8 Ways a Blog can Benefit You

Blogging. The new national global pastime.

You should really listen to what Time Magazine’s Person of the Year has to say. Bloggin’ is the new talkin’ and now is a great time to join in on the fun.

There is a revolution going on around the globe in the form of social media or “new media” as we bloggers like to say. This new media consists of social networks (MySpace, FaceBook), user-driven news feeds (Digg, Reddit) and most importantly blogs.

Many people benefit from their own blogs. Here’s how you can too.

1. Education
   Are you passionate about sushi? Love traveling? Hate “The Game of LIFE”? Then blog about it! Chances are other people feel the exact same way you do. And some people feel the exact opposite! The biggest advantage with a blog over traditional web sites is the two way communication with your readers via comments. Every article you write, others can comment on. They can write short notes, or write an entire blog post about your blog post and leave a link to it in your comments. You get to learn what other people think, feel, and know about your topic.
2. Build and become part of a community
   You would be surprised how many people love sushi (or hate The Game of LIFE) as much as you do. For any topic there are thousands if not millions of people who care just as much as you. Over time you get to know your readers. You get to visit their blogs and leave comments for them while they do the same for you. There are entire communities dedicated to your topic that you can join. You can even start your own.
3. Give and you shall receive
   I have seen quite a few seasoned bloggers receive freebies from all sorts of companies. The company gives the blogger a product in hopes that they like it and post about it, thus giving out free advertising. I have seen everything from cell phones to bean bag chairs given away to bloggers. Blogging is also a great way to network with other professionals and people in your field. You never know, maybe the next person to comment will become your biggest client.
4. Become the expert
   The longer you blog the more respect you earn from your community. If you provide well written, informative, and useful content then gradually you will become known as an authority of sorts on your topic.

   Being recognized for your wisdom feels good. It feels real good.

5. Build a reputation
   After a while people will start turning to you for answers. And the best part is, you will be able to give them those answers. And let me tell you, being recognized for your knowledge/wisdom/skill feels good. It feels real good.
6. Direct niche marketing
   Have you heard about the long-tail? There is a reason Amazon is so popular (and rich). They can sell directly to niche markets (the long-tail) through user created reviews, reccomendations, and lists. Essentially Amazon created an online community of shoppers. A social shopping network. A blog is a powerful selling tool to a specific market. Once you become a recognized authority your audience will naturally trust you. They will also trust your products and for good reason too!
7. Monetization $$!
   Ok, this benefit is only really a benefit if you have been blogging for a long time and have a huge audience. Turning your blog into a money making machine can be done through advertising. Programs like Google AdSense and Text-link-ads are all free services that will pay you for your web real estate. If your web site is comparable to a 3,000 square foot suite in Times Square then you can make quite a bit. On the other hand, if you own a 300 square foot studio in the middle of nowhere… not so much.
8. Share your knowledge
   Everybody has a lifetime of information all crammed into their brain. It’s always good to get it out of there and back into the real world. Other people may find it useful and reward you with praise and glory. Or just a comment saying “cool post.” Either way, sharing is fun.

There you have it. Eight great reasons to start blogging today. And should you need anyone to create a killer blog design, here is a little shameless self-promotion: Contact me for your blog design needs!