If you’ve read the introductory article on what a blog is, then the idea of different kinds of blogs will not be new to you. Blogs, just like other web sites, have their own special characteristics that may set them apart from one another. In this article, let us look at some of the common types of blogs that you will encounter, or that you can create.

Wikipedia provides a very useful list of types of blogs, depending on the content as well as the means by which the content is delivered. WordPress, perhaps the most popular blogging platform these days (which is what we are using, by the way), also provides its own list of different blog types. Another good list is from The World of Blogs. I have compiled their lists into one compact reference material for you.

The Personal Blog
This is perhaps the most common and broadest type of blog that you will encounter. A personal blog is what a lot of people think of when blogs are mentioned. It is the earliest form of blogs, and basically consists of anything and everything that the blogger may think of. Topics range from personal issues to milestones to music to politics to love life – practically anything! This kind of blog gives the blogger the most freedom with regard to the content and design of his blog.

The Business or Corporate Blog
Obviously, this kind of blog is created and maintained for a purpose other than to write down one’s thoughts. The business or corporate blog is used by an individual or a company to make their presence felt online. Blogs of this type may be used privately – for internal communication – or as a tool to market the business or the professional.

The Non-profit Blog
Technically, this kind of blog may fall under the corporate blog, as the aim is for non-profit organizations to extend their reach. However, one big difference is that this kind of blog focuses more on the awareness part and not the profit part, although of course, raising funds is part of it.

The Topical Blog
Also a blog categorized based on genre. This type of blog has a very specific focus with regard to the topic. It is easy to see that there can be as many kinds of topical blogs as there are topics in this world. Some of the most popular topics used for these blogs are travel, music, art, cooking, health, parenting, entertainment, real estate, and sports.

The School and Research Blog
The sources I mentioned above make special mention of school and research blogs. These blogs are used for academic purposes and related activities. Updated information about the educational institution may be presented in the blog. Alternatively, students may interact with each other with regard to their academics. Professor-student interaction is also an option.

These are only some of the common kinds of blogs in existence. It’s a good place to start, but don’t think for one moment that all blogs can be labeled based on this list. Who knows, you may even be able to create a category of your own? Whatever type of blog you choose make sure you select the right hosting provider as blog hosting is also one important factor to take into account while making a blog.

The Eatonweb blog directory is one of the oldest directories on the web and another place where your blog needs to be listed!

Originally posted on November 11, 2009 @ 4:03 am