Flashback, 10 years ago and I was just like you, wondering what IS a blog and why is blogging so popular. I kept hearing the words blogging, blogger and blog. I was confused by this whole online world and wanted to know what was the big deal about starting a blog.
If you’re reading this I’m betting on you are a newbie like I was and you’re a bit curious about learning how to start a blog and furthermore what’s the difference between a blog and a website.
You’re in the right place my little pea pods! I’ll answer all those lingering questions you have about the business of blogging if starting a blog could be your peanut butter an jam, and why being a blogger is super popular with us stay at home moms.
Enough build up already!!
What is a blog anyway?
A blog is a type of website where content is written on whatever topic or topics your little hearts desire with the purpose of educating the reader. Your “blog” will consist of frequently, new posts or sometimes called articles, in reverse chronological order. So basically your newest post appears first on a page. Plus, your blog allows for reader engagement. There’s usually a section at the bottom of your blog post for readers to comment and have further discussions with other readers.
Example, visit my blog tab HERE. You’ll find my latest hot off the press post first on this page. Keep reading and you’ll see all my previous posts!
What is the difference between a blog vs website?
Remember when I said a blog is published frequently? Well, a website is typically updated way less frequent with permanent web pages of information that doesn’t change much.
For example, my website is lolaceleste.com. When you arrive at my magical humble online abode, this my friend is my website. I don’t change my homepage or any of my pages in the menu very often EXCEPT my BLOG page. Aha! See where I’m going with this?
A website may or may not contain a blog. Your choice. In my case it surely does. You are currently on my website and reading my blog!
Want More: How to Create Your First Website
What is a blogger?
A blogger is a person who writes material for a blog. Also known as content creators. A blogger may supply regular content to not just their own blogs, but other sites as well. Blogging can be for a fun hobby, or as a business that pays the bills. dolla dolla bill yall!
What is blogging and what does a blogger do?
“Blogging” refers to all the things a blogger actually does in addition to publishing blog posts. Blogging is a job folks, don’t you dare think it’s a cake walk. In order for your blog to thrive, you must maintain important areas such as promotion and marketing, nurturing email lists, creating opt-in forms, social media and more. A blogger does all kinds of things! Blogging is no small task, but it can also be extremely lucrative and rewarding too! Writing and producing content is a blogger’s primary job, but they can also recommend products in the form of affiliate marketing.
What kind of people blog?
The answer is ANYONE and EVERYONE. That’s what makes starting a blog so exciting because you don’t have to have any experience at it. Literally, all it takes is a computer, online access, and the motivation to create amazing and inspiring content! Cut to me, 10 years ago, I was on bedrest with a purpose of sharing our baby’s announcement to family and friends. I googled a post kind of like this one and learned the basics and an aspiring mom blogger I became 😉
Feeling like blogging is for you?
What makes a good blogger?
Is your pretty little head spinning with ideas yet of if you would make a good blogger or what topics would you blog about? All successful bloggers share 5 important qualities.
- Persistence – Remember your blog will not take off overnight. It takes 7 months to a year to build traffic and an audience. So be persistent and don’t give up.
- Passionate – In those beginning months of building your traffic and audience, you may feel like you are killing yourself crafting the perfect blog posts and all you get are crickets. This is why it’s so important to have topic(s) you genuinely are excited and passionate about. Your passion will shine through and attract your tribe.
- Willingness to learn – In my opinion, this is what makes blogging exciting! In order to grow your blog, you must keep current with new strategies and tools. The internet is constantly changing, and it’s your job as a blogger to dial in on those things that work for your blog and be open to learning new things that will keep your blog relevant.
- Be somewhat social on social media – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc….these are social media platforms that will help drive traffic to your blog, so you will need to discover which ones are a good fit for you to participate in. I suggest pick only 2-3 platforms, and dive into finding your tribe there.
- Willing to invest in your blog – Here’s the thing. It only takes a very small amount of money to put into your blog IF you do your research and find the things you truly need.
Why is blogging so popular?
Blogging is popular because anyone can do it and many bloggers are making serious money at it. Mom blogs started gaining popularity because it was something we could do during our littles naptime. Writing content about our daily struggles and accomplishments about parenting, resonated with many other moms out there, which brought on a large and loyal audience. And like any other shiny new thing on the internet, many of the bloggers found themselves with huge potential in marketing to their readers and earning from it. Big companies started paying bloggers to write about their products because it gave them opportunities to get their goodies in front of blog readers. Stay at home with your kids and bring in an income while taking care of them has been the best decision I’ve made for my family. Is this something you need in your life mama?
Want More: How to Make Money Blogging for Beginners
Who should blog?
If you are someone who loves to write, it’s for you! If you enjoy sharing updates on your Facebook or Instagram feeds regularly about something you’re passionate about, blogging is for you too! Etsy sellers, GIRL you need to start blogging! If you have a small brick or mortar business and you’re looking to connect with more potential clients or customers, blogging can help 100%!
What should I blog about?
You should blog about whatever makes your heart sing! I can’t stress this enough. Pick a topic that you are passionate about and are knowledgeable about. There are soooooo many types of blogs out there. Popular blog niches are fashion, fitness, beauty, travel, health etc. My little ole blog here is about teaching women how to get their websites and blogs up and running successfully and make some good money while doing it. Whoop! Whoop!
Wrap Up!
Blogging is for everyone who wants to educate and inspire their readers. Now that you know the difference between a website and blog, I hope it helps in answering the question if you need one or the other or both. Bloggers are content creators who regularly publish blog posts, either for a fun hobby or as a full-time income. Because starting a blog requires no experience AND the sky is the limit to where you can take your blog, blogging remains one of the most popular ways online to make money.
And my reasons for blogging? Glad you asked. Here’s my top 5:
Blogging helps me earn money as a stay-at-home mom
Blogging gives me a purpose to inspire and share my knowledge with aspiring bloggers
Blogging allows me to express myself how I want
Blogging has transformed into a brand that my children will someday take over
Did this article help answer your blogging questions? Please drop me a comment below 🙂
This is a really helpful article. I learned the meaning of words I didn’t even know about!