Blogs or Websites - Which is Best?

Internet writers have several different ways to present their internet articles to the world. I've mentioned different writing websites in the past that will publish your work and pay you for it. However, they take "their cut" of your earnings. That is the main reason I prefer having blogs and website. Of those two, blogs and websites, which is best for the internet writer?

The answer to that depends on the writer and the purpose of the blog and/or website of the internet writer. There are pros and cons to both that much be weighed carefully before making a decision. As with everything here, I really on my experience and the experience of other internet writers that I trust. This is my take on the blogs or websites debate:

Blogs work well for niche writers who have narrowed down their niche to something quite small. My standard example is gardening...A blog works great for a niche writer who writes about their garden. It is a small topic that can be written about for years. Pages are limited on blogs so the internet writer can dedicate specific pages to their flower garden, their vegetable garden and their herb garden. Links can be added to your niche blog that will take your readers to your internet articles on writing sites.

Websites work well for niche writers who have a broader niche. An internet writer who writes about rose gardens or gardens that do well in certain areas would benefit from having a website instead of a blog. There is more "room" to expand on the topic. Pages can be created for specific types of roses and then "sub-pages" can be created for the care of each of those roses, where they grow best and other information. Links can be added that will take your visitors to other internet articles you have written.

Blogs work well for non-niche internet writers, especially those wanting to promote their internet articles on writing sites. The "Day In the Life of" blogs are excellent for building links to the internet articles you want to promote. Websites are difficult for non-niche internet writers to write copy for. Don't even think of copy - try to find a URL and title for your non-niche website. It is probably hard to even know where to begin.

Websites and blogs work well together. My website, Travels Oklahoma, has a "companion blog" that goes with it. My website is the "business side." I write about all the wonderful places to visit in Oklahoma. My blog, which has the same name, is the "personal side." I write about my personal experiences as I travel Oklahoma. I provide links between my website and blog to my readers can see both the business and personal sides of traveling in Oklahoma.

Blogs are a full-time job. You must post several times each week to attract more followers and readers. You must also do this to stay on the first page of search engines and increase your page rank. Do you have the time every week to devote to a blog? A blogger's job is never done. There is always another post to write and more links to create.

Website can be difficult to create, much harder than many blogs. You must decided if you will have the skills to create a website. I recommend OfficeLive. They are economical (an annual fee instead of monthly) and their support staff is great if you have problems creating your website. The good news is that once your create your website, it is done. You will need to go back to add information and tweaking, but the website is finished. You will need to create links to your website to increase traffic and it's page rank.


Do you want to know about the money? I know that money is often deciding factors in whether to go with a blog or website. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to the money you could potentially make.

Blogs can be more difficult to monetize. There is limited space and you don't want your blog to be covered in ads. Blog hosting sites may limit the type of ads or number of ads you can place on your blog. Some do not allow you to monetize your blog. Be sure to read all the fine print before you decide which blog host to go with.

Websites can be easier to monetize. You have several pages where you can place ads. Usually, you can use as many different ad programs as you like. Of course, you want to make sure those ads do not interfere with your copy. Affiliate programs, such as LinkShare, have large, bold ads that looks best on websites.

Blogs are usually free and websites come with a monthly or annual fee. I suggest that you start with a free blog. If your blog earns enough to cover the fees of having website, you can always create a website based on your blog.


Once again, I have made things as clear as mud. There are so many variables to consider that each internet writer must think long and hard before making a decision between having a blog or a website. They both have wonderful attributes and disheartening drawbacks. Decide which is best for you and run with it.

Consider Writing an Online Article Series

Niche online writers seem to have it much easier than those of us whose online articles tend to be about various topics. Niche writers have found a way to tap into specific topics. However, as a "non-niche" writer, I have found a way to get take advantage of certain topics; I write a series of online articles pertaining to that specific topic.

Writing a series can be quite simple. Write a broad online article that includes all the information you have on the topic. Write it as if it will be the online article you will publish. Include the all the details; leave nothing out. Then break the long and detailed article down to several smaller articles. Use the detailed information to write those articles. Depending on the topic, you may be able to get several online articles out of the one.

Of course, you must be wondering how this will benefit you. There are many reasons for writing an online article series. These are just a few of them:

• Links - When you write an online article series, you will be able to link all of articles in the series together. Links will help you get indexed by search engines quickly. For more information about lists, see my previous post about using links to our advantage.

• Quality and Quantity - By writing an online article series, you will be producing both quality and quantity. Stretching one online article into several online articles will add to your online portfolio. As an online writer, you can never have enough quality articles. Of course, online writers need as many articles available to readers as possible.

• Becoming an Authority - Writing a series of online articles gives online writers a more authoritative voice. Instead of giving readers a single "shot in the dark," it provides a foundation for online writers. Even though the same amount of information could have been used in one online article, by writing a series it amplifies that information and causes the reader to believe they are getting even more information.

• Attracting Readers -An online series will attract more readers. The more readers you have, the more likely it is that you will get ad clicks. This will increase your earnings. If you are writing for an online writing sites that pays you for page views, your earnings will also increase.

Whenever possible, write your online article series on different writing websites. When you do this and link your online articles together, it will give you exposure on all the different writing sites. You want your readers to know where to find you and all of your work.

Online articles series are easy to write and will be a great benefit to all online writers. Take advantage of this - using it to increase your visibility online, your readership and your earnings. It is a win/win situation and can make a huge difference in your success as a writer.