The Case For Blogging As A Business
Perhaps it is only because a Crosby Stills Nash song that I could not turn off was on a radio shortly ago, but I am feeling kind of reactionary…no, revolutionary today.
You may not be aware of it, or maybe you are.
I have a good friend who believes that blogging as a business is a waste of time. Actually, she believes that bloggers are just
“a bunch of whiny people who feel the need to tell the whole world about their problems even though they really have nothing to say and no one listening.”
My friend is certainly not the only person who feels this way. Shockingly, it seems that many bloggers think this way as well. I won’t name names here, but I have been noticing this in quite a few places recently.
Why else would so many posts focus on SEO tactics, and why else would there be so many comments on blogs that don’t even address the post they are placed in so strategically.
I admit that I have worked on SEO as a way to increase the traffic going this site and to my niche sites. And that strategy has, at times, included finding blog posts with relatively high PR to comment in on purpose. I have even written about these things on this blog.
But, is a blog only a business?
The Advantages That Blogs Have Over Other Media
Reading A Blog Is An Active…err…Activity
Whereas reading a book or watching the TV news tends to be a fairly one way conversation, blogging does not need to be that way. Most bloggers not on allow comments on their posts, but want to get them!
Think about this. Blogging is a social media, and a book is an old tree. A TV is generally a colorful window into many things that never happened (sometimes that even describes the news shows) and a blog is something that is happening now.
If you smile at me, I will understand
‘Cause that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language.
You Can Learn Something New
There are blogs about pretty much everything you can think of. Better, there are people sharing their experiences about each of these topics. And, it does not take long to find a community of people with interests like yours; your place in the virtual world is not entirely different from your place in the real world.
I don’t need to list all of the different types of blogs that there are out there, I am sure. Google any old subject and you will surely find at least a few blogs that tell you more than what some corporate website will.
If I had ever been here before I would probably know just what to do
Don’t you?
If I had ever been here before on another time around the wheel
I would probably know just how to deal
With all of you.
You Can Learn To Understand Someone Else
It really is amazing. In my day job, I have worked with people from places near and far. I sometimes speak to people from places as distant and different as Mexico, India, France, Pakistan, Bosnia, Zimbabwe, and West Virginia.
But since I started working on my Internet business, I have been able to communicate with people from very different parts of the world in a way that is more open, and more honest. There seems to be less pretense and more generosity.
There seems to be a common purpose amongst bloggers, despite the fact that many of us do compete against each other for visitors and page views.
Find the cost of freedom
Buried in the ground
Mother Earth will swallow you
Lay your body down
You Can Voice Your Opinion
Blogs are open and available for conversation and learning. Bloggers are free say anything they want to, and they might even find an audience for their thoughts. If there is a market for it, bloggers can even make a little money for their efforts.
But, there is a price that needs to be paid for all of this.
Blogging Is A Business
Through it all, the business of blogging is one that is beneficial to the readers and the writers alike. Often, these are the same people. Often, these people are related in some way.
There are many bloggers who write about photography and about weddings, and about blogging. Somehow, perhaps because it needs to be this way, these bloggers find themselves working together, at least indirectly.
So, if blogging is a business, then that must mean that business is social… No surprise there. I think that sales people have known this for many years.
Many sales people go to great lengths to build relationships with potential customers, and those relationships often end up becoming true friendships.
Your Turn
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Blogging as a Business Photo Credits
photo credits:
1: despair.com
2: Steve Snodgrass
2: Leah Gregg
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Twitter: Murlu
said:
I think Blogging shouldn’t be seen as a business in itself but as a platform FOR business. It’s very unlikely that you’re going to make your online income solely on your blog; the days of having tons of traffic and selling ads or doing strictly affiliate marketing is closing.
Instead, I think a blog should be a gateway to bigger ventures such as your freelancing gigs, consulting, coaching, other websites, products and more.
You have to think of your blog as the vehicle to deliver what you have to offer. It’s also a place where you can share what you’ve learned FROM business which further reinforces your venture, knowledge and authority on the topic.
That’s my 2 cents
I could not agree more Murray.
I tend to think of this blog as the base operations for my business.
That is, it allows me to build relationships that I might be unable to on my niche sites.
The great thing about that is that I can more easily find people who can do things if I am struggling.
I know that Alex Whalley will write a title for me, and I know that you have PLR content available. I know these things because of this blog.
Another advantage of blogging is that it will allow me to direct people to the things that I create in the future (more on that to come).
I like that way that you have been using Murlu.com lately. By talking through your ideas with others in you community, I think that you increase your chances of success.
Thanks for visiting!
Twitter: buildrankprofit
said:
Umm – what he said Mark
Awesomely put Murray (why does it not surprise me that you are the first person to comment on this post?!)
I think that your blog is your home base, your megaphone, and your callcentre all in one.
Nurture it and grow your audience and then once you have something they want – sell it through your blog and BAM you have a business.
Thats my 2 cents (Aussie dollar almost better than US so its just as valuable OK!!!)
Alex@amazon niche sites´s last [type] ..10 Reasons Why I Won’t Tweet- Share- Comment- Reply or Even Vaguely Linger
Well said Alex. Relationships and forward thinking – that is a great way to use a blog!
Have a great day.
Twitter: melaniekissell
said:
Oh, my goodness, Mark, this has never happened to me before! I’m the FIRST one to post a comment (any chance there’s a prize?);)
I discovered you over at Alex Whalley’s blog. Unfortunately, it was in the comments section where someone named ‘Patricia’ was accusing Alex of being sexist in regards to his “ask” post. I’m certain you recall the unpleasant exchange. Quite frankly, it’s unforgettable.
Now on to your questions …
Can’t seem to pinpoint what it is about me, but I have a tendency to break with tradition. Before you jump to any premature conclusions, no one would EVER describe me as a radical, revolutionary, or rebel. Nope. Not my style.
Allow me to explain …
I love writing. Therefore, I love blogging. I started my blog with a direct, distinct, power-packed intention of blogging for business (strictly business!). The journey was going along great — blue skies, fair weather, smooth terrain, warm breezes, comfortable shoes, nice people … the whole enchilada. And then I came upon a detour. So I folded up my map and started heading in a whole new direction.
Are you getting tired of reading this yet? I promise I’ll get to the punchline soon.
I’m grateful for the detour. I’m now thoroughly enjoying building community and loyal readership (a.k.a. an indisputable crazy bunch of coconuts). Building vibrant relationships and nurturing and sustaining those relationships is a lot more fun (and better for my sanity) than strictly blogging for business.
If any of my readers ever transform themselves into customers, that would be magnificent. But if they don’t, I’ll still love them just the same.
Outstanding post!
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur´s last [type] ..Light Yourself On Fire And People Will Come To See You Burn
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for the great comment and welcome!
One of the great things, to me, about blogging is that you can build relationships.
Some of those relationships will be friendships, and some could end up being business partnerships. Joint ventures are huge on the web.
But, blogging provides you with resources that other methods do not.
Try Googling for some information and see the results you get.
Now think about the bloggers you know who have some understanding of that subject. You can read their post. And, you can also ask them about it.
Send an email or a tweet. Sure, you may have been able to do that anyway, but I believe that if you have built a relationship with a knowledgeable person, then you will probably get far better information than you would have otherwise.
That is the way I look at it anyway.
Thanks for the comment!
Twitter: lavenderuses
said:
And just so people don’t think it was me making nasty comments about my good friend Alex, I was NOT the Patricia in the post. I even asked Alex if he was going to remove the comments cos they were so horrible!
that said:
Hi Mark & great to bump into you here Melanie.
I agree with Murray that my blog is a platform for my business. That was always the idea I had when I was doing my business plan. And mostly I would think that is the case for most bloggers if they are not blogging as a hobby
Was explaining to my Mum this afternoon what an amazing group of bloggers I have connected with. Definitely lots of collaboration going on. And from all different countries and cultures too.
My post that went out last night had a friend come to the rescue with graphics, as mine had all disappeared off my desktop and my graphic design niece who usually does them for me wasn’t available. It was midnight in Georgia but still Brankica did it willingly.
Then what can I say about Alex Whalley…king of quotes and master of the headline. He came up with the headline after I had my doubts about what he knew about lavenders. Set him the challenge and he came through with flying colours
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia@lavender oil´s last [type] ..Can’t Sleep Get Some Lavender- The Rest Is Easy
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for the great example showing why it is important to build online relationships and how blogging can help you to build them.
Have a great day!
I started blogging “just for me” and soon found I could at least post reviews and ask book publishers for copies of books and such. Even my own thoughts were enough to warrant some traffic and some perks. Now, I’ve got my journal still and a social media info/ideas blog – and they’re helping me, if nothing else, get the thoughts out of my head and onto screens/paper to share with others. That’s enough payoff there – and still there’s the possibility of business-related stuff as well. Thanks for posting – great list of pros for everyone else’s cons.
Hi Rick,
I can certainly relate to what you are saying. This blog did not start as a business. Really, I don’t look at it in that way at all. It is kind of like home base.
Great point about starting something and then finding the potential in it too. You never know what is possible until you try it. That is how all progress happens, I suppose.
I really appreciate your visit. Have a great day!
Twitter: rumblinglankan
said:
I personally try to handle it as a business. I actively look for search engine traffic but doesn’t always try to build a community around it. Although when you write about a specific niche long enough you do start to tend to build a community around your blog. However I think a combination of both is the way to go if you want to be successful in blogging.
Nishadha@Make Money blogging´s last [type] ..Email marketing in Sri Lanka- how to capture leads and build your mailing list
That is a good point. After all, there are many different ways to go about building a business.
Thanks for your thoughts Nishadha. Have a great day!
Indeed, blogging is business and more. Yeah, we can treat blogging as business while also enjoy other good other aspects of it such as as connection tool to connect with people around the world.
Dana´s last [type] ..Eee Pad Transformer- A Dual-core Android powered Tablet PC from ASUS
Twitter: pizaazz
said:
Blogging is a reflex, and business just comes out of it.
Twitter: stevescott1
said:
First of all if blogging was just “venting” (which it may be for some few) I wouldn’t be doing it.
I do about once every 2-3 months indulge in a “rant” which I am sure could be construed as whining. but these are the exceptions that prove the rule. For 95% of the blogs I read and visit i find about the same ratio. (since i see you on a lot of them, I am sure you agree)
As for blogging being a business, there are two sides to that coin. At some point blogging alone is a viable business. But the amount of work and effort to make THAT happen is monumental.
For blogging to be a business in and of itslef you pretty much have to get into an “a-lister” readership mode…or at least on the periphery of that. Not an easy task at all these days.
That being said… blogging is still very viable as a business model. It primarily serves as a launchpad for all sorts of other business ventures.
Even if someone chooses 100% not to use the blog to launch anything else, if they have a business or other online efforts going on… a blog can serve as a proof of authority.
In the technical sense a blog is very hard to be a “business” in and of itself, but is a KEY puzzle piece in creating a viable and strong working online empire of just about any sort.
One complaint though…. how could you not like CSN. “Suite Judy Blue Eyes” is like one of the greatest songs of all times.
CSN
Steve@Lifestyle Design´s last [type] ..How to Complete your eBook Masterpiece – Even if you HATE Writing
Haha. Sorry Steve; I must have misled you. There is a period of CSN’s career which, for some reason, I feel a huge connection with. Suite Judy Blue Eyes is definitely one of those songs.
Anyway, I think I am on the same page as you. Blogs serve as a home base, or to use your word, a launchpad for other businesses and ideas. It is a way to connect, to be seen, and a way to communicate.
I am now working on a site that will have very little in common with blogs at all. But, I would not have had the idea if I had not started this blog.
Maybe that is why I find it odd when people don’t ‘get’ blogging.
One thing always build upon another, it seems.
As always, thanks for visiting Steve.
Twitter: AboriginalMama
said:
I also agree with Murray. Blogging as a business has never really worked for more than the small handful who either got in early, took it to the next level (like video), or figured out all the great ways to market something small and take it viral (like Frank Kern).
For everyone else? It’s a platform. A great one with a lot of opportunity there, but still a platform. It’s the place where people who are buying your products or checking out your business can get to know you and see what kind of person you are. It’s more social, and it’s like hanging out in someone’s living room having a great conversation.
Well, it’s a great conversation if the blogger knows what they’re doing! Other than that, blogging purely to make it the sole source of income as a business itself? I don’t know if I really buy that one. Not anymore.
Delena
Delena Silverfox´s last [type] ..123Print Coupon Code
Hey Delena,
Great points! Blogging is a social media, and can be used in any way the blogger wants. But, it needs to be social.
And, I agree with your assessment of using a single blog as a way to earn a living.
In blogging, and pretty much everywhere in life, keeping one’s expectations reasonable is so important. Very few people are able to jump into something and be successful without much effort.
Sure, it happens all the time in movies. Forrest Gump was madly successful, but no one would think that mimicking his life would make them successful.
That is, I hope not.
Many of the ‘gurus’ out there try to sell a Gumpesque vision of life to their followers, which is sad.
Thanks for your thoughts Delena. Have a great day.
Twitter: eugenefarber
said:
Well, Murray took the words right out of my mouth. Business IS social. It has to be. It happens between people, and people are social creatures. When was the last time you felt good about buying something directly from someone you didn’t like (or bought something at all).
This is why vendors will take their biggest clients out to dinner or drinks. This is even why companies have holiday parties for their employees. In essence, companies are doing business with their employees. And you want to connect with anyone you do business with.
Blogs create a way for businesses and individuals to connect with each other in social interaction online. Although a blog, in and of itself, may not be your business, it can definitely help your business thrive. Then again, there ARE people who make money just from blogging – but those cases are more rare.
Eugene @ Lifestyle Design´s last [type] ..42 Internet Stars Share Their “Impossible” Accomplishments
Well said Eugene.
Thanks for visiting!
Twitter: adriennesmith40
said:
Great topic Mark and one I definitely have some input. I believe that maybe some people view blogs as a business but I think they should be used as platforms for your business.
I started mine as a tool to help others learn and grow while trying to create a place for them in the online world and it’s turned into much more for me. I’m learning so much from the people who visit my blog and leave their comments plus I’m building some super awesome relationships as well. Those relationships are leading to business for myself and other connections. Business is about connecting with your clients and that is being more social overall. So blogging is beneficial to anyone who wants to have success, especially online.
Really enjoyed this post Mark… Love this topic.
Adrienne
Adrienne´s last [type] ..How to Get More Comments on Your Blog
I agree; building relationships is so important.
Really, it is the key to opening up all of the possibilities that many people chase by doing bookmarking, tweeting, etc. In my mind, these activities are all interrelated and useful because they are all social.
But, in the end, they are only ways to create connections, which is the only way that I believe you can use your blog to improve you business.
Thanks for the visit Adrienne. Have a great day!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
said:
I think the outcome of a blog largely depends on your goals in the beginning. If your goal is to produce a business from your blog, then you’ll do things differently. If your blog is just to share a few thoughts with the world – then once again, you’d do things in a much different way. I really feel though, that blogging has the capacity and potential to be highly successful in the business world – if done correctly.
Christian Hollingsworth´s last [type] ..Building Up a Blogging Community
I definitely see this blog as more of a hub for meeting people and telling the world about what I am working on, but the potential for a blog to be a business in itself is certainly there. You just need a new way of doing….something.
There are tons of business models that did not work until someone made a small change. Microsoft is actually one of those (Windows).
So, why can’t that be true for a blog? That is a great way to look at it.
Thanks Christian. Have a good day!
Twitter: michaelpedzotti
said:
I disagree with Murray!!!*
There, that should get some more traffic
It works for the newspapers so a little bit of controversy here should sell a couple more copies.
A blog is a place where friendly disagreements can take place alongside new ideas, encouragement and agreement. And sometimes, as happens a bit over at Alex’s blog, differences in culture and language are explored, especially with our esteemed neighbours over in the far eastern islands (USA).
I use my blog to launch new products, rave about great stuff I find online that has helped me and might help others and lately, give space for guest posts when I am busy with other projects and need some content to fill a gap.
* BTW I really do agree with him but I think Murray’s comment is about 20 cents worth rather than the 2 cents of value he put on it
Michael Pedzotti´s last [type] ..How I applied the 10 steps to internet business success
Ha! Just what we need.
That is a great way to use a blog Michael. I saw that you posted yesterday and will be reading that this afternoon. What you have been posting lately has been great.
Thanks for visiting!
Hey mark, interesting article and interesting blog, it’s my first time here.
Blogs have proven to add an invaluable feature to online business, which is the establishment of a mini-community. I’m in strong agreement with your point about blogs turning one-sided conversations to a dialogue with the visitor, which automatically establishes a relationship of the reader with the business. Even more interesting arguments in the comments.
Abdul Rehman@Make Money on the Internet´s last [type] ..Beginners’ Guide To Making Money With Clickbank
Thanks for visiting Abdul.
Have a great day!
I agree with Alex. Your blog is like your mini-company wherein you can have your own sales dept, marketing dept and call center dept all in one place.
Adie@business page facebook how to´s last [type] ..Does Twitter drive traffic to a website
Hey Mark,
I feel blogging need not to be considered as a business.I love blogging but its due to the fact that it enthralls me.Its my passion and the best part is that it really is very nice when you make your passion as your business.You never get bored.
Shivam Garg´s last [type] ..Jumpline Web Hosting Coupon
Twitter: jwongjk
said:
I think that blogs also allows businesses to position themselves as experts in the field, above their competitors. Even better if they’ve a community growing and interacting via comments and etc, just like what you have
janwong´s last [type] ..Social is the New ‘E’
Ha. Yeah, it is great to get to know people online. And, blogging is a great way to do some of that.
Have a great day Jan!
Hi Mark,
The beauty of blogging is we get to see the different opinion and reaction to the post. If we do not agree with an article, we can comment and the author or the community should respond to our opinion.
Andrew Walker´s last [type] ..Memory Suppliers Promo
It’s almost as if the business of blogging *is* the business of being social, isn’t it? It could be unilateral, and many are, but as in the example you give about weddings and photography – which I know something about – these are in a social realm to begin with. So I can’t see how a blog dealing with those topics would work as efficiently otherwise.
Personally, I’ve always used blogs for business purposes. Honestly though, it’s nice for the public to have such easy access to a soapbox. Quite of few of my friends do it for fun, sure, they may make some ad money on the side from it, but it’s nice for those people who want to keep their friends or family apprised to what they’re doing to be able to easily keep a blog.