8 Reasons NOT to Blog

Posted November 2, 2009 | Laura Christianson

To blog or not to blog…“Do I need a blog?”

Nope. You don’t. You can live a purpose-filled life minus a blog. Don’t let anyone convince you that you have to blog, just for the sake of blogging.

But you might want to blog. Whether you’re a small business owner, an author who’s looking to promote your upcoming book, or the CEO of a large corporation, you need to dispassionately evaluate whether blogging can and should be a critical component of your marketing strategy.

I’m going to help you do that. Right now. During the next two days, we’ll examine the pros and cons of blogging, with a particular emphasis on business blogging.

Let’s start with the eight most common reasons people give for NOT blogging:

1.  Not committed enough to keep it updated

Time and lack of commitment are the two biggest stumbling blocks for bloggers. Take a close look at your weekly calendar.

  • Can you carve out an hour to create each new post? (That’s how long it takes the average blogger to research, write, and publish a decent blog entry.)
  • Are you passionate enough about this venture to follow through with updating your blog 1-3 times per week? If not, consider outsourcing your blog to a business that provides professionally-written blog updates (shameless plug for Blogging Bistro).
2.  Don’t understand the point of blogging

Some folks assume that the only people who blog are losers with too much time on their hands and grandmas who post pictures of their grandkids.

“Blogging is a waste of the reader’s and writer’s time,” they say.

If you approach blogging with a laissez-faire attitude, it will be a huge time-waster. But if you approach it strategically, devising ways to incorporate blogging into your existing marketing plan, blogging has the potential to substantially expand your reach in ways that traditional marketing campaigns can’t.

3.  Lack confidence to create quality content

No one wants to embarrass themselves by publishing mediocre content.

  • Don’t have the first clue of what to write about?
  • Don’t trust your ability to string together a coherent sentence?

Then don’t blog!

Or outsource your blogging to someone who will do the dirty work for you.

4.  Fear no one will read your blog

Imagine walking into crowded room where everyone is shouting at the top of their lungs, trying to get everyone else’s attention. That’s the blogosphere.

  • How will anyone but your mom and your best friend find your blog amid all the chaos?
  • How can little ol’ you compete with blogs that get half a million hits per day?

You have to approach blogging with a marathon mentality, rather than a sprint mentality. Over time, as you discover and nurture your unique voice (and stop worrying about being #1), your blog readership will grow.

5.  Not savvy about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or social networking
  • It takes time and energy to join social networks and participate in other activities that will entice people to visit your blog.
  • It takes savoir-faire-and a lot of trial and error-to determine how to use the all-important key words that search engines love.

Your blogging business plan needs to include not only time for blogging, but time for promoting your blog.

6.  Fear of commenters

Many normally-nice people take advantage of the anonymity of cyberspace to rip you apart in the Comments area of your blog. If you plan to blog, you must be prepared to develop a rhino-thick skin, fast.

To protect yourself from rabid commenters, create and publish a Comments Policy (Iexplain how to do that in my e-book, Blogophobia Conquered).

7.  Wary of harming relationships
  • What if you rant from your bully pulpit a bit too vehemently and alienate the very people you hope to reach?
  • What if you inadvertently hurt someone’s feelings?

Blogging is relational, and there’s always a potential for hurt feelings in any relationship. That doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for you to whack readers over the head with your ideology while disregarding theirs.

Approach blogging with an open mind. Be willing to learn from your readers and have the grace to apologize when you’ve overstepped your boundaries.

8.  Fear of getting addicted

Blogging can suck you into a black hole and drain the life out of you if you’re not careful.

  • Schedule your blogging time so you don’t end up spending your entire day blogging.
    Make blogging part of your day, not the ultimate goal for your day.

The bottom line

Most people’s reluctance to blog boils down to one word: Strategy.

They jump into blogging without thinking through:

  • why they want to blog
  • who they hope to reach
  • how blogging will impact their schedule
  • how their blog will make a difference in the lives of time-strapped readers

If you’re wondering whether you should start blogging, take the time to do some strategic planning.

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.

Tomorrow I’ll share 10 reasons why you should blog. Stay tuned!

This article was originally published 10-21-08, on another blog I own.

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66 responses to “8 Reasons NOT to Blog”

  1. Laura says:

    Susan,

    I wasn’t fearful, either. I just jumped right in and learned as I went along. But over the years, I’ve discovered that most would-be bloggers are plagued by all kinds of fears that either keep them from starting in the first place, or squelch them from continuing after the first post.

    Regardless of whether you believe in Darwin’s theory or Creationism (or perhaps Intelligent Design), it’s important to remember that blogs–and the people who write them–are constantly evolving.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    Laura

  2. Laura says:

    Susan,

    I wasn’t fearful, either. I just jumped right in and learned as I went along. But over the years, I’ve discovered that most would-be bloggers are plagued by all kinds of fears that either keep them from starting in the first place, or squelch them from continuing after the first post.

    Regardless of whether you believe in Darwin’s theory or Creationism (or perhaps Intelligent Design), it’s important to remember that blogs–and the people who write them–are constantly evolving.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    Laura

  3. Laura says:

    Susan,

    I wasn’t fearful, either. I just jumped right in and learned as I went along. But over the years, I’ve discovered that most would-be bloggers are plagued by all kinds of fears that either keep them from starting in the first place, or squelch them from continuing after the first post.

    Regardless of whether you believe in Darwin’s theory or Creationism (or perhaps Intelligent Design), it’s important to remember that blogs–and the people who write them–are constantly evolving.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    Laura

  4. Laura says:

    Susan,

    I wasn’t fearful, either. I just jumped right in and learned as I went along. But over the years, I’ve discovered that most would-be bloggers are plagued by all kinds of fears that either keep them from starting in the first place, or squelch them from continuing after the first post.

    Regardless of whether you believe in Darwin’s theory or Creationism (or perhaps Intelligent Design), it’s important to remember that blogs–and the people who write them–are constantly evolving.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    Laura

  5. Laura says:

    Susan,

    I wasn’t fearful, either. I just jumped right in and learned as I went along. But over the years, I’ve discovered that most would-be bloggers are plagued by all kinds of fears that either keep them from starting in the first place, or squelch them from continuing after the first post.

    Regardless of whether you believe in Darwin’s theory or Creationism (or perhaps Intelligent Design), it’s important to remember that blogs–and the people who write them–are constantly evolving.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    Laura

  6. Laura says:

    Susan,

    I wasn’t fearful, either. I just jumped right in and learned as I went along. But over the years, I’ve discovered that most would-be bloggers are plagued by all kinds of fears that either keep them from starting in the first place, or squelch them from continuing after the first post.

    Regardless of whether you believe in Darwin’s theory or Creationism (or perhaps Intelligent Design), it’s important to remember that blogs–and the people who write them–are constantly evolving.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    Laura

  7. It’s funny. When I started blogging, I didn’t have any of these fears. In fact, I was just the opposite (a writer’s big ego at work, I suppose).

    One thing to remember is that your blog isn’t the only one that’s evolving and changing — sometimes on a daily basis.

  8. It’s funny. When I started blogging, I didn’t have any of these fears. In fact, I was just the opposite (a writer’s big ego at work, I suppose).

    One thing to remember is that your blog isn’t the only one that’s evolving and changing — sometimes on a daily basis.

  9. It’s funny. When I started blogging, I didn’t have any of these fears. In fact, I was just the opposite (a writer’s big ego at work, I suppose).

    One thing to remember is that your blog isn’t the only one that’s evolving and changing — sometimes on a daily basis.

  10. It’s funny. When I started blogging, I didn’t have any of these fears. In fact, I was just the opposite (a writer’s big ego at work, I suppose).

    One thing to remember is that your blog isn’t the only one that’s evolving and changing — sometimes on a daily basis.

  11. It’s funny. When I started blogging, I didn’t have any of these fears. In fact, I was just the opposite (a writer’s big ego at work, I suppose).

    One thing to remember is that your blog isn’t the only one that’s evolving and changing — sometimes on a daily basis.

  12. It’s funny. When I started blogging, I didn’t have any of these fears. In fact, I was just the opposite (a writer’s big ego at work, I suppose).

    One thing to remember is that your blog isn’t the only one that’s evolving and changing — sometimes on a daily basis.

  13. Even large companies are recognizing the incredible value that blogs can bring. Walmart recently began their 11Moms Program where 11 moms in the blogoshere will assist with online and social marketing. They are bringing info directly to consumers-from other consumers, not the Walmart marketing department. Smart. Blog tours accomplish the same. Those who have fears should seek to learn more and not be afraid to contract out for blog services to those who know the industry well.

  14. Even large companies are recognizing the incredible value that blogs can bring. Walmart recently began their 11Moms Program where 11 moms in the blogoshere will assist with online and social marketing. They are bringing info directly to consumers-from other consumers, not the Walmart marketing department. Smart. Blog tours accomplish the same. Those who have fears should seek to learn more and not be afraid to contract out for blog services to those who know the industry well.

  15. Even large companies are recognizing the incredible value that blogs can bring. Walmart recently began their 11Moms Program where 11 moms in the blogoshere will assist with online and social marketing. They are bringing info directly to consumers-from other consumers, not the Walmart marketing department. Smart. Blog tours accomplish the same. Those who have fears should seek to learn more and not be afraid to contract out for blog services to those who know the industry well.

  16. Even large companies are recognizing the incredible value that blogs can bring. Walmart recently began their 11Moms Program where 11 moms in the blogoshere will assist with online and social marketing. They are bringing info directly to consumers-from other consumers, not the Walmart marketing department. Smart. Blog tours accomplish the same. Those who have fears should seek to learn more and not be afraid to contract out for blog services to those who know the industry well.

  17. Even large companies are recognizing the incredible value that blogs can bring. Walmart recently began their 11Moms Program where 11 moms in the blogoshere will assist with online and social marketing. They are bringing info directly to consumers-from other consumers, not the Walmart marketing department. Smart. Blog tours accomplish the same. Those who have fears should seek to learn more and not be afraid to contract out for blog services to those who know the industry well.

  18. Even large companies are recognizing the incredible value that blogs can bring. Walmart recently began their 11Moms Program where 11 moms in the blogoshere will assist with online and social marketing. They are bringing info directly to consumers-from other consumers, not the Walmart marketing department. Smart. Blog tours accomplish the same. Those who have fears should seek to learn more and not be afraid to contract out for blog services to those who know the industry well.

  19. Kat says:

    Great post Laura! I’d never considered the downside of blogging before diving in headfirst either. Regardless of whether or not anyone reads what I have to say on my blog, I’d still do it.

    It would be nice to know the secrets of Search Engine Optimization, though.

  20. Kat says:

    Great post Laura! I’d never considered the downside of blogging before diving in headfirst either. Regardless of whether or not anyone reads what I have to say on my blog, I’d still do it.

    It would be nice to know the secrets of Search Engine Optimization, though.

  21. Kat says:

    Great post Laura! I’d never considered the downside of blogging before diving in headfirst either. Regardless of whether or not anyone reads what I have to say on my blog, I’d still do it.

    It would be nice to know the secrets of Search Engine Optimization, though.

  22. Kat says:

    Great post Laura! I’d never considered the downside of blogging before diving in headfirst either. Regardless of whether or not anyone reads what I have to say on my blog, I’d still do it.

    It would be nice to know the secrets of Search Engine Optimization, though.

  23. Kat says:

    Great post Laura! I’d never considered the downside of blogging before diving in headfirst either. Regardless of whether or not anyone reads what I have to say on my blog, I’d still do it.

    It would be nice to know the secrets of Search Engine Optimization, though.

  24. Kat says:

    Great post Laura! I’d never considered the downside of blogging before diving in headfirst either. Regardless of whether or not anyone reads what I have to say on my blog, I’d still do it.

    It would be nice to know the secrets of Search Engine Optimization, though.

  25. Good stuff, Laura. Blogging is definately a commitment, like all writing. The interesting thing is that there are so many different reasons why people blog and so many different reasons why people read blogs. Some do it just for the personal satisfaction of writing and getting thoughts out of their head, others do it with a specific purpose and audience in mind. Some don’t care if anyone reads what they write, others wouldn’t do it if there were no readers.

    Another interesting point is that there are so many people reading blogs now days that if you stick with it,write consistently, and have something interesting to say and say it in an interesting way you’re bound to find an audience sooner or later, regardless what you write about.

    Blogging gives everyone the opportunity to be a celebrity of sorts. Okay, maybe that’s stretching it a bit, but there’s a huge blogosphere out there and room for anyone’s voice.

  26. Good stuff, Laura. Blogging is definately a commitment, like all writing. The interesting thing is that there are so many different reasons why people blog and so many different reasons why people read blogs. Some do it just for the personal satisfaction of writing and getting thoughts out of their head, others do it with a specific purpose and audience in mind. Some don’t care if anyone reads what they write, others wouldn’t do it if there were no readers.

    Another interesting point is that there are so many people reading blogs now days that if you stick with it,write consistently, and have something interesting to say and say it in an interesting way you’re bound to find an audience sooner or later, regardless what you write about.

    Blogging gives everyone the opportunity to be a celebrity of sorts. Okay, maybe that’s stretching it a bit, but there’s a huge blogosphere out there and room for anyone’s voice.

  27. Good stuff, Laura. Blogging is definately a commitment, like all writing. The interesting thing is that there are so many different reasons why people blog and so many different reasons why people read blogs. Some do it just for the personal satisfaction of writing and getting thoughts out of their head, others do it with a specific purpose and audience in mind. Some don’t care if anyone reads what they write, others wouldn’t do it if there were no readers.

    Another interesting point is that there are so many people reading blogs now days that if you stick with it,write consistently, and have something interesting to say and say it in an interesting way you’re bound to find an audience sooner or later, regardless what you write about.

    Blogging gives everyone the opportunity to be a celebrity of sorts. Okay, maybe that’s stretching it a bit, but there’s a huge blogosphere out there and room for anyone’s voice.

  28. Good stuff, Laura. Blogging is definately a commitment, like all writing. The interesting thing is that there are so many different reasons why people blog and so many different reasons why people read blogs. Some do it just for the personal satisfaction of writing and getting thoughts out of their head, others do it with a specific purpose and audience in mind. Some don’t care if anyone reads what they write, others wouldn’t do it if there were no readers.

    Another interesting point is that there are so many people reading blogs now days that if you stick with it,write consistently, and have something interesting to say and say it in an interesting way you’re bound to find an audience sooner or later, regardless what you write about.

    Blogging gives everyone the opportunity to be a celebrity of sorts. Okay, maybe that’s stretching it a bit, but there’s a huge blogosphere out there and room for anyone’s voice.

  29. Pam Halter says:

    All good and valid points. Thanks for the good information, Laura! There is a lot to consider before starting a blog. I’m waiting on my friend who is illustrating the artwork for the header before I launch into it ~ hopefully, it won’t be too much longer.

  30. Pam Halter says:

    All good and valid points. Thanks for the good information, Laura! There is a lot to consider before starting a blog. I’m waiting on my friend who is illustrating the artwork for the header before I launch into it ~ hopefully, it won’t be too much longer.

  31. Pam Halter says:

    All good and valid points. Thanks for the good information, Laura! There is a lot to consider before starting a blog. I’m waiting on my friend who is illustrating the artwork for the header before I launch into it ~ hopefully, it won’t be too much longer.

  32. Pam Halter says:

    All good and valid points. Thanks for the good information, Laura! There is a lot to consider before starting a blog. I’m waiting on my friend who is illustrating the artwork for the header before I launch into it ~ hopefully, it won’t be too much longer.

  33. Pam Halter says:

    All good and valid points. Thanks for the good information, Laura! There is a lot to consider before starting a blog. I’m waiting on my friend who is illustrating the artwork for the header before I launch into it ~ hopefully, it won’t be too much longer.

  34. Pam Halter says:

    All good and valid points. Thanks for the good information, Laura! There is a lot to consider before starting a blog. I’m waiting on my friend who is illustrating the artwork for the header before I launch into it ~ hopefully, it won’t be too much longer.

  35. kat magendie says:

    I’ve been lucky – never had rogue commenters (well, once when I first began my blog, MSN placed me on their blogs to notice site–and I’ve been there at least 4 times now! and I’m on Microsoft Home Magazine’s site as fave places too, huhn! That brings visitors—but that first time they put me there, before I had photos and other links on my blog, I received a couple of negative commenters who said “what’s so great about this blog?” and one pornographic commenter– since then; however, it’s all been positive and everyone has been respectful – again, I guess I’ve been very lucky!).

    The biggest problem with blogging is time…keeping the blog fresh, and to keep it positive even when I’m having a really stressful time in my life.

  36. kat magendie says:

    I’ve been lucky – never had rogue commenters (well, once when I first began my blog, MSN placed me on their blogs to notice site–and I’ve been there at least 4 times now! and I’m on Microsoft Home Magazine’s site as fave places too, huhn! That brings visitors—but that first time they put me there, before I had photos and other links on my blog, I received a couple of negative commenters who said “what’s so great about this blog?” and one pornographic commenter– since then; however, it’s all been positive and everyone has been respectful – again, I guess I’ve been very lucky!).

    The biggest problem with blogging is time…keeping the blog fresh, and to keep it positive even when I’m having a really stressful time in my life.

  37. kat magendie says:

    I’ve been lucky – never had rogue commenters (well, once when I first began my blog, MSN placed me on their blogs to notice site–and I’ve been there at least 4 times now! and I’m on Microsoft Home Magazine’s site as fave places too, huhn! That brings visitors—but that first time they put me there, before I had photos and other links on my blog, I received a couple of negative commenters who said “what’s so great about this blog?” and one pornographic commenter– since then; however, it’s all been positive and everyone has been respectful – again, I guess I’ve been very lucky!).

    The biggest problem with blogging is time…keeping the blog fresh, and to keep it positive even when I’m having a really stressful time in my life.

  38. kat magendie says:

    I’ve been lucky – never had rogue commenters (well, once when I first began my blog, MSN placed me on their blogs to notice site–and I’ve been there at least 4 times now! and I’m on Microsoft Home Magazine’s site as fave places too, huhn! That brings visitors—but that first time they put me there, before I had photos and other links on my blog, I received a couple of negative commenters who said “what’s so great about this blog?” and one pornographic commenter– since then; however, it’s all been positive and everyone has been respectful – again, I guess I’ve been very lucky!).

    The biggest problem with blogging is time…keeping the blog fresh, and to keep it positive even when I’m having a really stressful time in my life.

  39. kat magendie says:

    I’ve been lucky – never had rogue commenters (well, once when I first began my blog, MSN placed me on their blogs to notice site–and I’ve been there at least 4 times now! and I’m on Microsoft Home Magazine’s site as fave places too, huhn! That brings visitors—but that first time they put me there, before I had photos and other links on my blog, I received a couple of negative commenters who said “what’s so great about this blog?” and one pornographic commenter– since then; however, it’s all been positive and everyone has been respectful – again, I guess I’ve been very lucky!).

    The biggest problem with blogging is time…keeping the blog fresh, and to keep it positive even when I’m having a really stressful time in my life.

  40. kat magendie says:

    I’ve been lucky – never had rogue commenters (well, once when I first began my blog, MSN placed me on their blogs to notice site–and I’ve been there at least 4 times now! and I’m on Microsoft Home Magazine’s site as fave places too, huhn! That brings visitors—but that first time they put me there, before I had photos and other links on my blog, I received a couple of negative commenters who said “what’s so great about this blog?” and one pornographic commenter– since then; however, it’s all been positive and everyone has been respectful – again, I guess I’ve been very lucky!).

    The biggest problem with blogging is time…keeping the blog fresh, and to keep it positive even when I’m having a really stressful time in my life.

  41. Bonita says:

    I’m enjoying browsing your blog. I especially like the Putrid Prose examples. I teach writing to middle schoolers and these are just the types of examples I like to use because they are funny, but also show them how to improve writing. Thanks for inviting me to your blog!

  42. Bonita says:

    I’m enjoying browsing your blog. I especially like the Putrid Prose examples. I teach writing to middle schoolers and these are just the types of examples I like to use because they are funny, but also show them how to improve writing. Thanks for inviting me to your blog!

  43. Bonita says:

    I’m enjoying browsing your blog. I especially like the Putrid Prose examples. I teach writing to middle schoolers and these are just the types of examples I like to use because they are funny, but also show them how to improve writing. Thanks for inviting me to your blog!

  44. Bonita says:

    I’m enjoying browsing your blog. I especially like the Putrid Prose examples. I teach writing to middle schoolers and these are just the types of examples I like to use because they are funny, but also show them how to improve writing. Thanks for inviting me to your blog!

  45. Bonita says:

    I’m enjoying browsing your blog. I especially like the Putrid Prose examples. I teach writing to middle schoolers and these are just the types of examples I like to use because they are funny, but also show them how to improve writing. Thanks for inviting me to your blog!

  46. Bonita says:

    I’m enjoying browsing your blog. I especially like the Putrid Prose examples. I teach writing to middle schoolers and these are just the types of examples I like to use because they are funny, but also show them how to improve writing. Thanks for inviting me to your blog!

  47. Laura says:

    Julie – Thanks for sharing about Wal-Mart’s blogging efforts. Will take a peek.

    Kat – We’ll share some secrets about SEO in future posts…stay tuned — and send us your specific questions about it.

    Mike – Yes, blogging does give us our 15 minutes of fame, doesn’t it? I agree that there is room for everyone in the blogosphere. Even with 133 million blogs out there, 97 percent of them are abandoned after the first post, so in reality, the blogosphere isn’t all that crowded.

    Pam – Be sure to tell us your blog’s URL when you launch it.

    Kat – You ARE lucky to have escaped being blasted by crazed commenters. Maybe you aren’t being controversial enough!

    Bonita – Hope your students enjoy Putrid Prose, too. We run the column every Monday.

  48. Laura says:

    Julie – Thanks for sharing about Wal-Mart’s blogging efforts. Will take a peek.

    Kat – We’ll share some secrets about SEO in future posts…stay tuned — and send us your specific questions about it.

    Mike – Yes, blogging does give us our 15 minutes of fame, doesn’t it? I agree that there is room for everyone in the blogosphere. Even with 133 million blogs out there, 97 percent of them are abandoned after the first post, so in reality, the blogosphere isn’t all that crowded.

    Pam – Be sure to tell us your blog’s URL when you launch it.

    Kat – You ARE lucky to have escaped being blasted by crazed commenters. Maybe you aren’t being controversial enough!

    Bonita – Hope your students enjoy Putrid Prose, too. We run the column every Monday.

  49. Laura says:

    Julie – Thanks for sharing about Wal-Mart’s blogging efforts. Will take a peek.

    Kat – We’ll share some secrets about SEO in future posts…stay tuned — and send us your specific questions about it.

    Mike – Yes, blogging does give us our 15 minutes of fame, doesn’t it? I agree that there is room for everyone in the blogosphere. Even with 133 million blogs out there, 97 percent of them are abandoned after the first post, so in reality, the blogosphere isn’t all that crowded.

    Pam – Be sure to tell us your blog’s URL when you launch it.

    Kat – You ARE lucky to have escaped being blasted by crazed commenters. Maybe you aren’t being controversial enough!

    Bonita – Hope your students enjoy Putrid Prose, too. We run the column every Monday.

  50. Laura says:

    Julie – Thanks for sharing about Wal-Mart’s blogging efforts. Will take a peek.

    Kat – We’ll share some secrets about SEO in future posts…stay tuned — and send us your specific questions about it.

    Mike – Yes, blogging does give us our 15 minutes of fame, doesn’t it? I agree that there is room for everyone in the blogosphere. Even with 133 million blogs out there, 97 percent of them are abandoned after the first post, so in reality, the blogosphere isn’t all that crowded.

    Pam – Be sure to tell us your blog’s URL when you launch it.

    Kat – You ARE lucky to have escaped being blasted by crazed commenters. Maybe you aren’t being controversial enough!

    Bonita – Hope your students enjoy Putrid Prose, too. We run the column every Monday.

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