Blogs can be described as online diary run by individuals or group of individuals that consists of information often published in informal conversational style, followed by regular entries of commentaries, discussions, descriptions of events. It is usually enhanced with the help or graphics or videos.
Over the years there has been an evolution of blog, with the gradual development of blogging tools like Blogger, Typepad, MoveableType and WordPress. A shift is evidential, as oppose to before most bloggers now are interested in focusing on creating ‘niche’ topic blogs or write for certain demographic of writers.
Personal Development
Many people start blogging as a way of expressing themselves, they think of it as an outlet to apply their creativity. Unlike journals this outlet is on the public platform for the people to see.
While many feel that it could be daunting to put forth their personal viewpoint, due to the fear of being judged, there are also many who do it regardless because of the following factors :-
- While writing about a particular topic, extensive research is done which itself is a learning process.
- Helps in identifying and sharpening of ideas and opinions.
- Improves the communication and writing skills.
- Inevitably builds discipline.
- A foundation of a creative outlet of self expression
Financial Benefits
Blogs are profitable financially; many individuals have made their blogs to be a source of steady income.
It is not a get rich quickly scheme, as it takes years to master the techniques of monetizing your blog.
Google’s AdSense, Amazon Associates Program, Affiliate Marketing, Advertising, and selling virtual products are some of the most common ways to make money from your blog.
Your blog itself can be used as a way of promoting your existing business or sell your services as a Teacher, Coach and Freelancer. In some cases, bloggers use their blogs to land better employment opportunities in which case it becomes as an extension of their resume.
Building Relationships
With the consistent creation of useful content over a period of time blogging can lead to growing of your own brand, building of an audience and establishing a relationship with that audience.
Most bloggers leave a comment section in the bottom section of their webpage, this makes the readers engage in interactive discussions which ultimately leads to a sense of community.
Despite blogging becoming a competitive industry, a sense of belonging still persists due to exchange of ideas and creative content creation.
Blogs are an ingenious space where people share personal and professional content, that does make a make difference on a global scale as people can relate to it, get inspired by it or even in some cases call out the misconceptions or misinformations.
