Web Site OR Blog?

I often hear people who say they set up a blog and don't need a web site. If you are an individual who is sharing experiences in your life with others than all you need is a blog. For example if you enjoy a certain hobby or are passionate about a subject then you should blog about it and in it you can provide photos, videos and write as much as you'd like and do so easily on a regular basis. However, if you own any kind of business and wish to use the internet effectively you must have a web site (and a blog too) and I'll explain why further in this blog post. I've heard people comment that a blog is better for search engine optimization. This is true especially if your web site is NOT set up correctly with certain tools that enhance the content and provide interaction with your site visitor.

Assuming that everything is set up correctly I think it is ideal to have a web site that has a link in the navigation that points to your blog. You need both because each one provides a different form of essential content. If you are a business you should choose a web site first over a blog and here's why. Bloggers post relevant content that is often timely. When someone on the internet comes across your blog they are going to be presented with the most up to date post from the blog. This leaves room for missing a lot of important information about you or your business that may have been posted in the past. The latest blog post may talk only about a certain aspect or issue in your business and that doesn't convey the total picture so the viewer may move on without realizing you have what they need.

A web site contains all the static information and should be presented upfront, easy to get to and not too deep (one click away is ideal). For example... about us, history, services, products, expertise, contact information, testimonials/reviews, etc. All of this is important content that should be available right away when someone comes to your site. In a blog a visitor comes into a posting because they have an interest in what you are talking about. That visitor has to dig and poke around to find more about who or what you are... unless there's a web site.

A blog is where you can comment on current events or situations related to you, your customer or business. You can talk about current or completed projects, provide news in your industry and keep an audience up to date. By providing fresh, new content that is not only relevant to your business but more importantly information that can help clients/customers you will create repeat visitors to your blog. A blog is where you can shine and come off as an expert in your field or business. Repeat visitors are more likely to contact you, ask questions and post on your blog and visit your web site. This part of "inbound marketing" which is critical these days and has replaced traditional advertising as the most effective means to drive traffic to your business. You build trust and a bond with the people you provide value and information before making a sale. Once you have that you need a web site where they can contact you or check out your complete story.