Starting a blog in Austrlia trying to choose the right blogging platform isn’t just about design—it’s about speed, local SEO, and even tax compliance. Whether you’re a Sydney food blogger or a Melbourne startup, this guide compares 6 top platforms (with Aussie-friendly hosting tips) to launch your blog fast.
What is the Best Blogging Platform in Australia?
WordPress.org is the best blogging platform in Australia, and the undisputed leader for bloggers globally.It powers over 43% of all websites. Its open-source flexibility, unmatched customization, and scalability make it ideal for everyone from hobbyists to large businesses. However, the “best” platform may depend on your goals:
- WordPress.org excels for control, monetizations and scalable growth potential.
- Squarespace suits creatives prioritizing design.
- Wix is the easiest for beginners.
- Shopify dominates for eCommerce blogs.
- Ghost is perfect for minimalist publishers.
👉 Check out our top picks: Best Blogging Platforms
Keep reading for an in-depth breakdown of each platform, including Aussie-specific hosting tips and pricing.
How to Choose the Right Blogging Platform (Australia Quick Checklist)
- Your Goals: Personal blog, business site, eCommerce store, portfolio, etc.
- Technical Skills: Do you want to code, or prefer drag-and-drop?
- Budget: Free, low-cost, or premium with custom domains?
- Monetization: Ad display, memberships, product sales and affiliate integration?
- SEO Tools: Want full SEO control or automatic optimizations?
- Support and Hosting: Are local servers important for site speed in Australia?
1. WordPress.org
Best For: Full control, scalability, and monetization potential.
Details: WordPress.org is a self-hosted, open-source platform that gives you complete control to build, customize, and monetize your blog however you like. You own your content, have access to thousands of plugins and themes, and can use advanced SEO and marketing tools.
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Thousands of themes and plugins
- Full control over SEO and monetization
- Huge global community and support
Cons:
- Requires technical know-how for setup and maintenance
- Hosting and domain needed separately
Pricing: Free platform, but requires web hosting + domain cost apply (around AUD $5–$15/month)
Recommended Hosting (Australia):
- HostGator (Cheap, free domain and 30 days money back gurnatee)
- SiteGround Australia (fast local servers)
- VentraIP (Aussie-owned with good uptime)
- Hostinger (affordable and beginner-friendly)
Tip: Find other reliable web hosting providers
How to Start a WordPress Blog in Australia
Starting a blog with WordPress is easier than it sounds. You just need to:
- Choose a good hosting provider (like HostGator)
- Install WordPress (usually one click) after your HostGator signup
- Pick a theme, install essential plugins, and start writing!
Need a step-by-step walkthrough? Follow this complete guide: 👉 How to Start a Blog with WordPress
2. Squarespace
Best For: Creative professionals, portfolios, and visual storytelling.
Details: Squarespace is known for its clean, artistic templates. Ideal for bloggers who want a visually appealing site without technical hassle. Everything is built-in — hosting, design, and support.
Pros:
- Beautiful, polished templates
- All-in-one platform
- Reliable uptime and security
- Built-in analytics and SEO
Cons:
- Less flexible than WordPress
- Limited third-party integrations
- Monthly subscription costs
Pricing: AUD $23–$38/month (includes hosting, SSL, templates)
Australian Note: Their CDN ensures decent speed in Australia, but not as fast as locally-hosted options.
3. Wix
Best For: Beginners who want fast setup and drag-and-drop design.
Details: Wix offers a beginner-friendly experience with its intuitive drag-and-drop editor. Ideal for hobby bloggers or small business sites, it comes with built-in hosting and app store.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use
- Good template variety
- Built-in hosting and security
- Decent blogging features
Cons:
- Limited SEO control
- Hard to switch templates later
- Ad-supported on free plan
Pricing: AUD $15–$29/month (custom domain + no ads)
Australian Note: Use a plan with CDN or choose Business VIP for improved site speed.
4. Weebly
Best For: Budget-conscious bloggers or small businesses.
Details: Owned by Square, Weebly is a solid option for bloggers who want simplicity and basic functionality. It’s cheaper than most and offers basic eCommerce features too.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Affordable pricing
- Built-in hosting
- Good for small stores or services
Cons:
- Fewer design and customization options
- Weaker SEO tools
- Limited scalability
Pricing: AUD $10–$25/month (depending on features)
Australian Note: Not ideal for large traffic sites, but great for locals who want a quick setup.
5. Shopify
Best For: Blogging tied directly to eCommerce.
Details: If your main goal is to run an online store with a blog attached, Shopify is excellent. It offers high-speed performance, reliable uptime, and robust eCommerce tools with built-in blogging.
Pros:
- Great for product-based blogs
- Built-in store and checkout system
- Secure, reliable hosting
- Australian payment gateways supported
Cons:
- Limited blogging features compared to others
- Pricey for just blogging
- Limited template customization
Pricing: AUD $49–$179/month
Australian Note: Shopify has local servers and strong integrations with Aussie logistics platforms.
6. Ghost
Best For: Writers, publishers, and membership-based content.
Details: Ghost is a minimalist platform designed for serious content creators. It supports paid memberships, email newsletters, and is extremely fast. Ideal for journalists or niche content bloggers.
Pros:
- Fast and lightweight
- Built-in newsletter and membership options
- Clean, minimal interface
- SEO and speed optimized
Cons:
- Requires hosting (if self-hosted)
- Smaller theme/plugin ecosystem
Pricing:
- Self-hosted: free, but hosting ~$10/month
- Ghost Pro: AUD $13–$100+/month
Hosting Recommendation for Australia: DigitalOcean or Ghost(Pro) hosted globally with CDN for speed.
Australian-Specific Considerations
- Speed & Hosting: Choose platforms with CDN or local servers in Australia.
- Support Hours: Opt for platforms with 24/7 support or AU-based options.
- Currency Integration: Especially important for eCommerce and donation blogs.
- Data Privacy Laws: Be aware of Australia’s privacy compliance needs.
Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Customization | Pricing (AUD/Month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress.org | Full control & monetization | Very High | $5–$15 + Hosting |
| Squarespace | Creatives & portfolios | Medium | $23–$38 |
| Wix | Beginners | Medium | $15–$29 |
| Weebly | Budget blogging & small biz | Low | $10–$25 |
| Shopify | eCommerce-first blogging | Low-Medium | $49–$179 |
| Ghost | Writers & content publishers | Medium-High | $10–$100+ |
Final Recommendation
For maximum flexibility, growth potential, and monetization opportunities:
- Use WordPress.org
- Pair it with a reliable local host like SiteGround or VentraIP
For creatives or small businesses who prefer ease of use:
- Go with Squarespace or Wix
For product-centered blogs or eCommerce:
- Shopify is the best choice
For writers and paid newsletter creators:
- Ghost is a niche but excellent option
Final Tip: Match your platform to your goals (SEO, design, sales) and technical comfort. Need maximum control? WordPress.org. Want simplicity? Squarespace/Wix.
FAQs
1. Is WordPress.com the same as WordPress.org? No. WordPress.com is a hosted version with restrictions. WordPress.org is self-hosted and more powerful.
2. Can I switch platforms later? Yes, but it can be complex. Choose a platform that allows export tools if you think you might migrate.
3. Which blogging platform is best for SEO in Australia? WordPress.org offers the best SEO control, especially with plugins like Yoast SEO or RankMath.
4. Are there free blogging platforms in Australia? Platforms like WordPress.com and Wix offer free plans, but come with ads and limitations.
5. Do I need technical skills to start a blog? Not necessarily. Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly are built for beginners.
