In yesterday’s post, I asked a simple question.
Were you surprised with your answers? Did it take you a long time to come up with your answer?
As promised, here is my answer to yesterday’s question.
I blog because I love the challenge of learning something new. There are SO many hats a blogger can wear if they want to- writer, photographer, social media manger, graphic designer, web designer, marketing manager, business development officer, accountant and editor. I could go on and on about all of the things a blogger can be.
When I was in college, I couldn’t settle in on a single major. I loved just about every class I took. After much prayer, I ended up dropping out after my sophomore year and got a job in a city I had never visited as a live in nanny 1000 miles away from home. Sounds crazy right?
It was in that city that eighteen months later, I met my husband. Clearly, it was the right move for me at the time. A huge part of me regrets not having a degree. But, I’m doing what I love and I don’t have any debt from student loans. Also, when I was in college there wasn’t any social media besides My Space and I don’t personally know of anyone who was blogging in 2001. If a degree in blogging and social media marketing had been available to me, I likely would have majored in it.
I love to be challenged. I love the diversity of tasks that blogging brings me. There are several bloggers who only write and that is 100% fine. They might outsource everything else by using a graphic designer, webmaster, or virtual assistant. Or, maybe they just pour their hearts out in their space.
But that’s not me. I am self taught and I love learning. And that is really why I blog.
This adorable blog with the cute header and the custom colors that looks like a pro did it? Nope, it was me.
You should note that this answer is different from why I write. If you want to know more about why I write, this post gives a pretty clear picture. Click through and read it. It’s a gem and the third most commented on post on this blog.
Now that you know why you blog, it is time to dig a little bit deeper. Please keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers to any of this.
(c) depositphotos/boniturina
On the surface the answer to today’s question is really easy. I wrestled with my answer to this long and hard over the course of about three days.
Who do you blog for?
Really, who do you blog for.
“I blog for me.”
Right? That’s the answer we all want to be what comes out.
But what if it isn’t?
What if that answer is for money, for brands, for a book deal, for my faith, for my family, for a company, or for a charity that I got roped into working for because I couldn’t say no?
I don’t know what you’ll say as your answer today.
But I do know this.
If you don’t like that answer, you can change it.
It’s YOUR blog after all. Your blog, your words, your voice, your platform! YOUR RULES.
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I’ll share my answer today’s question in tomorrow’s blog post.
Come back please. I like you.
A lot.
This blog post is part of a 31 day series called Blogger Rehab. If this is your first stop along the way, I am so glad you’re here and I hope today’s ideas helped you on your Blogger Rehab journey. This journey is best taken from the very beginning as each lesson and idea builds upon previous ideas. All of the blog posts in this series will be linked together on the Blogger Rehab landing page. Click here to be taken there.
[…] Who do you really blog for anyway? […]
I blog for me. I blog for my readers – I love knowing that I made someone smile, or gave them a tip they can use, or made them think. And I feel similarly about why I blog – I love the diversity of the tasks too. Unfortunately, that means that sometimes writing takes a back seat, and I can’t let that happen!
Dana recently posted..On being neighborly and naked
I always struggle a bit with this!
While my current blog is new, I have been blogging with my book blog for 3.5 years, and had a different “mom blog” before that! As well as running a local events blog for my “job” and I really get into those ruts sometimes! And my book blog has been on a bit of a rut lately because I was so focused on “getting the reviews done!”
That’s part of why I started this new blog. So I wasn’t limited by one topic, or by what publishers are giving me. So I could just blog for me, when I want, and how I want! So far? It’s working great!
Jac recently posted..How to make your own Faith Journal
Being a stay-at-home mom, I needed a creative outlet for myself. I needed something that reconnected myself with myself. So, I started my blog Nifty Betty. Thinking about it a little more, I felt that maybe other moms were in the same boat. So, I decided to write my blog in a tone that would appeal to the masses. If community started, that would be a huge PLUS! And it has!
Nifty Betty recently posted..Family Halloween Playlist
I blog for me to be heard so I hope that people are listening and/or reading.
lisacng @ expandng.com recently posted..Tweetviews – book reviews in 140 characters
I blog for me, to remember what God is doing in my life. I could walk away. I almost did. But I blog for others, to encourage their hearts. Knowing that what I write makes a difference encourages my own heart.
Barbie recently posted..Day 3: Embrace New
I started out blogging for my girls. Then, I was blogging for others that I thought could bring me recognition. Now, I still blog for my girls, but it is mostly for me. I’m am trying to let go of making it for others, but old habits die hard.
Lisa @ The Golden spoons recently posted..RaNdOm Questions! {#TuesdayTen Linkup}
I blog to encourage both me and my readers. I want to encourage Christians in their walks. I want to share with unbelievers the value of my faith. I want to help people learn to live happily on less money. I am thankful for all that I have learned and experienced and I want to share it with others. I know I’ve said this before, but I’m loving this series – thank you!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup recently posted..The 3 Most Important Words
I’m glad that you’re loving this series, Heather! It also sounds like you’ve figured out who you really blog for, great work!
So fascinating, as I have been thinking about this a lot lately. There was a bit of blog burnout (along with a heavy dose of life) that happened to me a few months ago, and I started to think that maybe I should stop. But I found that I couldn’t. And I have spent the last couple weeks falling in love with blogging again. Love this post!-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted..Celebrity Baby Name Or Kentucky Derby Winner?
I think everyone gets a case of blogger burnout from time to time, which is part of the reason why I wanted to write this series! If you know you can’t stop blogging, I think that is a sign that it is a true passion and I’m glad that you’ve fallen back in love with it!
This is a great post. I have always blogged for me. My blog is my happy place. It’s my place to vent, my place to joke and my place to say whatever I want. Don’t like it? Don’t read it, LOL.
Echo recently posted..Personal Transformation (Guest Post)
It sounds like this question was a pretty easy one for you, Echo! Bravo for blogging for you!
I’m a little behind, but I’m really enjoying your series, NJ! I blog for me, for the friends who I have made through blogging, for potential customers, and for new readers. The biggest two are the first two.
Bev recently posted..Life lately
Those are great reasons! I’m glad you’re loving this series, Bev!
[…] you’ve already done a lot of the hard work. You’ve already defined why you blog, who you blog for, and who your reader is. You’ve also figured out what you love and hate about blogging. You […]