How to Become a Lifestyle Blogger (Part 1 of 10): Why You Need A Blog

“How to Become a Lifestyle Blogger” Series (part 1 of 10): Why You Need A Blog

When I decided to be a lifestyle blogger in 2008, it took me months to get myself motivated enough to begin. And I still had no idea what I was about to get myself into. Years later, I do. I’ve met incredible people, began a career as a business coach, started my own company and, as luck would have it, I found out people find me rather informative. Go figure.

It didn’t happen overnight, of course. It took a lot of planning, hard work, countless hours planted behind my computer screen, and some pretty incredible people providing me the right opportunities at the right moments. I’ve discovered a lot about myself through blogging, but a lot more about how business works these days. Whether you’re a consumer or merchant, or even just someone who wants to brand themselves as an iconic a figure as Beyonce or any of the Kardashian sisters, starting a blog is the first step to becoming known and respected. Of course, there are a lot of other reasons to start a blog other than becoming famous for a whole lot of nothing. Here are my top 10 reasons why you need a blog.

Connect with your audience. Having a blog allows you to connect with your audience & build buzz around your brand. The world is a mighty big place and there’s something for everything out there. Luckily the internet has made us all much closer. By starting a blog, your voice can create a cause worth following and build trust between you and your readers. If utilized correctly, you can write in ways that allow you to receive feedback from your audience and engage them in discussion that are relevant to them –thereby establishing a relationship, solutions for their questions and a level of trust that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.
Your business depends on word of mouth. Well, guess what? It’s online now. From Google to individual customers, referrals spread online now. From bloggers, to tripadvisor, to Yelp to GoogleReviews, to Angie’s List to live social media like Twitter or LinkedIn, people are spreading the word all over the internet. If you want your brand to grow, you’ve gotta get your paint on the wall. Deal with it. Embrace it. Use it. If you’re smart about it, you can even target your core market and (in case you aren’t sure) discover and track who exactly your core market is (thank YOU very much search analytics).
Industry Leadership. Nobody knows your industry, business or brand like you do. Having a blog can showcase that knowledge as well as how you do business and why yours is the brand to invest in. You’re the expert. Being a blogger can display that in your own words and place you in the front of customers or potential employers’ minds next time they’re looking for someone with your expertise. And you’re pretty darn likeable too!
Make real connections with other interesting people in your field you wouldn’t meet otherwise. It’s astounding how genuine relationships can open doors for you in ways you’d never dreamed. Using your blog as a tool to instigate these bonds can facilitate new opportunities.
Improve your communication & writing skills. It’s true – when you write a blog, you find yourself writing, a lot. Sometimes more than you might wish. Over a period of time, you’ll be able to track your progression from start to finish, hear how your voice evolves and grow as a writer through habit and feedback. You’ll discover talents you never knew you had – and so will new customers and employers.
Inspire others. If you write a blog and reach out to people – they’ll reach back. In a good way! Using your blog to promote productivity, action and knowledge creates a space not only for connection, but also inspiration and ingenuity. And when people feel inspired, they feel good; when they feel good, they come back; when they come back, you’ve established yourself as “the guy”. Or “gal”. Or “person.”
Goal oriented? Most definitely! You can’t run a successful blog without planning and achieving goals. It’s not easy to post consistently and intelligently – show your audience that you’ve got the stuff to get the job done (even if you do hire someone to do it for you).
It’s fun! Yes, it’s a lot of work, but man alive! It feels pretty great when you meet someone new and exciting; you get a cheerful and well thought out response on your posts or feature you on their website!
Your competitions are doing it and they’re doing it well. I’m not saying if they jumped off a moving train that you should too – but they are making themselves available to a greater public and those who are visible become familiar; those who are familiar become well liked; those who are well liked, make the sale. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – people are highly emotional and they connect with what feels good – they connect with other people. Be people.
It’s the 21st century. If you aren’t online, you’re in trouble. Having a website is bog standard now – having a blog is fast on its heels. If nothing else, it gives your business a “home base” in the social world. Have a Facebook account? Great! But without a blog, you’re merely floating in social space. Give your audience a place to dock at and keep updated with your brand and you’ll come across as knowledgeable, reliable and hopefully, a little amusing.

Being a blogger is something we can all do with the right tools – hopefully these reasons help make it clear as to why you need a blog. The next steps: