There seems to be some confusion as to the difference between a blog and a website. Many people refer to all websites as blogs and to all blogs as websites. But this is wrong, as there is a clear and distinct difference between the two.

The first difference between a blog and a website is that a blog is always a website but a website is not always a blog.

What is a Website?

Google gives the following definition of a website:

a location connected to the Internet that maintains one or more webpages.

In today’s business world, every business has to have a website. This website acts like a digital store front, an online version of the business.

It is up to the business owner how and for what he wants to use the website. A website can be as simple as an advertisement, showing the different services or products a business offers to a catalogue from where products can be ordered.

Many businesses that offer services, now offer their prospective clients the opportunity to make an appointment or even pay for the service via the website.

What is a Blog?

Google gives the following definition of a blog:

a personal website or web page on which an individual records opinions, links to other sites, etc. on a regular basis.

A blog is always a website but it is a lot more personal than what we would define a website to be. Where a website is often very static, a blog should be updated regularly and engage readers with original, quality content.

When a blog offers original, high quality content that is regularly updated, it quickly rises in Google search rankings. Google loves to offer its customers quality content and for this reason Google loves blogs.

Blogs are a source of news and information about just about any subject under the sun. For this reason most people love searching blogs when they are looking for information about their specific areas of interest.

What should I choose, a website or blog?

When you are in the process of creating an online presence for your business, one of the most important decisions you have to make is whether you want a website or blog for your business. This will depend in large on the kind of business you have.

If you want to give prospective customers a detailed description of the products or services you offer, a website is the way to go. If you want to provide a running commentary on a specific subject that provide loads of information, you should have a blog.

The best of two worlds

Website or blog? Which one will be best for your business?

Maybe you don’t have to choose. It is always possible to have the best of both worlds. Instead of wondering website or blog, why don’t you rather decide website and blog?

It is possible to have a website that includes a blog.

People are looking for products and services. They are also looking for information. By having both a website and a blog for your business, you can provide them with an inventory of your products or services while also giving them regularly updated information about your industry that might be of interest to them.

If done right, this format will also help your ranking in Google. Google wants to deliver a good service to their customer (the person looking for information) and if you can provide fresh information in an informative manner, Google will reward you by letting your website shoot up in their ranking.

By providing clear and relevant information and updating content on a regular basis, you will be ticking all the right boxes for SEO.

If you want to do the best for your business as well as your clients, choose to have a website that includes a blog. Then go a step further and connect it to your social media platforms.  In this way you will always be relevant while at the same time building valuable relationships with your clients.

The next time someone asks you what is best, a website or a blog, you can tell them: “I chose the best of both worlds. I chose to have a website and a blog.”