There is a lot of confusion over the difference between websites and blogs. Actually, Blogs are technically the same as websites in that they have a URL, are created with html code or other web scripting language, and reside on a web server. But the difference lies in their purpose and function. Blogs provide opportunities for interactivity and communication where websites provide a sense of integrity, stability and credibility. Both define an effective web presence.
What is a Blog?
A blog is an online journal or log featuring personal writing, photography, artwork, and videos. Blogs are typically written by individuals who enjoy sharing their knowledge or opinions and connecting with others, but can also be written by businesses. Corporate blogs are a very popular way to communicate with customers and clients while providing valuable feedback for the company. Business blogs are created specifically to generate revenue in an interactive format utilizing third party advertising.
Here are a few of the top benefits of blogs over websites:
Interactivity: Blogs provide a venue for others to comment directly on the web to the “blogger” in real time. This can help gain valuable input from interested visitors and provides an easy way to communicate with potential or existing customers.
Ease of Use: Blogs are easy to set up and use. Basic word processing and typing skills are all that is needed to write and produce a blog.
Inexpensive: Blogs are very cheap to host and run. Companies such as WordPress and Typepad provide reasonable rates for hosting blogs. Google offers a free blogging service at blogger.com.
Search Engine Friendly: Blogs are “picked up” more quickly by the search engines because of the dynamic nature of the content on a blog. Once information is posted to a blog it automatically pings the search engines that there is new content to be indexed.
So Why have a Website if Blogs are so Great?
Think of a website as a permanent online address. This is the place where information about a hobby or business services and products can be described in detail. Also, a traditional website can provide a sense of stability and credibility that might not be apparent on a blog interface. The truth is, depending on the type of business, a website and a blog can often be used together to achieve online goals.
Websites and Blogs Working Together
A blog can be used to increase traffic to a website. For example, a website that sells camera equipment could provide a blog that reviews different types of cameras. Visitors could read reviews, comment, and also be led to the website to purchase cameras. Search engines would pick up the blog, website, and links from other blogs that have picked up the camera review postings. This increases Search Engine visibility and can generate traffic to the website.
The Future of Websites and Blogs
Though the future of the web is still unknown, given current trends, websites and blogs may eventually merge into one interface that incorporates other interactive and robotic elements.
