So what is a blog? According to a survey conducted by the Content Marketing Institute, 80% and 75% of B2B and B2C marketers include blogging to boost their online presence.
Blogs have become an effective tool for creators and businesses to express themselves and expand their portfolios. However, many users are still unfamiliar with blogs or confused between blogs and websites.
If you are one of them, you have landed on the right page. This article will help you understand the basics of blogging and why individuals or businesses consider blogging the ultimate marketing tool.
What is a blog? Blogging definition
A blog or weblog is an informational website or online journal that displays information based on your online module. The posts appear in reverse chronological order, where the latest post appears at the top.
A blog can fuel individual hobbies and region-specific topics or help businesses explain their products in a simple and meaningful way. In short, it is the perfect platform for writers and companies to share their experiences on a specific subject.
As per the latest reports, there are over 570 million blogs running on various platforms, including WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr. This number is growing as you read as more than 3000 blog posts get published every minute. In short, there will be over 15000 blog posts published on the internet by the time you complete reading this article.
Although the traditional blogging definition may define blogs as personal journals, modern pundits have altered the platform into a perfect marketing gun.
Why should you start a blog?
As we mentioned earlier, blogs help users to expand their online presence. Although most blogs run on personal propaganda, many businesses have employed blogging to increase their visibility.
For instance, by creating engaging blog posts that explain products and services, businesses can target and reach potential customers and increase their sales. In short, if blogging is not a part of your online strategy, your business may remain invisible.
Likewise, blogs allow individuals to connect with like-minded or relevant audiences. You can build your authority by creating informative posts, allowing your readers to trust your blog. Blogging also allows your brand to grow and look credible, increasing your online presence and niche authority.
How blogs differ from websites?
Blogs differ from websites in many ways. For instance, most websites have static pages that require less maintenance. However, you will have to update your blog frequently to stay on the top.
Since blogs promote reader engagement, a high-quality blog post will compel the reader to revisit your blog. If your visitor does not find newer content, he may divert to other sources to get information.
Here are some key characteristics that differentiate a blog from a website.
- Fresh content – Blogs require fresh content to maintain their authority and engage more readers, while websites have static pages that don’t require frequent maintenance.
- Author – Each blog post has a public author, allowing readers to experience information through multiple minds. Websites don’t follow this technique as most of them have static pages.
- Publish dates – Unlike static pages, blog posts have published dates, allowing readers to understand that they are reading the latest post.
- Comments section – Although most websites feature a comments section, blogs have a more robust system that allows readers to share their thoughts.
5 Blogging Platforms Examples
Here are some incredible blogs that have garnered worldwide appreciation.
1. TechCrunch
TechCrunch is one of the most popular tech blogs, with millions of readers worldwide. Despite being a top blog, you can still find all the essential blog elements used perfectly to provide readers with a user-friendly and intuitive reading experience.
The blog displays posts in reverse chronological pattern with publish dates and author details.
2. Problogger
Problogger started as a hobby and became the ultimate passion of Darren Rowse. The blog helps other bloggers earn money by implementing various strategies on their platforms.
Darren’s blog is the perfect example of how blogs look with a clean design and fresh content about blogging strategies.
3. Pinch of Yum
As the name suggests, Pinch of Yum is all about cooking and delightful recipes. The blog implements a clean design mated with fresh content about new recipes.
4. Deem
Deem is a blog that explores topics covering brands, people, and designs. The blog’s core idea is to search for design in our everyday lives and combines it with various elements.
5. Traveling Mitch
Travel is one of the top blogging niches that attract millions of readers every day. Mitchell is a travel blogger who shares his experiences and adventures on the Traveling Mitch blog.
The blog is a perfect example of a clean design with plenty of white spaces. You can view the key characteristics of a blog like publish dates, comments section, and other details on his blog posts.
Who are bloggers?
Bloggers run blogs to share their knowledge or opinion on specific topics. These blogs can be about finance, technology, arts, or other fields, depending on the blogger’s interest.
Blogging has become one of the best alternative career options for various reasons. Besides individual bloggers, businesses have also joined the bandwagon to create engaging blogs to connect with their customers. This strategy also allows businesses to explain their services better to reap more benefits.
According to a study, companies that operate blogs generate 97% more links for their business website. Additionally, blogs allow businesses to explain their products and services better, gaining authority in their niches.
What are the requirements to create a blog?
Besides fueling your blog with fresh and meaningful content, you will have to ensure that your blog ticks the two fundamental pieces – Domain name and blogging tool.
For instance, the domain name is crucial for any blog to generate authority. If you fail to find the most specific term for your blog’s name, your readers will never understand your blog’s niche. In short, a domain name is your online brand identity, and people will know your business through it.
On the other hand, blogging tools help you set your blog with basic technical knowledge. These tools include blogging software or website builder that help you run your blog.
Wrap up
Blogs have become popular, with over 77% of internet users reading blogs every day. Blogs allow individuals and businesses to connect with their target audience and help them share their experiences about services and products.
