Difference Between A Blog And A Website (Everything You Should Know)

One of the most searched queries on the internet is “What’s the difference between a website and a blog?”. Their similarities have gotten too many people entangled in the question so much that differentiating both has become a problem for a bulk of the internet populace.

The most glaring difference between the two is that one creates engagement while the other gives static information. One builds a following while the other is simply visited by people the web address is given to, and much more. The difference between both are broad, and knowing them will help you understand whether you either truly want to have a blog, a website, or if the current website you’re visiting is a blog or a website.

What is a Blog

A blog is a website where a writer or a group of writers make use of for chronological listing of blog post. Typically, a blog has the most recent content shown first followed by the previously updated content. A blog can be easily started with services like WordPress, Blogger, etc.

A blog thrives on new content and the more regularly it is updated, the more attention it will get. Quality and regularly updated content are examples of a good blog.

See Also: How To Start A Blog — The Complete Beginners Guide 2019.

What is a Website

A “website” is really anyplace you can visit online with a URL / Domain (https://ghstudents.com) and allows you to view content. A webiste may be complemented with a blog, but the home page would be more for browsing other pages and not just posts.

A blog can be a part of a website, in the form of  a separate page and linked to the homepage. A website is a bigger aspect and its limitations are little to none. A website could be anything from a single page to hundreds.

Similarities Between A Blog And A Website

Apart from the differences that exist betweeen a blog and a website, they also exist some similarities between the two. So, let’s first take a look at the similarities between a blog and a website.

• Technically, a blog is a website, as both a blog and a website have a unique web address, and can be built with the same technology.
• A blog and a website both have a specific audience they’re targeting.
• A blog and a website both usually contain links, pictures, videos, and more.
• Both require the owners to put in some work if they’ll be visible on the internet.
• A blog and a website are both easy to setup with free Softwares like WordPress.
• A blog and a website are both hosted on a server.
• They both can be accessed from anywhere around the world.
• A blog and a website could sometimes be part of each other
• A blog and a website can both have a subscription form.

While these similarities are mostly the confusing factor for people to compare a blog to a website, distinguishing them is clearly important to know what you’re on at any point in time.

Now, having said that, let’s take a look at the differences between a blog and a website.

Characteristics Of A Blog

• Blog post are listed chronolically
• Blogs have a comment form
• Blogs consist largely of articles
• Blogs are managed by a single editor or an editorial team
• Blog contents are updated regularly
• Blogs are informative and educative

1). Blogs Have A Comment Form

This is one of the most important features of blogs. They always have a comment box at the bottom of every article for the reader to share his or her views.

An example is this blog (www.ghstudents.com) you’re currently reading. At the bottom of the article, you’ll see a comment box that gives you the power to share your thoughts on what you’ve just read.

2). Blogs Consist Largely Of Articles

Every blog consists of articles. This is the single most important feature of every blog, and the articles could be posted on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

3). Blogs Are Managed By A Single Editor Or An Editorial Team

Writers basically run blogs. It could be a single individual or a team of people. What matters is that the core that powers every blog’s growth lies in the strength and creativity of the editorial team.

4). Blog Contents Are Updated Regularly

As earlier mentioned, articles are posted periodically on blogs. Some writers post every day, others post once a week, some once a month. But what matters is that new content is constantly posted on a blog.

5). Blogs Are Informative And Educative

Every article posted on a blog is geared towards passing information. The information could either be educative, informative, or even just a personal story the writer wants to share.

Characteristics of a Website

• Websites’ contents are static
• Websites are usually very formal and professional
• Websites don’t give an option for interaction, except with a live chat feature
• Websites mostly only give information about their products and services
• Almost every business online has a website

1). Websites’ Contents Are Static

The information on websites are usually static and do not change. They could be the product and service information, the company history, and much more. But no matter how much information is on the website, it is almost always static and not updated daily or weekly.

2). Websites are Usually Very Formal and Professional

While blogs can be informal or have plain looks, websites tend to be formal and professional. Their target audience are mostly organisations in their niche, and so, strive to ensure the website looks just as their industry accepts.

3). Websites don’t give a Comment System for Interaction

You don’t have the option to comment on a service or product on a website, except the website has a blog embedded in it. The only means of interaction you have is either a live chat with the company’s customer service, the contact form for sending a message, or the phone numbers listed on the website for a direct call.

4). Websites Mostly Only Give Information About Their Products and Services

As earlier stated, websites only give information about their products and services, and nothing more, except a blog is embedded in the website.

5). Almost Every Business Online Has A Website

Almost every business that has an online presence most likely has a website and not a blog. Whenever a web address is given to a client, it is for the client to visit the company’s website and not the company’s blog. Since websites are peculiar to organizations than blogs to individuals and publishing companies, the average business that gives you a URL to visit is almost definitely talking about a website.

Conclusion

The difference between a blog and a website are apparent, irrespective of the fact that they have similarities. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between a blog and a website is, what you’ve read in this article is a great start in your distinction of both.