In theory, a blog is really not different from a website ... it is a web site. Blogs can be custom-designed in the same fashion as websites. However, there are a few important differences.

If you would like to generate frequent content and dialogue, and encourage feedback and perhaps comments and dialogue from others, then a blog might be the best decision for you. A blog will require far more time to maintain ... without frequent posts, and fresh content, it will soon grow stagnant. And important questions to ask before considering a blog are: Why am I writing, why would anyone read it, and what do I expect others to do/say?

If minimal updating will be required to keep content relevant, and there is no need for continual dialogue or information exchange, then a static website is the best choice.

Before making a final decision, it's important that you consult a skilled web designer.

Content is what you place in your website, be it text, images, or links to outside websites. It should do at least one of the following: (1) support a business objective or (2) support someone in completing a task. Content development and writing should be part of the initial phase of a website project. It will assist the designer in determining a relevant brand (website "look") and a navigation scheme (links from the home page that quickly guide the web visitor to your content). It is very difficult, if not impossible, to develop a website without first having the content. A good content management plan should include content gathering, writing, and a strategy for maintaining/updating it once the website or blog is launched.

Many spend their energy acquiring a content management system (a way to coordinate and gather content for their websites) rather than developing a content management plan; this can prove to be costly and oftentimes unsuccessful. Learn more about content management plans, and why they are important, at cmsmyth.com.

A domain name is required ... it is your registered website "address." Examples: sitesbyrobin.com or amazon.com. Many website hosts offer domain name registration as part of their hosting plans ... some at minimal cost. WHOIS can tell you if a domain name is taken. If you wish, your website designer/developer can assist you in acquiring a domain name.

Your website host provides the account into which your website files are placed. This is how others are able to see your website on the internet. Hosting costs usually depend upon the website features.

This is a first consideration when beginning a website project. Although a website or blog should never contain more content than is necessary, it must be kept current and relevant ... or your website will soon become invalid. An honest assessment of available time and money to devote to maintenance should determine how your website is developed.