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When it comes to putting pen to paper (okay, fingers to keyboard) and providing a regular menu of information to your website guests, whether you offer blogs or articles can depend, at its most basic level, on whether the invitation is black-tie or jeans. The Difference between Blogs and Articles – Personal or Professional? Blogs: I-Me-Mine Originally referred to as “weblogs,” blogs are (typically) more casual in tone than articles and tend to be written in first person (“I,” “me,” “mine). They (typically) offer a glimpse into your personal life and times--how you’re coping with cranky co-workers; what your cat shouldn’t scratch; what your children decorated with crafty crayons. When you write a blog, you’re (basically) pulling out the chair at the kitchen table and asking if your neighbors want cream or sugar in their coffee. It’s dressed-down “down home” and in “my home” writing. It’s primarily personal. Articles: You-He-She-It Articles, especially the new craze of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) articles (keyword-rich articles) are more professional in tone and design. Often offering “how to” or traditional journalistic “who-what-where-when-how-and, sometimes, why” information, articles tend to be written in the more impersonal second person (“you”) or third person (“he,” “she,” “it). When you write an article, you’re (basically) putting on your suit and shoes and expertly informing your audience that they are in need of this brand of cream to put in this brand of coffee. It’s dressed-up and “this is business” writing. It’s primarily professional. What about Professional Blogs and Informal Articles? Yes, absolutely, the texture and tone of online writing is changing. There are many more seriously informational blogs and many less-than-serious idiomatic articles. As always, there are exceptions and, when it comes to blogs and articles, no definitive rules. The Bottom Line – Satisfying the Needs of Your Guests Yes, you are running a business here (and, if you’re not, then I would highly recommend offering blogs instead of articles on your website). And, yes, you do have to be concerned with the creepy crawlers and roving robots patrolling your website in order to determine your most recent search engine rankings. The bottom line, however, for enduring success is ensuring satisfaction. It is, after all, about the needs of your customers and clients; your website guests. If the tone and texture of a more personal blog is more appropriate for the product or service you are supplying, then you would be wise to offer regular intimate (inspirational, emotional, intimate) blogs. If the tone and texture of a more professionally written article is more appropriate for the product or service you are supplying, then you would be wise to offer regular informational (“how to,” “tips and tidbits,” “the benefits of”) articles. Regardless of whether the party is black tie or jeans, your bottom-line focus should always be making sure the regular menu keeps ‘em coming back for more. --- With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, a Master’s Degree in Psychology, and over 20 years of professional experience, Kristina Woodall offers a powerful array of writing, editing, and/or proofreading services—from perfection-ensuring editing/proofreading to complete (and always confidential) ghost-writing services. Kristina can assist with fiction, non-fiction, copywriting, SEO article writing, grant writing, and more. When it's your name on the line and every word counts.
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