Congrats! That’s a great step – but do me a favor; don’t give up.
People get all jazzed up about having a website (I get fired up too), but they soon get discouraged. “I can’t afford this,” they mutter. “I don’t have the energy,” some say. Want more excuses? “It’s taking too long,” “The design doesn’t look like I want it to,” “I have no idea how to build a website…” The list goes on.
Sure, a person has to spend money (not a lot) and time (depends on what you want) to have a web presence, but the results could be amazing. Why not give it a shot?
It’s hard to stay jazzed, though. (Well, not in my case, but I’m special.) People just…give up.
A blogsite can be just the answer.
“But I don’t want a blog,” comes the protest. “I don’t want to post all the time. I’m not a pro blogger. I just need a website, that’s all.”
There’s the catch. A blog and a website are almost the same thing.
One thing Harry and I learned is that there isn’t much difference between a website and a blogsite beyond the ease of manipulation. It’s just a matter of perception. People think websites are static and blogs are constantly moving. It doesn’t have to be that way, though.
Basically, a blog is a website that allows anyone with a user name and password to log in and manipulate content easily. You can set one up in about 15 minutes, post your content as static web pages, and you’re done. Fast, easy web presence.
“But Jamie, you don’t get it. I don’t want to blog!”
I know, I know. The beauty of a blog is that you don’t *have* to blog. You can create one blog post as your static home page content and never post anything again.
Some more advantages?
- WordPress.com or Blogger.com (amongst others) host your blog free of charge. No cost involved.
- A domain name that fits your business – that’s free, too. The provider tacks on their brand name (like jcmenterprises.wordpress.com), but that’s a small price to pay.
- Blog have static web pages, just like websites do. (Check out our static pages on the navigation above.)
- Blogs have great template designs. Fill in pages content, and voila. No graphic design knowledge required.
- Don’t like your content? No sweat. Need to change a phrase or a keyword? Not a problem. Anyone can make changes in seconds. Changing a website isn’t as simple.
You don’t need to be a pro blogger to have a blog. Use the resource as a way to gain fast, easy web presence at no cost. If you still want a website, go ahead; at least you have a temporary web presence with a blog in the meantime.
James:
I couldn’t agree more about the ease of use and the benefits of a blog. Whether to compliment a website or on thier own ,blogs are super hot these days!
With so many resources for blog building and hosting that are available like wordpress and blogger as you mentioned: anyone can create their own blog. Pre-designed templates and easy controls and simple to follow instructions takes the teckie-stuff many of us are intimidated by-behind the scenes so we don’t have to see, worry, or bother with it.
Thanks for opening up this discussion about blogs James!!!
Good advice. I actually discovered this post after doing what you recommended. Just a simple page on the Typepad platform to promote my business writing services.
Hi there
Freat advice re having a blog as opposed to a website. I’ve got both (for different parts of my business) and definately prefer the blog hands-down. The sheer immediate flexibility and ability to change or add anything instantly is what does it for me. In addition, the feedback is extremely valuable. Maybe, folks like interacting with a blog in a way that they wouldn’t with a ‘stuffy’ website. Anyhow, lets hope your words inspire more people to blog. Thanks again.