I was discussing blogging with a couple of marketers the other day and the inevitable “aren’t blogs online diaries” comment surfaced. While I patiently explained the different types of blogs to those guys I realised many of us probably have some sort of cross-over between types and rarely consider what our dominant blogging style is. Then I thought, I could have a poll!
Before you answer the poll, here are the types of blogger from my point of view, feel free to disagree in the comments 
- Authority Blogger – Of course I am going to put this one first! Authority Bloggers blog to build a profile, credibility, loyalty, demonstrate and share expertise.
- Relationship Blogger - They blog to make contacts and community. Probably the best known Relationship Blogger is Liz. Although I would also say she is an Authority Blogger too
- Pro Blogger – Darren is THE Pro Blogger. Pro Bloggers blog for direct income, such as Adsense or working for a blog network.
- Diarist / Journal – Possibly the most famous type of blogger, diarists use blogs as an online diary and just want to share their thoughts and life events.
- Fan/Hobby - Hobby bloggers write about their fascinations, get a kick out of sharing with like-minded people and they need no more reward.
- Random – This would explain my personal blog, random bloggers just post cool stuff they find or whatever random thoughts are on their minds at that point. They don’t post for any conscious reason, just because they can.
- Business / Corporate – You blog for your company, either posting news, for public relations or to generate leads.
- Citizen Journalist – While I am not a fan of this label, it is what most people use (in my mind you are a journalist or not, the citizen tag is not necessary). You scoop the news and write about it.
Have I missed any?
What type of blogger are you?
Chris Garrett is here to help you and your business attract an engaged audience of people who grow to know, like and trust you.
What I like about blooging is that one can combine some of the categories mentioned above. I am relationship building (rezident) journalist.
You forgot ranting blogs
What I like about blooging is that one can combine some of the categories mentioned above. I am relationship building (rezident) journalist.
You forgot ranting blogs
I selected Authority Blogger though I think *aspiring* Authority Blogger might be a more appropriate title.
In other words, I might think I’m an authority but Technorati says otherwise
.
I selected Authority Blogger though I think *aspiring* Authority Blogger might be a more appropriate title.
In other words, I might think I’m an authority but Technorati says otherwise
.
Can we roll the first three categories into one? I think perhaps I’m a little of each. Or maybe we need a category called “Authority Blogger Wannabee”…
Can we roll the first three categories into one? I think perhaps I’m a little of each. Or maybe we need a category called “Authority Blogger Wannabee”…
I’m aiming to be somewhere between an Authority Blogger and Relationship Blogger. I think that mix makes a well rounded blogger and can lead to being a Pro Blogger.
I’m aiming to be somewhere between an Authority Blogger and Relationship Blogger. I think that mix makes a well rounded blogger and can lead to being a Pro Blogger.
@dandellion, @Skellie, @Jen, @Erik
I think if I didn’t earn money at it I would probably be a relationship blogger but relationship building and networking is a large part of building authority
@dandellion, @Skellie, @Jen, @Erik
I think if I didn’t earn money at it I would probably be a relationship blogger but relationship building and networking is a large part of building authority
I’d like to think that I’m a campaign blogger, though it isn’t on your list, LOL.
I’d like to think that I’m a campaign blogger, though it isn’t on your list, LOL.
Ah, got it nailed down now — a relationship blogger who aspires to be an authority blogger, but does the monetization /pro blogger thing to justify (to self and business partner) the time invested in blogging. And browsing the Authority Blogger Forum, it seems like this might be quite a well-populated club!
Ah, got it nailed down now — a relationship blogger who aspires to be an authority blogger, but does the monetization /pro blogger thing to justify (to self and business partner) the time invested in blogging. And browsing the Authority Blogger Forum, it seems like this might be quite a well-populated club!
@pelf – That’s an interesting one, Cause or Campaign Blogger, I bet there are a bunch of people in that category …
@Jen – I guess there are some people who just can’t easily be pigeonholed
@pelf – That’s an interesting one, Cause or Campaign Blogger, I bet there are a bunch of people in that category …
@Jen – I guess there are some people who just can’t easily be pigeonholed
I think I’m a little bit of all of those depending on the moment. That’s what’s so great about blogging, it suits all needs!
I think I’m a little bit of all of those depending on the moment. That’s what’s so great about blogging, it suits all needs!
All i wanna be is the guy whose personal diary people wanna read for fun, connecting, and authority.
All i wanna be is the guy whose personal diary people wanna read for fun, connecting, and authority.
I would have to say that I am a random blogger. I only write about stuff that pops in my head. It’s attractive for little traffic but since there is not focus its a look and go. I enjoy writing my random thoughts on my blog.
I would have to say that I am a random blogger. I only write about stuff that pops in my head. It’s attractive for little traffic but since there is not focus its a look and go. I enjoy writing my random thoughts on my blog.
I voted for “authority blogger,” as I think that’s what I’m aiming for with my latest blog (and, to an extent, what another one of my blogs was for a while), but I’m also a diarist/randomist, a journalist (on occasion), and a corporate blogger.
I guess that’s what happens when you publish 4 different blogs, each with a different focus.
I voted for “authority blogger,” as I think that’s what I’m aiming for with my latest blog (and, to an extent, what another one of my blogs was for a while), but I’m also a diarist/randomist, a journalist (on occasion), and a corporate blogger.
I guess that’s what happens when you publish 4 different blogs, each with a different focus.
I have blogged for all of the above except corporate blogging. The funny thing is that I will be doing a combination of corporate blogging and authority blogging when I release a product. In other words…
all of the above is my answer.
I went ahead and voted for problogger, since I probably have spent the most time wearing that hat.
Very interesting poll results so far… I would have expected more probloggers to be reading your blog.
I have blogged for all of the above except corporate blogging. The funny thing is that I will be doing a combination of corporate blogging and authority blogging when I release a product. In other words…
all of the above is my answer.
I went ahead and voted for problogger, since I probably have spent the most time wearing that hat.
Very interesting poll results so far… I would have expected more probloggers to be reading your blog.
Random blogger myself. Thinking about starting a hobby blog when I start getting into cooking though (about food of course!)
Random blogger myself. Thinking about starting a hobby blog when I start getting into cooking though (about food of course!)
@Hsien – Yeah I think I have been most of them at one point too
@schizo – Sounds doable
@Shortshire – Blogging can be an end in itself, my personal blog is also like that
@Adam – Yup that sounds about right
@George – I tend to post pro blogging stuff over at problogger and only a few people follow me back here so I guess that could explain it
@Mike – One tip for food blogs, good photography is super important!
@Hsien – Yeah I think I have been most of them at one point too
@schizo – Sounds doable
@Shortshire – Blogging can be an end in itself, my personal blog is also like that
@Adam – Yup that sounds about right
@George – I tend to post pro blogging stuff over at problogger and only a few people follow me back here so I guess that could explain it
@Mike – One tip for food blogs, good photography is super important!
I am a mixture of most of those. While I would love to have authority, I don’t think I have enough self esteem to really become one. Let alone admit it if I did!
My personal blog though is more like a journal, and random, I used to do paid posts on it, but as I gained experience blogging I don’t nickel and dime it anymore. I have been doing alot of product reviews though, I even got a free purse in the mail today!
I am a mixture of most of those. While I would love to have authority, I don’t think I have enough self esteem to really become one. Let alone admit it if I did!
My personal blog though is more like a journal, and random, I used to do paid posts on it, but as I gained experience blogging I don’t nickel and dime it anymore. I have been doing alot of product reviews though, I even got a free purse in the mail today!
I voted for “authority blog” because I’m aiming for authority status. How far along the route I am is a real good question though.
I voted for “authority blog” because I’m aiming for authority status. How far along the route I am is a real good question though.
I would say I am a mix too. Its a mix between random and journal blogging. I am still young in my blogging age to do authority blogging, though I would like to build up more knowledge to supply to a niche group.
I would say I am a mix too. Its a mix between random and journal blogging. I am still young in my blogging age to do authority blogging, though I would like to build up more knowledge to supply to a niche group.
I am a random blogger posting random stuff and do not care about income.
Its fun and easier because I dont have to come up with content for a specific topic to keep my specific blog going.
BUT it would not be a journal, I like to think of my blog as a portfolio showing my experience and knowledge
I am a random blogger posting random stuff and do not care about income.
Its fun and easier because I dont have to come up with content for a specific topic to keep my specific blog going.
BUT it would not be a journal, I like to think of my blog as a portfolio showing my experience and knowledge
Chris,
I consider myself an authority blogger though I write about entrepreneurship, leadership and business.
What do you say?
Rajesh Shakya
Helping technopreneurs to excel and lead their life!
Chris,
I consider myself an authority blogger though I write about entrepreneurship, leadership and business.
What do you say?
Rajesh Shakya
Helping technopreneurs to excel and lead their life!
I’m definitely a combination of a few. I have several blogs in the “authority blogger” category, at least one in the “pro blogger” category making a nice income, a more personal blog, etc. I imagine a lot of bloggers cross the borders regularly.
I’m definitely a combination of a few. I have several blogs in the “authority blogger” category, at least one in the “pro blogger” category making a nice income, a more personal blog, etc. I imagine a lot of bloggers cross the borders regularly.
I am most definitely a fan blogger, but in rising to the top of the field of blogs in my specific fandom (Stephen Colbert and “The Colbert Report”), I am considered somewhat of an authority on the subject.
Or at least the go-to destination to find out the latest news and stories about Colbert. It helps to have multiple contributors to the blog – it keeps it VERY current when you have 5 people constantly searching the Internet.
Plus, with the “authority” I have gained, people often send me stories before posting on message boards or the official site, and I’ve even broken a few stories and conducted exclusive interviews. I get probably 30-40% of my content that I post from leads by fans of the blog.
I am most definitely a fan blogger, but in rising to the top of the field of blogs in my specific fandom (Stephen Colbert and “The Colbert Report”), I am considered somewhat of an authority on the subject.
Or at least the go-to destination to find out the latest news and stories about Colbert. It helps to have multiple contributors to the blog – it keeps it VERY current when you have 5 people constantly searching the Internet.
Plus, with the “authority” I have gained, people often send me stories before posting on message boards or the official site, and I’ve even broken a few stories and conducted exclusive interviews. I get probably 30-40% of my content that I post from leads by fans of the blog.
I want to establish myself as an authority blogger, but I think I’m also a relationship blogger and a business blogger. I do want to generate freelance work with my blog (which is why I link to my portfolio) but I don’t know that I would put that as number 1. Dawud is definitely a true combo authority-relationship-business author.
I want to establish myself as an authority blogger, but I think I’m also a relationship blogger and a business blogger. I do want to generate freelance work with my blog (which is why I link to my portfolio) but I don’t know that I would put that as number 1. Dawud is definitely a true combo authority-relationship-business author.
I aim to become an authority blogger. Authority blogging and relationship bloggin re very closely related in my view.
I aim to become an authority blogger. Authority blogging and relationship bloggin re very closely related in my view.
I’m a hybrid business and relationship blogger. I think that the two have to coexist. Mostly, I blog for enhanced SEO but always write to an audience of potential referral partners.
I’m a hybrid business and relationship blogger. I think that the two have to coexist. Mostly, I blog for enhanced SEO but always write to an audience of potential referral partners.
I guess im aiming for somewhere between Authority and pro blogger.
But I also have a personal blog which is a bit like a Journal.
I guess im aiming for somewhere between Authority and pro blogger.
But I also have a personal blog which is a bit like a Journal.
Hey Chris.
Nice poll. Interesting results. I would have thought there were more relationship and probloggers floating around. Maybe more folks were like me where we fit into more than one category.
I’m an authority blogger who is utilizing my blog to build relationships that lead to mutual business. So I’m both an authority blogger and a relationship blogger.
Hey Chris.
Nice poll. Interesting results. I would have thought there were more relationship and probloggers floating around. Maybe more folks were like me where we fit into more than one category.
I’m an authority blogger who is utilizing my blog to build relationships that lead to mutual business. So I’m both an authority blogger and a relationship blogger.
@eve – Self esteem challenges are something I struggle with too but you know what? Once you start getting nice feedback your confidence will grow
@Gary – So long as you keep steering towards your goal you will get there
@blogmunch – You are never too young or old in blogging or life, just go for it
@GermWorks – Whatever works for you is ok with me
@Rajesh – I would say you are an authority blogger too
@Jenn – Yes I would say each category, and maybe some missing ones, are like dials that you can turn up or down
@DB – Getting scoops is a definite indicator that you have carved your authority, well done!
@LaurenMarie – Relationships are a huge part of authority and business, and I would agree with you about Dawud
@Galba – Agreed and I think you are well on your way to reaching that goal
@Brian – Yes I think any business person has to be very good on the relationship side to succeed long term
@Anthony – it’s funny, many personal blogs start out as random and end up as journals or the other way round. Mine started as a journal and now is just anything that comes to mind
@Dawud – I think perhaps my audience has skewed the results as I am particularly focused on certain themes. As I say above, relationships are a critical pillar to being an authority blogger. I think difference is relationship bloggers put relationships as the whole point rather than one pillar.
@eve – Self esteem challenges are something I struggle with too but you know what? Once you start getting nice feedback your confidence will grow
@Gary – So long as you keep steering towards your goal you will get there
@blogmunch – You are never too young or old in blogging or life, just go for it
@GermWorks – Whatever works for you is ok with me
@Rajesh – I would say you are an authority blogger too
@Jenn – Yes I would say each category, and maybe some missing ones, are like dials that you can turn up or down
@DB – Getting scoops is a definite indicator that you have carved your authority, well done!
@LaurenMarie – Relationships are a huge part of authority and business, and I would agree with you about Dawud
@Galba – Agreed and I think you are well on your way to reaching that goal
@Brian – Yes I think any business person has to be very good on the relationship side to succeed long term
@Anthony – it’s funny, many personal blogs start out as random and end up as journals or the other way round. Mine started as a journal and now is just anything that comes to mind
@Dawud – I think perhaps my audience has skewed the results as I am particularly focused on certain themes. As I say above, relationships are a critical pillar to being an authority blogger. I think difference is relationship bloggers put relationships as the whole point rather than one pillar.
I have blogs in several genres. I used to be a personal blogger for the most part, with some journalism. Now I’ve still got a very successful journalism/authority blog, and am working on other authority blogs and would like to be a pro-blogger but so far my income is only good for part-time. I love the term, ‘authority blogger’.
I have blogs in several genres. I used to be a personal blogger for the most part, with some journalism. Now I’ve still got a very successful journalism/authority blog, and am working on other authority blogs and would like to be a pro-blogger but so far my income is only good for part-time. I love the term, ‘authority blogger’.
When I call myself a blogger, I think of my main blog (I do have others too that would categorize me differently). So I voted for authority blogger, even though I don’t think I have much authority yet.
I’m trying to work on just improving myself, my writing, and my knowledge. I like learning more all the time, helping and interacting with other bloggers, and making some money on top of it all. I aspire to be a true authority blogger.
When I call myself a blogger, I think of my main blog (I do have others too that would categorize me differently). So I voted for authority blogger, even though I don’t think I have much authority yet.
I’m trying to work on just improving myself, my writing, and my knowledge. I like learning more all the time, helping and interacting with other bloggers, and making some money on top of it all. I aspire to be a true authority blogger.