Blogging is like writing a journal online and sharing it with the world so everyone can read your thoughts and experiences. In one way or another you have been already blogging especially if you use some sort of social media that allows you to share information with your friends or family. That is why these social media platforms are often reffered to as micro blogging sites. So ,you might ask what exactly is the difference between personal blog and a micro blog , there is technically no difference between the two forms of blogging as personal blog can also be a micro blog.
A micro blog ,as the name suggests , is short form of blogging where you don't neccessarily write long detailed articles but you have the option if you wan't to explain something in details . Most microblogging sites , with the exception of a few like twitter , don't put any limit on the number of words that you can write in a single post.
A personal blog is completely maintained by you and you don't have to rely on social media sites , whose rules can change anytime, and also gives you some sort of privacy that is a big problem with most platforms . So if you are concerned about your private information being used by facebook or twitter than you can always start your own personal blog and do anything you like with it like sharing pictures of cats or writing your daily thoughts.You can use it however you like and you don't have to worry about anyone (*cough* Mark Zuckerberg) collecting your information.
Most people are reluctant to start a personal blog because it seems like something extremely techninal to start a blog but in reality it's as simple as just opening an account somewhere . If you are interested in starting your own personal blog than i would recommend you to look at blogger , wordpress or tumblr blogging platforms where millions of blogs are already created by people just like you.Give it a try ,you will understand that it's not that difficult to have your own blog and it also feels good to have control over your content.
Personal blogs do sound good but there is a slight catch , it will take some time before your audience grows and people are able to find your content considering there is a lot of content on internet to be found . So you will need some patience and consistent posts on your blog so people will find your particular blog interesting enough. Just like on social media you have to work on increasing your audience . If you blog regularly and provide valuable content in your post then eventually you will find that more people are interested in reading your opinions.
Desipte all the privacy issues , microblogging on social media has it's own perks as your content is discovered relatively easily by your target audience (that is the people who would like to see the kind of stuff you are posting). If you are comfortable with making videos then youtube is probably the best place to start your blogging (often called vlogging ) . If you are into photos then Instagram , facebook or twitter for text posts.
Another problem with using these social media platforms for daily blogging is that they don't share any revenue with you except YouTube where you can get some compensation for your work. So if you are even remotely interested in generating some revenue from your blogs then starting a personal blog is definetly your best choice. You can obviously maintain a social media profile also to get people to your personal blog .
One of the most significant benefits of having a personal blog is the complete control and flexibility over monetization strategies. Traditional social media platforms have their monetization strategies set in stone, and you might not find them lucrative enough for the time and effort you invest. However, with a personal blog, you can incorporate affiliate marketing, sponsored content, display ads, and even subscription-based content to generate consistent income.
Furthermore, with platforms like WordPress, you can also utilize various plugins to enhance your blog's functionality, ranging from SEO optimization tools to e-commerce integrations. This flexibility is unparalleled and is unavailable on most microblogging sites. One can integrate e-commerce functions, build a portfolio, set up a newsletter, or even create a members-only content section, all under one umbrella, which makes personal blogs not just a platform for sharing thoughts but potentially a comprehensive digital ecosystem around your brand.
Brand-building is another area where personal blogs shine. When you're on a microblogging platform, you're one among billions. However, a personal blog carves a unique space for you on the internet. It provides an identity that's uniquely yours, free from the constraints of template posts and algorithm-driven timelines. Over time, your personal blog's consistent branding and voice can make it synonymous with expertise in a particular niche or domain.
Moreover, when it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimization), personal blogs have a distinct edge. While microblogging sites have their algorithm-driven discoverability, personal blogs can be optimized for search engines. By focusing on keyword research, creating high-quality backlinks, and regularly updating the blog, one can drive organic traffic from search engines, which often has a higher engagement rate and conversion rate than traffic from social media.
However, it's crucial to understand the responsibilities that come with owning a personal blog. You're in charge of the blog's maintenance, security, updates, and backups. While platforms like WordPress make it easier, it's still a commitment that you need to be prepared for. You also need to invest in domains, hosting, and potentially themes or plugins, which come with their costs.
On the flip side, the community-building aspect on personal blogs is often more profound and authentic. Unlike the fleeting interactions on social media, blog comments, email subscribers, and members can provide meaningful interactions. You're building a community centered around your content, beliefs, and values, without the noise and distractions of typical social media platforms.
Finally, the longevity and permanence of personal blogs are undeniable. Microblogging sites, as popular as they might be today, can fade or change their business model, affecting your content's visibility or even existence. Remember platforms like MySpace or Vine? But your personal blog, as long as you maintain its domain and hosting, can be a lasting legacy, a digital footprint that remains unchanged for years or even decades.
In conclusion, while microblogging sites offer quick, fleeting engagements, personal blogs provide depth, permanence, and flexibility. Whether you're in it for passion, profit, or both, understanding the strengths of each platform will allow you to make the most of your online presence. As the digital age evolves, the essence of personal touch in the vast world of the internet becomes ever more precious, and that's precisely what personal blogs offer.