Recently a lot of websites and blogs have made the transition from Google's Blogger service to an independently-hosted WordPress installation. It can be a tricky process, because transferring isn't easy when you have hundreds of posts published already. So, what's so great about WordPress? Why bother with the work just to make what may seem like a trivial switch? While your visitors may not notice any changes, the differences on the back-end are night and day.
1. WordPress can run an entire website.
One of the disadvantages with Blogger is that it only does that - blogs. With WordPress, you're not so limited. You can set up pages that can be changed and updated quickly and easily, without the user needing to know any sort of programming. With thousands of plug-ins available, you can use WordPress to create anything from an e-commerce storefront to a business homepage, and it'll never be a hassle to update.
2. WordPress can run multiple websites.
Wordpress 3.0 integrated the functionality of WordPress MU (Multi-User) right in to the installation. With the flip of a (metaphorical) switch, you're suddenly running a network of websites, each potentially on their own domain. You can even run a blog-hosting service if you desired.
3. Change your design as often as your mood.
You have access to thousands of free templates with WordPress, many with customizable features that you can change to your liking. While I wouldn't suggest constantly changing your website's design completely, freshening it up a little bit couldn't be easier.
4. WordPress is simple, yet advanced.
What does that mean? It's easy to learn how to get your blog started, yet there are opportunities to do so much more. If you want to re-arrange something, there are many elements that are drag-and-drop. Yet, if you're adventurous enough to custom code a template, it's as easy as it can possibly be.
Blogger will work just fine if all you're looking for is a simple blog that stands alone from the rest of your website, but for flawless integration and versatility, WordPress is one of the best content management systems you'll find on the web. If you're skeptical, check out the WordPress website and all of the plug-ins and themes available, most for free, and don't forget to ask Firebelly about Blogger to WordPress migration services!
