Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
Whether you’re a freelance writer or an author, having an online presence is vital to success. But what kind of presence is the most effective, a website or a blog? Today, let’s figure out which is going to work best for you.
Because in reality, although blogs are essentially websites, they are quite different in terms of content.
Now, keep in mind that I am using a more broad term for “writer.” This includes everything from freelancers to self-publishing authors. I am encompassing everything related to the writing career path.
Even journalism.
What’s the Difference Between a Website and a Blog?
While it’s true that a blog is technically a website, a blog is centered more on constant updates to content. Whereas a website is more focused on stagnant content that never changes.
When you go to a website, the homepage and all of its content will stay the same. A blog, on the other hand, should have a constant flow of articles you can read that are often published on a routine basis.
Examples of Traditional Websites
A normal website would be something along the lines of a business site. It’ll have the normal pages such as contact information, pricing pages, and other service-related content.
Think about it; how prominent is a blog on Dominos’s website? It’s primarily an ordering platform nowadays.
However, a lot of businesses are starting to incorporate blog posts as it’s quite effective to generate organic traffic interested in the product. In fact, I’ve done many home improvement articles for companies for that specific purpose.
Examples of a Blog
Well, of course, WriterSanctuary.com is a prime example of a blog. It’s a site that has semi-regular content helping people get more out of writing.
In other words, it’s constantly in motion.
The primary purpose of a blog is to continuously create content to attract readers. This means diving into topics people are searching for in Google while offering highly-informative material.
In most ways, it’s much easier to manage a traditional website than a blog. Mostly because bloggers are constantly researching new topics and trying to appease the Google algorithm.
Why I Prefer a Blog vs a Website
When it comes to writers promoting themselves, it really comes down to personal preference.
As a freelancer, you might not need much more than a contact form and an about page. Simply set up the site and run marketing campaigns to bring clients to your site.
However, blogging can go much further than just a site that you promote.
Demonstrating Expertise Through Regular Posts
Using a blog can help you showcase your expertise in any given topic. This not only helps clients get an idea of what you’re about and your skillset, but you can also garner an audience depending on the type of content you create.
For example, I’ve been a work-at-home freelancer since 2013. I recently bought a house and live within my means. This blog is essentially a breakdown of how I built my success to help others who may be interested in writing from home.
The idea is to help people get to the same point as myself, if not further.
I am contacted regularly for collaborations, guest posts, paid sponsorships, and help regarding building a career out of writing.
Why? Because I demonstrate expertise through the content I create.
A Blog Generates More Organic Traffic than a Website to Make Money
Unlike a website, a blog has the potential to pull in a large amount of traffic without spending money on ads and other marketing campaigns. As long as you create content people want to read, they will come.
When you monetize the blog, you can earn additional revenue through things like ads or affiliate marketing. In fact, there are a slew of ways you can make money from an online presence.
The bottom line is that blogging is an effective way of boosting income, which is why most businesses incorporate a blog nowadays.
Even as a freelance writer, you can still offer your expertise to new creators interested in your career while possibly earning income through ad clicks and sales.
Expanding into eCommerce
Now that I am publishing books, I am setting up my blogs to incorporate eCommerce. This means my readers will be able to buy my book in more places than just Amazon.
Not everyone has a Kindle or wants an eBook from the retail super-giant. Not to mention selling books off of my own site cuts out the middleman.
I won’t have to share royalties with anyone.
Because I use WordPress, it’ll cost me nothing to set up something like WooCommerce to run the store.
Updating Fans, Followers, and Subscribers
As I continue to gain popularity as an author, I love the idea of being able to update fans, followers, and subscribers of upcoming events. This also benefits those who are interested in learning more about writing and blogging.
That’s because I cover every aspect of writing I put my fingers in.
My point here is that I can update everyone with new content almost instantly to help them along in their own successes. In this regard, a blog is far more interactive and personal than just a website.
I Simply Enjoy Sharing and Writing
Lastly, I am a writer. I’ve written millions upon millions of words since starting in 2012. And I will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
I also love sharing my experiences and helping others understand some of the intricate facets of writing. Lately, I’ve been really diving into the creative aspect and look forward to publishing more books soon.
Does this mean you have to write as much as I do to be successful? Probably not. It’s simply something I love doing regardless of the topic.
What Kind of Niche Website or Blog Should Writers Create?
So, should a writer focus on specific niches to promote him or herself? That is one of those things that is a personal preference.
However, there is a lot that can come from sticking with specific niches on the Internet.
Why a Niche Blog?
A niche website or blog is more focused on the audience it’s trying to attract. This often results in a more focused audience for specific topics.
Seriously, you won’t find a recipe on this blog for cooking chicken or find a list of the best places to buy keto-friendly snacks.
A focused audience is more likely to interact with the content, whether it be by clicking ads or buying products you showcase from affiliates or through eCommerce.
Expertise Helps Attract Clients
When you center content around a specific niche, it demonstrates your expertise to clients. So, if you’re a freelance writer who specializes in tech articles, having a tech-focused blog shows clients what you’re capable of offering.
Of course, you’d want to make sure you have a way for potential clients to contact you and whatnot. This is why my major blogs have a contact form, actually.
The point here is that you can use a niche blog as a kind of portfolio of your skills and knowledge.
Much Easier to Market
Niche sites are far easier to market than a blog that is more focused on random articles. That’s not to say that a non-niche-specific blog can’t be successful.
On the contrary, I know a lot of blogs that just showcase the owner’s day that have a massive following. So, it is possible.
However, when your blog is more centered around a specific topic or industry, it performs better in search and has a better chance of attracting that focused audience I mentioned earlier.
Increases Income from Other Avenues
As I said earlier, a focused audience can vastly increase the amount of money your blog can make. That audience is more interested in specifics and is more likely to buy, click, comment, subscribe, and more to help you generate more money.
In fact, setting up a passive income through your blog has the potential to replace a full-time income. That is as long as you keep working on it to attract a large audience base.
Don’t think that starting a blog right now will instantly pull in vast amounts of money. It takes a great deal of work to get to that point.
Yet, niche blogs usually tend to perform better when it comes to generating revenue.
Which Do You Plan to Build, a Website or Blog?
In the end, there’s really no right or wrong answer for building a website as a writer. It really just comes down to what you want to put out there and how much time you can dedicate to development.
Some writers may just want to create a website to promote themselves as professionals without adding a blog. It all depends on what works best for you.
What method of marketing yourself as a writer interests you the most, blogging or just a professional website?
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