# 25 simple blog examples you can clone (With Framework starters) Sometimes you don’t need another tutorial. You just need a real project you can clone, run locally, and tweak until things click. If you're a beginner trying to understand how blog architecture works or just want to start a blog without overthinking, this list will help. Below are simple blog examples you can clone today, grouped by framework, features, and real-world use cases. All examples include code. Some are Markdown-based, some use a CMS. And where it makes sense, I’ve included BCMS starters as a clean way to move from “simple” to “scalable”. ## Simple blog examples by framework Choosing a framework is often the fastest way to create your own blog. Here are some of the best blog examples for beginners. ## Next.js blog starters If you're using React, these are the most practical starting points. ### BCMS Next.js Starter ![Next.js simple blog](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c6672c4f655f1b19405d41/bin2/BCMS%20simple%20next.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) If you want a [simple blog](https://www.thebcms.com/starters/next/simple-blog.md) that can grow: - Clean content structure - API-first approach - Easy to extend later A good middle ground between Markdown and full CMS setups. To start a project: ``` npx @thebcms/cli create next starter simple-blog ``` ### Next.js official blog starter ![Next.js official blog starter](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c6672e4f655f1b19405d42/bin2/Next.js%20official%20blog%20starter.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) A clean, minimal blog example: - Markdown-based blog posts - [Static generation](https://www.thebcms.com/blog/static-site-generation-vs-server-side-rendering.md) (great for search engine visibility) - Simple structure you can actually understand If you're new, this is the safest place to begin. 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/vercel/next.js/tree/canary/examples/blog-starter) ### Tailwind Next.js starter blog ![Tailwind Next.js starter blog](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c6672f4f655f1b19405d43/bin2/Tailwind%20Next.js%20Starter%20Blog.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) Feels like a real product, not just a demo. - Dark mode - Tags and search - Clean typography-focused blog design A great personal blog starter with more polish. 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/timlrx/tailwind-nextjs-starter-blog) ## Nuxt blog starters [Vue](https://www.thebcms.com/blog/nuxt-vs-vue.md) developers get a really smooth experience with [Nuxt](https://www.thebcms.com/nuxt-cms/). ### BCMS Simple blog starter (Nuxt) This [Simple blog starte](https://www.thebcms.com/starters/nuxt/simple-blog.md)[r](https://www.thebcms.com/starters/nuxt/simple-blog.md) is a great example of a simple blog that doesn’t feel limiting. - Clean structure - Ready-to-use blog pages - CMS included without complexity You can spin this up fast and start writing immediately. CLI: ``` npx @thebcms/cli create nuxt starter simple-blog ``` ### Nuxt content blog ![Nuxt content blog](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c66e8c4f655f1b19405d49/bin2/Nuxt%20content.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) A classic blog example for beginners. - File-based content - No backend - Super fast 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/nuxt/content) ### Nuxt Blog (advanced CMS) ![BCMS Nuxt Blog starter](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c66fdb4f655f1b19405d4f/bin2/Nuxt%20Blog.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) When your blog grows, this [Nuxt blog](https://www.thebcms.com/starters/nuxt/blog.md) offers: - Categories - Tags - Dynamic content This is where a simple blog becomes a real content system. ## Astro Blog Starters If performance and simplicity matter, [Astro](https://www.thebcms.com/astro-cms/) is a strong choice. ### Astro Blog Starter (Official) ![Astro Blog Starter (Official)](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c675954f655f1b19405d57/bin2/Astro%20Blog%20Starter%20(Official).png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) A clean example of a blog focused on speed. - Minimal JavaScript - Fast - Markdown-based 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/withastro/astro/tree/latest/examples/blog) ### BCMS Astro simple blog starter ![BCMS Astro simple blog starter](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/67ae0566f08645f8389eed13/bin2/Astro%20Blog%20starter.jpeg?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) [Astro simple blog starter](https://www.thebcms.com/starters/astro/simple-blog.md) is a production-ready base for building content-focused static sites - Performance + CMS - Structured content Great when your blog covers a wide range of topics. Start a project: ``` npx @thebcms/cli create astro starter simple-blog ``` ### Astro paper (Minimalist blog) ![Astro paper](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c675984f655f1b19405d59/bin2/Astro%20Paper.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) - Typography-first - Dark mode - No distractions Perfect if your writing style is the main focus. 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/satnaing/astro-paper) ### Astro Blog Template ![Astro Blog Template](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c675974f655f1b19405d58/bin2/Astro%20Blog%20Template.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) - Simple structure - Easy to clone A straightforward [blog website starter](https://github.com/Charca/astro-blog-template). ## Gatsby Blog Starters [Gatsby](https://www.thebcms.com/gatsby-cms/) is still a solid choice for static blogging. ### BCMS Gatsby Starter Minimal Gatsby starter built for content-focused websites - Static-first - [Structured content](https://www.thebcms.com/blog/content-modeling-headless-cms.md) - Flexible data layer Start your project: ``` npx @thebcms/cli create gatsby starter simple-blog ``` ### Gatsby Starter Blog A classic blog example. ![Gatsby Starter Blog](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c67b6e4f655f1b19405d5d/bin2/Gatsby%20Starter%20Blog.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) - Markdown posts - RSS - SEO 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/gatsbyjs/gatsby-starter-blog) ### Gatsby Advanced Starter ![Gatsby Advanced Starter](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/69c67c114f655f1b19405d5f/bin2/Gatsby%20advanced.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) A more feature-rich blog website. - Pagination - Tags - SEO 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/vagr9k/gatsby-advanced-starter) ## Simple blog examples by feature type Not all blogs are built the same way. The type of blog you choose depends on how you want to manage content. ## Markdown-based blogs (No backend) These are the simplest blogging examples. - No backend - Content stored in files - Easy to deploy If you want the simplest possible setup, this is it. ### Next.js Markdown Blog (Minimal) Demo: [leerob.io](https://leerob.com/) A great personal blog example built by a developer. Features: - MDX-based blog posts - Simple file structure - No CMS ### Eleventy (11ty) Blog Starter One of the cleanest blog examples for beginners. Demo: [Eleventy base blog](https://11ty.github.io/eleventy-base-blog/) Features: - Static site generator - Markdown-first - Extremely simple When to use this: - Personal blogs - Quick experiments - No dynamic content needed ## Minimalist design blogs (Focus on writing) These focus on writing. - Clean UI - Strong typography - No clutter Ideal if your blog writing is the main value. ### Bear Blog (Ultra Minimal) A perfect example of a good blog with zero clutter. Demo: [Bear Blog]( https://bearblog.dev) - No distractions - Ultra fast - Content-first ### Quartz (Digital Garden Style Blog) More than a blog, a writing system. Demo: [Quartz](https://quartz.jzhao.xyz) - Linked notes - Clean UI - Knowledge-focused ### Hugo PaperMod Blog A popular choice for a simple blog with a clean design. Demo: [PaperMod Blog](https://adityatelange.github.io/hugo-PaperMod/) - minimalist UI - fast - SEO-friendly When to use this: - writing-first blogs - knowledge sharing - long-form content ## Best blog examples by use case (Projects you can clone) Instead of talking about blog types in theory, let’s look at real projects you can clone based on what you want to build. Each of these is a practical blog example you can fork, run, and turn into your own project. ## Portfolio blog (with writing focus) 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/radix-ui/website) - Real production site (docs + blog + content) - MDX-based blog posts - Component-driven structure Great if you want a portfolio-style blog that mixes writing and UI work. ## Lifestyle / Fashion Blog A flexible starter that can easily become a fashion and lifestyle blog. - Modern layout - SEO-ready - Scalable structure Good base if you're building a lifestyle blog with content + branding. 🍴: [GitHub](https://github.com/ixartz/Next-js-Boilerplate) ## Food Blog / Recipe Blog A solid [starting point](https://www.thebcms.com/starters/astro/recipes.md) for a food blog or recipe blog. ![Image](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d206a/bin2/recipes.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) If you want to do this properly: - Structured recipes - [Reusable content models](https://www.thebcms.com/blog/structured-content-guide.md) - Scalable setup Much better than hardcoding recipes into Markdown. Start your project: ``` npx @thebcms/cli create astro starter recipes ``` ## Tech blog Demo: [Next.js MUI Blog Starter](https://nextjs-mui-blog.muhimasri.com/) If you're planning to build a tech blog, this is a great place to start. It’s a clean Next.js setup designed for developer-focused content, with just enough features to feel a complete tech blog structure: - MDX-based blog posts (perfect for code snippets) - Built-in table of contents - Tags and structured blog posts - Clean and readable layout Ideal if your blog covers developer topics. ## Photography Blog Demo: [Hugo Gallery](https://nicokaiser.github.io/hugo-theme-gallery/) A gallery-first blog theme. - image grids - fullscreen viewing - minimal text Perfect for a photography blog where visuals are the main content. ## Art & Design Blog Demo: [Stack](https://demo.stack.cai.im/) If you're building an art and design blog, layout and presentation matter as much as the content. - Clean, modern layout - Strong typography - Great support for images and visual content What makes this a strong design blog example is its balance; it feels minimal, but still expressive enough for creative work. Perfect if you want your blog to showcase both visuals and ideas without building everything from scratch. ## Portfolio + Blog + Content (Advanced combo) This is what happens when a simple blog evolves into a content platform. If you want to go beyond a simple blog, this [Portfolio starter](https://www.thebcms.com/starters/astro/personal.md) is one of the best real-world setups. ![BCMS portfolio](https://app.thebcms.com/api/v3/instance/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23/media/670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d2068/bin2/personal.png?apiKey=670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d24e6.7e8471eb288ed672495cf4734e877b33042a4d7d63059d938576b8d45d35c166.670e90c0cedcf9e4d34d1a23) - Combines blog + structured listings - Multi-page content system - Great for dev portfolios Ideal if you want your website and blog to actually do something (not just exist). Star building: ``` npx @thebcms/cli create astro starter personal ``` ## Bonus: How to Pick the Right Blog Starter If you're unsure, keep it simple. ### 1. Choose your Frontend Here are some popular choices among developers for building a successful blog: - React: Go with[ Next.js](https://www.thebcms.com/nextjs-cms/) - Vue: Go with [Nuxt](https://www.thebcms.com/nuxt-cms/) - Performance: Go with [Astro](https://www.thebcms.com/astro-cms/) ### 2. Static or CMS? - Markdown: Fast and simple - CMS: Flexible and scalable ### 3. Blog features Think about: - search - tags - pagination ## Conclusion: Clone first, optimize later You don’t need a perfect setup. You need momentum. These blog examples to inspire are here to help you skip the blank page and start building something real. - Clone a project-  Explore the code- Write your first post If you outgrow simple setups, tools like BCMS help you scale without rewriting everything. Explore [BCMS starters](https://www.thebcms.com/starters.md). Start simple. Keep your blog consistent. And turn it into something people actually want to read.