If you are curious about the current state of blogging, look no further. The answer to your question is finally here!
Do people still read blogs? Yes, blogging is still alive, and people still read blogs. According to statistics, 77% of internet users read blogs, and 70% of consumers learn about a company through blogs rather than ads. However, it may look different now than decades ago. Articles have shifted from writer-centered to reader-centered. The way people read them is also changing. Continue reading to learn where blog readership might stand today.
Is Blogging Dead?
If you mention blogging to anyone unfamiliar with the online business, they’ll probably laugh at you. And they will say, “Blogging is dead! This scenario raises the question about the relevance of blogging in 2023. Or is it really a thing of the past?
There are multiple types of blogs, and the kind of blog most people know is dead. But it does not mean blogging is completely gone. Personal blogging and the strong communities of bloggers used to exist, but they’re gradually dying.
A personal blog with journal-like entries about the author’s opinions, struggles, and experiences. A more influencer-like personal blog could tackle the same thing but in a celebrity-like manner. They are popularly known as lifestyle bloggers who usually chronicle their travels, relationships, kids, etc.
In that sense, the second example of bloggers still exists. However, most lifestyle bloggers are starting to change their path to remain relevant and make their loyal readers stay. Most people today are less interested in browsing a blog full of “what I did today” content. In short, personal blogs are becoming less attractive.
So, what’s replacing them? Blogs full of inspiring and helpful content.
Think about this – every time you research a recipe, you are directed to some food blog. Looking for fashion inspiration or tutorials? You’ll land on a fashion blog. These blogs might be more prominent websites or publications, but basically, a small blog and a prominent publication are doing the same thing: content marketing.
How Did Blogging Evolve?
Going back to the early days of blogging helps you appreciate it more despite the proliferation of social media and other forms of content.
Let’s look at the brief timeline of blogging.
1993: Official start of blogging while web browsers are still new.
1994: Justin Hall, a journalist and entrepreneur, started his personal blog.
1997: The term weblog is coined.
1999: Blogger, LiveJournal, and Xanga blogging platform launched.
2003: Establishment of WordPress and TypePad
2003: Google buys Blogger and launches AdSense.
2005: Video blogging or vlogging started via YouTube.
2006: HuffPost and Buzzfeed combine blogging and news.
2007: Microblogging became popular.
2012: Medium was established as a free blogging site.
2023: There are approximately 600 million blogs worldwide.
The Rise of Content Marketing
The types of blogging popular nowadays are more on content marketing. The transformation clearly shows that personal blogging is focused on the writer or blogger. On the other hand, blogging for content marketing is focused on the reader.
Online writers of today always try to provide solutions to the challenges and problems of the readers. Famous bloggers are those who are:
- Creating problem-solving content
- And recommending products, either affiliate or their own products, that solve their audience’s problems.
Likewise, content marketing has expanded to other areas of the internet, such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, podcasts, etc. And while visual content is considered the future of content marketing, the written word still remains powerful.
Do People Still Read Blogs?
People still read blogs today and will certainly continue reading blogs for several years to come. Statistics show an overwhelming 77 percent of Internet users report regularly reading blog posts. But, despite a consistent increase in the number of people reading blogs, how we read them is pretty much changing. Typically, a site visitor only spends 37 seconds reading a blog post. It means that most people are unlikely to read an entire blog post from start to finish. Instead, they browse the articles to find the information they need.
It is true that people still read blogs in record numbers today. It’s never been more critical to create a tremendous scannable content experience for your readers—so they can quickly find the answers they’re seeking and move on with their busy lives. That said, a seasoned blogger, business owner, writer, and content marketer always has something to deliver.
The reasons why people read blogs have varied throughout the entire history of blogging. Ultimately, people read blogs because they seek solutions to their problems. A blog is one of the best formats to provide those kinds of solutions to people online—through written content, video, or audio.
A blog can accommodate any content format. Anyone can use it to educate, inform, advocate, sell a product or service, provide support, and many more. And for that reason, blogs are guaranteed to stay fo a very long time.
What Makes a Blog So Compelling in 2023?
People still read blogs today to:
- Find the answers to their questions
- Learn a new skill with the help of a comprehensive guide
- Watch a video tutorial that helps complete a specific task
- Follow along with the advice of an expert or influencer within a particular topic
- Gather advice in the blog’s comments section or on a forum
- Get relevant news, updates, or relevant information on local events
- Connect with other like-minded people and join an online community
- Decide whether or not they should purchase a particular product or service
If there’s something you can teach or explain to your existing audience, a blog is one of the most accessible venues. And since a blog is easy and affordable to set up, millions of people are entering the blogging industry.
Blogging Best Practices
Aside from writing a blog post that delivers value to your audience, you must consider the following best practices to stay on top of the blogging race.
- Design an easy-to-read blog post.
- Choose fonts wisely
- Organize your blog layout for easier access
- Use visually appealing images or graphics
- Consider page load time
- Include personal branding in your blog layout
- Make your design relatable to your readers
- Include compelling calls to action (CTAs)
- Encourage engagement with your audience
Conclusion
Let’s sum it up. Do people still read blogs? The answer is definitely yes. So, don’t ever hesitate to start now if you are planning to run a blog. You need to put more effort into ensuring helpful content. And for a user-friendly website design to make readers stick around, work with professional designers at Penji. We offer three simple pricing plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
