An often asked question is, should I create a Website or a Blog?

What the advantages and or disadvantages of each that I should consider?

It is a dilemma, so how do you differentiate a Website from a Blog?

*** A Website is known as an Internet application that houses a combination of texts, images and flash messages or animation.

*** A Web log or a Blog is a part of a website that is usually known as online journal.

Here is a simple breakdown of the various points of difference comparing a Website to a Blog:

- A Website versus a Blog in terms of navigation.

A Website’s navigation is often likened to that of a book. Its main index is the homepage where the key topics are referenced.

A Web log or a Blog is usually navigated through links to previous or next entries shown either at the start or end of each Blog post.

If those links can’t be found, a Blogs sidebar/s aid in navigating it. A common web log’s sidebar has a segment entitled “Pages”, which usually contains the “About” portion of the Blog and other non-time-sensitive information.
Other segments of a Blogs sidebar include the “Archives” which are sets of posts in regards to the dates they were posted.
A “Categories” segment is also a mainstay of the sidebar.
Also, a Blog roll or a list of external links may be included in the sidebar.
The reverse chronological order of Blog posts is the norm.

- A Website versus a Blog in terms of update-ability.

A Website presents static content. It could link to a news page if it wants to offer fresh info every now and then or even regularly. But with the advent of the Blog, the popularity of news pages has changed.
Blogs are the more like updated chronicles.
This feature of Blog is attributed to the content management system that Blog applications come with.

With Websites, understanding HTML along with the use of a web editing application is required before you can update them.

Blogs, however takes care of this process for you so the need to learn HTML is not a requirement although a basic knowledge will be off assistance.

- A Website versus a Blog in terms of Web usability.

Web usability refers to how to increase the conversion rate with the user-friendliness of an application.

Usability-wise, a Blog may not differ that much from a website. However, due to the ease of use of a Blog and since it’s also relatively simple to customize with a large number of templates available, making changes are a lot less-taxing compared to a Website that requires copywriting and design skills.

There are still some other issues that Bloggers need to address to be more effective in the field of Blogging such as: hyper linking without the proper or identifying anchor links, not including an author’s biography page or a well-stated “About Us/Me” page, post titles and numerous other items.

To become well known or a credible figure in the field one is Blogging about, then all aspects that make up an excellent Blog needs to considered and applied.

- A Website versus a Blog in terms of author-reader interaction.

Blogs have a commentary feature where readers can respond to any post.
The author of the Blog can easily interact with their readers by leaving a comment in return.

In summary, if you intend offering information that does not require regular updating, a Website may work well for you, But if you want more interaction with your readers, the need for frequent updates without learning HTML then a Blog would be your best choice.

Consider the fact that these two applications can actually work in conjunction so that you get the best of both worlds, the decision is ultimately yours but whichever way you go each will give you an online presence and this could be just the start of your online journey.