Reasons Why I Blog
The “reasons why I blog” meme has been doing the rounds lately and even though the same themes keep coming up it’s still interesting to read the perspectives of fellow bloggers. Randfish at seomoz wrote one of the best responses.
Here are my top 5 reasons for blogging:
- Establish Credibility
Writing about search engine marketing topics, and pay-per-click in particular, gives me the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and attitude / enthusiasm. It’s a good way to show experience, particularly to prospective clients.
- Explore Topics and Clarify My Thoughts
Often when I’m writing a post I’ll combine my own experience with some further research into the topic. I find that this process, and the discipline required to try and write something of value, and write it clearly, gives me a better insight into whatever topic I’m covering. If I get comments, positive or negative, which make me think further then so much the better.
- Marketing and New Business Opportunities
This is connected with my first reason “establish credibility”. Blogs are a great way to get noticed, get more website traffic and establish a brand. One of the things that has happened since I started blogging is an invitation to have posts from my blog syndicated on the ientry network. Blogging is a good way to get this kind of recognition.
- Feel Part of a Community
I mostly work by myself and it suits me to do so. I like the focus and concentration that comes with a quiet, solitary work environment. However I’m not entirely anti-social :). Online communities are a good place to form peer relationships, share ideas, have the occasional spat and generally avoid the feeling that you’re in a vacuum.
- Improve Skills
I’ve already mentioned that I believe blogging improves my industry skills. There’s also a whole lot to learn in order to blog effectively. It can be frustrating at times and I’m definitely still learning but I like the idea of improving skills in this area. I bought this book a few weeks ago and really recommend it. There are also some great blogs on blogging.
What about you? If you blog I’d really like to hear your reasons. Or anything that’s stopping you from blogging if you don’t have a blog.
Posted in Blogging
