9 Reasons to Start a Blog
February 7, 2008 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
I’m sure at this point it’s no secret I’m a huge fan of blogging. Here’s a piece originally published at About Weblogs on reasons to start a blog.
While once considered a fad, it’s clear blogging is here to stay. If you’re thinking of starting a blog, but aren’t quite convinced, you might be interested in some good reasons for blogging.
1. You have something to say. If you’re someone who likes to discuss the issues, blogs can help others see your point of view. As you build up your community, discussions among like-minded bloggers and blog readers will ensue.
2. You’re an expert in something. Are you a champion water-skier? Can you wield a crochet needle like nobody’s business? Do you know everything there is to know about Andean wild flowers? Start a blog to offer tips and advice to others.
3. You have a business to promote. Blogging not only helps to keep customers updated, but it can also lead to new clients. A business blog allows you to promote your wares, offer updates on existing products, and provide alerts to future products and promotions. You will also be able to receive feedback on your products and services through your blog’s comment section.
4. It’s easy. There’s never been a better time to blog than now! Most blog templates are user friendly and available at no cost to you. All it takes is registering and following a few simple instructions. Even those with little or no technical skills can blog.
5. You can earn money through your blog. Thanks to pay-per-click advertising programs such as Adsense, and affiliate programs such as Amazon.com, ScratchBack and Commission Junction, anyone can earn money through blogging. The only requirement for most of these programs is for you to have a website or blog. What do you have to lose?
6. Stay in touch. Family blogs are a great way to keep in touch. Not only can you publish family newsletters through your blog, but everyone can keep in touch via the comments.
7. You can make a difference. When you publish your blog, you have the ability to reach people. At first traffic might be low, but if your topic catches on, you have the potential to reach thousands, even millions of people. Your blog can become a powerful medium.
8. Boost your website’s page ranking. Search engines love blogs because they’re updated on a regular basis. In fact, your blog can be ranked after only a few short weeks. If you would like to bring traffic to your website, a blog is a great start.
9. It’s a wonderful way to express your creativity. Whether you’re a poet, an artist, a comedian, or write short stories, you’ll have an outlet through blogging. In fact, blogs make it easier to reach more people. Besides, you never know when the right person might land on your blog and turn it from a hobby into a career.
Amen! I love having a blog. It is such a great outlet for my life and my opinions and an excellent doorway to opportunities to make money. I would add that another reason to start one would be to build your writing resume; I have picked up several free lance jobs because I directed employers to my blog to get familiar with my writing style.
Great reasons, Deb. These are all the reasons why I love blogging. I love the fact that I can write in my own voice on my blogs, since I do a lot of ghostwriting. I haven’t done much in terms of keeping in touch with friends abroad, but I’ve often thought about it.
All nine reasons are great, but another reason I can think of to begin a blog is to gain confidence in expressing yourself. Blogging is nowhere as scary writing something and sending it off to editors.
All the reasons you gave, Deb, were the reasons I started blogging but more recently I have found another one. In a busy world of writing and ‘mothering’ posting blogs forces me to stop and contemplate on aspects of the world that I otherwise would overlook.
Agreed Deb & Sharon & LL. I find blogging much more relaxing because I’m not always stresing over voice & tone–just say what you want to say!
I started blogging to make my work more visible. I started with medhealthwriter.blogspot.com and the goal was to talk about writing and health-related issues.
It turns out that both medhealthwriter and helpmyhurt.com have worked in finding me work. I have a new great client who knew how I was when I applied for work because of my blog. I have another new client, who is also turning out to be great, who found me through my blog.
So, there really is something to it. I also use my blog as a reference when applying for certain types of writing jobs.
Anyway, I like doing them – I wouldn’t otherwise.
Here’s another reason – awards! I started a blog on green travel a year or so ago, and rather than try and make loads of money from it, I was aiming to encourage more people to travel ‘green’ – as in point number seven. Just recently I was named as a finalist in the Future Friendly envrionment awards in the UK. This means I have the chance of winning a hefty bursury to expand the site, but it’s also great PR for my writing. Most importantly though it will help me reach a wider audience, which means I have greater potential for making a difference. It’s great to know that something as simple as a blog can have a big impact.
Congrats to everyone who has found success through their blogging…and truly, whether that success be financial, impact, or confidence…it is all success.
What an inspiration to bloggers and bloggers-to-be.
My blog’s like my baby now. I brainstorm for it in the shower, while driving, while eating…I love having an outlet that combines all of my favorite things. It’s exciting to see the visitor number rise and to read new comments. It’s also a way for me to practice writing without worrying about the constraints of other jobs I have.
Hi Deborah,
Great reasons, for sure. Without my blog, I’d not be in the position I am today – making a comfortable living through my online graphic design business.
I hope you’re well.