CMS Review: Blogger

 Blogger

A Content Management System Review

    Nowadays there are many ways to create a website and several digital tools that aide in the design process. With such a competitive space how does one decide on a CMS that best fits ones' need? The decision is dependent on the individuals goals and whatever is required to fulfil their vision. This varies from person-person, business-business, so to aide in your decision making I will be reviewing Google's Blogger. Blogger was bought by Google in 2003 and since, there have been new developments in the online content creation space. Blogger may not be as enticing as before, here in the modern day. To make this simpler for those looking into content management systems for the first time I've made a Q&A of common questions asked regarding CMS's.

Q Q1  What is the cost of this CMS?

A 1      Blogger is a free CMS that requires a Gmail account to utilize. Although Blogger is free you may choose to buy a custom domain.

Q Q2  What tools or features do the CMS provide?

A 2      Since Blogger is owned by Google, users have access to Google integration. Meaning, you can utilize things such as Google AdSense to monetize your site. Additionally, as consequence of ownership, Google is more likely to promote a site that uses Blogger. With Blogger you may add videos, images, and/or text to a post. What’s more is that Blogger gives access to what it calls “Gadgets”- which can be used to add custom HTML scripts or third-party widgets to your blogposts. Unfortunately, Blogger is limited to these content forms and does not support content such as streams. Blogger provides basic blogging tools, but these tools are limited.

Q Q3  What styles of websites may be created via this CMS?

A 3      Blogger can be utilized to create not only blogs but websites, wikis, a portfolio, forums, a site for events and more. Although possible, due to previously mentioned limitations sites for eCommerce and businesses are not ideal when using the Blogger CMS as you’d have more freedoms when using another CMS such as WordPress. Blogger's limited theme and layout selection gives sites created with Blogger a similar look which isn't ideal when trying to stand out.

Q Q4 What accessibility support is available?

A 4      Blogger offers alt tags but does not support closed captions on videos. Generally, its accessibility features are very limited. Although limited, Blogger’s theme designer allows you to change the size of your layout making text and buttons more accessible for users.

Q Q5 What is the typical use case for this CMS?

A 5      Blogger, as stated in the name, is a fantastic tool for blogging. However, if you intend to monetize your blog or use it for say a business, then you may find the tool to be limiting. Blogger is best used by those looking to start a simple blog that have no capital to invest in stronger tools. It is easy to use, however due to limited design options, can be unappealing to larger businesses or brands looking to have a website made. Blogger is perfect for information sharing, and non-profits.

Q Q6 Are Custom URLS available? If so, create a link to a URL detailing such.

A 6      Custom URLs are available in Blogger as well are custom domains. Custom domains must be licensed from Google before use. Documentation on rewriting URLs in Blogger can be found here: https://support.google.com/blogger/answer/41373?hl=en#zippy=%2Ccreate-a-redirect-for-a-url%2Crewrite-your-urls

Q Q7 What is the documentation for this resource.

A 7      Blogger documentation can be found here: https://support.google.com/blogger#topic=3339243

Ultimately, Blogger is an easy to start, simple to use, basic CMS. Good for the beginner blogger or hobbyist, but for those looking to create a website for business or eCommerce I suggest a look elsewhere.