Blog Post vs. a Column: Which is Right for Your Audience and Goals?

The Blog post vs Column debate is not a common one today. However, they are so similar.

In my regular conversation with a few content marketers, I realize that many of them do not get the difference between a blog post and a column.

I can only imagine that there are many other people who do not get the clear difference between a Blog post and a Column. Hence, I thought it’d be good write about it.

This article explores the differences between the two formats in terms of audience engagement, SEO, and building a personal brand.

Also, in this post, I’d give examples of successful bloggers and columnists. In addition, I’ll discuss the unique advantages and challenges of each format.

Additionally, I’ll provide tips for writers looking to transition from one format to the other.

However, before going into details, let’s define both terms.

Definition of a Blog Post

A blog post is a written piece of content, typically published on a website or platform specifically designed for blogging.

Blog posts can be written by individuals, organizations, or businesses and can cover a wide range of topics including personal experiences, news, opinions, and information on specific subjects.

Blog posts are usually presented in reverse chronological order, with the most recent post appearing first.

They often allow readers to leave comments and engage in a conversation with the writer.

Blog posts are also known to be more informal and conversational in tone than other types of writing.

For reference and knowledge sake, the following content about blog posts or bloging may be helpful.

• How many words should I write in each blog post?
• How long does it take to make money as a Blogger?
• What are the 4 main characteristics of Blogging?
• Which Blog niche is most profitable?
• Where to get writing Inspiration as a Blogger

Definition of a Column

A column is a regularly-featured article or piece of writing in a newspaper, magazine, or website.

It is typically written by a single author and covers a specific topic or theme. Most times, the content is from the writer’s personal perspective.

Columns often focus on opinion, commentary, or analysis of current events and can be written in a variety of styles. From serious and informative to humorous and satirical.

Columns are usually shorter than feature articles and are usually published on a regular schedule, such as weekly or monthly.

They are often syndicated and appear in multiple publications and media outlets.

The Difference Between a Blog Post and a Column

See below 9 major differences between a Column and a Blog post.

1. Purpose: Blog posts are typically written to share personal thoughts, experiences, or information on a wide range of topics. Columns are written to provide an opinion, commentary, or analysis on current events or specific subjects, usually from the writer’s personal perspective.
2. Audience: Blog posts are often targeted towards a specific niche or community. Columns are targeted towards a broader audience and are meant to be read by a wider range of readers.
3. Writing style: Blog posts are usually more conversational and informal, while columns are often more formal and serious.
4. Publication: Blog posts are typically published on a website or platform specifically designed for blogging. Columns, on the other hand, are regularly featured in newspapers, magazines, or websites.
5. Schedule: Blog posts can be published at any time, while columns are usually published on a regular schedule, such as weekly or monthly.
6. Audience engagement: Blog posts often allow for comments and engagement with the writer. Columns are more one-sided, with the writer providing the opinion or analysis.
7. Branding: Blog posts can be a great way for an individual or a business to build a personal brand and establish a voice. However, columns are often used to establish the author as an expert or thought leader in a specific field or industry.
8. Length: Blog posts tend to be shorter in length compared to columns
9. Syndication: Columns are often syndicated and appear in multiple publications and media outlets. Blog posts, on the other hand, are usually limited to the website they are published on.

Blog Post vs Column: Audience Engagement Comparison

Blog posts typically allow for a more personal connection with readers through the use of a conversational tone and storytelling.

This can lead to a higher level of engagement and participation from readers. These readers who may leave comments or start discussions about the topic of the post.

Blog posts often have a comment section where readers can interact with the author and other readers. This further creates a sense of community.

Columns, on the other hand, are often more one-sided, with the writer providing the opinion or analysis.

While readers may agree or disagree with the writer’s perspective, they are less likely to engage in a direct conversation with the writer.

However, columns can still generate engagement by sparking conversations and debates among readers.

In general, blog posts tend to have a more interactive and conversational feel. Readers are more likely to engage with the author.

Columns tend to be more informative and readers engage by reading and having their own opinion.

Additionally, while Blog posts can be a great way for an individual or a business to build a personal brand and establish a voice, columns are often used to establish the author as an expert or thought leader in a specific field or industry.

Blog Post vs Column: SEO Comparison

Blog posts and columns can have different effects on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) depending on the specific goals and strategies of the writer.

Usually, Blog posts have the potential to drive more traffic to a website by optimizing for keywords and phrases that are relevant to the post.

This can help to increase visibility and search engine rankings for the website.

Blog posts also allow writers to create fresh and updated content on a regular basis. This can help to improve SEO by keeping the website active and relevant.

Columns, on the other hand, may not drive as much direct traffic to a website. However, it can help to establish the writer as a thought leader and increase visibility through publications and media outlets.

Being featured in reputable publications can help to build credibility and authority. This in turn, can in turn positively impact the website’s search engine rankings.

In summary, Blog posts can be a great way to drive traffic to a website and improve SEO, while columns can help to establish the writer as a thought leader and improve the website’s search engine rankings indirectly through building credibility and authority.

Blog Post vs Column: Building a Personal Brand

Blog posts and columns can both be effective tools for building a personal brand. However, they do so in different ways.

As you may know, Blog posts provide a platform for individuals or businesses to showcase their personalities and unique voice.

By consistently creating high-quality content that is relevant to their niche or industry, writers can establish themselves as experts and establish a strong personal brand.

Blog posts also allow for building a personal relationship with the readers by sharing personal anecdotes and providing a more conversational tone. This can increase brand loyalty and trust.

Columns, on the other hand, are more geared toward establishing the writer as an authority in a specific field or industry.

By providing expert analysis and commentary on current events, writers can establish themselves as thought leaders. Also, they can build a reputation as a go-to source for information and insight.

Columns help to increase visibility and credibility by being featured in reputable publications and media outlets.

In summary, Blog posts are great for building a personal brand by showcasing one’s personality and building a personal relationship with the readers. Columns are effective in establishing oneself as an authority and thought leader in a specific field or industry.

Examples of Successful Bloggers vs Columnists – Pros and Cons

Some Successful Bloggers

Examples of successful bloggers include Tim Ferriss, author of “The 4-Hour Work Week” who started his blog as a personal experiment. On his blog, he shared his ideas, lessons, and insights from his experiences as an entrepreneur. His blog has become one of the most popular personal development blogs in the world. Also, his book has become a best-seller.

Another example is Huda Kattan, a makeup artist, and beauty blogger, who started her blog in 2010. On her blog, she shares makeup tutorials, product reviews, and beauty tips. Through her blog, she has built a large following and has launched her own successful cosmetics line, Huda Beauty.

Neil Patel, whom, you should know by the way, is a digital marketer, and entrepreneur started his blog in 2005. He shares information and insights on SEO, online marketing, and entrepreneurship. His blog has become one of the most popular marketing blogs in the world. Also, Forbes recognize him as a top influencer and Entrepreneur.

Some Successful Columninst

Examples of successful columnists include Maureen Dowd, a political columnist for The New York Times. She won a Pulitzer Prize for her commentary on American politics and culture.

Another example is David Brooks, a New York Times opinion columnist and commentator, who writes on politics, culture, and social science. He is also a regular on PBS NewsHour and NPR’s All Things Considered.

Blog Post vs Column: The verdict

The unique advantage of blogging is the ability to create a personal connection with readers through a conversational tone and storytelling. It also allows for more flexibility in terms of topic and schedule and allows the blogger to build a personal brand and establish a voice.

However, the challenge of blogging is the need to consistently create high-quality content and the need to drive traffic to the website.

Columns, on the other hand, can help to establish the writer as an authority in a specific field or industry, and increase visibility through publications and media outlets.

However, columns often require a more formal writing style and are subject to the editorial guidelines and schedule of the publication. Additionally, it is challenging to get columns published in reputable publications.

Tips for Transitioning from Blog Posts to Columns or Vice Versa

In case you want to transition from Blgging to writing Columns, or juggle both, the points here would help you.

1. Adapt your writing style: When transitioning from blog posts to columns, it’s important to adapt your writing style to be more formal and serious. Similarly, when transitioning from columns to blog posts, it’s important to adopt a more conversational and personal tone.
2. Research publications: Identify publications or media outlets that align with your niche or industry and research their editorial guidelines and submission process.
3. Build relationships: Network with editors and writers at these publications to build relationships and gain insights into what they’re looking for in a column.
4. Develop a pitch: Create a compelling pitch that highlights your expertise, experience, and the unique perspective you bring to the topic.
5. Create a portfolio: Compile a portfolio of your best writing samples to showcase your skills and experience.
6. Be consistent: It’s important to be consistent in your approach, whether it’s in terms of topic, schedule, or writing style.
7. Be open to feedback: Be open to feedback from editors. Also, be willing to make revisions to your writing to meet their requirements.
8. Don’t give up: Transitioning from one format to another may take time and effort. But with persistence and perseverance, you can achieve your goals.

Conclusion

In this post, the blog vs Column debate is put to bed as I compared the differences between the two in terms of audience engagement, SEO, and building a personal brand.

I also provided examples of successful bloggers and columnists and discussed the unique advantages and challenges of each format, as well as tips for transitioning from one format to another.

In conclusion, I can say Blog posts can be a great way to drive traffic to a website and improve SEO, while columns can help to establish the writer as a thought leader and improve the website’s search engine rankings indirectly through building credibility and authority.

Nonetheless, blogging today has evolved and captures many of the attributes of writing a Column.

After all said and done, both ventures are good for content marketing albiet in different ways.