Launching this blog is one of the best decisions I’ve made. Let’s face it: there’s not a lot of demand for professional doll reviewers or dressmakers. Blogging, however, gives me the opportunity to pursue my 1:6 obsession and share what I learn with other doll lovers and crafters.
That’s why having a blog is so awesome! It’s one of those rare ventures that can benefit you both personally and financially. Your blog is your online voice. It provides a platform for you to share your ideas with like-minded people. It’s a creative outlet giving you the opportunity to showcase your work. It increases your knowledge by encouraging you to learn more about your niche. Finally, a blog gives you the freedom to be your own boss and earn an income while doing something you love.
So, here a list of 8 reasons why I believe you should start a blog today!
(Also, this post has a few teasers of some upcoming reviews. See if you can find them!)
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Reason 1: Blogging will make you a better writer.
If you like to write then you should definitely start a blog! Blogging is writing and the more you write the better your prose, presentations, even emails will become.
Do you spend time dreaming up stories? Try publishing a few on your blog! You never know when someone will fall in love with your work and offer you a gig.
Reason 2: Blogging will improve your communication skills.
Think about it, when you blog you are essentially talking with someone on the other side of your computer screen (another reason why one should practice internet safety, but we’ll talk about that in another post?).
When you’re a blogger, you learn how to communicate in an easy to understand way and to summarize your thoughts clearly.
You may not realize it but I struggle with communicating. Because I’ve had neurosurgery and now battle Adrenal Insufficiency, speaking clearly and concisely can be difficult. But, blogging has helped my communication skills because it reminds me to keep my words simple and to the point.
Reason 3: Blogging will help you become a better listener:
Blogging requires you to ask questions and be willing to learn. This means that good bloggers are good listeners. Blogging will hone your listening skills, which will go on to benefit you in everyday life.
Reason 4: You’ll inspire others through your blog.
Inspiration is powerful. Blogging gives you the chance to inspire your readers by sharing your trials and triumphs. Your words have the power to lift people up and motivate them to try new things.
Learning that your story has had a positive impact on someone’s is a wonderful feeling.
Reason 5: You’ll become more confident.
Blogging will teach you how to set and achieve goals, to stop comparing yourself to others, and to receive both positive and negative feedback.
It’s an exciting adventure taking you through various circumstances and showing you how to deal with them, which in turn will boost your confidence.
You will find that your stories are worth telling and your opinions are valuable because no one has the exact same experiences as you.
Reason 6: You can make a little money doing something you enjoy.
You don’t need to make money to have fun blogging. However, it is nice to know the hobby you enjoy can earn a few pennies. Whether it’s $15 a year or $15,000, a blog offers plenty of opportunity for turning your passions into profits.
Reason 7: You can start a blog for free.
That’s right FREE! You can launch a blog right now without ever spending a dime. Both Blogger and WordPress.com offer free hosting and are great options for someone just starting out.
Or if you’re willing to invest a little, you can self-host your blog for just a few dollars a month. Self-hosting means that you own your blog.
When you use a free hosting service, they reserve the right to terminate your site for any violation of their terms of service…even if the violation was unintentional and corrected. This is one of the reasons I switched from Blogger to a self-hosted WordPress site. Now I am in control and no longer have to fret about Google shutting down my site on a whim.
I use and recommend Siteground because they are known for having top-notch customer support, but there are other web hosts–such as GoDaddy and Bluehost–that you can check out.
Reason 8: Blogging is fun!
When I started blogging a little over two years ago, I never thought I’d have this much fun! It’s exciting to meet others in the blogging community who share your interests and get positive feedback saying they liked your post. For the most part, the blogging community is a friendly one, which makes it an enjoyable experience.
So, I’ve given my eight reasons why I think blogging is awesome, now it’s your turn! Why did you start or want to start a blog? I look forward to reading your answers!
I’ve been thinking about this post a lot, which is why it has taken me so long to respond. I’ve kind of hit a dead-end in my blogging. I would like to keep increasing my doll blog viewership, but either I don’t have good enough content, or am not good enough promoting myself. Or both. Also, a lot of doll content seems to be moving to YouTube. I don’t have the face, the voice or the hands for YouTube. 🙂
As far as my personal blog, I started that back in 2005, and it’s sort of run its course. Most of the people who were regulars at the time don’t even seem to be on the internet anymore. Again, a lot of younger people would also rather watch stuff on YouTube, or read on Tumblr. I used to homeschool, and be involved in the Lutheran online community. My girls are grown up now, and the Lutheran online community has disappeared. I’m struggling to find a niche.
One more thing just to be pedantic, your ISP can still cancel service with you if you break its rules.
No worries! I appreciate you taking your time to write down your thoughts.
I understand what you mean about wanting to increase views but feeling like your content is not good enough or that no one will be interested in it. However, I believe that you should blog first and foremost for yourself otherwise you wont enjoy it. I write about dolls and don’t worry whether someone thinks my photo story is silly or that my craft looks crappy.
As far as promoting yourself and using social media, that’s another bit of blogging advice I throw out the window. I don’t use Facebook or Twitter (which some bloggers say is a big no-no) because they don’t work with my niche and I’m not going to waste my time with them. Instead I use platforms I’m already engaged on such as Pinterest.
I do post videos to YouTube, but only because I use voice overs which makes my voice sound better. In real life I talk slow and stutter a lot. If it wasn’t for voice overs, I wouldn’t do videos because it would be too difficult to record a clip without my voice shaking or having long breaks of silence while I gather my thoughts.
You mentioned struggling to find your niche. Yes, it’s good to find a niche, but it’s not required. In fact, some of the most popular blogs out there don’t have a specific niche. They talk about everything from fashion to DIY projects to recipes. So, I would say your niche is whatever you want. You don’t have to limit your blog to just dolls.
Blogging is dynamic. As your life changes so can your blog. If you want to blog but can’t nail down a niche, I would forget the idea and just start writing. Either your content will define your niche or you’ll find that you don’t need one.
ISPs don’t have the right to take down your blog unless you are posting illegal content. Google, however, likes to operate within their own set of laws and has been known to delete sites they deem “offensive” simply because the author posted something they don’t agree with.
I know that was a long reply, but I hope it helped though and answered some of your questions! Just so you know, I follow your blog and think you have great content! The story you were working on is adorable and even inspired me to keep doing my little photo stories with Tink. So, even if your audience is small, remember you have one loyal reader right here!
P.P.S. I posted the button code (in the comments) so you can put on my blog button on your blog buttons page, Just letting you know!:)
I started blogging because I wanted to share my ideas and stories with the world!:) (And of course my dolls wanted to join in.)
This is an awesome post, Paradise Pink!:) Blogging has always been something that is relaxing and enjoyable for me to do.
-Quinley
I’m glad you liked it! I was a little worried that it strayed too far off topic; however, I enjoy being a blogger have wanted to write “how-to-blog” or “why-I-blog” post of my own for quite some time. You are 100% right–blogging is fun and relaxing. I also love the freedom of blogging. You can do it wherever you are, whenever you want, and design it however you like.
Awesome!:) Also I was wondering if you would like to do a button swap?
-Quinley
Sure! There is a section under the Blogging Resources page for blog buttons. Just let me know the name of your blog and I’ll add your button?.
My blogs name is Q’s Creative Corner (here’s the link just in case: https://qs-creative-corner.blogspot.com)
-Quinley
P.P.P.S. I saw that my blog button on the blogging resources page was broken, I believe the reason why was that I gave you the wrong or broken HTML to copy and paste…But I wanted to let you know that my blog buttons can now be grabbed, and that they have the right HTML.
Hope this helps,
-Quinley
P.S. I added your blog button to my blog buttons page.