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If you love writing then there are endless reasons to start a blog! For some people it’s their main source of income, for others, it’s a hobby. No matter how you choose to use your blog, there’s no doubt that it can be good for the soul.
My own blogging journey began in early 2019.
After my mental and physical health relapsed in 2018, I was lost. I had known nothing for the last ten years of my life other than working, studying, or both. It had been a long time since I had nothing to focus on other than myself. And that terrified me!
I spent the majority of January and February 2019 in a deep, deep depression. It was during this time that I made the decision to start writing for at least an hour a day. At the time I had a private blog where I was recording all my thoughts about recovery and declining mental state. I’d never thought to make my posts public, nor did I think anyone would be remotely interested. But I joined Twitter regardless and the rest, as they say, was history!
What started off as a means of therapy quickly became a passion and one I’ve kept up for over three years now. I fell in love with the community, the creativeness, the support, and, most of all, the ability to make money on my own terms. While some bloggers are full-time, I’ve chosen to use my blogging as a means to top up my paycheck from my day job. But, with a little hard work, the option to move fully to blogging is always there.
8 Reasons to start a blog.
It can be an excellent way to get your voice out there.
Whether you’re going self-hosted or not, blogging is a great way to voice your opinion, collect your thoughts and much more. If there’s an important issue you want to weigh in on or something that interests you, why not blog about it? My own blogging journey started with me wanting to address the issue around eating disorders and mental health. Three years later, I’m writing about various topics, some of which I’m familiar with and others that I’m covering for the first time.
It can be a wonderful creative outlet.
When we’re suffering from emotional distress or mental turmoil, writing can be an excellent way to process those feelings. After all, it’s better to let them out than to let them run rings around your mind. If you’re used to keeping a journal, then blogging can be a similar experience. You don’t even have to publish your writing, you can keep selected posts private, for your eyes only. Maybe something will come of them later? You never know!
Blogging could become a potential side hustle.
You don’t always have to monetize everything, especially the things you enjoy. But for some of us, blogging has become a nice way to earn some extra money. Some have even successfully made blogging their full-time job!
To learn more about compensation for your writing and advertising, check out this post.
It can help give a boost to your confidence.
I’ve personally gone through a massive transformation since starting my blog. Some of this has been down to my ongoing recovery, but I owe a lot of it to the confidence boost gained from blogging. While impostor syndrome can still reign free, for the most part, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, listen to my inner voice, and fight back against those telling me ‘you can’t do it.’ Even when I’m writing just for me, my confidence is able to shine through. And it shows in how I present myself, the boundaries I put in place, and how I promote myself online and in real life.
Improves your writing skills.
It’s simple really. The more you do something, the better you get. Even reading other people’s work helps improve your own writing skills. So get out there! Read more blogs, interact with more bloggers and write until your heart’s content. Even if you’re not confident in your writing at the moment, there are always other bloggers on hand and ready to give you advice. Remember, even bloggers who have been at this for years are experts, and we were all where you are now.
There is an amazing community behind it.
The blogging community can be amazing. Yes, there will always be bad eggs but I’ve yet to find them. I can’t recommend the supportive writing community more than those I’ve found on Twitter, Instagram and even Facebook! There are always people on hand to give you advice, help you with a blog post and even help boost your blog to new readers.
Blogs have the potential to open many different doors.
I’ve learned so much from blogging. While some people may suggest you stick to your own lane, there’s nothing wrong with branching out. I’ve covered topics that I could never have dreamed of, and done them well (if I may say so). Not only that but I’ve been invited to local events through various media streams and even worked for local papers. Your writing can open so many doors for you and putting it out on your blog is a wonderful way to get yourself seen.
You can make a difference.
I started blogging just to talk about my own experience with anorexia nervosa recovery. There were various parts of recovery that I felt could benefit someone in my position. My blog was dedicated to talking about the good, the bad and the ugly of it all. And I know for a fact that I’ve helped many people along the way. Even articles not related to recovery always have some sort of message behind them, and that can make a difference in someone’s life. It might be as small as altering their routine for a specific illness, or it could be I’ve encouraged someone to seek help. Either way, big or small, my blog has made a difference.
Yours could too. No matter what you write about, even if it’s personal diaries, you could touch someone’s life. So write that first paragraph and keep going. You never know who it could help.
Are you a blogger? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
What drew you to start your blog? Have you any advice for baby bloggers or even those who are still on the fence?
Thank you, Lauren! x
These are some really great reasons to start a blog and what you gain from writing and sharing a blog. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren.
Starting a blog is the perfect way to stress less and help others at the same time! Giving answers to questions is fun.
Blogging is a great way to make thoughts and help others. I know that blogging is great for stress relief, too!
I love all these reasons to start a blog! I am so happy I started mine a few years ago! I love it!
These are all great points and things that I have experienced as well in starting my blog! Thank you for sharing this with the rest of the online community to hopefully inspire others to do the same 🙂
I absolutely love my blog and would recommend making one to anyone thinking of doing so. It’s really brought out my creativity and improved my writing skills. It’s a hobby which has now turned into a passion of mine and I take great pride in my blog. I totally agree with all the reasons you’ve given! Thank you so much for sharing lovely Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
I totally agree with all you’ve mentioned. Initially, blogging was my way to express my voice in fashion and other topics that I like. Then after a couple of years, it started opening so many doors for me that I didn’t expect and it was fantastic. Would I stop blogging? Not in a million years.
My blog became my outlet about my feelings, opinions and emotions. It has been a ride! It’s fun, frustrating yet productive. I love doing my blog as it is a reflection of myself.
Having that creative outlet has been so valuable for me since I created my blog. These are great reasons to start a blog for anyone who is considering it! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
This was a great read, thank you for sharing, I agree with it all. From letting your creative mind wander to knowing you may actually be inspiring your readers
I absolutely loved reading this post! There are so many amazing reasons to start a blog and I feel so happy that I started mine six and a half years ago. I don’t know who I’d be without it!
Rosie
All these reasons are so true!! Thanks for sharing, definitely happy I took the leap into blogging even just for the creative outlet part.
Ah yes, it was just another skill I thought I had acquired. That was only until I saw a gap in how our stories, as Africans are told to the world! That’s when I decided to change that narrative and begin blogging on my own. I am loving the journey. The advice I can share is that you shouldn’t stop blogging for anything in the world!
Yes, I am a family travel blogger and I love it. It started as a travel journal for me. Then I found that I was helping other families. Then, my audience grew and I actually make money through my writing. I agree 100% with everything you said. I love blogging!
Having a blog is a great way to make a difference. You can always inspire people through your blogposts
Having a blog is indeed a creative outlet. Ive always wanted to write and my blog is such a great outlet now.
I started my blog after I had my daughter & I was home with her all day. Blogging made me feel not so alone & I quickly fell in love with blogging & the community. I also agree it is nice having a little extra income from my blog!
I’ve been blogging since I was 16 and only recently got serious about it because I realized how much of a creative outlet it was for me. I also realized how many other people there are like me and how they want to know how I do what I do.
It’s been a wonderful way to feel less alone, in this crazy world. 💕
Such a great read! And, you’re right, it really does improve your writing skills.
xo – Alli | https://www.onthetripside.com
I have been blogging since I was in high school but got serious in 2019 haha.
I totally agree with all those reasons. I started blogging few months ago as a means to have a reason to be consistent with writing. While going through hard times it offered me a place to share my thoughts and help myself and others. I am working on making it my full time job.
I agree… blogging has many benefit… i got into blogging as a creative outlet and share what I love since my friends doesnt really enjoy books.
You mention so many reasons to start blogging! It sounds like a great way to stay connected with like-minded people and help you feel better. Thanks for sharing! It is very motivating!
There really is a great blogging community. Many are very supportive. I find blogging can be a great creative outlet and a way of helping others.
Love all these reasons. I started blogging because I love to write but I have loved looking back at my blog and being able to have documented so many things in my life.
I never imagined blogging could be so many good things, you are so right! Until you stop and think of it, it feels completely different. Blogging is a stress-relieving process too, somehow!
I like to start a blog too but the problem is that I don’t know how to start. This is a really good post btw!
I started a blog for a place to share my thoughts. It turned into my full time job!
Blogging was the best thing that ever happened to me! I’m so glad I started 9 years ago. It has changed my life in so many ways and is now my full time job 🙂
Corinne x
I absolutely love blogging and only wish I could of found it sooner. There’s some great points in this article.
After reading these reasons, why wouldn’t you want to start a blog! I think it’s a great way to earn a little money or to put thoughts to “paper” or share knowledge/experiences!
These are some great reasons why you should start a blog. I have loved having my blog and actually cannot think about not blogging! I love being able to be creative and enjoy writing. The community is great isn’t it! Thank you for sharing.
Lauren
I started blogging around 2016 due to depression and thankfully over the years I have met many wonderful bloggers and I’m proud to say that thanks to my blog it is also my side hustle income. Is not a lot from what I wish but it’s something.
Thanks for sharing!
Michelle| http://www.brokebutflawless.com
Great post and wholeheartedly agree with all of these points! It can certainly be an amazing outlet and provide so many great opportunities. The community is great too, with the chance to make some great friends as well! But like you said to me yesterday via DM, it CAN impact your mental health if you’re not careful. So definitely something all new bloggers need to be aware of when they start!