Why You Should Start a Blog Tips + How to Get Started
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Have you recently asked yourself: “Should I start a blog?” or “Why should I start a blog?” If so, you’re not alone. There are an estimated 31 million bloggers in the United States alone, and every day that number grows. These start a blog tips will teach you why you should start a blog, and how to get started blogging.
Why You Should Start a Blog
There are many reasons why you should start a blog. The number one reason is reach. A blog can help you to reach people you would not normally be able to reach. Whether it be a business blog or hobby blog; your blog can help you to get information out there in front of an audience. That audience could be potential clients, or it could be family on the other side of the world.
Are You a Business Owner?
- Approximately 60% of businesses have a business or company blog.
- Approximately 61% of US consumers have made a purchase based on a blog post.
- Companies that blog have 97% more inbound links.
- Approximately 90% of customers find customer content useful.
Soak that information in for a moment.
If you are a business owner who provides a service, or has a product to sell; having a blog will increase links to your company website and can increase sales.
This is huge. A blog can help you to increase your company/brand/product visibility, make more sales, and make more money.
But I’m Not a Business Owner
That’s ok. You don’t have to own a business to start a blog, or to be successful at blogging. There are many artists, writers, and numerous other creatives who blog regularly. These bloggers treat “themselves” as a business.
A blog can be a great forum to share creative ideas and gain a following. This might help to sell books down the road (when you finish that novel) or to even get a book deal.
Or you can simply blog as a hobby. There are numerous hobby bloggers out there. Some keep hobby blogging, and some turn that hobby into a business down the road. Some people even blog to keep in touch with relatives that live far away. The ideas and opportunities are endless.
Start a Blog Tips + How to Get Started
It’s really easy to get started blogging. This section covers start a blog tips for hobby bloggers, business bloggers, and more. If you find you want to have a business blog and a hobby blog, simply start two blogs. Once you get started blogging, you’ll find it gets easier.
Blogging for Business, Pleasure, and In-Between
So you’ve decided to start a blog. The next thing to decide is whether this blog is for business, pleasure, or somewhere in-between. It’s ok to change your mind later. You may decide to turn your hobby blog into a business. Or you may decide that business blogging is not for you. Either way, it’s important to think about what type of blog you want right now. If you can’t decide, or your ideas fall into multiple categories, consider more than one blog.
Start a Blog Tips for Business Owners
If you already have a business and are looking to add a blog, you can do so easily. Just start writing blog posts about your product, niche, or industry. You don’t have to blog daily, but you should keep in touch with your customers regularly. Consider sharing product information, a behind the scenes look at your business, employee profiles, upcoming sales and events, etc. This will keep your customers engaged and coming back.
Start a Blog Tips for Creatives
If “you” are your business (writers, artists, musicians, etc.), you should blog on a more regular basis. Share tips about your profession or trade. Consider sharing personal stories. Show your work. If you are offering a product or service, open an online store or set up a Services Offered and Contact page. Blogs are a great way for creative individuals to showcase their talent and work.
Start a Blog Tips for Business Bloggers
If you want to start a “blogging” business, as in the “blog” is your business; you have a lot of work ahead of you. While it is certainly possible to turn a blog into a business; it often takes years of full-time blogging work to make a full-time income.
See my post How to Turn Your Blog Into a Profitable Business for more information.
Some bloggers have gotten lucky by starting a blog and getting noticed. However, those individuals are a small percent of the total number of bloggers out there. Most start with a detailed plan in mind. They think long and hard about their niche, they work on finding a relevant domain name, and they create a business outline or plan. It’s possible to be successful. Just be sure you are willing to put in the work long-term.
If you are interested in niche blogging, see my post Building a Blog vs a Niche Site for tips.
Start a Blog Tips for Hobby Bloggers
Blogging for pleasure, or as a hobby, can be one of the most satisfying things to do. At least for a writer. You blog when you want. You have no expectations. And it’s exciting when you get your first comment, and realize people are actually reading your work. Just be conscious of what it is you are writing about, and how personal you are willing to get. Blogs are public spaces and some people have regretted sharing personal stories.
How to Get Started Blogging
I hope you’ve found this post helpful. Starting a blog can be an exciting endeavor and I highly recommend it.
Whether you are planning on starting a blog for business, pleasure, or simply for yourself; just get out there and do it. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
If you are interested in starting your own blog, for business or as a hobby, check out my How to Start a Blog: Beginner’s Guide. It will take you step by step through the process of setting up and starting your own blog.
Statistics taken from The BlogConomy and State of the Blogging World.