Why should you start a blog?? Discover these 44 compelling reasons you should start a blog to help determine if it’s for you.
Here are some benefits I’ve experienced along the way, and continue to discover through this blog. I hope it helps you discover the reasons why you should start a blog too.
44 Compelling Reasons to Start A Blog:
1. Blogging gives you a home base that you control
Even if you make your living on another outlet like YouTube, Instagram, podcasting, writing Kindle books for Amazon, you name it – you still need a place that you control.
Let’s say you earn your living on YouTube. What will you do if you wake up tomorrow to find YouTube has changed their payment structure and now you’re getting paid half as much? There wouldn’t be much you could do about it except make twice as many videos to try to recoup your losses.
But with your own blog, you make the rules.
You can still showcase your work, but you can also accept payments for your products or services, and add followers to your email list (among many other benefits). Try doing that on YouTube or your favorite social media channel.
This is perhaps the biggest reason why you should start a blog for your online business.
2. You can create and grow your own email list
A blog gives you a place to sign people up for your email list, which is the lifeblood of any online business.
When someone signs up for your list, they’re raising their virtual hand and showing the ultimate form of trust. They’re trusting you’ll send them valuable information.
Reward that trust by making sure your content is the best you can create.
From there, you can engage your subscribers, develop a relationship with them and provide valuable solutions to their problems — either for free or a fee.
Social Media Examiner is the premier social media authority, and they endorse email engagement over all forms of social media. And the site credits 70% of their 190,000 email subscribers to their site’s pop-up form.
3. You can make a lot of money
Yes, you can absolutely make a lucrative income online. You can create multiple income streams, each earning a full-time income, and then some!
You can sell ad space, offer your own products and services, publish your own books – you name it.
Starting a blog is essential for any business that wants to reach countless new customers and prospects.
Looking for inspiration? Here are 15 top-earning bloggers making money online.
4. You can create and grow your audience
As you blog, your content will begin to resonate with people. Some will join your email list. Some will follow you on social media. Some will buy your products and services.
Your biggest fans will do all of these things. They’ll become your audience, or “tribe” as some call it.
They’ll tune in to you regularly to see your content and to engage with you on social media or by replying to your emails.
And if you serve them diligently, they’ll be your loudest advocates, sharing your content and offerings to their friends and social followings.
5. You can build credibility and authority
When you help people and serve your audience, answering their questions and providing value consistently, they can’t help but view you as credible.
As you become known in your niche for consistently helping others and providing value, you will be seen as an authority.
This doesn’t mean you have to start as an expert. You just have to know more than most people.
Just remember, you know something most people don’t. Everyone knows something that someone else needs.
Most experts didn’t start out as all-knowing gurus. Warren Buffet wasn’t “The Oracle of Omaha” the first time he made a stock trade.
But over time, as you increase the amount of content you deliver, you learn more and more.
And month after month, as you add to your body of work, you’ll increase your knowledge, and, if you’re doing a good job sharing that knowledge, you’ll become known as an expert in your niche.
6. You can build a brand
When you start your blog, you’ll be building a brand for business and yourself. Branding holds immense value for companies and corporations.
Branding is so important some companies put their brand value on their balance sheets. Sometimes the brand alone is worth more than the bottom line for all their products and services
Your brand communicates the uniform quality, credibility and experience of your business. Creating a positive brand image is important because your brand will outlive your offerings.
7. Blogging is free, or practically free
I have a friend who opened a business in the brick-and-mortar world. He had to find a location, secure a place to operate his business, and then spent a year getting the building up to code.
In all, he spent well over 6 figures to start that business and it’s still in debt.
But to start a blog. all you need is a domain and some hosting.
You can get a domain for free. You can also get hosting for less than the cost of a Starbucks coffee each month. It’s incredibly inexpensive to start a blog business.
8. You can create or aid charitable causes
When you combine a blog with social media, the impact you can create can be limitless.
Scott Harrison exemplifies the massive potential we all have for positive change. He traded in his life as a New York City night club promoter to build wells for clean water in Africa with Charity: Water.
You don’t have to start a charity as Scott did. But you could take your blog earnings and donate to your favorite cause if you wish.
9. You will develop healthier life habits
Blogging requires time, commitment and discipline. You’ll learn how to be more productive and consistent in your work.
By committing to blogging, I’ve learned to wake up early, meditate and pray, exercise daily, and write at least 500 words every day.
I’ve also learned to prioritize time for my family to make sure my blogging goals don’t take away from my family.
What goals would you like to develop? You’ll be surprised at the new habits you’ll develop when you start a blog.
10. You can get job offers
It’s not uncommon for bloggers to receive offers of employment.
Your blog is actually better than a resume. Your expertise is on clear display. Many employers resonate with a particular blogger they feel would be a perfect fit for their company.
11. You can get consulting deals
Don’t be surprised if you are contacted for consulting gigs when you become recognized as an expert in your field.
Neil Patel gained exposure through his blogs and landed consulting jobs with huge companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Yahoo, and eBay for up to $5000 per hour.
12. You can land speaking engagements
As you gain exposure as an authority, sooner or later you may be approached by someone and asked to speak at an event, such as a seminar or conference. Heck, you may even decide to host your event.
Many bloggers travel the country making six-figure incomes just speaking at events.
Many conferences and seminars do not offer their speakers a paid fee to speak. However, the exposure and credibility that comes from speaking at such an event often outweighs is a worthwhile trade-off.
13. You can get published
If you write great content, people notice. Sometimes publishers notice.
And, truth be told, most publishers want to see that you have a following. Once you have a following and have proven you can deliver solid content, you may be contacted by a publisher with an offer to publish a book.
However, gone are the days where you must wait for a publisher and seek their permission to write a book. Many people are choosing to self-publisher their work and have done so with best-selling results.
14. You can land freelance writing gigs
To land freelance writing gigs, you must be able to show quality writing samples. What better way to produce those samples than by publishing on your blog?
Your blog serves as a place to showcase your credibility, expertise and authority and it allows you to reach new clients with proof that you can do the job.
You may get offers from well-known magazines to republish your work. You may also have publications ask you to contribute.
Many freelance writers with their own blogs make six figures working from home on their own schedule.
15. You will become a better writer
As a blogger, you’re going to write. A lot. I suggest you write every day.
Commit to a writing goal, even a tiny one. For example, say you’re going to write 100 words a day. Then grow that goal to 500 words a day. I currently write 500 words a day and I’m working towards 1000 words a day.
If you write every day, your writing will improve substantially. And you’ll become more efficient at it as well. You’ll be able to write much more, in less time.
16. You will speak more clearly
One thing writers discover is their speaking skills improve dramatically. Great writers are very economical with their words. The more you write, the better you’ll be at expressing big ideas in a limited number of words.
If you’re writing every day, this will become a habit that carries over to your conversational and public speaking skills.
17. You can build your confidence
Think of it like this. Your blog is your baby. You pour your heart and soul into it, and when it’s well-received, you can’t help but feel good about your work and yourself.
And when people send comments and thank you for having a positive impact on their life – let’s just say it doesn’t suck! You’re going to consistently receive complimentary messages of praise, which naturally builds your confidence.
18. You will become more creative
Blogging flexes your creative muscles. When you are blogging about something you are interested in, you are giving your creative muscles a workout.
People who practice creativity more find it much easier to be creative because they’re used to it — in the same way a runner who practices every day is going to find it much easier to run.
You also have to express yourself in an easy to understand format. This process usually leads me to discover even more about a subject through curiosity and a desire to deliver as much value as possible to my readers.
Writing often requires deep thinking which leads to even more ideas and even “lightbulb moments.”
19. Blogging doesn’t require prior knowledge or experience
This is one of the beautiful things about starting a blog in 2017.
In fact, you may have more experience than you realize. If you’ve been sending your thoughts and opinions and sharing information in emails and on social media, then you’ve been micro-blogging.
The act of blogging itself is as simple as writing an email.
And there’s no gatekeeper to the internet keeping you from starting a blog. No permission is required.
Just start your blog and start sharing your message with the world.
20. Blogging improves your offline business too
According to this BrightLocal study, exactly 50% of consumers read online reviews to determine whether or not to do business with a local business. And that number is trending upward each year.
The takeaway is clear: Having a blog where people can get a feel for your business and culture is a positive way to assure potential customers you deserve their business.
Here are more ways your offline business benefits from a blog.
- Having a blog with strong content improves your search engine ranking, bringing you more attention and business.
- People enjoy blogs more than conventional business websites because it’s more “human” and relatable. You can inject your personality into your posts, which will separate you from your competitors. There are no rules.
- Blogs allow people the opportunity to get to know you. This is a very good thing since people do business with other people they know, like and trust.
- Your audience of loyal followers and past customers will champion you online as the go-to business in your area.
It’s probably the most cost-effective form of marketing and advertising you can do. You can start a blog with your own domain and secure hosting for less than $75 a year. You’ll then have a growing platform to increase brand awareness, grow your audience, establish your relevance, and secure sales for free.
21. You can help other people
This is a biggie. Helping other people is the heart of your business. That’s not just “foo-foo” fluff.
Show me a business that doesn’t help people and I’ll show you a company going out of business.
Chevrolet builds cars that help people get from one point to another very quickly. Apple creates phones which help people communicate and also give them access to a personal computer wherever they are.
Who does your blog help and how? Every time you write a post you should ask yourself; how is this post going to help people?
Looking for ideas for a product launch? Start by asking your readers – “what’s the biggest problem or obstacle you face” and ask them “how can I help you?”
If you want to make money online with integrity, figure out how you can help people and then do it the best you can.
22. You can inspire others
Whether you are sharing your world view or detailing how you were able to succeed at something your readers are struggling with, you can have a positive influence on others.
And when you receive a message from someone who found inspiration from your writing or made a breakthrough because of your work, it will make your day. That alone may be the best reason to start a blog.
23. You will improve your self-discipline
No one is going to make this blog work but you. It’s up to you to put in the work even when you don’t want to.
Work a long job at your day job? I feel for you, but if you don’t do the work, your blog isn’t going to grow.
And many bloggers who cross over from a day job to become a full-time blogger often lament how hard that task it. That’s because no one is there to make you do the work and hold you accountable.
It’s awesome to make your own schedule and work when you want. But you have to be disciplined to make sure that work gets done – in a quality way that helps people so your blog grows.
24. You will improve your observational skills
Just like in everyday life, blogging requires a filter. You don’t normally spout everything that pops into your head to your friends right? It’s the same with blogging.
Blogging is the continuous process of communicating only your most meaningful events and important thoughts. As you get used to this process of choice, you’ll develop an eye for only those things which are truly important.
25. You will be challenged
To grow your blog, you have to consistently provide valuable content that helps people.
This will require a content schedule you must stick to. Staying consistent, keeping your content on schedule and growing your blog is challenging.
You’ll also be challenged to learn about various skills such as marketing, advertising, blog design, HTML, and Google Analytics, among other things.
I didn’t know any of those things when I started but now I do and I’m proud to have those skill sets. You’ll get there too.
And you’ll need to be able to answer your follower’s questions.
Anything challenging is also rewarding. Accept the challenge and reap the rewards.
26. You can use your blog to stay in touch with family
Brothers John and Hank Green famously began their VlogBrothers video blog as a way to keep in touch. Before their vlog, they only spoke a couple of times a year and mostly communicated by text messages.
Their vlog featured their back-and-forth responses to each other and they built a huge following of “nerdfighters” who loved them and their work. You can read all about the success of their vlog and subsequent work here.
By the time 20th Century Fox released John Green’s “Fault In Our Stars,” the trailer had been viewed over 20 million times. The book was also the top-selling book on Amazon a full 6 months before it was published. It debuted #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List and stayed on the list for over 130 consecutive weeks.
27. You can document your life
Many personal bloggers tell their stories in the form of a diary. These bloggers enjoy a large following of fans and advocates who identify with their work.
Heather Armstrong has a massive following of loyal readers who enjoy her honest posts about work, family life, motherhood and even postnatal depression. Since 2005, the advertising revenue alone on her blog has been enough to support her family.
28. You will learn a lot – and so will your followers
Your blog is a great learning tool.
One of the joys of picking a niche that you’re passionate about is every day you can learn more and more about that subject. Your readers are going to ask questions you may or may not have the answers to. It’s your job to find out.
It’s ok if you don’t know everything. Call in experts who do and ask them to contribute to your blog. Your readers will benefit and so will you.
29. You can promote your work
The internet has completely changed the rules for selling creative work. Gone are the days where you can simply become great at your craft and then find someone to manage you or publish your or represent you.
By today’s rules, if you want a publishing deal, you better have built a solid fan base for your work.
The same rules apply if you are seeking a record deal or even if you just want to make some money on the side of your work.
You’ll need an audience and a decent-sized list.
Lucy Chen is an inspiring example of creative success in the modern era. She has built a loyal following for her blog, which features her work as a figurative artist and visual storyteller.
Another fine example is Keri Smith, who is a self-described “author/illustrator turned guerilla artist” with a beautiful blog, which not only displays her work but is very effective at encouraging your creativity as well.
30. Blogging is good for your health
Blogging is a fantastic way to engage and connect with other people. And when work hard to create content that other people enjoy and resonate with, it makes you feel amazing.
Richard Branson agrees:
“Blogging every day is a good way to keep engaged with the latest trends, one of which is the growing area of health and wellness. Personally, I think blogging is good for your health too. It keeps the mind engaged and is an outlet for creativity, as well as encouraging communication.”
Richard Branson
31. You can raise money for someone who needs it
Many people use blogs to raise money for a loved one who is fighting a disease. That someone may even be you.
Camilla Kuhns started a blog to raise money for her eating disorder treatment. You could create a blog to help a small business hurt in the pandemic shutdown. Or perhaps your blog could focus on a GoFundMe campaign you’re passionate about.
The possibilities are endless as there are opportunities all around us to help people
32. You can become location independent and blog from anywhere you like
There is a new movement of bloggers who are attracted to online income as a way to become location independent. With a laptop and Wi-Fi, you can blog anywhere in the world.
Say goodbye to your office or cubicle, and hello to working anywhere in the world, anytime you like.
To give you an idea of the possibilities, Marcello Arrambide has written about his travels to 90 countries and how he’s managed to live in 12 countries spanning five continents on his blog, WanderingTrader.
33. You can become famous
There are thousands of blogs being started every day. But the best bloggers rise to the top, and many of them become famous.
Tucker Max started a blog about his drunken exploits which became wildly popular. Today his blog gets hundreds of thousands of visitors. His books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List for over 100 weeks, and they even made a movie about his life called “I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell.”
Michael Arrington is a corporate attorney who left the courtroom to pursue business on the internet. He began blogging as a way to understand start-ups and it wasn’t long before TechCrunch took off.
Michael is routinely listed as a Top 5 most influential blogger. These days Michael spends much of his time scouting worthwhile business opportunities and investing in promising start-ups.
34. You will acquire new and profitable skills
Several years ago, I started my first site as an experiment to learn a couple of different programming languages (WordPress wasn’t around then!). That small site ended up attracting several thousand visitors a day.
The great news is today you can start a blog with no knowledge of HTML, SEO, domain names, hosting, link building, blog design, photo-editing, and the like.
With today’s tools, if you can compose an email, you can start a blog.
But as you grow your blog, you’ll naturally learn about all these disciplines and much more.
One of the best reasons to start a blog is because you’ll learn an arsenal of new skills you can use to improve your blog – and your income.
You may even be able to freelance on the side performing these tasks.
35. You will stand out
You are unique, and even if you pick a niche that is full of accomplished bloggers, none of them are like you.
It’s your unique perspective that will allow you to stand out.
Don’t be afraid to include pieces about yourself in your work and you will surely stand out.
36. You will make friends
Blogging is a community endeavor. From day one, focus on creating a community for like-minded people in your niche. Your readers will become your friends and they’ll become friends with each other.
This aspect of blogging will be very gratifying for you and one of the things you love most about it.
Nowadays, influencers announce to their community when they are going to be in a particular city, and organize a meetup at a local park or coffee house. Imagine that, meeting your friends face-to-face and providing a space for them to meet each other.
You’re going to meet people through comments, emails and social media and you’ll form genuine relationships.
The blogging community is a friendly, supporting, and encouraging place that you are going to love.
37. You will build your network
I’ve been lucky enough to make friends with people in my niche. And it’s important to think of them as friends, not just merely people who can do something for you.
When popular influencers promote you, the results can be staggering. One tweet from a popular influencer can bring thousands of new readers to your blog. It can result in hundreds or even thousands of email sign-ups. One email from an influencer to their list can result in thousands of dollars for your product launch.
As you become an authority in your niche, other experts will take notice. I strongly suggest introducing yourself to them on Twitter as well. Don’t be surprised if some of these folks reach out to you first.
A couple of things to remember about networking online:
- Online networking is the same as offline networking. In other words, if you’re always asking for something, people are going to get tired of you.
- Give first: Most influencers are very busy people, who are inundated with requests. Don’t be one of those people. Be the opposite. Share their content with your audience if you feel it will help them. Comment on their posts if you genuinely liked it. Give them a positive testimonial if they deserve it.
- Be a stand-up person. No respectable influencer wants to promote salesy, gimmicky fly-by-nighters. How does that serve their audience?
On the other hand, if you’re genuinely helping your audience with quality content and engagement, other influencers will take note and feel they can confidently promote you when the time is right.
It’s ok to ask for people’s help when you already have a solid relationship. But get to that point naturally and organically. Don’t force it. Help other influencers with no expectation in return, and these things tend to take care of themselves over time.
38. You will leave a legacy
When you blog openly and transparently, your life gets woven into your blog.
Your views, takes, insights, experiences, learning and even personal issues become part of your blog. It’s what makes your blog genuine and authentic, and establishes trust with your readers. Simply put, it’s what makes your blog, and you as the blogger interesting.
This gives us a way to protect ourselves and our stories into the future for our descendants. It sheds light on who we are for generations to come.
A friend once told me: “When you see that “Publish” button, think of it as saying “Commit to Magnetic Memory For All Time.”
Leaving a legacy about who you are and what you are all about is a fantastic reason to start a blog.
39. You will receive gifts and freebies
Bloggers often receive gifts as a show of thanks from their followers. Sorry to beat a dead horse, but this is yet another way being genuine, engaging with your followers and providing real value pays off.
It’s not uncommon for popular bloggers to receive birthday and holiday gifts or anytime when someone feels grateful for your work.
Even more common are freebies. Other influencers who may want you to promote their products will provide you with free access for your review.
These products, especially digital programs, can run thousands of dollars but are free for you to consider promoting. Just remember you are not obligated to promote anything and should only promote products that will genuinely provide immense value for your audience.
40. You will have your own safe space
Your blog is your territory. No one can tell you what to say.
Your blog is your place to be free. This is where you can be yourself and let your creative side run wild. You’ll be amazed at how many people enjoy and resonate with your content.
41. You will find your voice
To be honest, I never thought I had a voice. I never thought I had a unique style. But now I can recognize it better.
We all have a unique voice that comes through in our writing, whether we realize it or not.
When you first start blogging, you may not see your style either. But it’s there. And when you write about something you know and love, your confidence will allow you to showcase your unique personality in your writing.
42. Blogging can make you happier
I can tell you first hand when I’m consistently blogging, I’m happier. I’m helping others and that makes me feel good. Being productive also feels great.
But don’t just take my word for it.
A Harvard study has identified the single biggest cause of happiness — our relationships.
And according to this study from Taiwan, blogging increases your social relationships and feelings of connectivity to others, making you happier in the process.
Is there a better reason to start a blog than your own happiness?
43. You will become more well-rounded in your knowledge and viewpoints
As I mentioned before, blogging is a community endeavor. You publish content you feel is important and helpful and you reveal your thoughts and beliefs on the topic.
Your readers then have the opportunity to respond to you in the comments section.
And many times your readers’ comments will challenge you to take a different look from a new, fresh perspective.
It’s a great way to round out your view on a topic and develop a fuller mindset.
44. You should start a blog because you want to
I just gave you 43 reasons to start a blog and you should be able to clearly see how you can benefit from having a blog.
But the most important reason to start a blog is that you want to.
If you’re not feeling inspired or up to the task — or maybe you just feel it’s not for you — then, by all means, consider another endeavor.
But if you know you’ve got something to say or something to share that can help people, then I truly hope you’ll share your gifts with the world.
The blogging world is amazing. The only thing missing is you!