Blogging or Vlogging: Which Is Best for You?
I am that rarest of beasts: someone who blogs and has a YouTube channel.
OK, that’s not so rare. But I have written 700+ blog posts and filmed over 250 videos.
So you can trust that I understand the importance of choosing the right platform to share your thoughts and passions (and hopefully go viral and make lots of money 😃 ).
In today's digital age, blogging and vlogging have emerged as two major content creation formats, each with their own set of pros and cons.
In this guide, I want to talk about the pros and cons of each as I've experienced them, and hopefully help you make an informed decision at the end.
Key Takeaways
Blogging = creating writing in the form of posts. You can blog on pretty much any platform.
Vlogging = creating video content in the form of vlogs. Vlogs are pretty exclusively posted on a YouTube channel.
Blog vs vlog: Blogs are easier to get started and allow for more control over content creation and formatting, while vlogs offer more “fun,” engaging and visually appealing content.
When choosing between blogging and vlogging, consider your audience, content marketing opportunities, and personal preferences.
Create valuable content by understanding your target audience, being consistent, and engaging with your audience.
What is Blogging?
Do you love writing? Then the easy answer for you is that blogging is an excellent option. Blogging is nothing more than creating written content in the form of posts.
Quick def: A blog is a website or a section of a website that features regularly updated written content. Blogs or articles typically focus on a specific topic or theme and can range in length from a few hundred to several thousand words. For example, this blog is obviously for helping folks choose between a blog or a vlog. And it's ~2,500 words long.
One of the benefits of blog content is the wide range of blogging platforms available. Whether you're a beginner blogger or an experienced one, there's a blogging platform that can meet your needs. Popular blogging platforms include WordPress, Blogger, Medium, and Wix, among others. My personal faves are Squarespace and, of course, Medium.
Another advantage of blogging is the ability to create things that people want to read with relative ease. I personally can write a post in an hour (here's how I do it). Others take more time, but typically it's a faster process than making videos.
You still have the ability to add images, videos, and other multimedia elements to blog posts, so bloggers can create content that is both informative and visually appealing.
By consistently creating and publishing good content, bloggers can build a loyal audience of readers who are interested in their niche or topic. This can lead to increased visibility through search engine optimization (SEO) and establish the blogger as an expert in their field.
Pros of Blogging
Let's go deeper on the pros. Blogging has a lot of advantages!
Share your thoughts with the world
My main pro is that blogging is my lifeblood. It's unbelievably rewarding to share one's thoughts and ideas and hopes – and get a response. That's a major advantage of blogging.
Choose your own adventure
Personal blogs let you offer your unique perspective on topics that interest you, while niche blogs let you more quickly monetize by creating content that ranks quickly.
Find your audience fast-ish
By using relevant keywords and SEO practices, bloggers can reach your viewers and gain visibility through search engine rankings. This allows bloggers to establish themselves as experts in their niche and attract a loyal following.
Ultimately, successful bloggers are those who create engaging, high-quality content that resonates with their target audience. By doing so, bloggers can build a strong online presence and establish themselves as a trusted source of information in their field.
Cons of Blogging
While blogging offers numerous benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. As someone who has managed a personal blog for several years, I can attest to the following cons:
Strong writing skills needed
Everyone thinks it's easy to write. It isn't.
Creating quality content requires strong writing skills. This can be a challenge for those who struggle with grammar, spelling, or expressing themselves in written form.
Nose to the grindstone
Building a loyal audience through blogging requires consistent content creation. This can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly for those with busy schedules.
If you look at your backlog and your most recent post is over a month old, you'll struggle to succeed with your blog.
Slow audience growth
People talk about “blowing up” on YouTube. This… doesn't really happen with blogs anymore, not since people were still calling it the “world wide web.” While effective SEO practices can help increase visibility, it can still take longer to build a following compared to video content platforms.
Despite these drawbacks, blogging can still be a rewarding way to share what you know and love.
What is Vlogging?
Video content has become increasingly popular over the years, and one of the most popular forms of video content is vlogging. (Or: video blogging.)
Vlogging involves creating high quality content in a personal and casual video form, often sharing daily experiences, thoughts, and ideas. The video format allows for a more engaging and visual way of communication, making it a great option for those who are comfortable in front of the camera.
Platforms like YouTube have made it easier for content creators to share their video blogs with viewers, leading to the rise of lifestyle vlogs, beauty vlogs, and much more. To become a successful vlogger, one needs a good video camera, vlog editing software, and a strong creative vision.
Pros of Vlogging
There's a lot to say about starting a vlog in the “pros” section. I've created over 250 videos over the past four years, so I've got some thoughts!
Access to an existing audience
With blogging, you need to use SEO like a scalpel, surgically crafting blogs to rank on search engines. Otherwise, you publish to the void. It's a little different with a YouTube channel and a vlog.
People are already on YouTube to spend time. You just need to find them. With the rise of video platforms like YouTube, it's easier than ever to reach a large audience through vlogs.
More traditional money
Another advantage of vlogging is the potential for monetization through sponsored content and affiliate marketing – in addition to the YouTube monetization program. You can do affiliate marketing, etc, with blogs, too, but it's a little more straightforward with vlogs, because frankly viewers feel a more personal connection to vloggers because they see your face, which can translate into a loyal and engaged audience.
By partnering with brands and promoting products, vloggers can generate income while also creating content that resonates with viewers.
Not as hard (as it was)
Look, it's not as simple as writing a blog. But with the abundance of video editing software and tutorials available, it's easier than ever to create awesome content. By investing in equipment and practicing editing skills, vloggers can create professional-looking videos.
Cons of Vlogging
While vlogging can be an exciting and creative way to share your thoughts and experiences with the world, it also comes with some challenges.
You do need some real skills
One of the major drawbacks of vlogging is the technical and creative skills required to create engaging and visually appealing content. Video editing, lighting, and sound quality all play a crucial role in the success of any vlogging channel.
You don't need these things – I got monetized and got a video to get over 100k views just using my laptop webcam and free editing software. But it helps.
It takes more time
I can write a blog post in an hour. In three hours, I can write, optimize, research, edit, and add pics to a blog post. It takes me more like 10-12 hours to script, film, edit, upload, and optimize a vlog.
More luck, less skill
Finally, building a loyal audience on a video platform can be more difficult than on a blog, where you can use SEO to grow.
With so much content available on the internet, it can take time to attract and retain viewers. It's important to remember that success on a video platform often requires a combination of amazing content, effective promotion, and a bit of luck.
Blogging vs Vlogging: Which Should You Choose?
If you want to share part of yourself online (and I'm not talking about OnlyFans), there are two main options: blogging and vlogging. Both have require a plan for success, so it's important to consider which platform is best for you before diving in.
My best advice? Consider your strengths, interests, and goals.
Both types of log – weblog and video blog – offer opportunities for content marketing, monetization, and reaching a wider audience. It's important to select the platform that aligns best with who you want to reach and content goals.
Tips for Creating Good Content
Whether you choose to blog or vlog, creating fantastic content is key to engaging your viewer- or readership and building a loyal following. Here are some tips to help you:
Define your viewers/readers: Understanding your audience is crucial for producing content that resonates with them. Consider the demographics, interests, and needs of your audience and tailor your content accordingly. For example, I'm targeting beginners on the content creation scene, though I do have content and resources for those further along their journey.
Be consistent: Posting regular content helps keep your audience engaged and interested in your work. Develop a schedule that works for you and stick to it.
Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and feedback from your audience. This helps build a sense of community and can also give you ideas for future content.
Use social media: Share your content on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to expand your reach and connect with a wider audience.
Remember, creating valuable content takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the end. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to producing content that engages and inspires your audience.
The Future of Blogging and Vlogging
As the internet continues to evolve, so do the preferences of its users. While blogs have been around for decades, vlogging is a relatively new phenomenon that has quickly gained popularity. Both forms of content creation have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to content creators to consider their goals and interests when choosing a platform.
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also given rise to new forms of content creation, and it will be interesting to see how blogs and vlogs fit into this changing landscape. However, with the increasing demand for diverse and engaging content, there is still a place for both blogs and vlogs.
One thing is for sure, content creators who stay up-to-date with the latest trends in blogging, vlogging, and social media platforms will have the best chance of capturing and retaining the attention of their ideal audience. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for creating and sharing content are endless, and it's an exciting time to be a content creator.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deciding on a blog vs vlog depends on various factors such as personal preferences, strengths, and goals. Understanding the pros and cons of each platform is crucial to make an informed decision.
Whether you decide to share your thoughts and passions through written articles or engaging vlog content, creating content people want to consume is essential to build a loyal audience and succeed as a content creator. Remember to consider your audience and use social media platforms to promote your content.
As the preferences of internet users continue to evolve, both blogging and vlogging will remain relevant in the content creation industry. With the rise of social media platforms and the increasing demand for diverse content formats, the opportunities for us are endless.
FAQ for Blogging vs Vlogging
Q: My company wants to start a vlog. Should I do it?
A vlog is not just for personal use! Companies can use a vlog to offer behind-the-scenes or personality to the brand. A vlog is a lot of work, though, so if your boss is trying to convince you to pick it up as a side project, I'd ask for additional compensation or clarity on shifting job roles.
Q: What are tips for creating solid content?
A: No matter where you fall on blogging vs vlogging, content quality still matters most. Understand your audience, be consistent, engage with your audience, and use a social media platform or two to promote your content.
Q: What is the future of blogging and vlogging?
A: I expect the most exciting changes will be to audience ownership. As the creator economy grows stronger, more creators are looking for ways to own their audience, and not just be along for the ride on the SEO algorithm or YouTube's capricious recommendation page.
Q: What's the best way to make money for vlogs versus blogs?
A: Blog vs vlog, it's the same answer: Sell. Start with affiliate marketing, which requires very little overt selling – you just need to post affiliate links either in the body of your blog, or in the text description of your vlog.
But then I encourage you to listen to your audience and create products and services for them. I offer PDF templates, coaching, and cohorts on both my vlog and my blog posts.
Q: Can I write articles with my blog?
A: I got into the blog article debacle here in this recent post. In short, yes. A blog is a place to post any kind of written content, even articles.
