In this article, we will define blogging and give you five platforms that you can use instead of WordPress. Let’s get started!

What is Blogging?

A blog is an online journal or website that can be run by an individual or group. People use blogs to share their thoughts and ideas on various topics. Some companies also use blogs to attract customers and promote their products and services. With blogging, it's important to post regular content so you can keep your readers' attention. Even if you are not looking for your blog to become profitable, you still want it to attract a larger audience. Keep in mind that all of this depends on the platform you choose to build your blog site with. 

In order to start a blog you will need a domain name, website hosting, and website builder. 

How to create a blog?

People can create a blog site by using a website builder like WordPress or a specialized blogging platform. Most people opt for the latter, but it should be noted that this does not diminish the value of database-dependent dynamic CMS. Using either system has advantages and disadvantages depending on the user's needs. However, if you want faster loading times and more freedom to experiment with themes, here are five new blogging platforms that are lighter than WordPress:

1. Statamic

Statamic is a dynamic CMS that is similar to WordPress. It runs on PHP and can generate complex pages. Statamic uses a flat filing system for file storage, as opposed to traditional database systems that use convoluted folder structures.

Statamic, like other blogging platforms, employs Markdown for content creation. Because of its emphasis on visually appealing designs and a user-friendly control panel, it is an excellent choice for creating more than just a basic blog. It is, however, a viable option for traditional blogging.

2. Jekyll

Before we get into Jekyll, let's talk about static websites. As the name implies, the content of a static website is fixed, which means that whatever content is written will be displayed to site visitors exactly as it is. This leads to faster loading times. Static websites do not use databases, so it is not possible to save new front-end input data. The majority of the engines listed here create static websites.

Jekyll, on the other hand, is a static site generator that, like Statamic, uses Markdown for content creation and the standard HTML, CSS, JS, and a bit of Ruby for everything else. To create a website, you only need to type in Markdown and upload the file to a server. However, it should be noted that Jekyll is incompatible with the majority of shared hosting sites, so more complex hosting solutions, such as VPS hosting, may be required.

3. Octopress

Some website builders have the disadvantage of requiring a fundamental understanding of web development languages as well as advanced knowledge of Ruby. That is why Octopress was created as a framework to make it easier to use builders that require coding. Users can easily incorporate themes, plugins, templates, and scripts into Octopress. It also includes responsive layouts and social media integration.

4. Droplets

This platform is specifically designed for blogging, so it's the most practical of the five. Droplets can be installed in less than 30 seconds, which is an important feature to consider. This platform was created by the same person who has created themes for WordPress, so naturally, you have a selection of a number of stunning templates. All in all, Droplets is both free and easy to install.

5. CMS Anchor

Anchor CMS takes the term "lightweight" to a whole new level, weighing in at only 150kb. This blogging engine enables users to publish by simply uploading a Markdown file, making it extremely user-friendly and simple to set up.

Despite its small size, Anchor CMS uses databases, which means that users must have a basic understanding of PHP. Anchor CMS, unlike many other CMS options, does not include a WYSIWYG editor. While the lack of this feature is likely to contribute to its lightness, it may pose a challenge for users unfamiliar with HTML, CSS, or PHP.

Conclusion

WordPress has revolutionized web development by allowing people with no web development experience to create professional-looking websites and blogs. However, if you already know the fundamentals, you may appreciate the advantages offered by these lightweight blogging platforms.