FAQ 01: Should I Vlog or Blog About My Travels?
It all depends on how you want to spend your time.
Content creation looks like a fun gig—and it definitely can be. But, it takes time to create videos, publish articles and write newsletters. Consequently, when you're on the road, you need to figure out which one is more important to you:
Immersing yourself in the moment
Sharing the moment
While it is possible to do both, you invariably sacrifice the quality of both experiences when you attempt that. It's hard to just enjoy the moment when filming and taking photos. Similarly, you'll find you have very little footage to share if immersion is your priority.
Vlogging vs. Blogging
For some people, the question is less about whether they should post and more about the format they should use. Here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of each:
Vlogging
When most people think of vlogging, they think of YouTube. However, you can also micro-vlog by posting shorter videos on other platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Pros of Vlogging
You can create a more personal connection with your audience.
It can be more fun and spontaneous than blogging.
You generally reach a wider audience because people watch more than they read.
Videos do a much better job of capturing your experiences to look back on than blogs do.
If you plan to make a living from content creation, vlogging makes it easier to master the marketing mantra of showing instead of telling.
Vloggers often get paid more for brand partnerships than bloggers do.
Cons of Vlogging
It requires more time and effort.
You usually need to be comfortable on camera.
You do need technical skills.
If you change your mind or make a mistake, you might have to delete the post.
Sourcing music for vlogs can be costly and challenging.
Blogging
Like vlogging, blogging can also take many forms. Some people write long-form pieces totaling thousands of words. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some people only micro-blog with 280 words or less on social media.
Pros of Blogging
It's less time-consuming than vlogging, but most bloggers struggle with consistency.
Readers tend to be more engaged audiences than viewers.
Blogs are generally more SEO-friendly than videos, but this is rapidly changing.
If you change your mind or make a mistake, you can edit the post.
Cons of Blogging
It often requires more research to hammer out and support those words.
Blogging often feels a lot less personal for travel content.
Blogs can become a bit of a hassle to maintain.
Making a Choice
So, which is right for you? The best way to figure that out is to identify your real reason for posting and then determine how much time you're willing to spend on content creation. Just keep in mind that the more hours you spend vlogging, blogging, and posting on social media, the less time you get to spend in the great outdoors.
If you’re a paid subscriber, next week you’ll receive a second email about how to vlog, blog, and make a living from it. I also share tips on how to ensure content creation doesn’t intrude on your adventures.