5 Excellent Blogger Alternatives for 2024

Blogger is an ecommerce platform known for its design focused on user experience and its significant impact on customer retention, with a 400{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} higher conversion rate. Blogger’s customer-centric design ensures consistent and easy use, with smart search features and a strong emphasis on brand identity.

Best Blogger alternatives in 2024

For those exploring alternatives to Blogger, choices include WordPress, Squarespace, Shopify, Joomla, and Drupal.

WordPress

Powering 40{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} of websites globally with a commanding 64{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} CMS market share, WordPress is a staple in the realm of web design and eCommerce. It acts as the foundation for about 70{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} of websites and provides comprehensive solutions for domains, design, development, and much more.

WordPress Best Features

Domain registration, SSL, and other essentials: These basic services seamlessly integrates with your site, costing around $15-$50 monthly.
Customizability: Options range from themes to plugins, tailoring your site to your specific needs.
WooCommerce plugin: Required for eCommerce, WooCommerce powers 30{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} of online stores and hosts comprehensive features like storefront creation, SEO, product page customization, various payment gateways, and more.
Multiple plugins: From virtual product booking to upselling and pre-ordering, WordPress offers a wide array of additional functionalities.

SEO Optimization	With plugins like Yoast SEO, WordPress allows the creation of SEO-friendly sites.
Hosting Options	Costs vary with chosen hosts, typically starting at a monthly rate of $20.
Inbuilt Tools	Equipped with tools for auto-updates, product testing, marketing, and inventory management, addressing diverse eCommerce needs.

WordPress Limitations

Not primarily an eCommerce CMS: Though capable of eCommerce integration, it may not provide as specialized services as other platforms devoted to eCommerce.
Occasional plugin compatibility issues: Some plugins may not be compatible, leading to potential errors and site issues.

WordPress Pricing

Pricing varies significantly depending on your requirements. Basic essentials like domain registration and SSL cost around $15-$50 monthly. Additional costs include custom design ($1,000-$10,000), custom development (starting at $25,000), and plugins. Marketing services typically range between $250-$5000 monthly, and hosting costs average at $20 monthly. WooCommerce and Paypal additionally levy transaction fees of 2.9{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} + $0.30 per transaction.

WordPress Use Cases

Use case 1

For businesses seeking a customizable web presence with integrated eCommerce functionalities, WordPress, along with its WooCommerce plugin, provides comprehensive solutions.

Use case 2

For freelancers and agencies offering web design and development services, WordPress provides a versatile platform for creation and customization.

Use case 3

For existing businesses looking to up-skill their online presence, WordPress provides an array of options for a more structured, SEO-optimized, and user-friendly website.

Squarespace

Squarespace strides into the world of website builders with an approach that blends function and aesthetics. A significant player it caters to both individuals and enterprises wanting a visually appealing online presence, along with a stack of eCommerce features.

Top Features of Squarespace

Effortless Website Building: Curated website templates and a platform known as the Squarespace Blueprint that simplifies customization.
Retail Capabilities: Facilitates unlimited product creation and management, with features dedicated to physical, digital, and service selling.
Robust Analytics: Empowers businesses with insights into visitor behavior and sales tracking.
Enhanced Business Utilities: Offers schedule management tools, membership site creation, and customizable email notifications.

Feature	Description
Squarespace Commerce	Specific platform for online stores.
SEO Optimization	Helps your website rank higher in search engines.
Marketing Tools	Integrated Mailchimp for email campaigns and social media integration.

Squarespace Limitations

Offers limited apps through its Squarespace Extensions.
Customer support channels might be inadequate for some users, including Twitter, email, and live chat only.
Squarespace may not fully cater to healthcare industry due to lack of HIPAA compliance.

Squarespace Pricing

Squarespace does not limit transactions and offers competitive, need-based costing models. For specifics, refer to the Squarespace Pricing Plan structured according to business requirements, from individual ventures to larger enterprises.

Squarespace Use Cases

Use Case 1: Independent Artists

The visually attractive templates, coupled with robust eCommerce features, make Squarespace an ideal choice for independent artists wishing to showcase and sell their work online.

Use Case 2: Small to Medium Businesses

With the Squarespace Commerce platform and seamless integration with inventory management via Square, SMBs can effectively establish their online presence and drive sales.

Use Case 3: Bloggers

The blogging platform and email marketing integration with Mailchimp equip bloggers to cultivate traffic and effectively engage their audience.

Shopify

One road leading to the bustling city of eCommerce is pothole-free and conveniently labelled – it’s Shopify. Famed for their affordable and ready-to-go templates, Shopify helps you navigate the eCommerce highway with ease, although you might not find brand-specific aesthetics in your side-view mirror.

Shopify’s Top Features

Offers a vast array of pre-made templates for speedy website setup
Proffers high-level customizability, enabling brand-unique aesthetics
Puts the steering wheel in SEO, a trusty co-driver in the eCommerce rally
Allows integration with custom ERP or CRM systems, because who said driving solo was fun?
Built to support both native and headless builds, because, you know, variety is the spice of digital life

Feature	Benefit
User retention and engagement tools	Discount tools, carousel slides, wishlist creation, product reviews, and more – a regular eCommerce fiesta!
Built-in search functionality	Let’s face it, who doesn’t like a digital treasure hunt?

Shopify’s Limitations

The frustration of not finding that brand-specific design template? Yeah, been there, sighed at that.
Shopify tends to delegate custom website design, which basically means it’s a relay race and you’re the next runner.
You might need to hire a professional web design agency or buy Shopify templates from third-parties (hey, no one said eCommerce was an open-road cruise).

Shopify Pricing

With the sighs, come the dollar signs too. A monthly Shopify subscription can range from $29.99 to $299.99. Add to this, costs for themes/templates, custom Shopify website design, and functionality development. Your wallet might cry, but hey, look at the bright eCommerce side!

Shopify Use Cases

Use Case 1: Entrepreneurs starting a new online store

If being an eCommerce rookie sometimes feels like you’re navigating a spaghetti junction, Shopify’s ready-to-deploy templates will pave the way to a smoother ride. They are affordable, user-friendly, and the perfect co-pilot for newcomers.

Use Case 2: Established businesses looking for extensive webstore functionality

Those with their foot firmly on the eCommerce accelerator might need more horsepower. Shopify delivers with options for sophisticated ERP and CRM system integration, custom page designs and functionality, albeit at additional costs.

Use Case 3: Quick-launch exigencies

Ever needed to jumpstart an online store pronto? Several quick-launch solutions can get you from zero to eCommerce hero faster than you can say Shopify thrice! Eastside Co’s Accelerator Programme, for instance, has you all set for a digital launch in under four weeks.

Joomla

An open-source content management system (CMS), Joomla is lauded for its capacity to develop dynamic websites and applications. It is an optimal choice for businesses seeking a robust online presence through versatile platforms like blogs and e-commerce stores.

Top Joomla Features

Intuitive Interface: Simplified utilization of comprehensive features.
Proven Proficiency: Trusted by professional web design services since 2009.
Latest Joomla Version: Ensures best security, SEO, and performance practices.
Expansion Potential: Joomla’s capabilities extend to the creation of e-commerce platforms.
Potent Add-Ons: For example, “Hikashop” fosters efficient product management, SEO optimization, and more.

Outstanding Feature	Benefit
Upgraded Version, Joomla 4	Boasts enhanced website features, increased speed, tightened security, and enhanced SEO.
W3C Accessibility Cohesion	Guarantees page accessibility in compliance with key web standards.
High Scalability	Suitable for businesses and individuals alike in web content publishing.

Joomla Limitations

Compared to alternatives like Adobe Business Catalyst and Agility, it may require more technical skills.
Speed and efficiency optimization may need additional tools like SPanel.
Potential learning curve with over 6,000 extensions available.

Joomla Pricing

Being an open-source CMS, Joomla is available for free.

Joomla Use Cases

E-commerce Platforms

Joomla’s ability to transform into an e-commerce platform renders it useful for businesses keen on establishing an online sales portal. Furthermore, it is bolstered by the “Hikashop” addon, providing simplified product management, SEO optimization, and customizable shipping options.

Web Content Publishing

The scalability of Joomla caters efficiently to diverse web content publishing demands. Its capabilities to support language internationalization also make it a preferred choice for global content distribution.

Website and Application Development

Joomla’s powerful CMS enables the creation of dynamic websites and applications, providing flexibility to both frontend and backend developers.

Drupal

The world of website creation was forever changed when Drupal entered the scene. This open-source eCommerce framework has been a robust solution for businesses craving for adaptability and growth. Known for its notably large community-driven development, Drupal gives room for innovation at an impressive scale. Not to mention, developers can’t get enough of its oh-so-desirable accessibility and customization options.

Drupal Top Features

Open-source eCommerce framework designed for business scalability
Accommodates traditional eCommerce requirements: shopping cart, checkout forms, and product catalog management
Allows creation of headless commerce backend via JSON:API or custom REST resources
Provides a dedicated professional support from Centarro
Inbuilt modules in Drupal 9 enable creation of multilingual sites

Responsive Design	Drupal serves fully responsive and mobile-ready ecommerce sites that can adapt to different platforms.
Community-Driven Development	With an army of over 45,000 developers, Drupal boasts of significant and regular innovations.
Powerful Content Design Strategies	Drupal enables businesses to meet aesthetic requirements and deliver engaging user experiences.

Drupal Downsides

Perhaps the cost. Developing a Drupal website could range from $4,000 to $42,000 depending on the customization required, website size, and project complexity. It’s not your affordable off-the-shelf solution. It’s a big investment but delivers big too.
It could be overwhelming for beginners or small-scale projects because of its comprehensive functionality and extensive customization features.

Drupal Pricing

Drupal in itself is open source and thus free to use. The cost comes into play when you account for development, customization, and support services. A basic ecommerce website with Drupal Commerce could range from $20k to $40k, while a custom Drupal Commerce Website could set you back by $50k to $100k. But hey, let’s keep it real. You’re harnessing power and adaptability like no other.