WordPress vs Medium: Where Should You Host Your New Blog?

Updated 2026-07-18 · Hosting Reviews

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WordPress vs Medium for blogging: What you need to decide

If you’re starting a blog, the first question is whether to use a full‑featured CMS like WordPress or a hosted platform like Medium. The comparison comes down to control, cost, speed, and growth potential. Below is a straight‑forward guide that walks you through the practical steps of setting up a Blog Website that can actually earn money.

1. Identify the right hosting type for your blog

Most beginners start with shared hosting because it’s inexpensive and easy to manage. For a WordPress blog that expects moderate traffic, a shared plan from Hostinger is a solid choice—usually $3–$15 per month, depending on the package. If you anticipate rapid growth or need more power, consider a cloud or VPS plan. Cloud hosting is scalable; VPS gives root access for advanced tweaks. Hostinger’s cloud tiers start around $15/month and offer the same free SSL and one‑click WordPress installs.

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2. Pick a domain name and register it

Choose a memorable, keyword‑rich name that reflects your niche.
Check availability on a registrar like Hostinger, GoDaddy, or Namecheap.
Register the domain with a reputable registrar; most offer a free WHOIS privacy add‑on for the first year.
Keep renewal prices in mind—intro rates often drop after the first year.

3. Install WordPress in one click and set up SSL

Once you’ve bought a plan and a domain, log into your Hostinger control panel. WordPress is a one‑click install; you’ll only need to pick a theme and a few plugins. Hostinger automatically provisions a free SSL certificate, so your site will run over HTTPS right out of the box. This boosts security and SEO.

4. Choose a theme, essential plugins, and start writing

Select a lightweight, responsive theme—many free options are available, or you can buy a premium theme for $30–$60. Essential plugins include:

Yoast SEO or Rank Math for on‑page optimization
WP Rocket or Autoptimize for speed
Akismet for spam protection
UpdraftPlus for backups

Write your first post, use categories and tags, and publish. Test your site on mobile and desktop to ensure a smooth user experience.

5. Scale and monetize your blog

As traffic grows, monitor performance with Google Analytics and a plugin like WP‑Stat. If you hit 50,000 monthly visitors, consider moving to a higher tier or adding a CDN. Monetization options include affiliate links, sponsored posts, and display ads. With a reliable host like Hostinger, you can keep uptime above 99.9% and keep readers coming back.

FAQ

Is Medium better for beginners than WordPress?

Medium offers zero setup time and built‑in audience, but you have limited control over design, SEO, and monetization. For a blog that can earn money, WordPress on a platform like Hostinger provides the flexibility you’ll need.

Do I need to buy a domain separately from hosting?

Many hosts, including Hostinger, bundle a free domain for the first year with their plans. After that, you’ll pay the registrar’s renewal fee, typically a few dollars per year.

What is the cheapest way to get a blog online?

A shared hosting plan from Hostinger ($3–$15/month) plus a free domain for the first year is the most budget‑friendly option. It gives you full control and the ability to scale later.

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