Recently, many use Instagram (IG) as a platform to post and review products. It's straightforward, concise, and the photos are carefully thought of. It's also pretty convenient because it's right there in the palm of your hands! You don't need to power ON your computer and post your review. You just need a smartphone and the Instagram app. I can't help but think of wanting to jump in the bandwagon.
I ask myself, "Should I just abandon my blog and move to Instagram if I want to review the products that I've tried?".
There's already a lot of comparisons made between blogging vs. Instagram if you search the Internet. I found this table from an article that gave out the strengths and weaknesses of blogging and Instagram.
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| Source: Blog or Instagram? By: Josiah Go http://business.inquirer.net/237283/blog-or-instagram |
Nathalia of The Key Item also listed some blogging pros that IG cannot really suffice:
• Content that lingers
• Costs more
• Easy Access
• Share direct link on multiple platforms
• More extensive and explanatory
Source: https://www.thekeyitem.com/en/2016/09/blogging-vs-instagram-more-value/
Kyle Chayka of the nymag.com pointed out IG strengths, which I basically agree.
...The app’s simplicity and ease of use makes it perfect for people who are looking to communicate with little friction with a small, direct audience. Best of all, Instagram still feels “private,” even when it’s not: It’s rare to encounter strangers or trolls; old classmates and distant relatives are unlikely to follow you and even less likely to leave comments.
Source: http://nymag.com/selectall/2015/11/why-instagram-captions-are-the-new-blogging.html
I love writing. In fact, my job is a technical writer. I like to share my thoughts in words. I like the exuded freedom of creativity conveyed in words. I like how words can be manipulated to use in different platforms, whether it's for marketing, news, business or for knowledge management. I think that's why I like to blog from time to time. I enjoy writing about the other side of me, who likes makeup and skin care.
I like IG compared to Facebook (FB). Like what I quoted, you get a sense of privacy in a very public realm. You post pictures and share only to your followers or publicly if you choose. It's also a nice app to post what you specifically like and get comments only for the the photo concerned. It's also a convenient tool to see products with straightforward reviews, ofcourse if searched with specified keywords or hashtags.
I guess answered my question back there. XD
I will continue to blog, though I don't write post regularly. I don't really blog for profit, which I don't really mind. It's a break for me from tech writing and somewhat a good practice of my job. I get to use the blog to know more about SEO. XD I use IG to somehow help promote my blog and I agree that it is a good marketing tool.
If you have been visiting my blog, you'll see a list of my favorite bloggers I've been following on the side. Let me list some of my favorite IG reviewers here:
• @porepatrol
• @milkyunigirl
• @paofection - This is my friend from work.
So, which do you prefer, blogging or Instagram?