In today’s digital world where “content is king,” websites that get the most traffic are usually those that contain the highest quality and most relevant content for their users. It’s the reason Reddit is one of the most trafficked websites on the internet and calls itself the front page of the internet. It’s the reason Cragislist gets over 50 billion page views per month. Visitors don’t come for the design; they come for the content. And one of the easiest ways for any company or organization to garner attention and publish with ease is through blogging. Yes, blogging. We realize this isn’t 1997. However, those digital diary sites from the late 90s (don’t tell us you never had a Xanga or a LiveJournal account) actually had something going for them – they proved to the world that everyone has something to say. Even you. Even your company or your nonprofit. In the democratic age of information, blogging is your chance to reach out to your users and start conversations that could help build your brand and increase your influence. If you’re still not convinced, here are a few reasons why you should start a digital media platform today:
- Blogging is free and easy
Most blogging platforms today are free. WordPress, blogger, or even social media sites, like Tumblr, can provide you with the simplest solutions on getting started since they have such large followings and active support forums. Best of all, these sites cost you nothing, except a little time and creativity. Most of their toolbars are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), so you won’t break the internet. With just a little effort, you will be able to get a presence on the world wide web in no time at all. - You have something to say
Often, people or companies don’t create quality online content because they undervalue their stories or experiences. You may think your passion for 1950s Japanese horror films is yours alone, but it’s not! You may think no one would be interested in your company’s expertise in accounting software, but you’re wrong! No interest or topic – no matter how mundane or niche – is an island. Blogging gives you the chance to talk about what’s most important to you, and start building a network of like-minded individuals. Your opinions, thoughts, and knowledge are valuable, so don’t sell yourself short. - It gives you writing practice
Every professional or brand should be able to coherently and creatively convey a message. Just like with any sport, the more you practice, the better you get. Likewise, the more you write, the easier and more naturally it will come. Sure, your first few posts might be choppy, but you will improve with each post. Most importantly, you will find your voice. Before long, your posts will become more concise. You will broaden your vocabulary. As you practice, you will get better at pitches, emails and any other digital communication you may have. - You can build out your story
If you have an online presence through social media, you probably already understand the importance of building influence through fans and followers. But it is often difficult to convey a full message through a simple Instagram post or Facebook update. Blogging can help you build out your thoughts more fully than a 140-character tweet or status update, and you can tell your story in a multi-layered platform. Digital platform sites allow you to not only update with text, but you can upload images, videos, and even add interactives to your posts to tell the most effective stories possible.“Blogs are no longer an extra feature on news websites. They have become the cornerstone of coverage for news organizations of all sizes.”
- They’re becoming the norm
Most media professionals and companies today use a blogging platform to disseminate relevant news and updates. According to Mark Briggs in his book Journalism Next, “Blogs are no longer an extra feature on news websites. They have become the cornerstone of coverage for news organizations of all sizes.” Go ahead. Go to almost any website. Chances are, they will have a news, announcements, or blog page. Chances are, it will be their home page. Like most tech companies, Google uses its blog to announce changes and updates to policies. Many New York Times reporters have a blog. Even Snapchat has a blog. Maybe it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. - You can learn how to use a CMS
CMS stands for Content Management System, and these systems are used to allow anyone in a company to update a website without knowing any code at all. Once you’ve started blogging on WordPress, for example, you can convert the blog to become your entire website with a blogging component (Beyonce does this; need we say more?). Blogging can be your first foray into website building and learning how to use a content management system without having to contact a web-savvy techie to update your site. - It’s fun!
After you’ve blogged for any amount of time, you’ll discover how fun blogging can be. Use GIFs and funny videos in your posts. Be snarky. Converse with your community. Follow other blogs. Start reading what interests you. The beauty of blogging is that it’s not a sterile news feed where you have to be serious all the time. But it’s also not an online diary where you get too personal. It’s in-between. That’s what makes it so unique. Blogging allows you to have a professional presence without taking yourself too seriously. You do have something to say. Your ideas and opinions are important.
It might be time for you to stop reading this blog and start blogging for yourself. If you’re looking for help, check out this tutorial or many others like it on YouTube. Best of luck.