We live in a world where dances on Instagram Reels go viral in seconds and Instagram reigns supreme. And, one day before exams, students resort to YouTube for studying rather than opening a textbook. So, amidst this short-form video content, does text-based blogging still have a place in our digital hearts?
Well, stick around, because today, we will address some commonly asked questions about blogging in 2024. Keep reading to know the what, why and how of blogging.
Table of Contents
- What is Blogging?
- How Has Blogging Changed Over the Years?
- Is Blogging Still Relevant in 2024?
- Blogging Tips for 2024
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blogging?
Let’s start with the basics. Blogging isn’t just a fancy term thrown around by tech geeks and marketing gurus. In simple words, blogging means writing a blog post on current events, news, opinions or sharing some personal experiences or information and then publishing it on a website. The language of the blog can be formal or informal depending on the type of website it is going to be posted on. For example, this blog on an agency’s site has a little fun and conversational language, yet it’s professional. In contrast, while sharing personal things, your language can be informal.
People often mistake blogging for vlogging. Vlogging is making blogs about personal life and events in a video format. While both are a bit similar, the format differs.
How Has Blogging Changed Over the Years?
Now, the evolution of blogging isn’t as complicated as that of the evolution of human beings. The first blog was shown to us on screen in 1994. It is generally agreed upon that the first blog was links.net, founded by Justin Hall in 1994. According to Hall, it was an opportunity for him to get some of his writing out there. And the word that we are using, and I have used so many times in this “blog,” was coined by John Barger in 1997. His idea was to create a log of all the sites on the web he found interesting and to get people more engaged. The term “weblog” became more mainstream, and people began to drop the “we” in the front and choose to just say “blog.”
But since then, a lot has happened in the world of blogging. Remember your teen years, people born in the 90s and 2000s, when you first heard about blogging and WordPress and everyone wanted to be a writer and blogger, sharing their poetry and teenage feelings? Nostalgic, right?
But today, blogs have become a source of earning and a way for people to express themselves more deeply and openly. People began writing about almost anything, and there was no guarantee you would find readers.
Slowly, blogs became more versatile and trusted, and people turned to blogs for advice, tips, news, information and education, as well as a great marketing tool for businesses to educate their audience and spread the right message about the brand.
Is Blogging Still Relevant in 2024?
Yes, yes and an infinite number of times, yes. Of course, some argue that blogging is dead, buried beneath the ever-growing mountain of social media posts and Instagram reels. But hold your horses! Sure, digital marketing is constantly evolving, but that doesn’t mean blogging has become obsolete. In fact, quite the opposite! Blogs continue to play a crucial role in the online world.
The stats confirm this: 77% of internet users report regularly reading blog posts, and guest blogging is still alive and well, with 60% of bloggers writing 1 to 5 guest posts per month.
Blogging Tips for 2024
So, you’re convinced that blogging is still worth your time and effort. But how do you ensure your blog stands out in a sea of content? We have got some tips up to help you out:
1. Quality over quantity
There’s always been a debate about the length of blog posts, the number of blogs you should churn out, and the quality of those blogs. So, what’s the deal? Should you be pumping out lengthy blog posts every week or sticking to short and sweet snippets? The answer is it’s not just about the word count. Yes, long-form blogs can drive traffic, but shorter blogs can perform well too. What really matters is the content writing itself. It’s better to craft a few high-quality blog posts than a bunch of blog posts that add no value. Focus on delivering value, and your readers will keep coming back for more.
2. Write according to user intent
User intent is about understanding what your readers are really looking for when they come across your blog. Are they searching for a detailed how-to guide, quick tips or just some light reading? You need to get inside their heads. Imagine you’re writing a blog post about gardening tips. If your readers are beginners, they might be looking for simple, easy-to-follow advice. On the other hand, experienced gardeners might want more advanced techniques. Tailor your content to meet these needs. By doing so, you’ll keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. This approach answers the question, “why blog in 2024?”
3. Make your blog skimmable
Let’s be real: we all skim through content. With so much information at our fingertips, who has the time to read every single word? That’s why it’s crucial to make your blog skimmable. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points and short paragraphs. Break up your text with images, quotes or even videos. This way, your readers can easily find the information they’re looking for. Remember, a well-structured blog is a reader-friendly blog.
4. Write on unique topics
If you want to stand out in the crowded blogosphere, you’ve got to write on unique topics. Sure, there are tons of blogs about fitness, cooking, and tech. But what can you bring to the table that’s different? Maybe it’s your personal take on a popular subject or perhaps it’s a niche topic that hasn’t been explored much. Share your own experiences, insights and stories. This will not only make your blog more interesting but also help you establish your voice in the digital world.
5. Optimise it for SEO
Last but not least, let’s talk about SEO. You might be wondering, “What’s SEO got to do with my amazing blog post?” Well, everything! Search engine optimisation is what helps your blog get discovered by the masses. Use relevant keywords (like “benefits of blogging in 2024” or “future of blogging”) throughout your post, but don’t overdo it. Make sure your blog is easy to read and mobile-friendly. Include internal and external links and don’t forget to write a catchy meta description. An SEO company can help you create a well-optimised blog that is more likely to attract traffic, which means more readers for you.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict? Is blogging dead in 2024? Absolutely not! In the fast-paced online world, blogs provide a space for deep thinking and meaningful connections. They help businesses stay connected with their audience. Remember: your voice is valuable.
Remember, if you need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to a full-fledged digital marketing company like ours. We’re here to assist you with blogging for your business. Contact us at hello@florafountain.com and let’s connect to discuss how we can incorporate blogging into your digital marketing strategy so that your business can unlock its full potential. Until next time, happy blogging!
Frequently Asked Questions
The founder and partner of Flora Fountain, Shefali leads the Content and Technology divisions. A one-time engineer who started her career writing front-end code, she took a detour sometime during her 9 years in New York, studied journalism and started writing prose, poetry and sometimes jokes. She now has 15...