Blogging can be seen as a personal or professional platform where individuals or companies share insights, stories and information relevant to their audience. It's often a space for thought leadership and direct communication with readers.
On the other hand, content marketing is a strategic approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.
When it comes to your online marketing strategies, choosing between blogging and content marketing is about understanding how each can serve your business goals in different ways. Both blogging and content marketing have their place in a robust digital marketing strategy. The key is knowing when and how to use each one effectively.
What is blogging?
Whether you're an individual sharing your life experiences or a company providing industry insights, blogging is about expressing ideas and sharing knowledge. It can be a personal or professional asset that allows for direct interaction with readers through comments and feedback. Blogs are often updated regularly, keeping content fresh.
According to Allison Lee, Editor-in-Chief at Wix.com,
“Blogs don’t get enough credit for their long-term advantages. In the long run, a blog can serve as a huge traffic driver and a way to connect with future customers (case in point: our Wix Blog is the first touchpoint for millions of people who may have never stumbled onto our site otherwise). That said, a blog is a long-term commitment—it requires a well thought-out strategy and consistent maintenance. Beyond saying ‘I want to get traffic,’ you need to understand your blog’s overall value to your brand, and acknowledge that two readers may come across your blog with two very different intentions and varying levels of familiarity with your brand.”
Use a blog maker to start your blog.
What is content marketing?
Content marketing goes beyond writing articles, it's about creating a variety of content types—videos, podcasts, infographics—to meet your audience where they are. Think of content marketing as a long-term relationship with your customers, where you provide ongoing value through informative and engaging content that encourages trust and brand loyalty.
Blogging vs. content marketing: Key differences
The main aim of blogging is to share information and engage with readers on a personal level. It's about building a community around your brand or interests. Content marketing, however, has a broader goal, to drive specific business outcomes. It's about using content to guide your audience through the buyer's journey, from awareness to consideration and ultimately to the decision stage.
Scope of content
While blogging typically involves written posts, content marketing encompasses a wider array of formats. You're looking at white papers, e-books, newsletters, social media posts and more—each serving different stages of the customer journey and various audience preferences.
Strategy and planning
Blogging can be spontaneous or planned but often focuses on timely content that speaks to current trends or events. In contrast, content marketing requires a strategic approach that aligns with business goals. It involves careful planning, audience segmentation, and performance analysis to ensure that every piece of content serves a purpose in the larger marketing strategy.
Blogging vs content marketing: the advantages
Blogging advantages
As a type of marketing, blogging offers a unique set of benefits for businesses:
Regularly sharing your expertise makes you a go-to resource in your field.
Fresh, relevant content can improve your search engine rankings, making it easier for people to find you.
Blogs create a space for dialogue with customers and peers, fostering relationships.
Blog content can be shared across social platforms, increasing your reach.
Content marketing advantages
Content marketing also brings powerful advantages to the table:
Strategic content guides potential customers through the sales funnel.
Diverse content types can introduce your brand to new audiences.
Through informative content, you help customers make informed decisions.
Consistent, valuable content keeps your brand top-of-mind and builds trust.
How to include both blogging and content marketing in your strategy
Think of your blog as the cornerstone of your content marketing strategy. It's where you start conversations, share insights and establish your brand's voice. A blog is a powerful tool to attract visitors to your website and can serve as the springboard for a broader content marketing plan.
Blogging examples include:
Focusing on in-depth tutorials within a niche, a business can position itself as an industry leader.
With a mix of guest posts and staff-written articles, a brand can expand their network and increase user engagement.
Once you've laid the groundwork with blogging, it's time to broaden your horizon with content marketing. This means exploring different content formats—such as videos, podcasts, and infographics—to reach a wider audience. Each format can cater to different preferences, helping you connect with people in the way they like best. Content marketing also involves strategic distribution through various channels to ensure your content gets seen by the right people at the right time.
Content marketing examples include:
A comprehensive e-book series to capture leads and build a strong email marketing campaign.
Targeted video marketing campaigns, generated a significant boost in product awareness and sales.
Leveraging user-generated content on social media, can increase customer loyalty and online visibility.
Be inspired by these content marketing tips.
Learn more:
Blogging vs content writing FAQ
Which is better, content writing or blogging?
When you're weighing content writing against blogging, it's not about which is better overall, but which is better for your specific goals. Blogging is excellent for building a personal connection and establishing thought leadership. Content writing, as part of a broader content marketing strategy, is ideal for driving business objectives and engaging customers across various touch points.