What is Blogging?
First, let’s start by defining what blogging really is. Easier said than done. In my opinion, a blog has two components:
1. The content is regularly updated, rather than being static, with content arranged chronologically
2. Readers can interact with the content through comments, voting, social sharing, etc.
Not all blogs are updated daily or even weekly. Not all blogs have posts that are structured in a traditional format. Not all blogs have comments open. Not all blogs feature Twitter/Facebook/etc. share buttons. Some blogs feature the author’s opinions very prominently. Others are more objective news sources.
Your Blog Content
Despite the inability to firmly describe what defines a blog, one thing is certain: you can’t have a blog without content. Individual pieces of content are called “blog posts.” You can also record video posts or podcasts.
You can also blog in a more journal style. Online diaries are extremely difficult to monetize unless you’re a celebrity or well-known personality, but there are no rules to blogger. You can write about whatever you want.
Your Blogging Goals
I always recommend that brand new bloggers start by defining your blogging goals, since that will dictate the type of content you write, your monetization efforts, etc. Here are some goals you might have:
- Teach others something you know
- Inspire readers in a certain area
- Provide entertainment
- Promote a business, product ,or service
- Establish yourself as an expert in your field
- Make money online
- Vent your feelings and voice your opinions
- Network with other people in a specific niche
Many blogs do more than one things on the above list, but it helps to establish your main goal so you can ensure that every single blog post you write helps you achieve that main goal. A good way of figuring out what you goal is to ask yourself this: When my readers think of me and my blog, what impression do I want in their minds?
Do you want to be the opinionated girl who teaches others about gardening? Do you want to be the blog that has the awesome country music community? Do you want to be the go-to source for information about new ice cream products?