Blog vs. Magazine?

Hi,

I have a niche blog, with 100+ articles for now. Adding all the time..
All good quality unique content.

I am starting to think maybe it would be a good idea, to change the layout from a plain grid layout to a more magazine type layout. Actually taking the steps to turn the blog into a real/serious online magazine..

What positives, and what negatives do you see for people thinking about making the change.

A few thoughts I have is things such as if the visitors will view the site as more professional, and be more accepting to click the affiliate links because of its a "Magazine".
I know that some people (small-minded assholes) prefer not to use affiliate links, on private blogs, but the same people have no issues clicking on the same link in an online magazine.

Also, I am thinking its easier to get shared online, as people are sharing a Magazine and not a private post.

Lastly, let's say a magazine is doing a product review, and you on your little blog is doing the same review. What will the result be? The reader will like and share the magazine's version because somehow its more trustworthy..

These are just thoughts, and I have zero clues if it's correct or not...

What's your thoughts?

Found this interesting article on the subject, I thought would add. HERE

Firstly, the article you posted was really interesting and had some good points... Thanks for sharing!

I've found myself in a similar position before. You say you've got plenty of content, if this is the case I would go for a magazine style layout.

I'll be honest, I'd feel as if I'd be less likely to encounter affiliate links if I landed on a site that was designed in a magazine style. This isn't a bad thing.

I think magazine style websites hold more authority in the sense that they do look more professional, especially as you see hundreds of the same websites using the same handful of tired old blog layouts, if I see a certain layout I automatically think cheap link farm. Maybe I'm looking at it too much from the perspective of someone that works on websites every day! However, go for magazine style!

Magazine style is more professional as you say,
and it aims to wider audience, so its logical to switch
to that format as your user/reader base grows. So
its more "public" format, while blogging is more like
"personal" thing.

However I suggest you to switch to magazine format,
but you can keep blog format as an additional layer and
more personal part of your site. That way you can make
some more individual insight for your most loyal users/readers.
And it can be good for you to post some more off toppic
posts that would reveal your personality for interested
readers.

So your landing page may be in magazine format, and
you can create one additional tab for your blog posts.
Its common thing to have platform style site with
magazine layout and blog section within it.

Good luck with your site.

As long as you don't change your URL structure and you change only the layout, it all boils down to what you prefer. In the end, the blog vs magazine layout will be different only on the first page. For the rest of the pages, the layout will almost stay the same.

I believe you’re intending to change your theme and it’s fine you can do it.

Chris.Roark said:

As long as you don't change your URL structure and you change only the layout, it all boils down to what you prefer. In the end, the blog vs magazine layout will be different only on the first page. For the rest of the pages, the layout will almost stay the same.

Click to expand...

Mr Positive said:

I believe you’re intending to change your theme and it’s fine you can do it.

Click to expand...

Thanks for both your replies.
I think your both missing the point slightly..
I know I can just change to another theme and call it a Magazine. That's not my intent.

If you have a real online magazine, you have other options, and your site is doing things in slightly different ways, when with a typical blog.

The whole point in this is to clarify if building a magazine (it's not about the layout/theme) is a better fit for a potential authority site and will a site like this rank more easy, as it will most likely have a perceived higher value in terms of page rank in Google eyes, as a magazine is an actual business, and not some random persona building a site..

khawk1 said:

The whole point in this is to clarify if building a magazine (it's not about the layout/theme) is a better fit for a potential authority site

Click to expand...

Yes it is.

Just look at the best ranking pages for your niche.

khawk1 said:

and will a site like this rank more easy, as it will most likely have a perceived higher value in terms of page rank in Google eyes, as a magazine is an actual business, and not some random persona building a site..

Click to expand...

Not the magazine "labe" will give your website more authority, but the links from other websites and the other ranking signals that google uses.

They never said they rank better a magazine or an ecom website or a blog.

I think I linked already this article in other threads, but it's so informative. Here's how dotdash creates/buy and runs online authority websites: https://www.fastcompany.com/90430104/how-dotdash-formerly-about-com-took-over-the-internet

Their strategy should be an inspiration for anybody looking to starting a website.

There is a thin difference between blogs and magazines. Google's point of view there won't any kind of extra benefit if you switching into magazines. If you have some kind of team setup, then you can think about it. Otherwise, IMO turning into magazines is not worth time.

If I Want Some backlinks So Can You Provide ME ?

Yes, You can use it has magazine. Make it as reputed and interactive one to boost your value. Give the best user experience to increase your potential customer. People tend to share quality article from reputed magazine, it will increase your site awareness.