blogger's biggest attractions is its simplicity.
If you already have a Google account, you can get started by visiting Blogger and creating a blog.
You don't need to purchase web hosting or learn complicated website administration before publishing your first article.
For someone who simply wants to start writing, this is a big advantage.
2. Free Hosting
Blogger provides free hosting.
You don't have to worry about monthly hosting bills, server maintenance or installing software updates on a hosting account.
This makes it particularly attractive to beginners, hobby bloggers, retirees and anyone who wants to experiment with blogging without committing much money.
Of course, you can purchase your own domain name and connect it to Blogger if you want a more professional web address.
That's what I have done with AI123.ca.
3. Simple Writing and Publishing
I enjoy the straightforward writing experience.
I can create a new post, add headings, insert photographs, embed videos and publish when I am ready.
I don't need to spend all my time managing the website.
My priority is the content.
Whether I am writing about artificial intelligence, reviewing software, sharing personal experiences or documenting my learning journey, Blogger gives me a convenient place to publish.
4. Custom Domain Support
You don't have to use a Blogspot address forever.
Blogger allows you to connect a domain name that you own.
For example, instead of using a long Blogspot address, I can publish under:
I believe this is an important feature for anyone who wants to build a recognizable online identity.
You can start free and invest in a domain name when you are ready.
5. Integration with Google's Ecosystem
Another advantage is its connection with other Google services.
You can work with tools such as:
Google Analytics to understand website traffic and visitor behaviour.
Google Search Console to monitor search performance.
Google AdSense to explore advertising revenue.
YouTube to embed videos in your articles.
These integrations make Blogger useful for more than simply keeping an online diary.
They also give bloggers opportunities to develop their websites over time.
6. Customization and HTML
Blogger offers themes, layouts and gadgets to help you customize your website.
If you are comfortable with HTML and CSS, you can go further by modifying your theme and adding custom code.
I have spent quite a bit of time adjusting layouts, creating navigation menus, organizing pages and improving the appearance of my websites.
It takes patience, but it is rewarding when you see the results.
7. Backup and Content Export
This is something every blogger should appreciate.
Blogger provides options to back up and export blog content.
It is important to keep your own copies of your work rather than assume that an online platform will always be available.
After all, your articles, photographs and years of writing represent your time and effort.
I strongly recommend making regular backups.
What I Don't Like About Google Blogger
No platform is perfect. Blogger is no exception.
Here are some of its limitations.
1. Limited Design Flexibility
Compared with WordPress, Blogger offers fewer ready-made extensions and customization options.
WordPress has a much larger ecosystem of themes, plugins and developers.
If you want to build a sophisticated business website, an online store or a website with complex functions, WordPress may be a better choice.
Blogger is more straightforward, but that simplicity comes with limitations.
2. Fewer Plugins and Extensions
This is probably one of Blogger's biggest disadvantages.
WordPress users have access to thousands of plugins covering SEO, security, membership management, online stores and many other functions.
Blogger does not offer an equivalent plugin ecosystem.
You can add gadgets and custom HTML or JavaScript, but this requires more manual work.
3. Limited Direct Customer Support
Google provides Blogger Help documentation and a community forum.
However, don't expect the same kind of dedicated customer support you might receive from a paid hosting company or website development service.
When I encounter a problem, I often have to search online, read discussions and work through the solution myself.
Sometimes that takes longer than I would like!
4. Dependence on Google's Platform
This is an important consideration.
Blogger is operated by Google. You control your blog's content and can use your own domain, but Google controls the underlying platform.
You are therefore dependent on Google's decisions about the service, its features and its future.
This is why backing up your content is essential.
I would not recommend building a long-term publishing business without keeping independent copies of your important work.
Blogger vs. WordPress: Which One Should You Choose?
I have used both, and I don't think there is one answer for everybody.
Here is my personal assessment:
| Your needs | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Starting a free personal blog | Blogger |
| Simple writing and publishing | Blogger |
| Minimal website maintenance | Blogger |
| Extensive customization | WordPress |
| A complex business website | WordPress |
| A large plugin ecosystem | WordPress |
| Learning blogging without spending much | Blogger |
If you are a beginner, I would not rush into spending money on a complicated website.
Start with something simple. Learn how to write, publish, organize your content and attract readers.
You can always move to another platform when your needs change.
My Verdict: Why I Am Still Using Blogger
After trying WordPress, TypePad and Homestead, I have stayed with Google Blogger.
That doesn't mean Blogger is the best platform for everybody.
It simply means it works for me.
I like its straightforward publishing process, free hosting, Google integration and the ability to use my own domain name.
Most importantly, it allows me to concentrate on what I enjoy doing: writing and sharing information.
Today, AI123.ca is much more than a personal blog. It is an educational technology and AI productivity publication, where I share practical ways to use artificial intelligence, particularly for seniors and people who are still curious about learning new things.
I am in my eighties, and I continue to learn, experiment and publish.
I don't need the most complicated website in the world. I need a reliable and practical platform that allows me to keep moving forward.
Blogger does that for me.
My advice? Don't spend too much time looking for the perfect blogging platform. Choose one that suits your needs, start writing and improve along the way.
Remember, readers come for your ideas, experiences and useful information, not simply because you have an impressive website design.
And if you enjoy writing as much as I do, the most important thing is to keep writing!
What About You?
Have you used Google Blogger, WordPress or another blogging platform?
What do you like or dislike about your experience?
I would love to hear your thoughts. Let's share our experiences and help other bloggers make a better choice.
Happy blogging!
David Au — AI123.ca
Exploring → Learning → Documenting
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