Debunking the Myths of Being a Blogger
It's time to start debunking the myths of being a blogger!
Over the years, the term "blogger" seems to have accrued a negative connotation. This is likely due to the growing popularity of online opinions and suggestions. Some people seem to think that a blogger is a substitute for professionally trained journalists. When, in reality, the two are very different mediums.
This taboo turn of phrase is what gives people pause on starting their own blog. Likewise, some business startups don't see the benefits of it because the term has become so convoluted.
That's why today I am debunking these blogger myths. Here are the facts about how blogging is a business in and of itself.
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Blogger Myth #1: You Don't Need To Write Professionally
Bloggers and journalists are two very different beasts. Just because someone maintains a fashion blog doesn't mean they're qualified to write for Vogue. Although that opportunity is definitely possible if the blogger creates a reputable brand, cultivates an audience, and is able to write professionally.
Seeing the success of self-made bloggers such as Brian Clark (CopyBlogger.com) has also given professional journalists room to write more freely as opposed to the stiff and more formal version of writing seen in yesteryear's print publications. Digital mediums now welcome conversational written pieces. In fact, it's not uncommon to see an article in Forbes and Entrepreneur.com using causal tones.
Despite the growing popularity of cursory writing, a blog still needs to possess authority. And you can't accomplish that with poor writing.
Gramatical errors spelling mistkes and using shorthand terms is still not something u want n ur blog.
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Blogger Myth #2: It Won't Make You Money
If YouTubers can make millions by orchestrating prank videos, you better believe that bloggers are utilizing their expertise to make some money.
The difference is that bloggers supply their readers with helpful information that helps them solve a problem. Your niche will determine the type of blogs you publish -- and if they're unique enough -- you can earn some serious coin through your blog. Brian Clark, who I mentioned above, reportedly makes $2,750,000 per month from Copy Bloggers.
Yeah.
If blogging is only a side hustle to help drive traffic to your business, it's still earning you money. If your blog goes viral, it will send in a flood of new clients, which can make you thousands of dollars a year.
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Blogger Myth #3: It's An "Old Technique"
There's no denying that video is the preferred method for marketing content. More than 80% of social media users watch brand-based videos every day, which is why I recommend video content to all of my clients.
That being said, blogging is still a modern and relevant tactic for showcasing brand awareness. That's why Fortune 500 companies such as Apple, Whole Foods, and Home Depot are still publishing blogs on their websites on the regular.
The only reason why a blogger may not see an ROI is because they aren't managing their blogs effectively. Not posting every week, skipping out on SEO tactics, and forgoing the option to share your blogs to your social media decreases your blog's ability to earn your income (and build your brand's online footprint).
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Blogger Myth #4: It's Easy
If you enjoy writing, then setting up a blog probably seemed like a no brainer. All you have to do is spend an hour a week to write down your thoughts and then hit publish. And if you're outsourcing your blog writer (pick me, pick me!) then that's an even simpler solution. Not much to it, right?
Oh no.
Blogging takes considerably more time and effort than putting your fingertips to the keyboard. Here is a basic outline of my personal process before I even begin writing a blog:
Step 1: Research trending topics and relevant keywords
Step 2. Cultivate a content calendar to outline weekly blog topics
Step 3. Find pictures and draw up blog outlines
Step 4. Research, research, research
Once that's all done, I have to sit down and write the damn thing. But I'm not done yet. For any blog to be successful, I then have to:
Step 5. Optimize the blogs for SEO
Step 6. Set publication dates
Step 7. Set reminders to announce blog topic to my audience (social media, emails, etc)
Step 8. Curate social media and email content to announce new blogs
Step 9. Remind my audience 2-3 times the days following the date of publication of the new blog post
Step 10. Repeat
NEXT: 4 Reasons You Don't Need a Blog
So managing a blog isn't so easy.
And it's not just about writing. The entire process for a single blog should take you 2 days minimum. And if you aren't following the steps above, then chances are... your blog is going to flop.
