There are a ton of reasons why you should switch form Blogger to a self-hosted Wordpress blog.
Here are some of the top reasons:
1. Your content on a Blogger blog can be used by Google for any reason, at any time. (See footnote #1 below for more) Without your permission or attribution. Yes, you read that correctly. The reason is that Google owns the platform that you're posting on and thus, they own rights to the content.
2. Your blog can be erased/shut down without explanation, at any time. A simple Google search for "blogspot blog got deleted" will render a few frightening results. Google has also been known to remove free services (like Feedburner). (See footnote #2)
3. Advertisers don't take blogger blogs as seriously. It's true. We've worked with companies who have a line in their terms stating that they won't work with blogger blogs. The reason is probably the two above points. They don't want their content subject to deletion or re-use by Google.
4. Advertisers don't take bloggers with blogger blogs as seriously. Again, like it or not - it's true. Having a self-hosted Wordpress blog shows that you're invested in your blog and business. Companies are more likely to want to work with you if they can see you are serious about your blog.
5. Editing your blog is easier with Wordpress. Ok, so doing basic things may be just as easy with Blogger, but if you really want to customize your site and make it your own, Wordpress is the way to go. Blogger's code is just more difficult to work with. So, if you plan on learning a bit yourself, it's best to start with Wordpress. Also, you can purchase premium themes (I recommend Genesis themes) that feature easy-to-customize looks and excellent support forums.
Any ONE of those five reasons should be enough to make you want to switch to (or start with) a self-hosted Wordpress blog. To see how to make the switch, click here. I literally did it with this site just to get the screenshots to be able to explain it as clearly as possible.
Footnotes:
1. Straight from Google's Terms of Service: "When you upload, submit, store, send or receive content to or through our Services, you give Google (and those we work with) a worldwide license to use, host, store, reproduce, modify, create derivative works (such as those resulting from translations, adaptations or other changes we make so that your content works better with our Services), communicate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute such content."
2. Again, from Google's terms: "We may add or remove functionalities or features, and we may suspend or stop a Service altogether. You can stop using our Services at any time, although we’ll be sorry to see you go. Google may also stop providing Services to you, or add or create new limits to our Services at any time."
