Tuesday 28 August 2012

Advantages of Blogging


I’ve been a blogger for a few months now, and I have got to say, the decision to start that very first blog was one of the best decisions I ever made!

The fact that a significant number of people have taken up blogging professionally, and are doing it 9 to 5 was pretty surprising to say the least. However I can totally see why – it’s a very rewarding experience on many different levels!

Setting up and starting your own blog is as easy as anything. And while I won’t be getting into the specifics of how to go about doing that, here is a list of things on why anyone who can even string together a few sentences in English should give blogging a go:

1.  A blog will allow you to get the word out about yourself. If you’re an expert in your field, having a blog will provide you with a lot of exposure, and will allow you to build a personal brand for yourself. This can lead to some truly excellent career opportunities as well; potential employers could find you through your blog, and even if they don’t, saying that you have a blog during your interview will only enhance your reputation!

2. A blog will allow you to be seen as an authority figure in your niche. As stated in the point above, a blog will help you get the word out about yourself. If you’re an expert in your field, and are knowledgeable in what you do, you can be seen as an authority figure in your niche – online as well as offline, globally. A blog will enable you to become one!

3. A blog will help you control your reputation. Blogging is one of the best ways of communicating and interfacing directly with your audience. Plus almost all potential employers will look you up on Google before hiring you. If you have a blog, the control over your online reputation will be in your own hands. For instance celebrities often use Twitter (a micro-blogging platform) to clear up misconceptions or false news about published about them in tabloids, and this way, people get the chance to hear ‘straight from the horse’s mouth’.

4. A blog can be a great source of income! This is common knowledge now, in fact, a large chunk of people are now earning their bread solely and exclusively through their blogs! However it is totally unrealistic to expect to have to money flow in overnight; building a blog that becomes your primary source of income takes hardwork, dedication, effort and a long time – usually years. However bloggers such as Darren Rowse have been successfully able to do it, and are now making a good amount of money through their blogging efforts. AdSense, affiliate marketing, eBooks, ads… there are plenty of sources that you can look into for making a buck or two online.

5. A blow will allow you to network and connect with other people in your niche or industry. Once you establish yourself as an authority and actually start getting some traffic and exposure, people from your own niche will hear about you, get in touch with you through the comments section on your blog. This might even allow you to meet and speak with some of the biggest names in the industry, from all over the world – the chance to connect and network with industry leaders is quite enticing and who know, you might even be able to be part of gatherings, attend conference or seminars or the like. You may even make some good friends along the way.

6. A blog will allow you to pick-up new skills and allow you to learn. You’ll pick new things up related to your industry/niche, as well as many other skills related to social media, analytics, computers and technology, etc. Plus when you start to write, you’ll research first, you’ll learn a lot during this process. When someone posts a constructive comment on your blog, you might pick up a thing or two from the conversation. And of course, you’ll also get the chance to considerably improving your writing, research, public relations and time-management skills constantly!

7. A blog will provide you with a lot of professional opportunities. Once you start getting ranked on Google and get some exposure, people will be able to find you easily. This might even land you freelance gigs, writing opportunities, getting hired for various gigs, conduct trainings, speak at seminars, do a show on TV, speak for a radio talk-show or something else. You could even start offering your service for a fee, and people looking for such services and expertise will be able to contact and get in touch with you easily.

8. A blog will allow you to speak your mind. – put your thoughts on paper, question things, highlight issues of the utmost importance, vent your frustrations… basically have your say on the internet. Think of it as a way to share some valuable advice or knowledge with the world!

9. A blog is a good way to stay busy. It’s become a hobby for many people who don’t have any other hobbies, or are leading a retired life. It allows them to stay busy, and keeps them occupied.

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