This is a question I asked myself before switching my websites over to blogs, and one that some of my customers continue to ask.
To begin with, a blog is a website. Blogs contain pages, navigation menus, written text, graphics, video, audio, and anything else you would put on a static website. You can also set the front page of your blog to be static and have your articles (posts) appear on a separate page if this is the look and feel you desire.
Building and maintaining a blog takes much less time than a website. You don’t need to know HTML, use any site builder software, or even hire someone to build it for you. If you did hire someone to set up your blog, it would be much less expensive than having a website built.
Blogs are easier to maintain than websites. With the great free blogging software available, like WordPress, adding content is quick and easy. You simply log in to your private control panel and type your content, add a video, or whatever, and publish your new information in minutes.
Blog platforms like WordPress have “Plugins” that can streamline almost anything you want to accomplish.The layout and structure is automatically programmed in. Websites, however, require coding, HTML editors, and technical knowledge. or pay someone to do it. This could take hours.
The biggest advantage of using a blog is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). When you write a new post, or add any content, and click the “Publish” button, it is immediately “Pinged” to online services that notify the search engines. This is an invitation for the search engines to visit your site, which they happily do. Your new content is usually picked up within a day, if not sooner, and your blog is indexed.
The use of certain plugins can also immediately send your content to social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Digg, etc. which further enhances your viral exposure. You cannot do this with a static website and it could take months (or longer) to get noticed, depending on the strategies you use.
Furthermore, blogs allow you to “Tag” and “Categorize” your posts and pages which makes them easily searchable for visitors and search engines alike. Good for SEO.
What blog platform should I use?
This is probably the most asked question.
The “Big Three” are Blogger (owned by Google), WordPress.com, and Self-Hosted WordPress. All three are free and have advantages/disadvantages.
Blogger:
Advantages -
- Free and fairly simple to set up online.
- Allows multiple blogs.
- Advertising is allowed.
- Use of your own domain is allowed.
Disadvantages -
- No self-hosting available.
- Google has rights to your content.
- Limited plugins and customization.
- No automated “Pinging.”
- Your blog can be shut down at any time, for any reason. Blogger has a public “Flag” system in place where your competitors, enemies, or whoever, can “Flag” your site and Google will shut it down, without notice. Google will also shut you down for violating their Terms of Service (read it carefully). Many have had their blogs shut down and all content is lost.
WordPress.com:
Advantages -
- Free and fairly simple to set up online.
- Multiple blogs allowed.
Disadvantages -
- No javascript, flash, or plugins, and you are not allowed to have ads or pay per post, etc. Also, retailing is subject to staff approval and you won’t be able to use ecommerce features without getting an external page to put them on.
- Limited customization. No access to theme files for alteration/editing.
- Your blog can be shut down at their discretion.
- They charge to use your own domain name.
Self-Hosted WordPress:
Advantages -
- Fairly easy to use once set up.
- You control your own content. Advertise all you want.
- Many customization options available.
- Extensive availability of themes and plugins.
- Use of your own domain.
- Alter/edit any files or themes.
Disadvantages -
- You need to set up a hosting account and install the software. Most reputable hosting companies have an “Automatic Script Installer” that makes this simple and only takes a few minutes.
Note: the cost of hosting does not need to be an obstacle as ComputerTactics offers Free Hosting which includes an Automatic Script Installer so you can easily install WordPress.
WordPress.com and Self-Hosted WordPress use the same software. The difference is that WordPress.com provides the hosting for you and restricts the capabilities of the software. Self-Hosted WordPress has no restrictions.
No matter which blogging platform you choose, there will be a learning curve. Self-Hosted WordPress may require a little more understanding simply because of the many great options available.
Self-Hosted WordPress is not only our recommendation, but it is the preferred blogging platform by many professional and personal bloggers alike.
If you are ready to start your WordPress blog and don’t have the time or technical patience to set it up… ComputerTactics will completely set up your hosting and WordPress blog for a one time fee of $35.00. Visit my Services page for details and ordering.
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