Blogging refers to sharing original articles, photography, videos or any form of media online. Articles are mostly self-published and information is arranged in reverse-chronological order, meaning the latest information appears first.
Blogging started in the early nineties with people sharing about their personal lives and what they were doing. But then people cited an opportunity to share more information online and since then there are millions of blogs talking about many different topics; cooking, sports, music, movie reviews, parenting and many more. Blogging has become mainstream as news organisations now use blogs to share news, create outreach and even form opinions around different topics.
What is a blog?
A blog is an online platform where an individual or group of writers share their views on a particular subject. The word blog is a shortened version of “weblog”.
Why should you start a blog today?
According to Statistica, there are 4 billion people currently connected to the internet. That’s a huge number of people looking for information. Whether they are looking for recipes, legal advice or even book reviews, you could be having the information they are looking for, and blog provides you with an opportunity to share your knowledge or expertise, thoughts or analysis for any topic in the world. The best thing is that you can start a blog for free!
Blogging helps drive traffic to your website
If you already have a website and are wondering why your website has very few visitors, a blog could be the missing piece.
Now, there are four major ways that people could find your website on the internet. First of all, they could type your name right into their browser (but that’s for an audience already knows you. They know who you are, and that does not help you get more traffic). You could buy an email list, create an email blast, and keep hoping some people will read the emails and follow the links to your website. But that’s expensive and actually illegal. You could also pay for traffic by placing tons of paid ads. This isn’t illegal but still quite expensive. And the second you run out of money, your traffic stops coming, too.
All the above methods require either that your web address is already known by your potential users or you have to pay some money to a search engine like Google to recommend you to potential site visitors. So, how can you attract organic traffic or readers to your website? You guessed it right! Blogging. This is the fourth and most optimal and sustainable way to attract traffic to your website.
When you create a blog and start posting content on a particular topic or niche, search engines get to know and understand what exactly your website is about. Depending on how good your content is, they’ll start recommending it to other users who search the web. These users can be directed to your website and in turn will be able to know what services or products you offer.
Blogging is fun and rewarding
You’ll get to write about things you are interested in and enjoy to meet people online who share similar interests. You’ll make new friends. It’s amazing! Relationships might start out as comments on a post, replying to a Tweet, or an email. Virtual friends end up becoming people you hang out with who live close by, or people you see at conferences. It is a great way to meet like-minded people that share your hobbies, beliefs, values, and goals.
You’ll challenge yourself
Blogging can be a great way to challenge yourself and learn new things. Whether you’re looking to improve your writing skills, develop your expertise in a particular area, or simply reflect on your personal experiences, a blog can be a great tool for personal growth and development. Blogging is a way to break through the limiting beliefs that are holding you back from experiencing your best life.
If you want to remain behind the scenes and write for the pure joy of it – that’s ok too! No one says you have to do a road tour and meet all of your readers.
Blogging will also challenge you to learn more since it inspires you to research and exposes you to a great deal of information in your niche. Occasionally you’ll receive questions or get comments that will trigger you to find out more about a certain topic that you have not bothered learning about.
A blog is a great platform for sharing
Whether it is ideas, thoughts, and opinions on a variety of topics. Whether you’re interested in sharing your thoughts on current events, personal experiences, or your expertise on a particular subject, a blog can be a great way to get your ideas out there and engage with others who share your interests.
Blogging can help you grow professionally
If you’re a professional looking to establish yourself as an expert in your field, a blog can be a great way to showcase your knowledge and skills. By writing about your experiences and sharing your insights, you can build your reputation as a thought leader and potentially attract new opportunities.
Blogging is a great outlet for creativity
Whether you’re a writer, artist, photographer, or simply someone who enjoys expressing themselves through words and images, a blog can be a great platform for sharing your creative work with others.
Starting a blog can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to share your ideas, connect with others, and grow personally and professionally. If you’re thinking about starting a blog, consider what you’re most passionate about and what you hope to achieve through your writing. With some planning and dedication, you can turn your blog into a successful and fulfilling project.