Another Great blogging Basics Issue (3rd)
Hello, Frenzies
In the last issue, we tackle some of the different techniques for designing and installing your blog. In this issue, we are going to go over some of the PROS and CONS of building a website versus starting a blog.
Here"s the problem, you know you want a solid online presence, but you're facing a dilemma. Do you choose a blog or a website? How do you solve this problem?
Unless you've been living under a rock we all know what a website is. Simply put, it is a combination of texts, images, video, or flash messages designed to inform and entertain all visitors. As you learned in the previous issue a blog is similar to a website that is constructed in the format of an online journal.
> First, let's discuss a website versus a blog in terms of navigation.
When you build a website the navigation is often linked through a menu bar at the top, side, or bottom of its pages. It has a main index page which is referred to as the homepage.
When you start a blog it is usually navigated through links to the previous or the next entries shown either at the start or end of each post or in the blog's sidebar. The sidebar contains customizable navigation links like pages, About, Archives, etc.
It may also include links to your previous posts organized by the dates they were posted. A "categories" segment is also a mainstay of the sidebar and you will often find a blog roll or a list of external links included as well.
>Now let's talk about a website versus a blog in terms of update-ability.
A website usually presents static content that you have to update manually. It is possible to link to a news page or RSS feed that will refresh the information on your webpage regularly, but this requires a bit of programming knowledge to make it work effectively. When you build a website, you either have to learn HTML or how to use what is referred to as WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor to update them.
When it comes to setting up a blog. Most of the programming is already done for you. Blogs are built with a content management system that makes adding content easier by simply logging into your control panel, writing your post and clicking publish. Another great thing about setting up a blog is a thorough, wide variety of templates available that make customizing the looks and feel of your pages much easier without any programming knowledge.
> What about a website versus a blog in terms of web usability?
The truth be told when it comes to the usability of a blog it may not differ that much from a website in the eyes of your visitor. However, when it comes to updating and maintaining your blog you may find it relatively easy to do, especially with all the ready-made templates, plug in's and widgets that are available for your use and the fact that there are basically no programming skills required even.
> Last but not least let's talk about a website versus a blog in terms of visitor interaction.
If you've visited a blog lately, you may have noticed that they have a built-in feature where your readers can easily leave a comment on any post they want after reading it. This makes it easy for you " The Author " of the blog to interact with your visitors. Alas, this isn't the case with a website. Although it usually has a " Contact Us " page where you can have your visitor send you a note it does not have the same interactive feel and ease that a blog does.
Now it's decision-making time. Do you build a website or do you start a blog? Ultimately the decisions up to you. Do you plan on offering information that does not require regular updating? Then a website may be just what you need. But if you plan on making frequent updates and want an easy interaction with your readers then a blog may be the best option for you.
One more thing to consider before we close this issue is that you may want to have both! I'm not saying this to confuse you. I just want to let you know that with the proper set up a blog and website will easily work hand in hand to help you accomplish your goals. Just something to think about.
Make sure you come back here again soon and check out my next article . I will share about "responsible blogging ethics".
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