Many people look for ways to expand their online presence and while one of the most popular strategies is launching a blog, not everyone knows what is a blog and how to start one.
When blogs first emerged around 1994, people used them mainly to share their personal lives, including their experiences and interests. Now, blogs have become an essential online marketing strategy for businesses and one of the most profitable career choices for individuals.
The interface of blogs has changed significantly over time. Bloggers can now integrate various widgets and plugins into their platforms, such as a social media feed, a contact form, or an author profile.
In this article, you’ll learn what makes a blog different from a regular website. We’ll also discuss common blog types and the necessary components such as a hosting plan to start your own blog.
- What Is a Blog?
- What Is a Blog Explained – Video Tutorial
- What Is a Blog Used For?
- What Makes a Great Blog?
- 7 Types of Blogs
- What Is the Difference Between a Blog and a Website?
- What Is the Difference Between a Blog and a Wiki?
- Why Do You Need Your Own Blog?
- How Do Bloggers Get Paid?
- What Do You Need to Start a Blog?
- Conclusion
- What Is a Blog FAQ
What Is a Blog Used For?
When blogs first appeared on the their goal was mainly personal use, such as sharing stories, interests, and thoughts. We will take a look at the most common uses for a blog:
To Educate Others and Build Online Presence
While a blog’s function remains the same, the type of content is more diverse. While many blogs still work like online diaries, some have started blogging to educate others on a specific subject or to build a professional online presence.
For example, David Winer – author of one of the longest-running blogs, Scripting News – publishes essays on software development, technology trends, and daily life on his personal web pages.
On the other hand, Natasha Kravchuk shares recipes and tutorials on using specific kitchen tools on her food blog, Natasha’s Kitchen. Her blog is a go-to resource for recipes, including holiday and vegetarian options.
To Promote Programs And Attract Visitors
For instance, many businesses create blogs to promote their programs in the hope of attracting more visitors and leads. We see this often with educational institutions where they try to attract more students to enroll in their programs.
UCLA’s Bruin Blog is an excellent example of this practice. It tells the stories of students from different backgrounds and majors and shows how life is on campus, including events and student organizations. So people who visit their blog are compelled to enroll and join their program.
