Benefits of Blogging
It was January of 2014 when I decided I would jump into this blogging world, with both feet. There was no plan of action, pre-written posts, or even much computer knowledge. I didn’t feel qualified to blog but I did it anyway. I knew if I waited for the perfect time, it would never happen.
As a stay at home mom, blogging seemed like a great way to supplement our income. Surprisingly, I discovered the benefits of blogging were quite different than what I anticipated.
This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through an affiliate link, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Disclosure.
1) Improves Writing Skills
Practice makes perfect, right? The more you write, the better you get. I’m no seasoned pro but the desire is there. I recently purchased Secrets of Dynamic Communication by Ken Davis in hopes of gaining focus and clarity in my writing.
2) Exercises Your Mind
Oh my goodness! Blogging opens up a world of learning potential. Not only do you hone your writing skills, but you also become computer savvy, by default. SEO, plugins, widgets, and social media are sure to exercise those brain cells. Who needs crossword puzzles when you can blog?
3) Creates An Online Record
As we planted potato starts, I realized we would have plenty potatoes to freeze hash browns again this year. But how did we do that last year? No problem! I can do a quick search on my blog and know the exact steps we took.
It’s always fun to go back and see what was going on, throughout the year, through this blog. It’s like a running journal of where we’ve been.
4) Makes You Money
Okay, this one is still in the works. I’ve made a few dollars here and there. Surprisingly, this post: $10 Dirty Santa Gift Exchange Ideas brought in quite a few affiliate sales. I’m still trying to figure out how that one took off.
The experts say you shouldn’t blog for money because you’ll burn out fast. Good thing I didn’t know that when I started! I was looking for an opportunity to work my own hours and make a buck or two. Yep! I said it. I got into blogging for the money. It’s so taboo, I know. I have read about bloggers whose husbands quit their jobs to help with the blog and the blog is their living. What? Okay, Steve likes his job waaay too much to ever quit for blogging but hey, if they can make the big bucks, why can’t I?
5) Gain Internet Friends
Through blogging, I have had the pleasure to meet some really awesome people whom I call friends. I look forward to reading their blogs and seeing the comments they leave here. It’s a tight knit community that truly wants to see each other succeed, roots for each other, and genuinely cares.
6) Allows You To Help Others
Oh, boy! Doesn’t that sound all noble and stuff? Seriously though, where do you go when you need help? If you don’t have a walking encyclopedia next to you, you might turn to the internet. I have certainly learned a lot by reading other blogs and I aspire to help others too. Even if the help is as simple as a gift idea, card, or how to build a cinder block raised garden bed.
7) Let’s You Express Yourself
My favorite blog posts are when something just burns inside me and I have to get it out. The words just flow. There’s no need to blast it all over Facebook because you have this fun thing called a blog that lets you express yourself, in a creative way.
8) Gives You Self-Fulfillment
I have always loved being a stay at home mom but have often looked for ways to exercise my mind, beyond home life. In the past, I’ve done this through volunteer work at church and the kids’ schools. It’s easy for anxiety or depression to set in when there’s nothing to focus your creativity on. Blogging has given me that something.
Why Blog?
- Are you looking for a way to improve your writing skills and exercise your mind?
- Would you love an online record of the happenings in your life?
- Could you use a little extra money? I’m not sure who would say no to that question.
- Do you love chatting it up online and helping others?
- Do you long for a creative way to express yourself?
- Are you looking for a way to contribute to the world, to get out of your own four walls?
If you answered, ‘YES’ to any of these questions, you may be a blogger waiting to happen!
Little did I know just how much time, effort, and energy goes into blogging, but the benefits of blogging make it well worth the effort. When I look back at posts from a year ago, I realize my writing skills have improved. My mind is always busy, there’s a journal like no other, I’ve met friends I never imagined meeting, and I wake up every morning with the desire to help others, though I fail miserably. Blogging gives me a place to express myself in a creative way but, best of all, blogging has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m still waiting for the money!
I’ve been really loving the friends I’ve made through blogging too, one of the biggest perks if you ask me! I also would like to eventually make an income someday off my blog, but know that it definitely does take a considerable amount of time before that can start to happen 🙂 I’ve been hearing lots of great things about Abby’s book lately, I think I might need to finally take the plunge and buy it!
I agree, Christina! Blogging buddies are the best! I am wondering what happened to our friend, Kay?
I’ve been binge watching Interviews with Expert Bloggers from Building a Framework. Can’t wait to watch the rest and read the updated book!
I’ve been wondering the same thing, I actually just went to go shootKay a tweet to see what’s up and noticed she deactivated her Twitter account 🙁 I’m going to email her, I’ve been a little worried and hope everything’s okay with her!
Good idea. I did the same thing the other day. Everything was down. Let me know what you hear.
Chela said she heard from kay and she has decided to take a break from blogging (or stop or something) because it’s been too much of a distraction after the move. Everything was OK.
Hey, girls! Jayleen, great post. Others,: I’ve been talking with kay, she’s just super busy with life right now and some other stuff and wants to focus on that stuff. I’m sure she’ll be back on track soon. 🙂
Thank you for letting us know, Laurie. I’m glad everything is okay and hope to hear from her soon!
I like the friendships/connections and my writing skills have definitely improved!
Is Kay reading all these comments about her? Come back, Kay!
I bet she is reading! We miss you, Kay.
I’m excited to see how my writing skills will improve a year from now and blogging buddies are the best!
I’ve blogged in different venues for over 4 years now, and I agree with all of those reasons! I especially love the friends I’ve met through blogging. Creating a community is that best part, I think.
Number five is the winner! Internet friends rock!
Love this list! I love “meeting” and learning from so many other talented bloggers. And I’ll just admit it, for me, the creative outlet of blogging has been awesome. 🙂
Jennie, I wish I would have known about blogging 14 years ago when we lived in a new state and I didn’t know a soul. Instead, I went to the local mall, that consisted of about 5 stores, wheeling my 1-year-old around. Lol! Blogging is great for the mind!
Jayleen! What a perfectly timed blog. Thanks to all of you ladies up there for your kind words! I look so forward to bouncing your blogs again! I’ve missed you all like crazy! The first post of my new blog explains it all. I couldn’t agree with you more on all of you points Jayleen. You are SUCH A ROCKSTAR! 🙂
KAY! …or Kat or Kathy … oh, my! So many choices;0) I love having your cartoon self on my comment feed! So happy you are back and barefoot;0)
Thanks Jayleen! Missed you! 😀
I really enjoy helping people. I love it when someone comments that my post fixed a problem they were having. It makes my day!
That must be a great feeling, Beth!
I loved this post!! Building a community has been my favorite part 🙂 As a WAHM mom, I will admit that I can get pretty lonely. Blogging and reading/commenting on other blogs always brings a smile to my face.
And I’ll admit too – I started a blog to make money!! Now, while I of course still want to make money, I blog because I love it! I couldn’t imagine not doing it as it provides a creative outlet and friendships!
I’m totally with you, Sarah! Even though I’m not making the big bucks, I still love blogging! The blogging community is just plain fun!
All great reasons. For me, as a means to exercise my mind and to interact with Internet friends, have been the most fulfilling.
Blogging is way better than crossword puzzles;0) We’re keeping our minds sharp and making new friends. How fun is that?
I love blogging because it gives me something that is all mine! I love what I have made and am super proud of it. As a mom and a wife sometimes I lose my identity in those roles and its nice to have a daily reminder that I have a brain and people who actually care to know what is in it 🙂
Blogging helps me to be accountable to my goals – big and small – towards debt-freedom. I can talk about all things debt only to a select few people, but I can blog and comment to so many more. The online community is so important for personal finances because it’s taboo to talk about it IRL.
Great list! I’ve found that I enjoy blogging for a lot of reasons as well. The blogging community is great. After moving abroad, I needed something to do for mental stimulation, and blogging is one way I stay busy. And maybe (hopefully!) I write something once in a blue moon that is helpful to someone else, at least in some small way.
Miss you Jayleen! Hope you’re having a wonderful vacation! 🙂
Yes, I love blogging a lot as well even if I am not making much money like you had said. I do love the writing as it gives me something I like to do even if the income is not there yet. I agree with you on it creates an online record. Have A Great Day!
Number 6 is the most important one. Help people and your blog will be successful . Great post