Blogging is a hugely popular thing to do, but the reasons why people start blogs (and why they continue to blog) are not always the same.
You can start a blog on pretty much any topic from keeping a diary about your activities or opinions on current affairs to specific pieces on films, fashion or travel.
Whether it’s merely for personal enjoyment, you’re hoping to get others to read and benefit from your articles, or you’re trying to promote a business, a blog can be the ideal project.
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Here are five great reasons to start a blog and how it could enhance your life or business.
1 – You Get a Fantastic New Hobby
It’s easy to get started and, once you do, blogging can be an addictive pastime. The most complicated part is getting the blog website set up, and the design finalized, but even this can be quickly taken care of with today’s online blog platforms which are almost ready-made.
Blogging will be interesting and varied and can also encourage you to get out and do more, so you always have fresh content for your blog.
2 – You Can Improve Your Life
Blogging can improve your communication skills and put you in touch with a wide range of new people. By choosing a topic or a ‘voice’ for your blog, you are choosing who it is that you want to present to the world which can be a great way to affirm your identity.
There’s no better feeling than seeing your blog readers increase and getting positive comments on your work which can, in turn, have a positive impact on your self-esteem.
Additionally, when writing your blog, you need to hone your spelling and grammar skills, but you also need to be able to inform, entertain and possibly persuade readers through your writing.
These transferable skills will put you in a good position when it comes to applying for jobs or improving your business. You may even develop relationships with your readers if you interact with them via the comments sections on your blog which could lead to employment opportunities, or a few new friends!
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3 – You Can Help Other People
A blog is a great way to communicate your knowledge or experience in a subject, and many people turn to trusted blogs for guidance.
By choosing a blog topic you have some expertise or real-life experience in, you can offer genuine help to others in need. If you take a vacation, tell people which hotels, restaurants or tourist attractions you enjoyed the most.
If you are a parent, share your challenges and solutions with others. If you’re writing a business blog, you can share your expertise in your field and help customers or other businesses to make the right choices.
4 – You Can Earn Money
There are several ways that you can earn money from a blog. For example, if you mention certain products or companies that you would recommend and include an affiliate link to their website in your blog, you could earn a commission every time one of your readers clicks it and makes a purchase.
If you establish a following of people who are interested in a specific topic, you can also sell adverts on your blog which appropriate companies may pay you for.
The amount you can earn varies greatly, but some people do manage to make a living from their blog.
Be prepared for the fact that it’s unlikely that you’ll see a regular, significant income straight away. It can take time to build up a following and an audience, and it’s the size of your audience (how many people visit your blog) which makes you attractive to businesses who want to advertise.
You should try and have as many streams of income as you can so you’re not reliant on only one. If making money is the primary motivation behind your blog, i.e., you’re trying to increase your income to repay debts or build some savings, you may be able to make quicker progress with a short-term loan.
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5 – You Can Promote Yourself or Your Business
Businesses which include blogs on their website enjoy some great benefits. For example, 90% of companies who blog daily will acquire at least one new customer via their blog. In addition, companies with blogs get 97% more inbound links leading to more traffic.
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You can blog about your company’s current activities, events or new products, or just share advice related to running a business in general. Your blog is an opportunity to establish yourself as an influencer or an expert in a subject.
Many bloggers have found new employment opportunities or projects as a direct result of someone seeing their blog.