Blogs and articles are not the same, despite the fact that many people use these terms interchangeably. You can produce better content, boost your SEO, and reach more prospective customers to increase conversion by being aware of the function each has to play in your marketing strategy.
Why writers and business owners are confused
You’re not alone if you’re unclear of the differences between blog posts and articles. In reality, many businesses have blurred the lines because they didn’t comprehend the distinction, which makes it challenging to sort through the mess. A portion of this stems from financial considerations because blog postings are thought to be less expensive and less time-consuming to create. As a result, they receive excessive emphasis in marketing plans, and information that should be prepared as an article is frequently given a blog short.
Describe a blog
The answer to this question can be found in the etymology of the word. It turns out that the word “blog” is a portmanteau, created by combining the words “web” and “log.” This is an effective way of viewing your blog: as a form of log or journal for your company. Without overwhelming readers with technical facts, it is a human statement comprised of anecdotes and updates that let readers connect with your company. A blog is, in a single word, storytelling since it enables a company to convey its story in a relevant way.
An article is what?
A formal piece of writing is an article. It is educational and emphasizes offering proof for a claim made, such as one made about your product. A well-researched piece should have a logical framework rather than a narrative one. Deductive reasoning, which starts with a collection of premises and ends with a rational conclusion, is a common element of articles. Your audience should be given concrete evidence to back up your claims.
6 significant distinctions between blogs and papers
Understanding the distinctions between blogs and articles is crucial whether you’re creating your own content or buying articles from writers.
1. A viewpoint
Using I or we, a blog post is frequently written in the first person. This fits within the blog’s narrative framework because you are conversing with your audience and outlining a particular chapter in the history of your company. Although scientific articles may occasionally use the first-person plural (we), an article is almost always written in the third person. This highlights the author’s neutrality as they offer relevant information and convincing justifications.
2. Tone or voice
Briefly stated, articles tend to be formal, professional, and discursive, whereas blog posts tend to be informal, casual, and conversational. With the help of your company’s blog, you can establish a relationship with your audience and help them learn more about the motivations, objectives, and interests of your brand. Articles, on the other hand, are written in a neutral, passive voice that excludes the author from consideration and are intended for a technical readership.
3. Location of publication
By showing up in search engine results, blogs can both attract new visitors to your website and strengthen your bonds with current ones. The majority of blogs are found on a company’s website, which accomplishes both of these objectives. Articles with facts and proof may be published on your website, but they will typically be dispersed around the whole thing rather than in a single feed. They could also show up in periodicals, magazines, and newspapers published by other sources.
4. The size or number of words
Blog posts are often considered to be shorter than articles, while the ideal length for each is a fiercely contested SEO topic. Blog postings typically start at 300 words and end at 2000 words, rarely going longer. A comprehensive and thoroughly researched article with a persuasive argument and all essential supporting data may be 5000 words in length or more. One valid argument against articles on blogs is that no casual reader would be interested in sorting through that much material.
5. Research
Blog postings have fewer requirements for research than articles because they are considered opinion or narrative pieces. Think about the difference between, say, a blog post titled 10 unconventional recommendations for working comfortably from home and an article titled How crisis and quarantine have changed the face of the world of work.
Both essays discuss adjusting to new work conditions, but one obviously needs more research and a well-developed argument. The article, on the other hand, is making a claim and will need a lot of research to support it; the blog post, on the other hand, may include a few anecdotal figures.
6. Reader Participation
Blogs are designed to be shared and debated. Readers are frequently encouraged to offer questions and comments because of their brief, pithy, and subjective nature. With the exception of intellectual and technical groups, articles are rarely addressed. Only professionals will be able to dissect them if the author has done their work properly and the research and logic are solid.
7. Writers should be aware of
Hopefully, you now have a clearer understanding of what kinds of information belong on your blog and which ones belong in articles. Striking the correct balance while producing your own material isn’t always simple, and if you hire inexperienced writers, you might find that they don’t fully comprehend the difference either.
Eleven can assist your company with organizing its content and publishing blog entries that are worth sharing and important articles if you’re still unsure of how to go or simply want to be sure you’re following the right course of action.
