Should I start a blog or a podcast? There are numerous sites and companies out there ready to pay you for your content. There are many things to consider before creating a blog or podcast. The reasons for each vary but the general idea is essentially the same.
Trying to decide between a blog and a podcast? Are you having trouble deciding which one to start? This guide is for you.
I’m going to discuss the main differences between podcasts and blogs, and then I’ll break down which option would make the most sense for your business.
Quick comparison
It can be hard to decide whether you should start a blog or a podcast blog. Blogging and podcasts are similar but different, so, if you are comparing starting one versus the other, consider these key factors:
1. What it is
A podcast is an audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a personal computer or portable media player, usually available as a series, new installments of which can be received whenever the listener chooses.
There are two types of podcasts. One type archives the show regularly and allows subscribers to receive notifications when new content is posted. The other type does not archive each episode but allows listeners to download each new episode from a particular point in time.
Whereas, a blog (coined from weblog) is a website that allows you to write about the topics that interest you. Blogging is a relatively quick, easy, and fun way to convey ideas to other people (in a non-professional setting).
All the best bloggers are those who feel comfortable with who they are communicating with and can interestingly explain their ideas.
2. Communication style
A blog or a podcast can be a great tool to enhance your value as an authority in your industry. The problem is that you have two communication styles to choose from.
If you start a podcast, you are limited just to audio. While if you start a blog, you will need texts with the addition of some images.
With a blog, you can be more of an observer providing information and a lot of commentaries. Bloggers have sharp opinions, write reviews, produce photo albums with captions, and share video clips.
A blogger interacts with their audience through comments, which can lead to more storytelling. A podcast is a person talking into a microphone in front of the camera about topics they choose. The format is more casual, like having a conversation with friends or family.
Both of these tools are worth using if you believe that they can help convey your value as an authority. Depending on the industry that you are in, each may be more efficient and effective.
3. Promotion
A blog allows you to post text online for prospective customers to read. Blogging is an excellent way to gain visibility amongst your target audience and a very effective lead generation tool.
The podcast on the other hand is an audio series that people can listen to online or download for future use. A podcast allows you to provide potential clients with information in an audio format at their convenience.
The process of creating and uploading a podcast episode is easy and straightforward. Promotion and distribution of episodes on other platforms go hand in hand. Podcasts use a feature known as RSS, which stands for Really Simple Syndication.
This is the URL to your podcast’s podcast feed. Using this link, episodes can be uploaded from sources directly into iTunes, Soundcloud, Google Play, Spotify, or any other platform you choose.
For a blog post, you follow a lot of best practices like relevant keywords, backlinks, SEO optimization, and many more. This to ensure that your blog ranks on search engines when people search for services or products your offer.
The fact that you can easily expand your reach with a podcast means growing one is easy to promote.
4. Creation time
There are many different reasons people start adding content to the internet. Some bloggers and podcasters create every single day while others like to stretch out their thoughts and ideas into larger concepts that will be published over some time.
Blogging and podcasting require different styles of content creation and the amount of time it takes to put out every post or episode varies.
Unlike bloggers, podcasters can get away with less polished work. The reason being that they can edit the narration after the podcast has been recorded, to ensure the train of thought is coherent.
Imagine sitting down in your room and making recordings of your voice. Compared to blogs, creating a podcast is easier and takes much less time.
5. Software and hardware needed
If you’re considering starting a blog or podcast, the first question you probably have is whether to use software or hardware. In most cases, you need both.
Software for the tools and technology you need to make your blog work for you. Hardware for your listeners to enjoy your podcast on their mobile devices, at home in iTunes, or on their car stereo.
It takes loads of software and tools to create a blog, even with a website builder. In addition, you’ll need your domain name, hosting, SEO tools, content marketing tools, and so on.
Blogging becomes complicated and costly as a result.
You can’t afford to ignore these tools if you’re serious about growing your business. In contrast, podcasting is only available on free platforms since you only need a microphone.
Learn more: Best blogging website builders.
6. Search engine optimization (SEO)
One thing that is common to all businesses is that they want their website to appear at the top of search engine results. For your website to rank at the top, you must create web pages that contain relevant terms or phrases for certain types of searches.
This is why it is called Search Engine Optimization (SEO). When it comes to SEO, blogging is one of the most effective and popular forms that can help you both drive traffic and new potential customers to your blog.
The reason is simple; a blog is just like a small website on its own. You have your domain name (URL) and with search engines, this is counted as an extra page for your main website so Google will believe you have more content.
If you are just starting, putting out a podcast might not be the right choice for you. Blogging tends to be more natural for beginners and if done well shows you understand SEO (search engine optimization).
Learn more: SEO tools that can help you rank high on search engines.
7. Budget
Budget is always the big question. Although both cost quite a bit of money, blogging is much more expensive than podcasts. There are hosting costs (in addition to your domain name), and you need better tools (paid accounts in most cases) than just a headset.
You’ll also likely need at least some original photos, graphics, and the time to create them in addition to your written content.
The truth is that a podcast would be easy to do. Using a phone or laptop, you can record a podcast. There are also heaps of free voice editing software that you can use for editing your sound.
Besides, you can buy a $20 microphone from Amazon and get started. However, tutorials are expensive to make, and providing high-quality value takes considerable time (sometimes even more than video).
Podcasting is cheaper than blogging and both are inexpensive compared to traditional advertising.
8. Target audience
All blogs and podcasts are unique and need to be marketed according to their target audience. I am sure that you agree with me here.
Starting a blog or podcast is a great way to build an audience. By offering valuable and accessible content, you’ll be helping others at the same time as connecting with them and your audience will grow organically. However, it comes down to what you prefer.
Blogs are based around written content but you can also include images and video whereas podcasts are mainly audio-based but can contain written text within show notes.
Where do you believe or know your target audience hang out? Is it on SoundCloud and iTunes? Do they rely more on search engines to find information? Make sure to focus your efforts according to your knowledge of your customer base.
9. Convenience
Starting a blog and starting a podcast have similar benefits in terms of convenience, but they are also different in many ways. Blogging is something that can be done at home.
This allows the writer full control over how things are put together for the audience. It can be slow to build an audience if the writing is not engaging.
It takes about ten to fifteen minutes to record a simple podcast. I am not exaggerating. On the other hand, how about a longer blog post? There will probably be several hours of sweat, and stress involved. I think you get the point.
It is convenient to start a podcast.
Overall winner
I think both have their benefits and features, but I would start with a blog. Blogging can be very beneficial to your business because you’re able to talk about your products, create more SEO traffic (most search engines LOVE blogging).
Furthermore, you can show social proof along the way, plus build the blog itself up through the years to do more advertising for you.
Nonetheless, so as not to appear as being biased, podcasts are easier to manage, they’re less intimidating to start and people can listen in anytime.
In the end, the decision to start a blog or podcast will depend on your needs.
FAQs
How are podcasts better than reading?
While podcasts are great for listening, blogs are great for reading. Being able to skim through an article and allowing your eyes to rest on certain parts as well as rereading them if you feel like you missed something makes it much easier to comprehend the information provided.
Nonetheless, the podcasts allow you to multitask. With podcast listening, users can conduct business and work while listening to your podcast. Also, listening is passive as opposed to reading, which requires attention like in a classroom.
How do podcasts and blogs make money?
A successful blog or podcast can be monetized in many ways, depending on the blogger and his or her interests. Podcasts are usually free to listen/watch but the host can place ads or sell things through the podcast.
A podcast is supposed to be relevant but if it makes money that’s not a bad thing. A blog on the other hand is supposed to be about only one topic and people will read it for that reason.
Some blogs make money by placing ads on them and others make money by selling what they write. In short, Podcasts and blogs can make money in a few ways, usually from sponsors or affiliates.
Are podcasts dying?
No, they are not dying. They still have a huge following and there is more money flowing into podcasts than ever before.
The podcasting industry is going strong despite some types of podcasting methods that rely on old RSS feeds and directories shutting down. However, the more cutting-edge platforms such as iTunes, SoundCloud, and Stitcher are allowing the industry to continue to grow.
Does anyone read blogs anymore?
Yes, millions of people do. Blogging has been around for a long time and has proven to be a very effective way for individuals to share what’s on their minds with other like-minded people.
There are many ways to run a blog, just like there are many ways to lead an effective life, and being successful in your endeavors certainly isn’t easy. That said, it is also difficult to do anything alone and you should consider talking with others about your blog and see what they have to say.
Doing so will give you a chance to get an outside perspective on things and maybe even get some great advice. Everyone from independent artists to business professionals is embracing this medium. But is it right for you?
Learn more: Benefits of blogging for businesses.
Can podcasts replace blogging?
Podcasting has taken the internet by storm and is a great way to engage customers. They make for fantastic add-on sales because new listeners are often interested in the products you recommend in your episodes.
However, podcasts cannot replace your blog’s engagement. Many people consume podcasts as they commute, jog or work out. Blogging, on the other hand, is read more slowly over time and takes more effort to absorb.
A reader’s sense of community with bloggers is more intimate than that of podcasters.”
What edge does blogging have over podcast?
This is a much-debated topic in the online marketing world. Despite that, it would be safe to say that blogging is more effective than podcasting alone. That’s because there are several benefits of blogging that podcasting doesn’t share.
Learn more: Why you should start a blog.
Which one will I earn more money from?
If you are proficient at writing and can create compelling content about your products, a blog could be more profitable. This is because more people will visit your site, read your reviews, and can be propelled to pay for your product or service.
Blogs and podcasts both have different earning potential. If you write a blog post on the same topic (let’s say weight loss), it can attract a different audience, therefore drawing in a different group of advertisers or agencies for that post.
The content may not be the same, but it will be similar enough to draw in a different audience.
Do podcasts have blogs?
Yes, most podcasts have blogs. Blogs are just an online personal journal that anyone can post to and anyone on the internet can read.
Podcasts often link directly to their blog posts from within their podcast episodes, but then also link to these same blog posts from the show notes tab on the episode page.
If you’re starting a podcast, open an account at WordPress and install the “Simple Podcast Press” plugin. This will allow you to use any of your existing posts and pages as episodes in your podcast feed.
Learn more: Why WordPress is the best website builder.
Final thoughts
A blog or podcast is a great first step to expand your business outreach. They’re powerful tools you can use to broadcast information and move your audience towards action. Starting your blog or podcast is a fantastic way to express yourself, attract an audience, and earn money online.
However, one question locks in the minds of many aspiring content creators ― should I start a blog or podcast? This article provides a comparison of starting your blog or podcast in terms of cost, software/hardware needed target audience, and more.
By now I know that you’ve most likely decided on what to start. Note that whichever way you choose to go, your audience will need something captivating and would want you to solve problems for them.
For this reason, I created a guide on “how to create an endless supply of content your audience will love”. Check it out, You’ll gain a lot from it.