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Thinking about diving into content creation this year?
With blogs and vlogs popping up everywhere, they’re still super popular and can be a great way to make some money!
But when you’re trying to fit content creation into your busy mom schedule, you’re probably wondering which one is worth your time.
It might all come down to personal preference, but each of these content forms has its own advantages.
As someone who started as a blogger but has been exploring the world of vlogging, too, I understand the dilemma.
I just created my first ever vlog on one of my Youtube channels and will see if it resonates with my audience who enjoys my educational videos!
Let’s break down the differences between blogging and vlogging and figure out which one might be the right fit for you.
Vlog vs Blog Differences: Understanding the Basics
Understanding the difference between a blog and a vlog is important.
It’s about how you connect with your audience – whether through the written word or visual storytelling.
Knowing this will help you pick which one will work best for you!
What is a Blog?
A blog is essentially an online space where individuals can express their thoughts and share their expertise through written content.
It’s an organized collection of articles where you can dive deep into whatever topic you’re passionate about.
Blogs also have a certain structure, with each post having an intro, body, and conclusion.
Many bloggers include images to make the content more interesting and prompt to get readers to do something (sign up to an email list, click a link, etc.).
There are also comment sections where readers can ask questions or leave comments.
This allows bloggers to connect directly with their audience.
Blogs have been around for years, and they are still a super popular way for people to find information. If a reader finds what they are looking for on your blog, they will keep coming back for more!
And the best thing about blogging is that people invest in what you have to say on your blog.
This means they trust the things you tell them, even if it’s product-based.
So, blogging is a perfect platform for affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and even selling your own digital products!
There are many bloggers – including myself – that have made a six to seven figure business from blogging alone.
What is a Vlog?
A vlog, or “video blog,” uses videos to share information on a more personal level.
Most vlogs are like video diaries where people share stories about their lives.
But many vlogs are aimed at being helpful and informative.
There’s really no basic structure to a vlog.
Sometimes vloggers speak directly to the camera, while others shoot their content in a documentary-type style.
Vlogs are extremely popular right now, but they take a ton more work to put together.
Instead of writing and editing, it’s a lot of visual editing, like cutting and adding audio.
And with vlogs, it’s a little bit more challenging to make money with those videos.
Why? Because people watch vlogs for entertainment purposes, not to buy the things that are in the vlogs (although it does happen).
Visual vs Textual
So the biggest difference between the two is how they communicate to an audience.
Blogs offer a textual experience where readers can consume information at their own pace.
Vlogs leverage the power of video for a more engaging and fast-paced experience.
And with all that being said, which one should you choose?
Blog vs. Vlog Income: Which One Makes More Money?
While both blogs and vlogs have income-earning potential, which one makes more money? That can all depend on your niche and your following when it comes to blogging and vlogging.
Here are the different ways you can earn money with these mediums:
How to Monetize a Blog
Blogging opens up the opportunity for various income streams and monetization strategies.
As I mentioned, you can earn money by displaying ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products or services.
For my first blog, I opened up a service – freelance writing. This helped me make my first $1,000 within a few months.
From there, I delved into affiliate marketing and then coaching and then digital products.
Because blogs use a written format, it’s easy to include things like affiliate links and ads that readers only have to click.
How to Monetize a Vlog
Vlogs also offer diverse money-making opportunities, including ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling products.
The visual appeal of vlogs usually means higher engagement, which can lead to increased income through ads and partnerships.
So, Which One Makes More Money?
Again, the answer isn’t straightforward.
How much you make depends on things like your niche, audience engagement, and how you monetize your content.
But both blogs and vlogs can be extremely profitable. It’s all about finding the right fit for you and your content style.
Or experimenting with both!
When Should You Blog vs Vlog?
Okay, so how do you choose between the two?
I think blogging first and then turning your content into videos is a great way to find success – but there’s no hard and fast rule.
Here are some things you should keep in mind when choosing between the two.
1. Build a Foundation With Blogging
Starting with a blog can create a solid foundation for your content.
It’s a great way to build expertise in your niche, along with credibility and an audience.
Personally, I’d recommend starting a blog and then using Pinterest to gain traffic.
Then, once you have people coming to your blog, you can start turning blog content into videos.
***If you want to get started with Pinterest, make sure you check out my new eBook, 15 Genius Pinterest Secrets for Bloggers.
2. Repurpose Content into a Vlog
If you have an existing blog, starting a vlog is super easy!
You can take what you’ve already written and turn it into an engaging video.
Plus, having a blog and a vlog means that you can reach a larger audience. This is what I did with my content – I write my blog posts and then I have topics and content I can grab for my videos.
So now I’m reaching people through my written content and my YouTube channel!
3. Lifestyle Vlogs
The exception to this “blog first, vlog later” strategy is if you plan on starting a lifestyle vlog.
If you’re planning to make a “day in the life” type vlog, start with videos so you can gain massive views right away.
And then you can create a blog for additional things, like recipes you talk about in your videos, for example.
For example, I love Beauty & The Beastons on Youtube.
Tiffani posts tons of great videos about being a mom, from organizing and decluttering to DIY gifts.
But she also has a blog too!
So she built her audience with video content and then leveraged that into a blog that has gained popularity as well.
4. The Chicken and The Egg
There’s no clear answer when it comes to which you should start first.
I think if you’re new to all of this, starting a blog is the easiest way to gain experience in creating and sharing content.
But if you’re ready to go in front of a camera and make video content, then that’s the way to go!
I think, in the end, it’s beneficial to have both a blog and a vlog.
How to Start a Blog
If you’re ready to start a blog, let’s get going! Here are some simple steps to get you started:
(If you want a full guide that will walk you through the whole thing, check out my post here!)
1. Choose Your Niche
Choose a specific topic or theme that aligns with your interests and expertise. This will define your blog’s focus and attract a target audience.
But, what if you have lots of interests? What do you do?
You can start a lifestyle blog as long as the interests are somewhat relatable or for one type of person, i.e. new moms, college students, newly married.
Otherwise, from your list, decide if one of those topics you can blog about for many, many years or ones that others have asked you.
For example, maybe you knit and other moms asked about knitting them some hats or scarves. You can start a craft blog easily!
Or, if people know you for your home-baked cookies and cakes. Well, that can turn into a passionate baking blog!
2. Pick a Blogging Platform
Look for a blogging platform that suits your needs.
Platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Medium offer user-friendly interfaces and customization options.
I highly recommend WordPress.com and not WordPress.org or any other platform like Wix or Squarespace.
Why? Because WordPress is recognized and there is a ton of support for this type of blog.
3. Set Up Your Blog
Create your blog by choosing a domain name, customizing the design, and setting up essential pages such as the about page and contact information.
This is the fun part of blogging!
I like the Astra theme as it’s easy to customize with your theme and colors.
4. Create High-Quality Content
Begin writing engaging and valuable content for your audience.
Ensure consistency in posting and maintain a style that resonates with your chosen niche.
The best types of blog posts are:
- List based like ideas posts – 23 Amazing Beginner Knitting Tips
- How to based content – How to Knit a Hat
That’s it!
5. Promote Your Blog
Use social media, SEO strategies, and platforms like Pinterest to promote your blog and increase visibility.
This will take time but if you build a platform then you can build your brand.
Having a Pinterest profile, a Facebook page, and and Instagram profile will help support your blog and help you find your audience quickly.
6. Engage With Your Audience
Respond to comments, encourage discussions, and build a community around your blog.
Engaging with your audience will help you grow your email list and eventually your income!
How to Start a Vlog
If you’re thinking about starting a vlog, whether you already have a blog or not, the steps are simple but important. Here’s how you can get your vlog started.
1. Define Your Vlog’s Focus
Figure out the main theme or subject matter of your vlog. This focus will help you attract a specific audience interested in your content.
Maybe you want to focus on a day in the life.
You can split that up into:
- Morning routine
- Eventing routine
- Work routine
- Cleaning routine
This can help you create dozens of videos for your vlog.
2. Get Your Equipment
Invest in basic vlogging equipment, such as a camera, microphone, and video editing software. This will help you make more professional-looking videos!
Take your time finding the right microphone and editing software. I like using Final Cut Pro but Cap Cut seems to be another great option.
3. Plan Your Content
Outline your vlog content by creating a content calendar.
You can use GSheets to do this!
Planning ahead will help you stay consistent and give you the chance to explore different topics in your niche.
4. Record and Edit Your Vlogs
Start recording your vlogs, paying attention to lighting, framing, and overall presentation.
This will take time to get to know your camera and gain the confidence on being in front of the camera.
Edit your videos to enhance quality and keep your viewers engaged.
5. Upload and Optimize
Pick a platform like YouTube for uploading your vlogs.
Make sure to optimize video titles, descriptions, and thumbnails so that people can find you.
6. Build Your Community
Interact with your audience through comments, social media, and community features on your chosen platform.
Building a community creates loyalty and encourages ongoing support.
Choosing Between Blogging and Vlogging
When you’re trying to decide between blogging and vlogging in 2024, it’s all about finding what clicks for you!
Whether you love writing content or creating something more visual, both paths have their perks.
The most important thing to remember is staying true to your voice and being consistent.
Over to you – which one are you interested in? Blogging or vlogging?
Let me know in the comments!
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