Sure, everyone’s glued to TikTok and tuning into their favorite podcasts these days. But it’s hard to escape the feeling that blogging is, well, old news. At one point in time (early 2000s and 2010s), it seems like everyone was looking into how to start a free blog on websites like Blogger and Tumblr (and even social media websites like Myspace and Facebook would allow for it too).
So, it just seems like something where even the biggest of bloggers have either faded or moved onto video content creation, right? Well, believe it or not, but they’re not going anywhere. Seriosuly, there’s still something special about a good blog post that video clips and audio can’t quite match.
In fact, bloggers continue to play a huge role in the content world, bringing something unique to the table that’s worth paying attention to. So, with all of that said, here’s exactly why blogging still matters, even in a world that’s all about the next viral video.
Why Bloggers Are Still Needed?
Okay, so the intro above was all about hype, but other than those food bloggers, technically their recipes (no one actually reads their boring stories), people rarely read blogs nowadays. Why read a blog when you can just watch a 10-second video on TikTok? Why try and focus on reading something for a couple of minutes when it’s a challenge to have an attention span of more than 20 seconds?
Well, to a degree, the younger generation doesn’t interact with blogs, and yes, it’s partially due to attention span. But older Gen Z and beyond still read blogs. But why? Why are they still relevant?
There Still a Lot of Magic of the Written Word
Just be realistic with yourself; sometimes, you just want to read. There’s a certain magic to written content that other formats struggle to replicate. So, with a blog, you can dive into a topic and really get to know all the nitty-gritty details without any time limits or flashy editing cuts. It’s like sitting down with a good book (but without the need to commit to 300 pages).
A five-minute video or a quick podcast episode might only skim the surface of a complicated subject, but a blog post can give you all the juicy details. Plus, blogs allow for that slow, thoughtful kind of content that lets readers take their time, pause when they want, and really get into the flow of things. But also, for those who prefer to sit down and absorb information at their own pace, bloggers are still absolute legends.
Convenience When You Need It
Look, videos and podcasts are great, but they’re not always convenient. Now, just imagine trying to watch a video while pretending to pay attention in a boring meeting or attempting to follow a podcast on a packed, noisy train. In those moments, blogs became the heroes nobody knew they needed. You can read them anywhere, anytime—no headphones or a strong Wi-Fi signal required. Okay, it sounds weird, but its entirely true though.
Bloggers Have the SEO Superpower
And then there’s SEO—those three little letters that every content creator either loves or dreads. Okay, actually, most of them seem to love it because there’s that thrill in ranking on search engines.
So, search engines adore written content, making blogs perfect for showing up when people are hunting for answers on Google. While video content is catching up in the SEO game, blogs still have the upper hand when it comes to getting those top spots on search results.
When someone types a question into Google, it’s usually a blog post that pops up, ready to deliver all the answers. But you should also keep in mind that bloggers aren’t just sharing info; they’re shaping the way people discover it. By providing high-quality content that’s easily found through search engines, bloggers help guide people to the information they need. It’s like having a superpower, really.
Building Communities, One Blog at a Time
So here’s the thing—there’s something special about the connection between a blogger and their readers. A blog isn’t just a bunch of words on a screen; it’s a space where people can engage, share their thoughts, and become part of a little online community. Now, it’s definitely true that videos and podcasts may entertain, but they often lack the personal touch that blogs deliver.
But the beauty of blogging is that it invites readers to be part of the conversation. There’s the comment sections, newsletters, and even social media discussions sparked by blog posts help build a sense of belonging. So if you really think about it, readers aren’t just passively consuming content; they’re joining a dialogue, sharing experiences, and maybe even making a few online friends along the way.
The Evergreen Charm of Blogs
If you really think about it, blog posts have a knack for sticking around and staying relevant long after they’ve been published. Sure, a viral video might get millions of views in a few days, but give it a couple of months, and it’s probably collecting digital dust. A lot of people don’t realize it, but old news stays old in video form. But what makes blogs so different is the fact that they can actually continue to rack up views and attract readers years down the line.
Blogs Fuel Other Content Formats
Now, when it comes to content, it’s true you should specialise in something, but that doesn’t inherently mean that you’re stuck with one. Actually, blogging often lays the foundation for other types of content. For example, many podcasts and video series started out as blogs or still lean on written content to flesh out ideas.
Most of your favourite YouTubers probably have a blog as well. So, writing a blog post helps creators clarify their thoughts, structure their arguments, and put their best foot forward. It’s like the blueprint for all the creative projects that follow.
Why Businesses Still Love Working with Bloggers
Alright, so right above it were all the reasons why bloggers and blogs in general are still relevant today. Whoever said that blogging is dying is sincerely wrong. But sure, at the same time, it feels like everything’s about TikToks going viral and podcasts everyone’s raving about.
You’d think blogging would be a bit, well, old school. Sure, there are more than enough sponsored videos out there (and maybe even secretly sponsored). However, many companies still highly prefer to do sponsored content in the form of a blog, as long as the blogger has a strong community.
It’s About Campaigns that Get People Talking
So, you just need to keep in mind that sponsored blog content isn’t just about putting an ad out there—it’s about creating buzz and getting a conversation going. You barely have a conversation with short-form content, but maybe with long videos and podcasts at best. But for the most part, it’s going to be blogs.
You’ll find many businesses using platforms such as Blogger Tuesday, hunting for bloggers who primarily specialise in blogs. Sure, sometimes, they might ask for supplemental social media content to advertise the blog (and short-form video content tends to count as that, too).
But usually, folks who only specialise in short-form content might make a 15- —to 30-second video of the brand at most, and that’s usually about it. But it’s not the same for bloggers since they usually have their own website, social media (the major ones), newsletter, and YouTube channel, and that alone makes them and their voices stand out. Plus, it means their community is so big to the point that the engagement tends to be huge.
The Trust Factor Is Real
Bloggers aren’t just another type of content creator—they’re like trusted pals in their own little corners of the internet. If someone’s been following a blogger for years, there’s a good chance they take their recommendations seriously. There’s a level of trust there that’s tough to find with other ads. Sure, a flashy Instagram post can catch the eye, but a thoughtful blog review? That’s where people can actually dig in and get the full picture.
SEO Magic That Keeps on Giving
One of the best things about sponsored content on blogs is that it’s not just a one-and-done deal. So, unlike social media posts that disappear into the feed abyss, a blog post sticks around, working its SEO magic. When someone searches for related info, there’s a good chance that a sponsored post will pop up, ready to deliver the goods.
Talking to the Right Crowd
When businesses partner with bloggers, it’s not about reaching everyone; it’s about reaching the right people. Now, when it comes to businesses reaching out only to social media and short-form content people, their goal is everyone (but it’s not realistic). So, bloggers tend to have a specific niche, whether it’s parenting, tech, or sustainable living, and that makes them perfect for targeted marketing. If a brand sells organic skincare, teaming up with a beauty blogger who’s all about clean products is a no-brainer.
Letting Bloggers Do Their Thing
Generally speaking, bloggers know their readers. They get what kind of content will hit home and how to make a sponsored post feel like a natural fit. Businesses can benefit from this because bloggers know how to weave products into stories, reviews, or tips that don’t scream “advertisement.”
