Is Blogging Dead?

So Steve Rubel has dumped blogging for lifestreaming. Charles Arthur at The Guardian also notes that participation on Twitter and Facebook is replacing blogging.

Whilst I’ve noticed some of my favourite bloggers aren’t posting as frequently as usual, my own take on this is simple: don’t abandon your blog – just yet.

Why Keep on Blogging?

Scenario #1: The Personal Blogger.
Let’s imagine you write a few posts a week on a personal blog at YourName.com that ties in with your interest in, say, technology. Yes, you’re a bit of a geek but not hardcore. You use your WordPress blog to record thoughts about the latest products by Apple, plugin tips for WordPress and share tips such as how changes to your htaccess file will improve the way Google ranks your blog.

Even if you’re in a job, chances are when you come to apply for another one the recruitment team will Google you. It’s standard practice after all. Even if you’re on Facebook or MySpace, like a lot of people in your demographic, it is very likely that “Your Name” will turn up an eclectic but thoughtful bunch of posts at your blog in Google rather than a stream of snarky, meaningless noise in your Twitter stream. Google likes blogs, after all.

In other words, writing a blog (relatively) frequently will give you some control of how others view you online. That’s not to say they won’t find your Twitter account or Facebook profile; but compared to the non-bloggers out there you have a good chance of having some content on the web that demonstrates you’re thoughtful, analytical and a communicator. Not bad, really!

Takeaways for Personal Bloggers

• a blog gives a more coherent impression of who you are than social media lifestreams
• Google still tends to ranks them very highly in the SERPs so you can at the very least they can help you manage some simple personal brand management
• blog posts show a more rounded side of who you are and tell a better story about you than 140 characters, links and retweets in a lifestream

Scenario #2: The Small Business Blogger
Don’t abandon your business blog for a lifestream. Your blog is a great way of generating traffic to your website and showing people who you are and what you do. At it’s best, a blog can show personality, skills and help you connect better with customers and potential customers.

By regularly updating your blog, providing readers with valuable insights, resources, news and suggestions, you are helping to show what you have to offer as a business. This isn’t just about pitching sales but making customers aware of how you work.

Your blog is your base, a place which you can control and grow. It isn’t a cacophony of noise like Twitter.

If businesses abandon blogs for social media (or lifestreams), trying to muscle in on the myriad conversations raging over there, chances are they’ll get lost in a sea of noise. In contrast, businesses that consistently provide meaningful content via a blog will standout. Not just because Google (and visitors) will find you but because a blog gives you the space to develop meaningful content.

On Twitter I might link to 5 Ways to Communicate Better at Work; however, just linking to valuable info isn’t going to help me establish my credibility or skills as much as actually writing something important such as, How Not to Pitch for Work.

Check out Six Must-Haves for Business Bloggers

Final Thoughts

I’m not saying you shouldn’t be on Twitter (or FriendFeed or whatever social media network you fancy); it’s a very different and valuable communication channel in its own right. But don’t forget that blogging gives you time and space to share something truly valuable. Bottom line, great content on a blog will benefit you and your business.

Image:FlickrCC