I’m a big fan of blogging – obviously! I outlined my reasons for starting a blog back in my very first blog post ever and as I’ve continued blogging I’ve added a few more reasons as well.
In these couple years that I’ve been blogging I’ve had several different friends contact me and ask about starting blogs of their own. Talking to other people about blogging got me thinking that it would be fun to write a post all about reasons to start a blog.
So, today I’m sharing with you eight reasons to start a blog. Maybe two or three apply to you . . . or maybe all eight! The point is, there are lots of great reasons. 😉
8 Reasons to Start a Blog
Record memories
I kept diaries religiously growing up; although I’ve fallen out of the habit since college, my blog has kind of made up for it. I love that I can look back on my writing and remember fun family times and how I felt about different events. Blogging has also been a great way for me to share about our fun times with out of town family – and in a more meaningful way than just pictures on Facebook (although I do that too!)
Start a fun hobby
This is definitely one of the reasons that I blog. I just love having a hobby. I’ve never been a crafty person like a lot of my friends. I can’t just sit down and make something awesome. But my blog is my own little thing to work on and I love tweaking it and slowly but surely making it a little better.
Practice your writing
I’ve always loved writing but after college I fell out of practice. I love that blogging as helped me to get back into the habit of writing. It can actually be therapeutic to just sit down and write.
Also, taking care of little kids all day can leave me feeling like my brain has turned to mush, so I appreciate the chance that blogging gives me to practice my skills again.
Share your expertise
This is a fantastic reason to start a blog! Many bloggers are very successful because they are really good at some particular thing and they share their expertise with their audience. The Money Saving Mom – one of my favorite blogs to follow – is a great example of this!
Make money
Okay, I had to put this reason in here because 1) it’s the reason that a lot of people think of first, and 2) because it’s totally legit. There are lots of bloggers out there who have done extremely well. But – and here’s my caveat – that’s not going to happen without a TON of hard work, especially because it’s not 2005 anymore and there are a bizillion blogs out there.
So basically, it’s not a bad reason to blog at all, but don’t make it your only reason or you’ll get majorly burnt out. (In case you were wondering, no, I don’t make any money to speak of off my blog right now, but yes, I would be pretty psyched if I could at some point!)
Encourage others
Have you gone through something tough and come out the other side stronger? Has God been teaching you a lot lately? A blog is a great way to share what you’ve been learning and to encourage others. Becky Thompson (formerly Scissortail Silk) is a great example of a blog that’s written to encourage others.
Encouraging others is definitely one of my big reasons for blogging and it is my hope that my writing will be be a blessing, especially to other moms. That’s why I write posts like To the Mom of a Toddler and a Newborn and When You Don’t Feel Fun Anymore.
Meet other people
Okay, probably not at the beach – I just thought it was a nice picture. 😉
Blogging is a great way to meet other people. Whether it’s through blogging conferences (which I’ve heard great things about though I’ve not yet been to one) or through connections made online, there is a HUGE community of bloggers in whatever niche your blog happens to fit.
I’m more of an introvert by nature but I’m excited that I am slowly getting to know other women who blog through various blogging Facebook groups that I’m a part of.
Stretch yourself
Blogging is stretching! There’s loads of technical stuff to figure out (honestly the most frustrating part for me!) Besides writing, which is stretching enough at times, there’s design work and SEO and social media stuff and a million other little things. With blogging there is always something for you to learn and always something that you can improve.
It can be overwhelming if you let it be, or it can be a great way for you to challenge yourself and to grow as a person. My biggest struggle is being disciplined – and I have a long ways to go – but I’m so excited that I challenged myself to blog and that I’ve been able to keep it up pretty consistently for more than two years now.
So, those are 8 reasons to start a blog that I could think of. If you are currently blogging, what are your reasons? If you’re thinking about blogging, what would be your reasons to start a blog? Let me know in the comments!
For more help getting started with blogging check out my essentials for the beginning blogger as well as this list of 10 helpful articles. You can also click the image below to sign up for a FREE blogging webinar with one of my absolute favorite bloggers, Crystal Paine. I took her free webinar and LOVED it so I’m sure you will too. Plus, it’s free so why not right? 😉
Thanks for stopping by!
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