Why YOU Should Start a Blog

Blogs aren’t just for us moms who sit home with nothing better to do than to throw our laundry out into the world for judgment. Nope, blogs are much more than spill all journals created by lonely moms whose only companions are booger picking babies.

I, for one, started this blog because I felt like I had a few stories to share. Once upon a time, I did. But then, after a certain age, I was forbidden to share and so they had to stay in my own dryer instead of on the public clothing line for al to see and judge and discuss amongst themselves.

However, I didn’t declare to the entire world that I was going to quit because my family was sick and tired of my blabber mouth. Nope. I kept trying to reinvent myself. It hasn’t worked yet. I’m still the same old me, sitting in the laundry room staring at my untold stories.

BUT…

I firmly believe EVERYONE has a story worth sharing. Whether it’s for promoting brands or personal use only, what you have is worthwhile so don’t let some bitter, ladder climbing blogger tell you that no one is reading your stuff. They will. I mean, if I still get traffic here, anyone can get traffic.

So, here’s my two-cents on why I think you should start a blog.

1. Community. There’s nothing like the blogger community. NO, it’s NOT a cult. It’s a community of diverse people…not just woman. The friendships I’ve made through blogging have been remarkable. Blogging conferences are like one giant GNO. My friendships span the entire country, into Canada and overseas. Blogging=new friends. Real friends.
2. I think bloggers are the smartest people I know. Because we have to think about everything. EVERYTHING. We are the thinkiest people around. From political discussions to analyzing brands, our brains are constantly in overdrive.
3. Some bloggers actually make a living from this. I’m trying to figure that part out, 9 years later. But, they do. There are bloggers who are the primary bread-winners for their families. That’s HUUUUGGEE.
4. Blogging has somehow given me confidence and kicked me out of my shell. I’m not sure how that happened but it has. While I’m still shy, I can actually talk to people without wanting to throw up. And I firmly believe it’s from everything that came along with blogging like conferences, tweet-ups (is that a thing anymore?), meet ups and all the other ‘ups’ that is a part of blogging.
5. Horizons. Expanded. Blogging will open your eyes to so many different areas of life you had no clue existed.
6. Opportunities. While my blog may not make very much money, I have found a way to earn a living that is 100% due to being a blogger. Blogging evolved into writing SEO content for companies as well as doing their social media. I mean, 10 years ago, there’s no way I would have known that I could help support my family by doing what I love doing which is WRITING!! I know a bazillion other bloggers who have a variation of my story, as well.
7. Sure, you can help people. By writing reviews, sharing your stories and pictures…somebody and, in some cases, many bodies, are nodding or buying or smiling. Contrary to somebodies popular belief, blogs are HIGHLY read. And the articles are massively shared. It’s a beautiful thing when your words resonate in some way.
8. It’s free to start a blog. WordPress or Blogger, both are free. If you want your own domain, there are definitely costs associated with that and they can run the gamut. But, just starting out blogging, it’s FREE! A free hobby that could turn into so much more.
9. If you like to write, blogging will make you an even better writer. Although, I read some of my old posts and I think I was better earlier on. But, it also can help you find your voice. Writing with your own voice. It’s so cool.
10. Blogging helps you become more organized in life and thought. Once you start taking on opportunities, or your simply trying to grow your readership, you have to maintain discipline (Ha, that’s funny coming from me who rarely posts). But, it’s true. Setting and sticking to a schedule can be daunting but so worth it in the end.
11. You become more observant in your daily life. I remember when I first started blogging, everything I noticed became part of a blog post. Not in a gross way, but in a way that enhanced whatever it was I was trying to accomplish with that particular post. You just become more aware of what’s going on around you and the picture becomes larger and clearer.
12. Blogging makes me happy. Every single thing, from creating content to networking/hanging out with my online friends gives me complete and utter joy. This blogging journey has been something I never expected but appreciated tremendously. The doors that have opened (and shut), the passion I’ve found in fiction writing, and yes, even the ‘free stuff’ I’ve received in exchange for a blog post make me proud to be a blogger.

I can honestly say, the only time I ever felt like I was selling out was when I bought a few pieces of round up content. I’m sure, if you peruse my blog, you can tell which posts those are. Many I wrote, a few I did buy. Other than that, I do what I love, when I feel like doing it. While my blog may not be quite the business I would like it to be, who’s to say it won’t, someday?

So, if you’re one of those people who are taking to heart what ONE blogger has recently been saying about blogging, don’t listen to her. There’s been nothing quite like blogging. And, from someone who switches gears every year or so, I’ve stuck with this, however intermittently, for nine years.

If you’re thinking about starting a blog, trust me…start it. You can always decide it’s not for you. But, try it. You’ll see. It really is for everyone, not just moms!

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