This site was started in 2005, and in 2013 I moved it to WordPress from Blogger. As of 2022, I’ve learned a LOT and have updated with new information!
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Earlier this month I officially made the move from Blogger to WordPress. Most days I don’t regret my decision. I mentioned when I returned from Type-A Conference that it was something I needed to do (and should have done a long time ago) and there were a few questions as to why I needed to make the move. So here goes (and hopefully you’re still getting my feed so you can see this!)
Why did I move to WordPress?
1. On a self-hosted WordPress site, I own my content. With Blogger, I didn’t technically own my words I’ve been putting out there since 2005. I didn’t like the idea that Blogger could potentially turn a switch one day (like Google did with Reader) and my blog would be gone.
2. This has become a (small) source of income. Another reason I need to own my content, but I also hope to one day increase my traffic numbers in hopes to keep any potential sponsors happy or gain a few great sponsors/brand relationships. WordPress offers so many plug-ins that allow me to enhance my website. One plug-in is the share buttons at the bottom of posts. These types of plug-ins make it easier for people like you to share my content (which in turn could potentially help increase my readers! So thanks if you’re sharing!)
3. I really need to “know” more about WordPress websites. I’ve been working with WordPress for years. Several years. I was never truly allowed to design my own sites or stray too far away from the corporate looks. Having a WordPress blog allows me to be able to put my skills to the test (and learn new skills with this platform.) This helps me leverage myself when looking for new jobs since so many businesses need people who are familiar with WordPress.
The downside of using self-hosted WordPress:
The downside I’ve seen when it comes to having my own self-hosted blog? Paying for hosting can be pricey. In 2020 I changed hosts and moved to New Blog Hosting. They’re less than $100 a year for basic hosting and they are amazing. I think the biggest downside is going to be if you end up with an awful web host. I was with one that just got increasingly worse. I never should have stayed as long as I did.
WordPress templates are so much quirkier. And I’m truly responsible for making sure my information is backed up. (I backed my site up yesterday and it STILL scared me.) You need to stay on top of updates, but if you have a great host, they can help you with the process.
The change certainly wasn’t seamless. It didn’t take too long once I broke down and called them for help, but I still ended up with a lot of broken links. And there are a few technical things that I still haven’t quite worked out (but they don’t completely affect you, dear reader, so I won’t stress you out with those issues.) Some people have mentioned that there was a clear difference in traffic – that their traffic jumped a lot when they moved to WordPress. I have not noticed that much of a difference. Maybe over time I will. (I hope over time I’ll see a difference.) For now, I’m content with my decision of moving.
How about you? Are you on Blogger or WordPress – or some other blogging platform? Any questions for me?
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