Typepad vs. Blogger

This is a question we get a lot:  Why do you recommend Typepad.com instead of Blogger?

We recommend Typepad.com because it has a lot more features that can be optimized for a professional blog.  Blogger doesn't have many of the same features or you have to install third party applications to get the same functionality.

Additionally, Blogger blogs are not as customizable, and that is a feature that we think is important for professionals.

Finally, I've been reading a lot in the blogosphere that Google, who owns Blogger, occasionally shuts down and deletes legitimate blogs without any warning.  This is due to the fact that many blog spammers use free blogger accounts to spam blogs.

I personally feel that the tiny investment required to have a blog on Typepad ($5 - $15 month) is well worth it to get excellent support, ability to customize and professional looking templates.

What do you think?  Do you prefer one blogging platform over another?  Let us know and tell us why!

Comments

[Sarah Malik]

I totally agree - Typepad is sometimes awkward and not intuitive. But once you get going, it is so much fun!
The thing about blogger that drives me crazy is that they do not accept trackbacks. How can you build traffic if you cannot get trackbacks from others?
As I look for blogs to develop connections with, I sigh when I see a great site on blogger.
(any ideas about how to deal with this? For them, I just post comments there)
P.S. I used your book to set up my blog and I found it just-what-the-doctor-ordered. You held my hand through all the necessary steps. Why mess around in the dark when you can get it all laid out for you?

[Sarah Malik]

Why are trackbacks so important?
Yesterday I sent maybe my 3rd trackback ever - and the blogger wrote a whole post based on what I had said on my blog where I tracked to her.
That's what I call connection!
An almost instant conversation and kind of collaboration - that happened effortlessly via blogging.
Such a blast!
I would have perhaps never spoken with her if not for blogs.
Now, a true convert, I get bummed when I see my favorite thinkers/speakers who don't blog.

[Jason]

First off, I agree that flexibility and customization are extremely important for a professional site.

I realize that you are using TypePad. However, how would you compare TypePad with WordPress (the pre-installed services including wordpress.com and Yahoo! not the download and install yourself software)?

Both "flavors" of WordPress seem to be taking the blogoshpere by storm. Whether you're a turnkeyer or tweaker, WordPress looks good.

I bring this up partly because it's free competitor, but mostly because WP has a strong presence--and wanted to know your thoughts.

[Darnell Clayton]

Well, as far as blog platforms go, I think I would choose Word Press, followed by Blogger.

Type pad is okay, but I find blogger to be extremely customizable, and it has become even easier with people building skin templates for you for free (over at blogskins.com).

I think the only thing Blogger really lacks is categories, which is the reason I would prefer Wordpress over it.

[Maria Palma]

First off - I'd like to say that I love your blog and all the resources that you provide here :)

I have most of my blogs with Blogger, but I am realizing that Typepad, which hosts one blog: http://www.customersarealways.com, does have more features and is very user friendly.

I may be converting soon...

~Maria Palma
CustomersAreAlways.com
Salondemaria.info

[immortalnomad]

Is there a link for downloadable typepad templates?

[Patrick Long]

I agree that you have to choose the one that has more features that can be optimized for a professional blog and can easily be customized specially if you are doing a business blog. That way you can attract more people and through a wonderful blog, you can gain more traffic to your site..

[Rori]

I disagree. Blogger is very customizable! I have a blog on Blogger, and it's also "stupid proof"--something that WordPress is so NOT. That being said, I LOVE TypePad! Just the support they offer makes it worth every penny. I have a blog there too ;)