There’s a common question you get when people find out that you write a blog and share your thoughts. That question is:
What do I need to know when I begin a blog?
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It’s a simple question with a lot of different answers. It’s also a tough question to answer.
This question was asked, once again, recently.
It thrills me when people want to know how to blog. Why? Because blogging is a lot of fun.
My former youth pastor created a blog. My nephew’s wife has started a blog. And, most recently, our new pastor’s daughter has started a blog (Go over to these blogs and leave some love!).
They’ve all asked for a little bit of advice on blogging. And, today, I wanted to share the 4 things you should know when you begin blogging.
What You Need To Know Before Creating A Blog
- Writing a blog is a lot of work: You may love writing. You may love sharing what you know. You may even love connecting with people.
Blogging is great for this. Writing on a blog always you to do all of these things. It also is a lot of work.
You’ll spend countless hours writing and rewriting and rewriting again. You’ll put in many hours of research. You’ll give up family time and personal time.
There’s a lot of work that goes into a blog. Be prepared.
- Writing a blog invites criticism: Blogging allows you to share your thoughts and your ideas. Some of what you share may be out there or challenging to others.
When it is, you’re going to be criticized. Your readers will challenge you.
They might ask for proof. They might ask for a personal experience. They might even tell you that you are flat-out wrong.
It’s okay. Whenever we do good work, we’ll be criticized. People love to speak up and knock other people’s work.
Embrace it and move on.
- Writing a blog involves making mistakes: Yup, I went there. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to mess up.
The really cool thing is that you can go back and correct your mistakes.
If you misspell a
cretincertain word, you can edit your work after it’s published.Mistakes will happen. Accept this reality and make corrections when they’re discovered.
As my friends Jeremy and Jason at Internet Business Mastery like to say: Progress is better than perfection. Oh, how true…
- Writing a blog will stretch you beyond your wildest dreams: I’ve already told you that creating a blog is a lot of work. You have to put in the time and effort to succeed.
Blogging will also stretch you. A LOT.
Too many people think that when you write a blog, it will automatically become a success. It won’t.
You will have to promote your content to readers.
This means talking to others about what you’re doing. This means contacting readers and seeing if what you’re writing resonates with them. This means reaching out and asking for support.
Most people struggle with these aspects of marketing their blogs. This is what will stretch you.
The Benefits Of Writing A Blog
The things I wrote above may seem daunting. They may even deter you from beginning your blog.
I hope it doesn’t. Because, if it does, you’re going to miss out on the benefits of blogging.
- Blogging creates an opportunity to meet like-minded people
- Blogging creates opportunities to attend conferences and seminars for free (or a discounted price)
- Blogging creates an impression that you’re knowledgeable on the topic you’re writing about
- Blogging creates an outlet for your thoughts
- Blogging creates a way to generate additional income
Question: What do you wish you had known before you started a blog? Let’s talk about these things in the comment section below.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.