Lisa or anyone... any inputs on blog vs website

rahmanalwi · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 01:20 PM

Hi...

I been thinking of starting a website about insurance information. I am not sure either to use blog or a website as the medium? I am contemplating.

What is the advantage of using a blog and website your opinion? I have my own opinion, but again I am not sure. What will you do, use website or blog if you going to start a fresh site which u going to advice people and give information - that is he main purpose of the website.

thanks...

lisa · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 04:55 PM

Blogs are getting to be more flexible. It used to be you were stuck with the whole journal format but now platforms like WordPress allow you to create static pages just like on a website.

So it really depends on your goals. I sort of like having a blog and a website. Some of my long-term tutorials live on my website where I use my blog for fresh, new content and topics that are on my mind. That's my model but it's not recommended for everyone.

Some people operate just fine with a blog and nothing wrong with that if it works for you.

If you are just planning to create an information site with no interactivity (forums, chat room, etc.) then you could get buy with a blog. Just understand if you want to customize the look and feel then you do have to become somewhat familiar with editing the blog template pages, etc. It's not hard but not as easy as HTML. The good thing is WordPress and Blogger use "widgets" which make it easier to move things around.

If you create a website you can manage it with a software program like Dreamweaver, CoffeeCup, etc. and manipulating the design and layout may be easier in some respects.

This is always a hard question for me. I guess it really depends on the goals of your site. I don't think one way is better than the other. It really depends on your comfort level and your goals for the site.

ssmorgan · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 06:56 PM

I typically would lean toward having a website and use the blog for quick ideas, thoughts, and trouble-shooting, but then again, this is just my preference.

To me, the biggest advantages of a blog over a website, is that it's much easier and quicker to post content on a blog, visitors can subscribe to the RSS feed, and they can comment on your posts. However, you have more control over the layout and organization of a website over a blog.

With the insurance information idea you have, do you think your site will be interactive? If so, a blog would be ideal, but if you provide education/information, and help them choose the right insurance for them, a website may be better in that case.

Figuring out the primary theme/goal of your website could help you decide which format (blog or website) would better fit your target audience(s)... would their needs be addressed more through a website or a blog (i know this may seem silly/obvious to ask, but i think it's a valid way to look at what would better suit the needs of your audience).

Sorry I babbled. Hope you find this helpful.

Sherif

rahmanalwi · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 02:26 AM

thank you guys for the great inputs. I shall think it over...

TechieGuy · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 07:26 AM

For me, I could have gone either way but I chose to create a blog.

I provide information with very little additional features, such as forms, so a blog made a lot of sense. I also find updating to be very easy since blogs are designed for those with limited HMTL experience.

If you would like to include more functionality with your idea, such as forums, multiple forms (almost like a Web app) then definitely go the Web site route.

Then again, to make it even more confusing, you can create a Web site and complement that site with a blog, like Lisa has done. In this case they can both share the same domain, just that the Web site would be use the www.yoursite.com and the blog could use blog.yoursite.com.

pilotcat · #6 (**permalink**) 03-15-2008, 04:31 AM

With site build it (SBI) you can have your cake and eat it to with a website with a blog under one roof. They probably should relate with each other though.

Best wishes with whatever you decide,

Lori

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