One of the biggest questions I hear from the women I work with is: “Should I start a blog, a podcast, or a YouTube channel?” And I understand because I had the same question at one point, too.
It’s a big decision and there are many factors to figuring out what will be best for you and your business. In this episode, I’m going to share some of the pros and cons of each primary content channel. And then I’ll share some key questions to consider to help you decide what is right for you.
Finally, I’ll share a bit about my journey and how my strengths and my personality played a role in choosing my primary content platform.
Should I start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel?
BLOGGING
Let’s start with blogging… it’s the oldest content channel and still the most popular. Contrary to popular belief, blogging is not dead. According to one site, there are over 500 million blogs currently in 2020.
Pros of blogging:
- Lowest barrier to entry – just need a computer, a website, and an internet connection
- Writing is all that is required, and maybe some images
- Very searchable; can get ranked using SEO
- Lowest cost – nothing else to invest in besides the basics
- Least amount of time investment
- Can do it in your PJs and no one cares
Cons of blogging:
- Most competition – because there are more blogs than youtube or podcasts, you have higher competition in terms of keywords, etc
- Can’t consume blogs while doing other things like washing dishes or driving
- A lot of people are spending less time reading blogs and a lot of people skim
- Can be tough to develop a real relationship with your readers through the blog alone; wil need some kind of additional communication (i.e. email list or FB group)
YOUTUBE
Next up let’s talk about the primary video based platform: youtube. YouTube is a growing and popular platform, and people love consuming video based content. There are currently over 31 million YouTube channels.
Pros of YouTube:
- Video is an excellent way to build trust with your audience
- People enjoy watching; YouTube attracts about 44% of all internet users
- Highly searchable content
- Can build community on YouTube – commenting and interacting on the videos is very common
- Less competition than blogging
Cons of YouTube:
- Highest barrier to entry – you need video and audio equipment; editing software, and some tech knowledge to start
- Takes the most time (i’m guessing, because of the video editing) to do it WELL
- People can’t consume videos on the go (i.e. in their car or while jogging)
- Can’t be done in your PJs
PODCASTING
Okay now let’s talk about podcasting. There are currently over 1 million podcasts right now, although a much lower number when you consider how many are currently active.
But either way, you can see that this platform has the lowest numbers compared to blogging and YouTube.
Pros of podcasting:
- Medium barrier to entry – a little bit more than blogging but not nearly as intensive as youtube
- People can build a very deep relationship with you – you are in their ears and they feel like they know you
- Less likely to “skim” or stop listening; most people listen to the majority of an episode rather than stopping (as opposed to blogs and video)
- Develops your authority
- Can connect with influencers in your niche by inviting them on your podcast
Cons of podcasting:
- Bigger time investment than blogging (approximately 5-10 hours per episode vs. 2-3 for a blog post)
- Really need to be consistent – doesn’t have to be weekly, but consistency is key
- Need equipment and some level of tech knowledge, or ability to hire someone else
- A lot of moving parts to keep track of – need to have a good system in place to keep things moving
So maybe this has given you a little bit to think about but maybe you still want to know which one you should do?
A few questions to consider when deciding between blogging, podcasting, or YouTube:
- What is your default form of communication? Do you prefer to write things out? Or talk it out verbally?
- Are you introverted or extroverted?
- Do you love being the center of attention or are you more behind the scenes?
- Is grammar and writing a struggle for you or do you love it?
- How much time do you have to invest?
- Is tech really hard for you or do you pick it up quickly?
- What do you prefer consuming?
- What does your ideal audience consume?
These are some things to consider… it doesn’t mean you have to go with the “right” answer, but I’m a believer in knowing what you are getting into before diving in! Now it’s up to you to decide. Drop me a note and let me know.
Links Mentioned:
- Episode 3: The 3 Essentials to Growing Online
- Episode 13: Is Your Website Working for You?
- Episode 14: Five Reasons Your Email List is More Important than Social Media
- Episode 15: What You Need to Start and Build Your Email List
- Podcast Workflow Checklist
If you are in need of 1:1 feedback or strategic insight for your business, be sure to click here and find out how we can work together! I offer strategy sessions and may have other options coming soon.
Connect with Me:
- If this podcast was helpful, consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, your podcast app, or Podchaser.
- Christian Business Owners Shining Online Facebook Page
- Subscribe to my other podcast, The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast
