Free Platforms to Publish SQL / Technical Blogs
If you want to share your SQL or technical knowledge with a wide audience, there are several free platforms designed specifically for developers and professionals. Below is a guide comparing the most popular and effective options.
1. Medium — https://medium.com
✅ Pros:
- Popular among developers and tech enthusiasts.
- Easy-to-use editor with professional formatting.
- Great discoverability through tags like #Azure, #SQLServer, #Database.
- Join publications such as 'Towards Data Science' or 'The Startup' to expand reach.
⚠️ Cons:
- Limited customization without a paid plan.
- Paywall may restrict free readers.
💡 Tip: Submit your blog to a publication for greater visibility.
2. Dev.to (DEV Community) — https://dev.to
✅ Pros:
- 100% free and built for developers.
- SEO-friendly and visible in Google quickly.
- Markdown editor and strong community interaction.
⚠️ Cons:
- Minimal visual customization.
💡 Tip: Use tags like #azure, #sql, #dotnet, #cloud, and #database.
3. Hashnode — https://hashnode.com
✅ Pros:
- Free personal domain (yourname.hashnode.dev).
- Great for long-term blogging and portfolio building.
- Markdown editor with rich embeds and GitHub integration.
⚠️ Cons:
- Slightly smaller audience than Medium, but growing fast.
💡 Tip: Ideal for creating a professional personal tech site.
4. Substack — https://substack.com
✅ Pros:
- Clean design with built-in email newsletter.
- Readers can subscribe for updates.
⚠️ Cons:
- Not developer-specific.
- Limited code formatting.
💡 Tip: Great for tech newsletters like 'Azure SQL Weekly'.
5. GitHub Pages — https://pages.github.com/
✅ Pros:
- 100% free hosting for static sites.
- Full design control using Jekyll, Hugo, or Next.js.
- Great for tech-savvy users.
⚠️ Cons:
- Manual setup and no built-in community.
💡 Tip: Ideal for creating a portfolio-style blog (e.g., sanjaybhujbal.dev).
6. LinkedIn Articles — https://linkedin.com
✅ Pros:
- Professional audience and easy publishing.
- Auto-notifies your network when you post.
⚠️ Cons:
- Limited formatting and no syntax highlighting.
💡 Tip: Share summaries or highlights linking back to your main blog.
Recommended Approach
🥇 Use Hashnode as your main platform (e.g., sanjaybhujbal.hashnode.dev).
🥈 Cross-post on Dev.to and share links on LinkedIn for visibility.
This combination provides both branding and community reach.
Example Setup Plan
- Create a Hashnode account and personalize your blog.
- Write your first article: 'Latest Features in Azure SQL (2025 Edition)'.
- Cross-post on Dev.to using canonical links.
- Share links on LinkedIn and Azure/SQL communities.
Top comments (1)
very helpful and concise