The Definitive Guide to Microblogging (2021): Bite-Sized Content to Build Your Authority

In this post, you’ll learn everything there is to know about microblogging.

The topics we’ll cover include:

What is microblogging
Pros and cons of microblogging
How to build a microblog
Examples of popular microbloggers

Let’s begin.

1. What is Microblogging?
2. Pros and Cons of Microblogging
3. What are the Types of Microblogging?
4. What are Microblogging Sites and Platforms?
5. Examples of Microblogging
6. How to do Microblogging
7. What are the Most Important Elements of Microblogging?
8. What is the Difference Between Blogging and Microblogging?
9. How Much Does Microblogging Cost?
10. Why is Microblogging Becoming Poular?
11. Microblogging: Frequently Asked Questions
12. Final words

What is Microblogging?

Microblogging is a type of blogging that focuses on short posts and brief interactions with an audience. It is normally done via social networks and publishing platforms (websites that accept articles, like Tumblr and Medium).

Pros and Cons of Microblogging

There are several pros of microblogging:

Content creation takes less time
Get instant exposure to the social media community
Leverage social media interactions to build authority
Running a microblog takes little to no cost
Engage followers in real-time via mobile

Of course, microblogging isn’t just sunshine and rainbows.

With that being said, here are some of the cons of microblogging:

Limited branding options in microblogging platforms
It’s difficult to get organic traffic from search engines
Not a lot of flexibility in terms of content types
You ultimately need to build a website for certain monetization opportunities

Interested in starting your own microblog?

Before you get ahead of yourself, let’s talk about the different types of microblogging.

What are the Types of Microblogging?

There are four different types of microblogging you can choose from: tweeting, text-based, image-based, and micro-vlogging. Your choice depends on your preferred content format and target audience.

Now that you’re aware of the benefits and disadvantages of microblogging, it’s time to plan your strategy.

Here’s a closer look at the known types of microblogging:

1. Tweeting

If you like sending out short, bite-sized posts to your audience, microblogging via Twitter is the way to go.

This means you don’t need to spend tremendous amounts of time crafting your content. After all, tweets have a 280-character cap. Just remember that there are Twitter microbloggers who tweet longer posts by splitting their tweets into parts.

2. Text-based microblogging

Publishing extremely short posts is also acceptable in certain microblogging apps and websites.

The main difference is, you don’t have to follow Twitter’s 280-character limit.

In other words, you’re free to write longer posts every once in a while. As long as you’re providing your followers with a regular supply of bite-sized posts, you’re good.

3. Image-based microblogging

Microbloggers on Instagram, Pinterest, and similar platforms rely on images to engage and communicate with their audience.

Crafting microblogs for these websites usually require more work than tweets. This is especially true if you’re creating custom graphics or using photo editing tools to polish your content.

4. “Micro-vlogging”

“Micro-vlogging” is a form of vlogging (blogging through video content) that utilizes short – usually unedited – video posts.

This can be done on sites like TikTok and even image-sharing sites with video support like Instagram. Even Facebook and YouTube can be used for micro-vlogging, thanks to features like Facebook’s “My Day” and “YouTube Shorts.”

What are Microblogging Sites and Platforms?

Almost every social media network can be used for microblogging. However, some sites and platforms are simply better equipped for achieving microblogging goals.

Here are the top 11 microblogging sites on the web:

1. Twitter

Twitter is undoubtedly the biggest active microblogging platform. The idea is to share short, real-time updates – famously known as “tweets” – that are only up to 280 characters long.

As of Q2 2021, Twitter has 206 million average monetizable user accounts.

It’s perfect if you want to reach the most people as a microblogger.

2. LinkedIn

If your core audience consists of professionals and businesses, LinkedIn could be the ideal platform for your microblog.

LinkedIn’s main purpose is professional networking. It’s where users go and form connections with workmates, industry thought leaders, potential partners, and employers.

Microbloggers on LinkedIn can publish articles, quick status updates, photos, videos, and events. To learn more about LinkedIn’s traffic-generation capabilities, check out this post.

3. Tumblr

Tumblr calls itself a “place to express yourself.”

It’s essentially a microblogging community where you can post articles, photos, quotes, videos, and more – for the internet to see. The platform also allows you to make minor customizations on your profile, including background color, accent color, and header image.

4. Instagram

While primarily seen as an image-sharing site, Instagram is also an excellent microblogging platform with the right approach.

Instead of articles, you’ll share photos, videos, and animated GIFs. Of course, you can add captions and links to each post.

Just like Twitter, Instagram is considered one of the most popular social networks on the internet.

5. Plurk

Plurk is a microblogging site similar to Twitter in that it only allows you to post short messages.

These messages, referred to as “plurks,” can be up to 360 characters long.

Plurks may contain images and links along with color-coded “qualifiers,” which adds context to your message. For example, you can use the qualifier “shares” on a plurk posted by someone else.

6. Micro.blog

Want to focus solely on the writing aspects of blogging?

Micro.blog is a freemium microblogging website that allows you to publish posts and connect with other microbloggers.

If you opt for the paid version, starting at $5 per month, you can enable cross-posting between other platforms, like:

Medium
Tumblr
LinkedIn
Twitter

7. Medium

Medium is a publishing platform where absolutely anyone can post and share content, including microbloggers.

You don’t have to worry about a review and approval system when submitting to Medium. As soon as you publish your work, it’s instantly accessible to everyone on the site.

Medium posts can contain images, videos, and embedded content from other sites.

8. Ignite

Ignite implements an interesting approach to microblogging through “Binance Smart Chain.”

In simple terms, microblog posts will be openly distributed through a decentralized asset exchange system. This incorporates anonymity, freedom from censorship, and total security of data into the microblogging experience.

9. Pinterest

Apart from Instagram, Pinterest is another popular image-sharing network you can use to build your microblog.

One particular advantage of microblogging through Pinterest is the suite of tools you can use for follower growth. This includes built-in analytics, rich pins, and pin scheduling.

10. Facebook

Although Facebook has more users than Twitter, most microbloggers still prefer the latter. This is because most people on Facebook go to the site to socialize.

Still, Facebook is a great microblogging platform because it supports various content formats – from images to short video clips.

11. TikTok

TikTok is a video-sharing app and social network that only allows users to upload videos up to three minutes long.

The majority of content on TikTok are viral videos aimed at a younger crowd. However, that didn’t stop brands and microbloggers from leveraging the marketing power of the platform.

Apart from the microblogging platforms above, there are other little-known sites you can use to launch your microblog.

Here’s a video by Profit Copilot so you can learn more about them:

Examples of Microblogging

To help you better understand what microblogging is about, here are some examples of popular microblogs:

1. thoughtkick

If you need inspiration for a creative project or just life in general, thoughtkick is a great place to start.

It is a Tumblr-powered microblog built around profound life quotes. They also have an active Discord community for conversations around mental health, relationships, and people’s personal journeys.

2. Bad Jokes by Jeff

If you’re ever feeling down, you can head on over to Bad Jokes by Jeff for some light-hearted humor.

The clever thing about this microblog is that the jokes are so bad, they’re cleverly entertaining. Users can also submit their own jokes as well as ask questions and wait for Jeff’s humorous response.

3. Liz Ryan

Liz Ryan’s LinkedIn page is a great example of a microblog in the HR space. She talks about leadership, influence, career advice, and consulting-related topics in her LinkedIn articles.

As of writing this post, Liz has over 3.1 million followers, whom she frequently interacts with via comments.

4. Slice of Pattie

Pattie Poniente, also known as “Slice of Pattie,” is an Instagram travel and food microblogger.

Pattie posts about her adventures along with the people and experiences she stumbles upon in her adventures. She makes money through sponsored posts with local brands.

5. Hyderabad Foodie

Hyderabad Foodie is, as the name suggests, a food microblogger with an established presence on Twitter and Instagram. They also run a private group with thousands of members on Facebook – all of whom are food lovers.

How to do Microblogging

Setting up a microblog is invariably easier than building a traditional blog from the feet up. However, you still need to observe the best microblogging practices to position yourself for success.

Step 1: Pick your niche

Similar to traditional blogging, you need to pick your niche carefully to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.

Start with the three core markets – wealth, relationships, and health – then narrow down from there.

You can refer to this guide for the nitty-gritty of picking a profitable niche.

Since your aim is to build a microblog, be sure to pick something you’re genuinely passionate about.

Step 2: Think about monetization

Before fully committing to a microblogging niche, be sure you looked at the potential monetization opportunities.

Most microblogging platforms allow you to include affiliate links within captions or posts themselves. Of course, you’re free to promote your own products or services to your followers.

Microbloggers can also make money through sponsored posts. Of course, you need the right niche and the right audience to work with the brands you like.

Step 3: Choose the right microblogging platform

When picking a microblogging platform, you need to look at two things: the platform’s user base and features.

Twitter has the advantage of having a user base massive enough to accommodate all sorts of niches. Other platforms like Ignite and LinkedIn, however, primarily caters to specific audience groups.

If video content is your specialty, your choices include TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Step 4: Build your profile

Unlike traditional blogging, you don’t need to worry about plugins, themes, or page design. Instead, you only need to worry about your name and profile description.

For your name, you can stick to your own full name or use something more brandable.

If you want the latter, here’s a post that can help you.

Just don’t forget to add your site’s link if you do decide to build a self-hosted blog in the future.

Step 5: Plan your content strategy

Even as a microblogger, you need to put a lot of thought into everything you post.

For the most part, your posts should be relevant and optimized for keywords or hashtags. That should make it easier for your target audience to discover your microblog.

You can also come up with a specific content theme that will make followers come back for more. Bad Jokes by Jeff, for example, posts bad jokes to satisfy followers who acquired a taste for his content.

Step 6: Maintain a regular posting schedule

Being consistent with your posting schedule is key if you want to build an audience and keep them engaged.

Since most microblogging sites have mobile apps, you can publish quick updates whenever you feel like it. The more efficient strategy, however, is to build a posting schedule around your audience’s activity patterns.

A tool like SocialBee can help you develop and stick to your schedule in the long run.

Apart from post scheduling, schedulers can also help you manage your following and track analytics. You can also use them to manage your microblogging efforts in one place.

In addition to these steps, don’t forget the following elements to successfully grow your microblog:

What are the Most Important Elements of Microblogging?

Clear business goals – Make sure you have clear business objectives like generating sales, increasing click-throughs, and maximizing shares. Experiment with different post styles to figure out what works best in accomplishing these goals.
Getting your audience involved – Successful microbloggers find ways to get their followers involved. Ask questions, send challenges, and take part in conversations to win your audience’s trust.
Consistent brand voice – Instilling your own personality into your microblog helps make your brand more recognizable and build follower loyalty. You can be humorous, formal, sarcastic, or anything in between – it just needs to be authentic.
A network of microblogs – Don’t rely on one microblogging site or app, especially if you’re just starting out. Put your eggs in multiple baskets and be sure to add links between microblogs so followers can see more.
CTAs (Calls To Action) – Don’t be shy when publishing a sponsored post or promoting an affiliate link. Encourage your audience to click, subscribe, comment, or share and let them know you’re thankful for their support.

I know – these elements look a lot like the blueprint for success in traditional blogging.

But if you truly understand microblogging and traditional blogging, you’ll know there are fundamental differences between the two.

This leads us to the next section.

What is the Difference Between Blogging and Microblogging?

Blogging and microblogging differ in the following aspects: platforms, content, marketing strategies, and tools.

Blogging and microblogging uses different platforms

Unlike traditional bloggers, microbloggers rely on social media networks and publishing platforms for content creation and distribution. There’s no need to use a Content Management System like WordPress to build a website and publish content there.

A different approach to content marketing

Traditional bloggers rely on long-form content, as well as content marketing, SEO, email marketing, and other strategies to thrive.

Microbloggers, on the other hand, rely on bite-sized posts for marketing and traffic generation.

Different tools and services

Microbloggers take advantage of the built-in audience engagement features to grow their follower base.

In some cases, they may purchase tools for graphic design, post scheduling, and video editing – but they’re completely optional.

Bloggers, however, are required to put in money for hosting, plugins, and other crucial tools for creating self-hosted sites.

Of course, I’m not saying microbloggers can’t have their own, self-hosted blogs. In fact, a lot of microbloggers eventually build their website, whereas some bloggers get into microblogging to generate traffic.

How Much Does Microblogging Cost?

You can start a microblog without spending a single cent. But if you want to turn microblogging into a full-time business, expect to spend around $100 per month on your microblog.

A professional microblogger’s budget usually goes to two things: tools and site-building.

Microblogging tools

Let’s take a look at some of the things you might pay for in the microblogging business:

Post scheduler – On average, social media scheduling tools costs around $20 monthly. Most schedulers also come with free versions that let you schedule a limited number of posts per month.
Photo editing – For photo editing, go-to tools like Adobe Photoshop starts at $27.62 per month.
Video editing – Professional video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro starts at $27.67 per month. There are also alternatives like Final Cut Pro can be purchased with a one-time payment of $300.
Graphic design – The free version of Canva can help you design basic graphics for platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. To unlock premium features, you need to pay $12.99 monthly for Canva Pro.

Domain registration and hosting

If you want to build a self-hosted website for your microblog, it should cost you less than $80 to get started:

Domain registration – The cost of a domain can be anywhere between $5 to over $1,000 per year. You can stay in the lower side of the pricing spectrum if you go for unique domain names with multiple words.
Web hosting – A decent shared hosting plan starts at around $7 per month. The good news is, most hosting service providers offer discounted rates to new customers.
Premium theme – While completely optional, premium themes make it easy to build a professional-looking website with all the ingredients for success. This includes user-friendliness, mobile optimization, SEO-friendliness, customization options, and extra features.

Having second thoughts?

Just don’t forget that people are coming in droves to the microblogging landscape without spending anything.

Why is Microblogging Becoming Popular?

Microblogging’s rise to popularity is largely due to the efficient and convenient distribution of content to mobile-oriented users. Starting a microblog also only takes a few minutes and can be done at zero cost.

In the age of smartphones, anyone can be a microblogger as long as they’re willing to be competitive.

They just need to pick up their phone, launch a social media app, and start posting.

The success of current microbloggers and influencers is also a driving force behind the industry’s growth. After all, microbloggers aren’t shy when it comes to sharing their results.

In turn, there will always be a newer, bigger generation of microbloggers who’ll inspire other users to follow suit.

Microblogging: Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should you microblog?

As a rule of thumb, try to microblog at least two times per week. Just remember that posting more frequently will have a positive impact on your microblog’s visibility and following.

How does microblogging help businesses?

Microblogging can help businesses by introducing their products and services to a wider audience. In essence, it’s the same as influencers publishing sponsored posts or promoting affiliate links to their followers.

What is the most popular microblogging site?

Twitter is the biggest, active microblogging service on the web. It’s followed by other popular social networks like Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

Final words

Microblogging is easy to get into, but being successful at it requires serious dedication.

Perhaps it will be a springboard for your full-time blogging career. Of course, it could also be your endgame – microblogging about what you love and getting paid.

Whatever your goal is, I hope this post will help you achieve it.

But now, I want to hear from you.

What did you think of this post?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?

Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know!

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