IMHO this is the long (yet smart and most profitable) way to success.<\/p>
However, the question you might have (especially if you\u2019re feeling guilty because you\u2019re doing none of these today), is where should I start? Should I be blogging, podcasting or shooting videos? As you know it\u2019s impossible to do everything (and if you\u2019re not doing anything, you know you\u2019re already behind the curve).<\/p>
You may also wonder what are the advantages and disadvantages of these digital content creation platforms and which one will fit you (and\/or your team) the best and bring lots of leads?<\/p>
And this is exactly what this article will focus on. I\u2019ll take you \u2018behind the scenes\u2019 to look at the advantages and disadvantages of these 3 options and I\u2019ll also give you my opinion on which one I\u2019d start with today (note: my choice given my background as a blogger may surprise you). You see I\u2019ve gotten a head-start on this journey since I\u2019ve been blogging for 10 years with 4 blogs which reach over 130,000 visitors per month today. I\u2019ve also worked with my team on 61 videos over the last 7 years and been an interviewee on podcasts lead by some top industry leaders today. I\u2019ve been around the \u2018content creation block\u2019 \u2013 but there\u2019s still so much to learn and share.<\/p>
In this article, I\u2019ll also give you the opinion of 3 digital marketing leaders (including Rich Brooks from flyte new media<\/a>, Spencer Powell from Builder Funnel<\/a> and Zach Williams from Venveo<\/a>) on what they would recommend as well.<\/p> So, let\u2019s first dig into the advantages and disadvantages of blogging, podcasting and video creation (AKA vlogging).<\/p> So, I\u2019m one of these crazy people whose been blogging for a long time. And 10 years, 693 blog posts and 4 active blogs later I\u2019m still cranking out the words. But you may wonder why I put myself through the disciplined craziness. Don\u2019t I also have a \u2018day job\u2019 (called running a remodeling and nationwide shower wall panel distribution<\/a>) and \u2018real work\u2019 to do? When you look at these advantages of blogging, you\u2019ll see why I (for one) continue to write and put in the effort to get the results which come from blogging. You need ZERO special equipment. No cameras (like videos). No mics (like podcasting). No special editing software (like videos and podcasting). I like cheap (\u2018er, I mean cost-effective). To blog, you don\u2019t need to be in front of a camera (like videos) or feel awkward when you fumble your words (like podcasting). And you don\u2019t have to find someone to interview or won\u2019t have to deal with someone who isn\u2019t afraid they\u2019ll \u2018wet their pants\u2019 if they participate in your video. \u00a0<\/p> With podcasting and videos, it\u2019s hard to find where the best part of the episode is for you. With a blog you can skim subheadings and\/or look for the pretty pictures (if the blogger is smart enough to add them) to guide you to parts of the article which matter most for you. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> While there are a ton of blogs out there (500 million plus or minus a few), everything you write is indexed in Google and if you play your cards right, your images can also be indexed and found easily for local searches (if you know how to do \u2018Alt image\u2019 tags to get a little geeky on you). \u00a0 Ask most people in construction and they\u2019ll tell you how much they HATED their high school English teacher. Many people in construction got into the field because they\u2019re \u2018good with their hands\u2019 \u2013 but not with a pen in them. This is an opportunity because if you\u2019re willing to write you\u2019ll stand out because the rest of the industry hates writing.<\/p> OK \u2013 and now for the \u2018bad news\u2019 and disadvantages of blogging for your remodeling or building biz.<\/p> The advantage mentioned above is also the #1 reason not to blog. If you need to write and you hate to write, the probability you\u2019ll do it is NEAR ZERO! While you could hire a writer (easier said than done) you may be better with podcasting or videos. I\u2019ve been writing for 10 years and its STILL time consuming. And the days of the \u2018mini-blog-posts\u2019 of 300 words ranking on Google are looooong goooone! Today you\u2019ll need posts from 1,500 to 2,00 words to get the best results. You won\u2019t \u2018whip those out\u2019 in an hour, unless you\u2019re much smarter than me (Ok \u2013 that may not be hard!). \u00a0<\/p> With our gnat-like attention spans you\u2019ll tune out of reading boring articles faster than you can say Is-The-Coronavirus-Over-Yet? So, the challenge with writing is to make sure what you say is not only informative, but authentic (to build a connection with you) and dare I say fun and interesting, so readers don\u2019t click off your article quickly.<\/p> It’s harder to create this personal connection than when people see you (in videos) or can hear you (in podcasts). \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> With 500+ millions of blogs there\u2019s lots of content out there. To succeed you\u2019ve got to provide value. The article must be \u2018technically written\u2019 to be found in search (\u2018er it uses smart search engine optimization strategies). It must be effectively promoted to be found in social media.<\/p> OK \u2013 so now that we\u2019re done with blogging, lets focus our \u2018content microscope\u2019 on podcasting.<\/p> Although I\u2019ve never hosted my own podcast, I have had the pleasure of being a guest on 3 excellent ones in the building and remodeling biz (including Smarter Building Materials Marketing<\/a>, Builder Funnel Radio<\/a>, and PowerTips Unscripted<\/a>). I see the advantages of running my own podcast when I evolve (in my old age\u2026 which some might say is NOW \u2013 ha! Ha!) into consulting down the road.<\/p> So, let\u2019s peek at the advantages of podcasting. Since a podcast interview is only a mere phone call away, you can connect with industry super stars (or potential customers you\u2019d love to meet) without eating up a lot of their time or physically meeting up with them (like in a video). Plus, you\u2019ll give your guests the ability to \u2018meet\u2019 your audience. With well thought out questions you can learn the great things they do, problems they solve and add value to your listeners. Your guests might also become future customers or a key contact without cold-calling or prospecting. It\u2019s easier to let your true personality bubble up (and pop out) in an interview than it is through writing (\u2018er blogging).<\/p> While all 3 content types in this post take discipline and commitment, podcasting can be the most-time efficient of the bunch. You can also transcribe the podcast into a blog and voila, you have more searchable content. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> I\u2019m a crazy one hour a day runner. I\u2019m also a licensed driver in all 50 states (impressive huh?). And I can\u2019t tell you how many podcasts I\u2019ve listened to while running and driving. It\u2019s the safest way to learn things while multi-tasking. Some people even like to listen to podcast while doing the laundry or vacuuming their rugs. Sounds fun, doesn\u2019t it? I mean the learning, not the laundry or house chores. And now we\u2019ll look at the disadvantages of podcasting.<\/p> With videos you can (literally) show and tell (takes you back to Kindergarten doesn\u2019t it?). With blogging you can display pretty pictures (with search-friendly descriptions) to drive traffic to a web page. Since people often take the plunge to remodel or build a new home because they have a vision (another word for a picture) of a better space. Podcasting isn\u2019t as smart a medium because it can\u2019t show a new home or remodeled bathroom.<\/p> The right recording equipment, mic and editing software are a must for podcasting. Although this isn\u2019t an insurmountable challenge, it does take time to figure out the tech.<\/p> \u2018Text-based\u2019 blogs are completely searchable. Well written descriptions of videos can help to drive traffic through platforms like YouTube (the #2 search engine after Google). Podcasts are tough to find in search.<\/p> Have you ever heard someone\u2019s voice which drives you NUTS? Or can you remember your High School History teacher who droned on and on? Since podcasts are conversations, they need to be well thought out and not ramble on and on with \u2018commercial interruptions\u2019 every 5 minutes (so \u2013 you\u2019ve heard these podcasts also!). The voices and conciseness of you and your guests will either attract or repel listeners. \u00a0<\/p> Unlike videos and blogging there is no \u2018comment box\u2019 for back and forth learning (or debating) with a podcast.<\/p> OK, so now that we\u2019re done looking at podcasts let\u2019s look at the advantages and disadvantages of videos for your remodeling or building business.<\/p> Although our business has sporadically worked with video production companies and free lance videographers to create videos, it hasn\u2019t been until 2020 when we\u2019ve laid down the gauntlet (hey \u2013 does anyone actually own a gauntlet?) and declared 2020 to be the \u2018Year of the Video\u2019 for us. While blogging and podcasting has their upsides, there are some \u2018super-cool\u2019 (I\u2019m trying to sound \u2018with it\u2019 \u2013 is it working?) advantages for remodeling and building businesses to consider with video. Let\u2019s look.<\/p> There\u2019s nothing like going into your favorite pizza shop and watching them kneed the dough or \u2018spin the pie\u2019 before putting it into a coal-fired oven (I can see Natalie\u2019s Coal-Fired Pizza calling me RIGHT NOW!). <\/em><\/p> And with remodeling or new home construction, there\u2019s perhaps no better way to educate and \u2018show off\u2019 than to \u2018show off\u2019 through video the process. Seeing the holes drilled, watching the shower wall panel<\/a> be installed is fascinating \u2013 no matter if the viewer is a DIY\u2019er or not. \u00a0<\/strong>People can see how your system works and the care you take to build it. They can see (and hear) the skills, knowledge and professionalism of your team. In this age of \u2018digitization,\u2019 it\u2019s still person to person connections which \u2018seal the deal.\u2019 In videos people can see you. They can connect with you. They can get to know you, your mannerisms and your personality even if you\u2019ve never met.<\/p> This is powerful. You can build trust and a sense of connection without ever meeting face to face.<\/p> YouTube is the #2 search engine after Google. Cisco has predicted 82% of search traffic by 2021 will be video. Video watch time in skyrocketing. There are more \u2018new eyeballs\u2019 glued to watching videos to learn and be entertained. The growth is there for those adventuresome enough to take advantage of it.<\/p> Because creating videos involves more technical skills (and ability to get in front a camera \u2013 more about this later), it\u2019s more difficult to do. However, the side-benefit is it\u2019s less competitive than blogging.<\/p> So, with these advantages comes the flipside and the disadvantages of video. They are as follows. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> Getting in front of the camera is downright scary. Even though most people prefer authentic (it\u2019s OK to have that black thing inside your tooth) to a \u2018perfect-people\u2019 video (looking like the poofed-up Anchorman\/Anchorwoman), it\u2019s still tough to speak in front of a camera. It\u2019s the #1 barrier stopping videos from being made. Although video is far easier to shoot with an iPhone today (and the quality is nice also), the editing and uploading process are still scary. You may be asking, \u201cWhat should I buy? Who is going to teach me editing skills? Where will I find time to learn how to develop a video plan, film it, edit it and effectively distribute it?\u201d<\/p> While it is possible (and important) to create descriptions of your videos to be found on YouTube (which are searchable)\u2013 even these abbreviated descriptions don\u2019t share all the content (and words) of what you\u2019ve filmed. Blogging is wonderful for its ability (through text) to index every word and provide search opportunities on the Internet.<\/p> OK \u2013 maybe you (like me) weren\u2019t the \u2018sought-after\u2019 hot guy or gal everyone was dying to hang around in high school. You weren\u2019t the captain of the football team (although I, for one, am now working to make my \u2018one-pack\u2019 abs into a 1 \u00bd pack) or cheer squad and feel you have a \u2018face for radio\u2019 than the \u2018big screen.\u2019 Videos can (and do) make us all self-conscious (and no \u2013 my gut ISN\u2019T AS BIG AS IT APPEARS ON THE VIDEO BELOW!).<\/p> Well \u2013 after sifting through the advantages and disadvantages of these 3 platforms are you still struggling to know where to start? If so, read on.<\/p> Here\u2019s the \u2018Moment of Truth\u2019 I promised to address in the beginning of the article. If you must pick one platform between blogging, podcasting or videos for your remodeling business\u2026what should you choose? In the section below, you\u2019ll get the opinion of 3 top digital marketing experts who work with remodeling and building material company\u2019s around the country (and you\u2019ll also get my 2 cents worth on the best platform).<\/p> So, now that you\u2019re armed with the advantages and disadvantages of blogging, podcasting and videos let\u2019s see what the experts (and you\u2019ll get my opinion \u2013 like it or not) say is THE platform you should start with for the best success today.<\/p> Now this approach takes more time and resources, so if they are concerned about bandwidth, I would say do whatever has the least amount\u00a0of resistance. Do whatever is easiest. Having something is better than nothing.<\/p> The most important question is, “what platform is my ideal customer likely to go for answers?” Do they want to read a blog post? Listen to a podcast? Watch a video?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> Videos are great for how-to’s and demonstrable products. However, not everyone likes watching videos. They may want to cut to the chase. Of course, you can create a video, slap it up on a blog, and write a post around it.<\/p> Blog posts are great\u00a0for Google SEO. You can still do video, but you have printing press where you can show photos, charts, interactive tools not available on YouTube, and more. Plus, now they’re at your website and only a click away from a contact form.<\/p> Podcasts are great for thought leaders, but I don’t think the customer journey for a remodel is going through a podcast. It’s not visual, it’s not as easy to access, and it’s more of a time investment.<\/p> The second most important question is, “where do I feel comfortable creating content?” If you can’t write, you probably shouldn’t blog, unless you want to hire a copywriter.\u00a0<\/p> If you don’t like being in front of the camera, videos may not be for you. (Of course, you can always hire an attractive person to stand in for you!)<\/p> Yes, I love to blog and have been doing it for what seems like \u2018eons\u2019 (or 10 years with more gray hairs later). However, if I were asked to advise a remodeler or home builder to choose only one platform I\u2019d go with videos.<\/strong> Here\u2019s why:<\/p> <\/p> So, after reading the advantages and disadvantages and getting the opinions of 4 people on the best platform for a remodeler or builder to use to get started with your own content creation, which one do you feel is best?<\/p> Write your opinion in the comments below and\/or call one of the 3 expert digital marketing companies below to get started if you don\u2019t want to go it alone.<\/p> ###<\/p> To \u2018talk shop\u2019 about digital marketing, blogging or bathroom remodeling products or become a shower wall panel dealer<\/a> with labor-saving tub and bathroom wall panels<\/a> (hey- I\u2019ve got to plug my business sometime \u2013 after all my kids\u2019 education bills need to be paid!) call 888-467-7488 and ask for Mike (or that wacky dude who writes those articles). I look forward to getting to know you and helping our businesses grow. \u00a0<\/p> To get expert digital marketing advice contact these digital marketing superstars:<\/p>The advantages and disadvantages of blogging for content creation <\/strong><\/h2>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/digital-marketing-ebook.png\")
<\/a><\/p>Advantage #1 of blogging\u2013 It\u2019s cheap to do. <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"blogging](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blogging-blogging-for-a-remodeling-business.jpg\")
<\/p>Advantage #2 of blogging \u2013 It\u2019s great for introverts <\/strong><\/h3>
Advantage #3 of blogging \u2013 People can skim the content <\/strong><\/h3>
Advantage #4 of blogging \u2013 Google eats this stuff up <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"blogging](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blogging-good-for-google-search-seo.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>Advantage #5 of blogging \u2013 People in the construction field generally hate to write so you\u2019ll stand out <\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #1 of blogging \u2013 You HATE to write <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"blogging](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blogging-frustrated-writing.jpg\")
<\/p>Disadvantage #2 of blogging \u2013 It takes a long time <\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #3 of blogging \u2013 It\u2019s harder to express the real \u2018you\u2019 in your writing <\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #4 of blogging \u2013 There\u2019s lot of competition <\/strong><\/h3>
The advantages and disadvantages of podcasting for content creation <\/strong><\/h2>
<\/a><\/p>Advantage #1 of podcasting\u2013 You can \u2018meet\u2019 (and learn from) amazing people. <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"podcasting](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/podcasting-for-remodeling.jpg\")
<\/p>Advantage #2 of podcasting\u2013 Your personality can shine <\/strong><\/h3>
Advantage #3 of podcasting\u2013 It\u2019s a quick way to develop content and can be turned into a blog<\/strong><\/h3>
Advantage #4 of podcasting\u2013 It can be \u2018consumed\u2019 (literally) while on the run<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"podcasting](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/podcasting-can-be-used-literally-on-the-run.jpg\")
<\/p>Disadvantage #1 of podcasting\u2013 It\u2019s not visual <\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #2 of podcasting\u2013 You need editing software and equipment <\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #3 of podcasting\u2013 It has limited value to create leads through search <\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #4 of podcasting\u2013 Consistent results are dependent on the voices, excitement and conciseness of you and your guests <\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #5 of podcasting\u2013 No interactivity <\/strong><\/h3>
The advantages and disadvantages of videos (or vlogging) for content creation
<\/strong><\/h2><\/a>
Advantage #1 of videos\u2013 Everyone loves the whir of power tools and going \u2018behind the scenes\u2019 <\/strong><\/h3>
<\/a>![\"videos](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/videos-behind-the-scenes-showing-how-to-install-wall-panel.png\")
<\/a><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/FREE-SAMPLE-LAMINATED.png\")
<\/a>
Advantage #2 of videos\u2013 People can \u2018vibe with\u2019 you, your team, your vendors and your customers <\/strong><\/h3>Advantage #3 of videos\u2013 Reach a whole new set of \u2018eyeballs\u2019 \u2013 literally <\/strong><\/h3>
Advantage #4 of videos\u2013 It\u2019s a less competitive than blogging<\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #1 of videos\u2013 Making them may cause you to wet your pants! <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"videos](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/videos-being-scared-to-be-on-camera.jpg\")
<\/p>Disadvantage #2 of videos\u2013 Equipment and editing expertise <\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #3 of videos\u2013 Google can\u2019t \u2018read\u2019 the words in your videos<\/strong><\/h3>
Disadvantage #4 of videos\u2013 You feel you\u2019ve got a \u2018face for radio\u2019 <\/strong><\/h3>
Expert advice on whether you should start a blog, a podcast or create videos for your remodeling or home building business <\/strong><\/h2>
Spencer Powell from Builder Funnel<\/a> <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Expert](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Expert-1-Spencer-Powell-Builder-Funnel.png\")
<\/a>
I’d recommend video if they could only choose one of these<\/strong>.\u00a0 You can create video content and then distribute it everywhere (YouTube, your website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google My Business).\u00a0 Plus, you can use video in the sales process.\u00a0 And if you’re doing video, it’s simple to summarize the video or do a transcript and convert it into a blog.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>Video is supposed to be something like 82% of internet usage by the end of 2020, so it’s definitely a growing medium and it allows you to connect with your audience before you ever meet in person.Zach Williams from Venveo<\/a> <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Expert](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Expert-2-Zach-Williams-Smarter-Building-Materials-Marketing-Podcast.jpg\")
<\/a>
If they could choose one platform, I would choose podcasting because you’re able to create audio, video, and written content from one recording session<\/strong>. You can create audio content from recording. You can also video record yourself as well as your guest and turn it into micro social content and\/or longform video content. You can also get the audio recording transcribed into a written form<\/strong> as well. We do this with our podcast, and it tends to work well.<\/p>Rich Brooks from flyte new media <\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Expert](\"https:\/\/innovatebuildingsolutions.com\/dealers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Expert-3-Rich-Brooks-Take-Flyte-Media.jpg\")
<\/a>
I don’t believe there’s a one size fits all when it comes to choosing a platform.<\/strong><\/p>Now for my 2 Cents on the one platform to choose if you\u2019re just starting now<\/strong><\/h3>
Conclusion <\/strong><\/h2>