Web blogging has been a time-honored tradition since the start of the Internet era. Predating today’s social media, blogs have been around since the first blog site hit the web in 1994. Since then, digital spaces have grown crowded with various kinds of self-expression, including social media feeds, short-form videos, and more.
For those who would like to create their own space on the internet, either for a business, creator profile or a means of self-expression, the humble blog offers many advantages over other forms of social media. Blogs allow for more freedom of creative expression, are straightforward to use and accessible, and can be used to turn a passion into a profitable business. With proper guidance, anyone can start a successful blog, regardless of experience.
Below are four reasons to consider creating a blog and some tips for getting started.
1. Blogging Can be Profitable
While many understand the importance of an online presence for business or personal success, it is hard to know where to get started. Starting a blog can be the best choice for a growing business. In fact, a study by B2B marketers revealed blogging as one of the top three marketing content techniques utilized, with 53% of marketers placing blog content creation as their top inbound marketing priority.
Blogging isn’t just for businesses, either. A successful blogger can turn their passion subject, be it video games, pet care, crocheting, or more, into a site that draws thousands of clicks with the potential for ad revenue.
2. Blogging Leaves More Room for Creativity
There are so many options for users to post content online that it can feel overwhelming. However, many popular social media sites are restrictive as to what kind of content can be posted and in what form.
Blogging removes these restrictions, leaving the blogger free to create a webpage according to their needs and preferences. A blog doesn’t include strict limitations on word count; a post can be long and detailed or short and succinct. Blog sites also allow users to mix formatting, combining words with pictures, videos, gifs, and more.
3. Blogging Circumvents the Rule of the Algorithm
Another drawback to today’s social media sites is the growing requirement for successful posters to understand how each site’s algorithm functions. These algorithms, while geared to optimize feeds for users, can be complex and difficult for creators to understand.
A blog circumvents the need to master algorithms across multiple sites. When starting a blog, a user can create their own website domain, with content organized by their priorities. This leaves web traffic up to the user’s own search engine optimization, which, while intimidating at first, can be accomplished with a little guidance.
4. Blogging is Accessible to Everyone
It often feels like you need to be an online expert to create any kind of web presence. However, with the right tools and guides, just about anyone can learn to create an effective blog.
For those interested in a step-by-step tutorial for launching a blog site, The Blog Starter is a good place to begin. Started by Scott Chow, a veteran blogger who got his start in the 2000s, The Blog Starter is a free guide that walks you through the blog creation process, from choosing a blog name to monetization.
“One of my friends jokingly called me ‘The Blog Starter’ because of how often I helped others,” Chow says, reflecting on how his own webpage took off. “This nickname sparked the idea to create The Blog Starter website, where I could share my knowledge on a broader scale.”
The Advantages of Blogging for Today’s Creator
The internet can be a noisy and intimidating place for creators or small businesses to get a start. Rather than relying on a lineup of social media sites with restrictive rules and complex algorithms, a blog site can be the perfect method for carving out a unique online space. Blogs offer multiple advantages, including accessibility, creative potential, and monetization options. With a little guidance, anyone can join this time-honored tradition of online content creation.
The A.V. Club editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.