Website or Blog
Which One Is Right For Your Small Business?
Before you start a website or blog - think about the differences. Your home on the web needs to be a place where your business can live and grow.
It needs to be manageable.
The differences between a blog and a website are subtle - but choosing the right one is important.
What is a Blog?
It seems like everyone has a blog these days. They are attractive because they are easy to update. With a bit of inspiration and few clicks of your mouse, you have written and posted an article that you will share with the world.
When you visit a traditional blog, you will see the most recently written article on the front page. As you scroll down and page through the rest of the content, you will go from most recently written, to the oldest articles.
A nice example of a traditional blog is Tall Clover Farm.
When you go to the homepage you see the most recent article first.
What is a Website?
In contrast, a website, has what is called a “static” front page. This is a page that doesn’t change too often. It describes what your site is about and offers your readers links to other pages on your site.
Like a blog, you can be adding articles to your site every day, but if you miss a day, or a week …, your readers won’t notice.
An example of a website - and one of my favorites - is Apple.com. The homepage on that website doesn’t change too often. But they are always adding new content about their latest products.
When you land there - you will find the category that you are looking for and navigate your way around.
The Hybrid
If you can’t decide on a website or blog, a third option is a hybrid model. This format has a static homepage, like a website, that links out to different categories etc.
But the content manager is basically a blog.
Examples here include popular blogs like The Pioneer Woman and Problogger.
Things To Consider
How Much Time Do You Have?
If you decide to go with a traditional blog - you need to commit to a certain amount of time to keep things looking “fresh”. If the same post remains on your homepage for a really long time - then it may appear a bit stale.
There is no set rule on how often you should update - but you should add a new post often enough to keep your readers coming back.
Your Business Model
When you decide to go with a website or blog, consider your business model.
If you have an offline store and are creating a web presence for it, then a website might be the right choice. You will want your homepage to have your address, your hours, and other important information for your customers.
But, if your business is all about your writing, then maybe a blog is the way to go.
My Experience
I have tried both, websites and blogs, and have finally settled on building a website. I don’t post often enough to maintain a blog - and what I have to say is not necessarily witty and exciting.
I do write Mac tutorials that people refer to over and over again - so I need to organize my site in such a way that my readers can find exactly what they are looking for when they return to the site.
This article may help you in your website or blog decision.
What Type of Site Do You Have?
Tell us which format you like better and why it works for you.
What Do You Think?
Leave a comment in the box below.