Have you ever wondered why people blog? There are probably as many reasons as there are bloggers, but these seem to be the top five from what I've encountered. Some of them are combined together but I think at least one reason could be ticked by every blogger.
1 FOR PLEASURE
Not everyone who blogs needs a pressing reason to start - many just do it for fun. I think I'm one of those bloggers - plus a little bit of #4 as well - I just love to write and when I started it was to tell my story but as time has progressed, it has developed into somewhere I can share my thoughts, share my life, share my journey, and connect with others who are in the same age and stage - or who are heading in that direction.
2 FOR PROFIT
My daughter-in-law said to me the other day - "I didn't know you could make money from blogging". Well, there are tens of thousands of people out there making a full-time or part-time income from blogging, or from using their blog to share their business and to make connections and sales. For those who want to work from home, blogging can be an absolute godsend and a great way to supplement the family income.
3 FOR POSTERITY
Some bloggers write about their family history - I've read several blogs where family genealogies are traced back and stories shared about where those ancestors came from and what their lives were like. There are also those who want to write about their own history for future generations of their family to read. It's a great place to start a reservoir of family histories for the children's children to access one day.
4 TO TELL YOUR STORY
So many bloggers write to share their journey. Families who are touched by tragedy or trauma write because it gives them an outlet and in doing so they meet others with similar stories or who have an interest in that area. Others have been through some ups and downs in life and want to share those experiences and the lessons learned along the way. I know, for me, blogging was a wonderful way to process the upheavals I went through when I turned 50 and to turn them into something positive and to meet so many women who share my story and who have encouraged me along the way.
5 TO SHARE YOUR SKILLSET
This covers all those clever cookie bloggers who are amazing DIY-ers. There are so many people sharing their home renovations, furniture makeovers, fantastic recipes, crafts, gardening tips, travel hints, parenting skills, blogging success stories, writing how-to's, and so on and so forth. If you want to know how to do something there will be a blog post about it (probably several!) and they are a great way to gain knowledge and be inspired. I'm never going to fit into this category but I've learned so much from those who do.
WHY DO YOU BLOG?
Well that is my take on the 5 reasons people blog. Do you fit any of these categories? Have I missed one that should be on the list? Feel free to let me know in the comments.
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Well I blog mainly for pleasure . I do hope I'll leave behind something for posterity but wonder how real a virtual world is. Eventually a blog will only be read if there is electricity and the Internet. Whereas books can last for much longer. I wonder about people making money from blogging. I can't even figure out how Cuelinks works.... And that's just the basic way a blogger makes money ( or so I think)
ReplyDeleteI wonder about what will happen if there's ever a Big Bang and the lights go out permanently. The internet would certainly be lost - but things like books last forever. Maybe my weekly journal written by hand will be all that's left for posterity in the end!
DeleteBlogging really surprised me in a positive way! I'm #1, #3 and #4. I was in a good place for beginning with #4 while considering #3 and then, low and behold, now it's #1. Of course, I'm in retirement so the time that blogging demands is a bit easier. Even so, I don't spend half the time on here that I know is required. Thanks for posting this, Leanne!
ReplyDeletewww.meinthemiddlewrites.com
I'd love it if you blogged more Mary Lou - there are so many things you allude to in your life that I'm sure we'd all enjoy learning more about (that interesting person you're contemplating holidaying with for instance!) x
DeleteKauai is still on my bucket list, Leanne! Sadly, Bill had a stroke. He's had a slow recovery. At my age, when you never know what's around the corner, you seize the day when opportunity knocks.
DeleteI blog for pleasure, and to share my experiences. Perhaps, one day, once I retire, I might look into blogging for profit, but not right now. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI'm the same Alana - the thought of trying to find the time to generate income is just beyond me while I'm still working. I love all your pictures and those flowers you put up always give me a bright spot in my day.
DeleteRight now, I think I'm a No. 1 and No. 5. In the future, I hope to bring in a little bit of No. 2.
ReplyDeleteYes, a little bit of income would be nice wouldn't it Carol? But I don't want that unless I can stay authentic and write about stuff that interests me - not stuff I'm paid to give an opinion on.
DeleteThere are a few reasons why I started to blog. Is to share our housesitting experiences with a wider community which makes me accountable as doing it privately I wasn't as enthused to do it!. The main one was to have a creative outlet while we live out of a suitcase travelling. Enjoyed your post,thanks. https://globehousesitterx2.wordpress.com/ Seems I can't put it in the usual spot
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne - I'm off to have a read of your blog because it sounds really interesting. Every time I discover someone new, doing something I don't do it reminds me why I love this blogging community so much.
DeleteI'm questioning why I blog Leanne! I started when I retired and was feeling lost. My focus has been on trying to encourage and motivate women of midlife to be the best they can be but lately I've been wondering if that approach really works. I do love the connection with others and it is lovely meeting people from all over the world. I don't love that I try to say "I'm doing it as a hobby" then get caught up with reading blogs on why my pageviews aren't there, what I should and shouldn't be doing. That can really sap the pleasure out of it all. At least the bright spot is that I've met you and we have some great conversations. Loved the post as usual. x
ReplyDeleteI think it comes down to going back to what you love writing about Sue. We're told to write for our reader so we get more views, but every time I try to write about things that aren't on my heart, I find myself wondering why I'm not enjoying it as much. Now I've given up on the How-To posts and I'm just going with the flow. Meeting you has been one of the biggest joys - friendship can come from surprising sources :)
DeleteI originally started blogging to share my skill set! :) But now I blog to share my skill set, tell my story, and get involved with the bloggy community! :D
ReplyDeleteIsn't it nice when you discover all the extra joys that blogging brings? I think the comments and connections are what keep me going - I love sharing my thoughts, but I love it even more when others share their's in return.
DeleteSometimes I must say I ask myself why I blog. I see so many people clicked on but just a few give me the thumbs up. I realize that the applause is not the reason to do anything. The bottom line for me is I enjoy sharing my life. If one person can relate to something I said it was worth it. This article was definitely worth it. Thank you for it.
ReplyDeleteIt's tricky isn't it Donna? Finding that balance between enjoying blogging for it's own sake and at the same time wanting others to enjoy what we write. I never expected anyone to read my blog, but once it started it becomes addictive and you just want more and more of those connections.
DeleteI blog for 3 reasons: 1, 2, and 5. I enjoy writing, I would love to monetize my blog so I could quit my job, and I want to help others learn to live heart healthy lives while saving money. So, you covered it all, at least for me.
ReplyDeleteI think we all cross into more than one category Brenda - and I know we'd all love to be making millions while we do it! I think it's about being able to share ourselves with like minded people and the benefits that we reap from that which keeps me going.
DeleteHi Leanne! Thanks for pointing out the many different rewards that come from blogging. I blog for most of the same reasons, although I consider myself extremely fortunate that I don't need to make money from my blog. Because I primarily consider myself to be a author and writer first, I use my blog to promote my books and other writing. The wonderful thing about blogging is that it allows so many of us to take it in any direction that we want/need/desire. Thanks for reminding me of that! ~Kathy
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy - I always find your blog posts thought provoking and they usually help me feel like I'm steering myself in the right general direction. Having someone successfully navigate life and share it with the rest of us is a real blessing of blogging.
DeleteThanks for sharing your post on reasons for blogging to the blogger’s pit stop. Very informative.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Julie.
DeleteI think I do it for a little bit of all these reasons - I don't do sponsored posts or anything, but we've been for a few meals and reviewed a few things as a result of the blog, so even #2 is covered! :) #FridayFrivolity
ReplyDeleteI think if you get pleasure from blogging and someone throws a free meal your way now and then you've definitely got a win/win situation on your hands Jessica :)
DeleteLeanne I'll add one more reason to your list. To connect with like-minded people. As you know I repurpose and upcycle junk or things that would otherwise end up in the trash. But I never found anyone who agreed with my philosophy in my neck of the woods. By blogging I have been inspired by some incredibly talented people and learned so much from them. I guess you can say its a skill set as well. Who would have expected so many to share a love for junk. Lol!
ReplyDeleteI see your blog as DIY and sharing of skills Mary - you are so clever with the things you upcycle! With the way things have been going in Greece, you might be surrounded by other recyclers before much longer. I agree about the connections we make - the friendships and conversations have been such a blessing from blogging.
DeleteStopping by from Grammy's Meet and Greet to say Hi and follow you on Pinterest. I already follow you on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing you at all of the parties I cohost.
Hugs,
Bev
Thanks Bev - I love it when we follow each other to keep up to date with new posts x
DeleteFor those who want to work from home, blogging can be an absolute godsend and a great way to supplement the family income.https://article.wn.com/view/2017/06/01/Renting_Out_Your_Old_Is_House_Is_Right_Choice/
ReplyDeleteYou're right there Michal - I am amazed at how many people make a really good living from blogging in their own homes and with very little outlay.
DeleteLeanne,
ReplyDeleteI mostly blog for pleasure but I'd love to earn money doing it. I have yet to get this work in my favor. There is so much inspiration in Blogosphere that spurs my creativity and I love being a part of this wonderful community. Have an awesome day!