People start blogs for many different reasons. You may have a subject you’re passionate about and feel that you would like to share your opinions with others. Or you might think that running a blog is a great way to make money as you have fun. Perhaps you’re trying to expand your business website and you figure a blog will bring in more traffic.
All of these are valid and common reasons for starting a blog, but most people who jump right into the abyss of the blogosphere do so without the background knowledge needed to make their endeavor successful. For this reason, it pays to face a few common misconceptions head on so that you don’t find yourself in a situation that is completely different from what you expected.
Blogging Misconception 1 – It’s Easy
When you were in high school (or college, for that matter), did you find essay-writing easy? My guess is that 9 out of 10 readers will answer with a resounding “NO!” So what makes you think writing for a blog is any less difficult? Certainly you may have more fun, initially, throwing your opinion out there for anyone who cares to read it, but if you have the goal of building and retaining readership, or monetizing your blog, then you will want to put some time and effort into not only providing fresh and engaging content, but also targeting a particular audience. Verbal diarrhea is not going to fit the bill, so don’t think you can just free-write your way to fame. Plus, posting on the same subject, day after day, takes an amount of research and dedication that few people can muster, even if they are passionate about their topic and they’re good writers, to boot.
Blogging Misconception 2 – It’s Free
You have probably heard of sites like WordPress and Blogspot that offer free web-hosting services. But as you should know by now, you get what you pay for. Self-hosting may cost you a monthly fee, but you get a lot more options when it comes to functionality and design. Further, if you plan to expand or monetize, you’re going to have to utilize an SEO strategy (which does not apply to free web-hosting platforms).
Blogging Misconception 3 – Anyone Can Write
Just because you can write doesn’t mean you’re good at it. There are literally millions of blogs on the internet, and you’ll likely be competing with a fair number of them, regardless of your niche. In order to command readership, you’re going to have to not only reach people, you’re going to have to wow them at a level that forces them to consistently choose you over your competitors. This is no easy feat and it definitely requires some mad writing skills on your part.
Blogging Misconception 4 – You Make Money Fast
If you put in a lot of time and effort, you can certainly make money with a blog. But “fast” is a pretty relative term. You’re not going to make money overnight. In fact, you probably won’t see a dime for the first six months, and after that, it could be three to five years before you realize significant capital gains, even from a popular and well-managed blog. So don’t quit your day job. Start with a hobby and see where it goes.
Blogging Misconception 5 – Traffic = Money
Getting more people to your blog (by hook or by crook) may be the first step to securing advertising dollars, but generally speaking, you need sustained numbers and targeted, repeat visitors to make your blog a success. For this reason, it really pays to do your homework on SEO and devise a strategy to boost your ranking on search engines so that the people who stumble onto your site are those who actually want to be there.
Sarah
I do like all 5 misconceptions.
The problem is…there are still thousands of people who believe all the hype of fast, easy money.
I’ve actually lost potential clients because I tell them blogging is hard work and not a way to make many fast. When they hear that…they move on and listen to someone who tells them it is easy. They find out the hard way!
Andrew
Andrew, I know it’s difficult to lose a client but I like working with clients that have realistic expectations. The clients with unrealistic expectations are going to be let down and frustrated no matter what.
I think that when you start blogging “making money” should be removed from your priority list, and fast. If I can think of a hard way to make money nowadays, I’d mention “blogging” as pretty high in the list.
Blogging for the direct monetary income is something that goes far beyond the capabilities of the casual blogger out there. Start for any other good reason and you’ll have a lot more chances to last more than a few months.
Very true Gabriele. I think this is the biggest hurdle for people to get over. If you could just start a blog and have instant traffic and money then everyone would have one. You really have to go into blogging without money in mind.
Good points, Sarah. Making money online happens over time, exponentially, as we work hard to build trust and establish authority. It’s far better to blog for the influence of it!
Good advice Sarah. I’m particularly concerned about #5. Less than 10% of my traffic is from search engines, so I need to work at that. :o
John