You probably come across blogs frequently online. They’re small niche sites where you might find recipes. They’re websites that share personal stories. And sometimes they’re even tied to major media outlets on the Web. But what exactly are blogs?

Before you attempt to launch a blog of your own, it’s important to understand what a blog is and what types of blogs exist. Let’s take a look at that now.

What (Technically) is a Blog?

Technically a blog is nothing more than a dynamic website (meaning one with ever-changing content) where that content is posted in chronological order. That’s all there is to it — nothing fancy!

Beyond the basic site structure a very common element of blogs is the ability for readers to leave comments on posts (articles). They also tend to feature RSS feeds which allow visitors to subscribe to the content, allowing them to be updated on new content in their favorite feed reader  or via email.

Types of Blogs (Or The Validity of Blogs Unlike Your Own)

Sometimes there are debates among bloggers about what should and should not be done on “real” blogs. The reality is that your blog can be anything you want it to be.

Traditional blog as personal journal

Traditional blog as personal journal - Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

They are not solely social media tools. You can use them for one-way broadcasting if you prefer. You can include ads and make money blogging. And you can choose to have an ad-free virtual existence if you’d like. You can use your blog for business or for personal content.

It’s all up to you, no matter what anyone else says (so on the same front, don’t assume another blogger’s choices are less valid just because they differ from your own).

Here are some common types of blogs, or reasons they’re created:

  1. Personal journaling
  2. Business news and announcements
  3. Sharing tips, advice, or commentary on niche topics
  4. Sharing general news and commentary
  5. Marketing products or services (such as selling e-books to blog readers)
  6. Public relations for a person or company (building visibility and maintaining relationships)
  7. A business model in its own right (through product sales, advertising, and other ways of earning income through your blog)

Blogs are dynamic tools not just because the content is regularly updated, but because their uses are always growing and changing as the blogging landscape changes. How will you use your new blog? Why do you want to get started in blogging (if you haven’t already)? Leave a comment below to share your blog startup stories.

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