Introduction
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The difference between blog and vlog? It’s not just about the difference in content. Blogging and producing vlogs each have their own set of benefits, which will be discussed below. While both blogging and creating video vlogs have many advantages, one may be right for your business more than the other.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what makes each different from one another and how to figure out which is best for you.
What is a blog?
A blog is a type of website that allows you to post articles or entries about different topics. Blogs can be maintained by individuals and organizations, often with the intent of providing readers with information on current events, social issues, personal experiences etc.
Blogs will contain mostly text but also has the ability to show images, videos, infographics, comparison tables and many other elements to support the writers point. As you can see there are many ways the writer can convey their message, it’s not simply just by the written word. This makes blogging a powerful medium to connect with readers.
What is vlog?
Vlogging or video blogging is a recent phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. Vlogs are usually short videos about anything and everything, from reviews on new products to personal experiences such as vloggers trying out different hairstyles. They’re often filmed with a hand-held camera although recently more people have been using their smartphone.
Advantages and disadvantages to a blog
Blogging disadvantages.
Let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages of maintaining a blog. The first being that it can take a lot of time to write a blog post. Some bloggers, however, are able to do this in pieces and then edit them before publishing as they go. The other disadvantage is able to write a compelling post, one that can move the reader can be daunting to many people. A third disadvantage that comes to mind is if your relying on google to get your traffic you will need to have a good understanding of SEO. This is a steep learning curve for many and can deter some people.
The beauty about listing these disadvantages is they can all be overcome by hiring freelances. They can be purchased at a very reasonable rate.
Advantages to blogging
It’s relatively easy to create your own blog nowadays. To create a simple blog without the bells and whistles(which you don’t need) will take you no more than an hour or two. There’s so many ‘how to’s’ on Youtube, the problem will be deciding on which video to choose. Once your blog is created it’s time to learn a little about SEO. Again this will require some learning. The best way to get around this is to get your traffic from social media. Create accounts on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter and post to these every time you create a post. If your consistent the traffic will come.
Advantages and disadvantages to a vlog
Vlogging disadvantages
Depending on the type of vlog you want to create it can be expensive to get a good camera, microphone, tripod, software to edit etc. Although I have seen people creating vlogs with their iphone alone and eot good results. The other disadvantage I found was in the editing. This can be a real drag, it can take more time to edit than to film the vlog. Here you will need some knowledge in a software editor, some are easy to use while others require more training.
Vlogging advantages
If you find a unique subject to vlog about your videos views can explode in a short space of time. Making it potentially very profitable. If your a natural behind a camera it can be an effortless way to create content that people want to watch. Nowadays videos have become more popular that blog posts in some niches.
Monetizing vlogs and blogs
In most cases you can monetize both but in different ways. For example you can monetize your blog using adsense, the same can be done with Youtube but just in a different way.
Let’s look at some monetization methods below and how you would go about it.
Adsense
You will need an Adsense account to begin and then using a plugin you can monetize your blog very easily. You then have some control on where to place the ads. For a vlog you apply to Youtube using your adsense account and they control when and how the videos are displayed. If your videos are longer that 8 minutes you do have some control on the where the ads appear.
Affiliate Marketing
This method is used to promote and sell other people’s products. For blogs affiliate links are placed on images and text throughout the blog. If someone’s purchases the product a percentage is received by the promoter, in this case the blogger. With vlogging, the vlogger has only the video description to add the affiliate link.
Ecommerce
This is the ability to sell products directly from the blog. You are limited in this regard with vlogging.
Email Marketing
One of the main monetizing techniques that are used by vloggers and bloggers to build an email list. This is the best way to monetize as it allows to promote products and liaise directly with your customers. In this case the blogger has many more weapons at the disposal to collect emails. This is done through popups, optin boxes, and links placed strategically in a post. The vlogger on the other hand is constricted through the description box.
Final Thoughts
Let’s recap what the difference between blog and vlog are. Both platforms can be monetized and both can make you consistent coin. Blogging and vlogging require you to learn something new, the learning curve is higher with blogging. To be successful each method will require consistent effort(applies to most things in life). With the rise of video, you can grow your vlog audience far quicker than blogging. So all in all both have pros and cons.
When deciding which endeavor to pursue I think the main decision to make is first deciding if you prefer to write or talk. Answering this question will ultimately decide which method you prefer.
