As Featured on ConnectThru.com
Although massive communities like MySpace and Facebook receive all the credit, the blog is one of the original social networking platforms and remains prevalent to this day. If you’re not blogging then I pose a simple question - why not? Anyone looking to build a credible online presence without a blog is missing out on endless benefits. For those who are still undecided and teetering on the fence, I will give you five reasons to start blogging right away.
1.) Cost Effective - Creating and maintaining a blog is far less expensive than a traditional website. In fact, most blogging platforms are totally free. WordPress, Blogger and b2Evolution are just a few of many platforms that allow you to create a blog at no cost. Simply sign up for an account, name your blog and start posting. Even paid blog hosting is relatively cheap and gives you far more control and flexibility than its free counterpart. When considering how so many bloggers have gone on to online stardom, I would say its an amazing trade off.
2. Easy to Maintain - For the most part, running a blog is a piece of cake. It doesn’t require any knowledge of HTML or complex programming languages such as PHP. Administration is made easy with a GUI or Graphical User Interface, laying out all of the essential functions in simplistic text and icons. Additionally, your blog can be instantly enhanced with a number of widgets and plugins. These add-on modules are pre-scripted and can generally be incorporated in a few easy clicks.
3.) Networking - Any successful blogger will tell you that the blog is one of the best networking tools available. It makes an ideal medium for people with like interests who want to interact and share ideals with each other. A blog can help establish new friendships and profitable business partnerships as well. The Blogosphere is larger than one could imagine, meaning there are sure to be a few bloggers out there who share your interests.
4.) Monetizing Machine - I call the blog a monetizing machine because of its nature. Blogging is based on interaction opposed to a traditional website that is simply out to sell you something. After establishing a loyal readership and active community, you will have a much better chance of generating revenue through Google AdSense, your affiliate products or whatever method you have chosen to profit from.
5.) It’s Your Show - One of the best things about blogging is freedom. This platform allows you to post about whatever is on your mind. Some choose to blog about technology and business topics while others focus on hobbies and gossip. So if you wanna take a break on the Dallas Cowboys and jump into the Michael Phelps drama, it’s your call. As long as you keep your readers intrigued, you can make a blog as diverse or focused as you desire.
I could probably give you about thirty more reasons to start blogging but these five came to mind. Be it for personal or business matters, it’s all about exposure and making a name for yourself in the end. I will leave you with something a past client told me - “Create a blog and the search engines will love you.” So far so good.
