It seems like blogging has exploded over the past few years. So many people I know have either already started a blog or expressed interest in starting one. The idea of monetizing probably plays a big role in this. And while there is the potential for money to be made here, there are still plenty of other reasons why you should start a blog.
1. Blogging is a creative outlet
As a clinical therapist, I have found that a lot of my clients simply haven’t found a creative outlet where they can express themselves. There are so many ways to do this and blogging is one of them. In fact, blogging gets its roots from online journals. (LiveJournal or Xanga, anyone?) Starting a blog can give you an outlet to express yourself and your creativity, whether its through writing, creating crafts, sharing stories or lessons learned, or even through the design of the website itself.
2. Blogging allows you to connect with others
Thanks to the rise in popularity of blogging, there really is something for everyone. Whatever your interests are, blogging can give you a platform to share your ideas with other like-minded individuals around the world. This can lead to connections and opportunities with people you may have otherwise never been able to.
Besides your readers, the blogging community in itself is extremely encouraging and supporting. You know the saying, it takes a village to raise a child? Blogging is similar in that it is really difficult to achieve success alone. Other bloggers are there to connect, support, encourage, and inspire. You don’t have to take my word for it, you can find out for yourself at some of my favorite Facebook blogging groups: Blog + Biz BFFs, Blogging Newbs, and Blogging Over Breakfast.
3. Blogging is a learning opportunity
There is so much that goes into blogging that most people don’t realize. In the few months I started my blog, I researched every aspect I thought I would need to know and there is still so much to learn. From SEO to coding, affiliate marketing, design incorporation, social media strategies, and I could go on and on! These are all things I never would have known about otherwise and can integrate a lot of this information into my professional life as well.
4. Blogging is a platform to share knowledge
Besides learning new things for yourself, starting a blog lets you share your own knowledge with the world. I truly believe that everyone has something to offer. What is it that you have to share? What can others learn from you? When you start a blog, you’re not only learning from others, but allowing others to learn from you and your experiences. And that’s a beautiful thing.
5. Blogging can help you lead a better life
I already mentioned that a lot of what I’ve learned from blogging can be used in my professional life, but there are ways that blogging can help in your personal life as well. Blogging can give you the motivation to get out there and do more of what you love.
When I first began my own research, I came across an article about creating a successful blog and the writer’s advice was something along the lines of, you need to live an interesting life to have content worth sharing. This writer was partially right. Most of the time, our lives are pretty ordinary and that’s okay (and fine to share in a blog too!), but blogging puts at least a part of your life on display. We all want to portray our best selves and knowing that others are interested in what you are doing can give you that push to go after your passions, interests, and hobbies in a whole new way!
So there you have it, five reasons to start a blog, other than with the goal of making money. Have you started a blog? What inspired you?
Sydnie says
I completely agree with all of these! I just launched a blog and the amount of learning, fun, and connection you get out of it is truly amazing! And I’m only scratching the surface. Awesome article 👌
Christina says
Thank you, Sydnie! It has been so much fun and definitely worth all of the hard work! Good luck on your new blog, it looks awesome!
Rachel Gault (@rachelgault) says
Love this list! I’m so glad I started blogging for all of the same reasons!
Christina says
Same! I think it really shows when you have passion for something and you’re willing to look beyond the monetary aspects.
Finding Kathy Brown says
I agree with all of the above. My blogging is a hobby. I didn’t start out with the expectation of making money. It’s all about learning and growing as a writer. I have found ways to make it fun. Making plans to visit new places. Taking pictures and then being able to share my experiences. My blog is has value in ways that have nothing to do with compensation.
Christina says
I am the same way! It will be fun too to look back a few years down the line, not only on those experiences, but also to see how you’ve changed and grown as a blogger and a person.
Karen says
I just started a blog this year and I’m glad I did! It’s true that blogging is a creative outlet. I totally agree with everything that you said!
Christina says
Thank you and I’m glad you’re enjoying your blogging experience!
rsrote says
I know I started as a way to connect with others when I was home with 2 little ones…now it’s changes as time goes on.
Christina says
That is a good point, your reasons for blogging may change over time or under different circumstances!
April says
This is a great post and each one of this is exactly on my thoughts and yes, im a xanga love child.I guess journaling never grows out of me.
http://www.aprilwashere.com
Christina says
Those were the days! My LiveJournal is still floating around out there somewhere and before that I had my pony diary with the tiny lock and key so I have to agree with you there.
Olivia Kaye says
I totally agree with all of this. Starting a blog was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.
Christina says
That is so awesome to hear! It is definitely a lot of work, but it has been worth every second for me.
Elizabeth @ CrazyBusyHappyLife says
I agree. Blogging is super fun and is such a great outlet.
Christina says
I think it is a lot of fun too! Otherwise, I think most people would burn out pretty quickly if they didn’t truly enjoy doing it.
Chrissy Taylor says
I completely agree! Love blogging and everything that has come from it!
Christina says
Thank you, and there is so much to get out of it!