Editor’s Note: Here at Dispatches, we are always looking for ways to help our readers do things. For some of our readers, that means helping navigate the working world, for others, it means assisting in the ever challenging question, “what’s for dinner?” For still others, it means figuring out how to balance family life with everything else. In an effort to aid in all of these endeavors, we have collaborated on this article written specifically for our readers.
Most businesses and individuals have a blog. It’s a fun, productive hobby and can be anything you want it to be. Your blog could be a place where you document your children growing up, share your day-to-day life or write articles on subjects you’re passionate about to share your knowledge. You can spend a little time on it or a lot.
It’s Free and Accessible
As far as hobbies go, blogging can only cost your time or can be as expensive as you want. Sites like Blogger and WordPress allow you to set up a blog for free to test the waters.
You’ll Meet Like Minded People
The blogging community is very social. Through sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram you’ll quickly become acquainted with others and soon find you have a network of like-minded colleagues. Start by joining Twitter chats, at different days and times various chats are held to discuss different topics or ideas. There are occasionally events run by brands which might receive an invitation to attend. There are also local meetups to meet other local bloggers. Unlike journaling or writing a book, blogging has a social side to connect you with others.
You’ll Learn New Skills
When you’re regularly blogging, it goes without saying that you will improve your writing skills. Over time you will develop a “voice” which makes you unique and sets you apart. This is something new bloggers (especially business-focused bloggers) forget. Your customers and readers want to read your views and opinions. If you’re lucky, you’ll gain you a loyal following. In addition to improving your writing, you will have lots of opportunities to improve your photography skills, basic marketing strategies and social media use through techniques like SEO. This can be tricky, so in the beginning, you may need to enlist the help of a professional company, if not research and read and teach yourself. You will likely also gain some basic html coding knowledge over time.
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