Do you think there’s no difference between a blog post and an article? If you do, you’re not alone.
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but you may be surprised to learn that there are some key differences between the two.
In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between a blog post and an article. I’ll also talk about which one is right for you, depending on your goals.
Let’s begin!
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Blog Post vs Article: What's the Difference?
The main difference between a blog post and an article is their writing style.
A blog post is shorter, more informal, written in a conversational tone, and is usually published on a blog. An article is longer, more formal, and often includes outside opinions or quotes. It provides information, analysis, or opinion on a particular topic and is commonly found in newspapers, magazines, and journals.
While both blog posts and articles can be informative, the tone, length, and purpose of each differ significantly.
But let’s look at each of them in more detail.
What is a blog post?
A blog post is a piece of content published on a blog. It is typically written in an informal, conversational style and aims to inform, entertain, or engage the readers on a particular topic.
Blog posts can cover various subjects, from personal experiences and opinions to professional advice and industry news.
They often include text, images, and sometimes videos or other multimedia elements. Blogging has become a popular means of self-expression, sharing knowledge, and building communities online.
Wht you are reading right now is a blog post.
Example of a Blog Post
I wrote a blog post on the difference between a blogger, a vlogger, and an influencer. You will notice that the tone is informal, and the main purpose is to teach.
The post is perfectly structured to be comprehensive. One reading it doesn’t need to check other posts to find a satisfying answer.
Another blog post example is this Writesonic review. The author writes a perfect guide to help people decide if it’s the right AI writing tool for them.
What is an article?
An article is a piece of content that provides information, analysis, opinion, or backs up claims, like an article on how the world was created.
Unlike a blog post, which is typically more informal and conversational, articles are often more structured and objective.
Articles can be found in newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and online publications.
They are usually longer than blog posts and may include interviews, research findings, and citations to support the author’s arguments or claims. Articles aim to educate, inform, or persuade readers on a specific subject.
Example of an Article
This is an example of an article published on the Havard Gazette site. We will talk about it throughout our content.
But let’s look at the difference between a blog post and an article in more detail.
9 key differences between blog posts and articles
1. Point of View
Blog posts are usually written from a first or second-person point of view using pronouns like “I” and “You,” allowing the blogger to share their personal opinions and experiences with their readers.
For example, you will notice I use “you” in the introduction of this post on how to become a product review blogger.
Articles, on the other hand, are often written from a third-person point of view using pronouns like “they” and “it.” This helps to maintain an objective tone and prevents any bias.
2. Voice or Tone or Writing Style
In comparison, blogs or blog posts are often written in a conversational and informal tone, which creates a sense of connection with the reader.
For example, in this post on the best blogging practices, I have a section asking my readers to leave comments after reading the post.
Articles, however, are usually written in a more formal and objective tone, which helps to convey authority and credibility.
For instance, this article I mentioned earlier (If it wasn’t created by a human artist, is it still art?) was published on the Harvard Gazette site. You can see many points that define an article, like where it’s published (a gazette) and the formal writing style, and the interviews and findings.
3. Length or Word Count
Blog posts can vary in length, but they are generally shorter than articles, ranging from 500 to 1,500 words.
But a well-researched post can sometimes be 6000+ word long.
Articles can also vary in length, but they are usually longer than blog posts, ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 words or more.
4. Research
In contrast to articles, blog posts may or may not be heavily researched. Some bloggers may simply share their personal opinions and experiences, while others may do more in-depth research to support their claims.
Articles, however, are usually well-researched and provide factual information and analysis. Journalists and editors often fact-check articles before they are published.
5. Reader Engagement
When it comes to engagement, blogs often include features to encourage reader engagement, such as polls, quizzes, and surveys. Bloggers may also respond to comments and questions from their readers.
Articles are often less interactive than blog posts. However, some articles may include features such as video embeds and social media sharing buttons.
6. Visual Elements
Including images, videos, and other visuals is a common practice in blogs to enhance reader engagement. While articles may also include visual elements, they are less common as compared to blog posts.
7. SEO
Blog posts are often written with SEO in mind, meaning they are optimized to rank well in search engine results pages (SERPs) to attract more traffic to the blog.
Articles may or may not be written with SEO in mind. Some articles are written for a specific audience and are not intended to be ranked in SERPs.
For example, a company writing a support article to explain to their customers how to use a feature doesn’t need to optimize it. Their customers can always find it in the support articles.
8. Where it's Published
While blog posts are often published on blogs, which are websites or online journals, articles can be published in places like newspapers, magazines, websites, and academic journals.
9. Update Frequency
Bloggers update their blog posts regularly to keep the blog fresh and engaging for readers.
Articles are usually not updated as frequently as blog posts. Some articles may be evergreen, meaning that they are always relevant and do not need to be updated. Others may be updated occasionally to reflect new information or developments.
How to Write a Blog Post
1. Choose a Relevant Topic and Engaging Headline
Select a topic that your target audience will relate to. It could be something you’re interested in or a topic you find relevant. Craft an attention-grabbing headline that briefly represents the topic and sparks the reader’s interest.
For instance, I wrote a blog post on how to start a blog because it’s the most important question asked by beginners in my audience.
2. Research Audience Interests
Before you start writing, you need to know your audience’s interests. Use tools like Google Trends and AnswerThePublic to identify trending topics and questions your audience is asking. Your research will guide your content creation process.
3. Clear and Concise Introduction
Once you have started your blog post, Start your blog post with a clear and simple introduction. This introduction should go straight to the point and provide a clear topic overview.
People don’t have time to read a 100-word introduction. They want to find answers or expectations in your first sentences.
For example, in this blog on the best travel blog post ideas, I write a short introduction that goes straight to the point and sets expectations.
4. Organize Content Logically
Structure your content, organizing thoughts and ideas in a way that flows naturally.
Create a roadmap for your readers and make it easy for them to follow your thoughts and arguments.
One way to do that is to use a table of contents. I use one in the same post mentioned above.
5. Write in a Conversational Style
A tip is to write as if you’re having a one-on-one conversation with your reader. Maintain a conversational tone throughout your blog post. Avoid using excessive jargon and technical language to make your content accessible to a broader audience.
In fact, you can now notice that this blog you are currently reading uses a conversational tone.
6. Use Headings and Subheadings
To make reading easier, use headings and subheadings to break up the text. This technique not only organizes your content but also makes it scannable, allowing readers to find specific information easily.
7. Include Visual Elements
Enhance the visual appeal of your blog post by including images, videos, infographics, and other important visual elements. Visuals not only engage readers but also help illustrate your points and make your content easy to remember.
This post, for instance, has more than 10 images. Without a doubt, it makes your reading more engaging.
8. Craft a Thoughtful Conclusion
Once you are done, summarize your main points and arguments in your conclusion. Repeat your primary message and leave the reader with something to think about. You can do this by asking a compelling question, including a call to action or a thought-provoking quote.
9. Proofreading and Editing
Before publishing, invest time in thorough proofreading and editing. Carefully review your post for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. A well-edited post appears more professional and trustworthy.
How to Write an Article
1. Select a Relevant Topic and Craft an Informative Headline
Carefully select a topic that interests your target audience. The headline should be clear, and simple, and provide a look into what the article will cover.
2. Thoroughly Research Your Topic
Extensive research is the backbone of a well-written article. Identify credible sources, gather data, and collect supporting evidence. Your research will provide the substance for your article and make it more credible.
3. An Intriguing Introduction
Your introduction should not only introduce the topic but also catch the reader’s attention. Try various techniques, like asking a thought-provoking question, sharing a relevant story, or providing a surprising fact.
For example, this article by The New York Times has a very intriguing introduction that makes you want to read everything.
4. Compose the Body in a Formal and Objective Style
The body of your article should maintain a formal and objective tone. Present information and arguments in a logical, organized manner. Use headings and subheadings to structure the content and make it easier for readers to follow along.
But I have also noticed that many articles, especially news articles, don’t use enough headings (and sometimes none at all).
Look at this article by Time for instance. It doesn’t use any heading at all. Nevertheless, the article is short and easy to follow.
5. Cite Your Sources and Include a Bibliography
To make your article more reliable, be sure to mention where you got your information. This not only acknowledges the original authors but also lets readers check the facts. Also, include a list of all your sources at the end of your article.
6. Thorough Proofreading Before Submission
Before you send your article for publication, carefully proofread and edit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Make sure your writing is easy to understand. If you can, ask a colleague or a professional editor to review your work for any missed problems.
Blog vs Article: Create Content that Works for Your Brand
In this post, we discussed the difference between a blog post and an article.
You learned that a blog post uses a conversational tone and is published on a blog. In contracts, an article is formal, discusses analysis or research, and is published in newspapers, magazines, or journals.
You also saw how to write a blog post and an article, plus images to show you the differences in an engaging way.
However, the border between a blog and an article has become slim. In fact, people often call a blog post and an article interchangeably — I do it too. So the next time you read one of my blogs, don’t be surprised if I mention “article” instead of “blog post.”
So, now is your turn.
What will you write next? A blog post or an article?
Let me know in the comment section below!
FAQ
A blog is often shorter, informal, and more conversational than an article. It’s written to share personal opinions and experiences or to provide timely updates on a specific topic. An article is longer, more formal, and more objective. It’s written to provide in-depth information or analysis on a specific topic.
No, blog posts and articles are not the same thing. Blog posts are usually shorter, more informal, and more conversational than articles. Articles are a little longer, more formal, and more objective.
However, there is some overlap between the two. For example, some blogs publish articles that are longer and more in-depth than traditional blog posts. Additionally, some articles are written in a more conversational style, similar to blog posts.
You can publish a blog post on your own blog or a third-party blogging platform. You can publish an article in magazines, newspapers, websites, and academic journals.
