For years, I’ve dedicated my time to building content sites, drawn to the process of keyword research, topic definition, and content creation. This involves website construction, domain registration, and securing web hosting. A significant part of the process includes seeking out link partners to boost visibility.
Let’s clarify what a blog is for any newcomers. A blog is a website featuring a stream of articles published in chronological order. Unlike a content site where the content is often pre-planned, a blog is updated continuously. Platforms like Blogger.com, WordPress, and Movable Type facilitate blog creation.
Recently, a conversation with a friend highlighted the advantages of blogs, particularly their ease in attracting traffic. This advantage stems from the inherent mechanics and culture of blogging.
Here’s why blogs often outperform content sites in traffic generation:
1. Blog Pinging: Blog pinging involves notifying ping sites like Technorati.com and BlogRolling.com whenever a new article is published. This notification results in a backlink to your site. While the listing may be temporary due to the volume of pings, it contributes to traffic generation.
2. Trackbacks: Trackbacks enable you to reference another blogger’s article. By using the trackback URL, a portion of your article appears as a comment on their post, linking back to your original content.
3. Blog Comments: Engaging in blog comments allows you to contribute to other blogs while leaving a link back to your site. Authenticity is key here; genuine comments are far more effective than spam.
4. Bloggers’ Linking Habit: Bloggers naturally link to each other. Compelling content on your blog can attract backlinks from other bloggers, either through direct requests or organic mentions.
5. Faster Search Engine Indexing: Blogs tend to be indexed faster by search engines. This could be attributed to the more natural pattern of incoming links, which search engines favor.
6. Repeat Visitors: Blogs excel at retaining visitors. A significant portion of blog traffic comes from repeat visitors, contrasting with content sites that heavily rely on search engine traffic.
Blogging offers a more engaging experience. While a content site might struggle to reach 1000 daily visitors within six months, requiring extensive content creation and link building, a blog with quality content can reach 3000 visitors per day.
Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference. However, the ease of use offered by platforms like WordPress and Movable Type, combined with reduced design, uploading, and link-building efforts, makes blogging an attractive option. The ability to write about personal interests and network with other bloggers adds to its appeal.
While content sites demand website construction, uploading, and link building, blogging offers a streamlined approach. This perspective is subjective and based on personal experience.