Laura’s Blog

Yesterday we discussed the top 8 reasons why people decide not to blog. Today we’ll chew on the top 10 reasons why people blog.

1.  To make new friends

Everyone longs to feel like part of a community. Blogging connects you with a worldwide community of like-minded people with whom you can engage in conversation on a regular basis (heck, you even get to LEAD the conversation).

Many people love the virtual support group aspect of blogging, and they relish the opportunity to belong to a creative team of bloggers in their topic area or geographic area.

Even better, blogging provides opportunities for virtual friends to meet in real life. Just yesterday, I ran into an acquaintance I’d met through my blog. She re-introduced herself, saying, “Hi, I’m e-mom!”

2.  To share thoughts, insights, memories, updates, information

Whether you enjoy keeping friends and family updated or entertaining an audience of thousands, blogging gives you a publishing platform. Your job is to tap into what interests your readers and deliver WII-FM (What’s In It For Me) content.

3.  To encourage and support others

Every blogger I know views blogging as a labor of love.

Blogging is a calling… a passion… a mission field.

We bloggers sincerely care about supporting others who face a particular challenge or dilemma.

4.  To keep your brain oiled

The best bloggers are not satisfied with mediocrity; they strive for excellence. If you want to become proactive about promoting your expertise, a blog is a terrific training ground.

Regularly practicing the craft of writing can unjam writer’s block and fine-tune your writing skills.

The adage says, “Practice makes perfect.” Blogging may not perfect your writing, but it’ll help.

5.  To develop a writing voice

Blogging gives you a public canvas on which to paint your words. You are actually publishing, baby! And people are reading your writing! As you paint with words, your honest, authentic, unique voice will begin to emerge.

6.  To relieve stress

Some say blogging creates stress, but many bloggers view it as a relaxing, enriching hobby. And a few of us crazies are so into blogging that it morphs into our full-time job.

7.  To promote products and services

In these troubled economic times, many businesses are cutting back on spendy advertising. Instead, they’re funneling their marketing budget into an investment that gives them the biggest bang for their buck: blogging.

A blog is an affordable, viral means of establishing brand recognition, building and nurturing a cadre of loyal influencers, and marketing yourself to prospective customers.

8.  To establish an online presence

Because blogs are inexpensive and easy to set up and update, blogging converts are dumping static Web sites and making their blog their online home. Many blog platforms (such as WordPress, which I use) look like a Web site, but offer the interactivity that’s the hallmark of blogs.

9.  To learn to use a computer

While blogging doesn’t require much technical expertise, for neophyte computer users, it’s a great way to learn to use various computer functions. And the best part: you don’t have to be a techno-whiz to blog.

10.  Because it’s fun

Talk about cheap thrills. Compose a blog post, hit “publish,” and watch what happens.

I’d like to give you a free tool to help you create your blogging business plan. Just sign up for Bright Ideas Blogzine (the form is in the upper righthand corner of this page). As soon as you activate your subscription, you’ll receive a link to download a PDF of “Your Social Media Plan,” a detailed checklist to help you plan your blog.

This article was originally published 10-22-08, on another blog I own.