So, you’ve decided to post content online regularly and you’re ready to begin but deciding which type of content to go with can stop even the most motivated among us.
We’ve all encountered different brands delivering content via blogs, vlogs, and podcasts but the question is, which type of content is best for you? Well, honestly it depends on many factors including your personality, abilities, and your ideal audience. Below we’ll discuss the different types of content and some pros and cons to help you decide which one is right for you.
Blogs
Blogs, like the one you’re reading right now, are probably the most common type of content online today. Regardless of what fancy new way of communicating with your audience comes up, there will always be people who prefer to read your content so this is a great option to make standard in your content schedule in addition to any other content type you might wish to also pursue.
Pros: Easy to set up; Free or low-cost; Having a blog makes it easier for you and your business to be found in search engines; Blogs generally have more educational value than Vlogs and as such people are more apt to follow your advice and take you more seriously than other sources that are considered more entertainment platforms; Blogs are more convenient for many people because they can read, reread, take notes, print out to read later, etc.
Cons: Can be time consuming due to the need to research and write content; Not everybody is a writer – writing is a skill that some excel at and others don’t.
Vlogs
Vlogs are exactly what they sound like – a blog in video form. They still require the same amount of research and preparation as blogs but they also will up your need to understand technology as well as take more time for editing to get a polished final product.
Vlogs are becoming more main stream as many businesses and individuals use them as a way to inform and entertain their unique audience. Due to the populations’ increased preference for videos over written word, Vlogs are becoming more popular these days.
Pros: Your audience gets to see you and become more acquainted with you; Sets you apart from your competition because even though video content has become the norm, most businesses do not produce Vlogs; Due to the increased viral aspect of videos in general, Vlogs have the potential to reach more people faster; Great way to make dry, boring topics more engaging and entertaining.
Cons: May not be the best content solution for someone who is camera shy or extremely introverted; Equipment for Vlogging is more expensive than a regular written blog; Vlogging isn’t right for every business as it is primarily embraced by younger audiences; Vlogs don’t help with your SEO ranking because Google has no way of ‘reading’ your Vlog content; More time consuming than Blogging due to the need to not only film but edit finished product.
Podcasts
Podcasts are quickly taking over the airwaves and rightly so. They provide great content to the masses easily and allow people to listen no matter where they are from the convenience of their cellphone or laptop but they do have pros and cons as well.
Pros: Easily consumed format for all; Great for all businesses and topics; Easy and affordable to start and maintain; Convenient for listeners to download and take with them everywhere; Simple to follow success of podcast through download metrics.
Cons: It takes a while to build an audience for your podcast – you’ll need to promote it yourself a lot; You need to be strict with your Podcast and have a regular schedule because, just like a favorite TV show, if your podcast is unpredictable in its schedule people will stop listening; Podcasting does require equipment that other forms of content do not.
In closing, blogs, vlogs, and podcasts are all valuable ways to communicate your content to your ideal audience and some of you may feel like you should do them all, which is overwhelming.
My advice is to start with the one that you are most likely to enjoy doing and that you will be consistent with. For me, I like to write. It’s fun for me and I find I express myself the best when I write so it was a quick and natural decision for me to pursue creating and maintaining a blog. I have a strict blog schedule and make sure that I stick to it. It’s my job and my hobby all in one.
However, I would like to add video and a possible podcast to my content sometime down the line. So, when I feel the time is right I will add those things to my content line up. I feel no urgent pressure to do any of that right now though.
So, whichever one you decide to start with, make sure you maintain a regular schedule and have that type of content under control and filled with quality content before you decide to add another type of platform.
Also, there’s no shame in only sticking with one type of content. If you love podcasting and feel you are good at it, then stick with only that. If you have an extensive blog that gets a lot of attention and you enjoy doing it, then stick with blogging.
There is no rule that states you have to have more than one type of content. The only rule is that you always create quality content that is engaging and offers your audience value. Otherwise, the choice is entirely up to you. Do what feels right for you and your business and the audience will follow.
