You’d be surprised how often I get asked this type of question. Here’s the short answer: NO! This is really a great time to blog, even if you are just starting out.
I’m happy to tell you why – I’m really passionate about this subject!
The internet is not dead yet. In fact, more than ever, the internet is where people look for both information and inspiration. It is estimated that Google processes more than 8.5 billion searches per day (!!!!!!!). It could be that your blog shows up in those searches, answering someone’s question.
As long as people are using the internet, searching the web for answers to common questions, everyday dilemmas or needing inspiration for their lives.
They may be looking for inspiration about remodeling their home, buying a winter coat or maybe they want a change of hair style, etc.) Blogging continues to have a place in the world.
People (now more than ever) really know what a blog is. There are fewer barriers to getting people to read your blog. Back when we first started blogging, people didn’t always recognize this type of website as a source of information that they felt was legitimate.
I think this sentiment has changed. People prefer to receive information (like interior decorating advice) from an individual they like rather than a company website. More and more trust is given to bloggers than before as it is getting more and more popular and accepted over time.
There are LOTS of user-friendly tools to start and maintain a blog. There are tools we only dreamed of when we started! For me, this is the number one reason why starting a blog is easier now than it used to be.
There are many website platforms, plugins, and entire companies of developers who are familiar with (and ready to accommodate) the needs of bloggers. Great! You don’t have to mix website features together. It’s like if your first car was a Porsche instead of a go-kart.
And along with more tech-savvy tools, there’s also more community and more information available on how to get involved in blogging and how to make it work for you. Our e-course, Basic Information about Blogcan help you get started today.
Is blogging worth it?
Monetization strategies exist for the community, so you don’t need to build your own model. You can make money blogging in a variety of ways, but there are a lot more options available than when you first started blogging.
At A Beautiful Mess, we make money primarily through four ways:
- CPM-based advertising (the ads you see in our sidebars and throughout our site in the middle of the content)
- Sponsor
- Affiliate Marketing (like LTK network, formerly known as RewardStyle)
- Sell our own products (we tried a number of products, from t-shirts to iPhone app)
And for each of the four ways we monetize our blogs, there are far more tools and options available than when we started!
Is blogging still profitable?
For us, yes. Think about this: Sponsors are aware of blogging and social media. Most large companies now have an annual budget for working with influencers. That could be you!
It’s there to reach anyone who is consistently showing up, publishing quality work, and building their audience.
Is blogging difficult?
Yes. While it might be a little easier to accomplish (with the proliferation of so many blogger-friendly tools), it’s more competitive than ever. You must stand out. You can’t just post whatever petty thing is on your mind with a semi-fuzzy photo… as some of us did in 2008 (embarrassed hand raised).
I think this is the big mistake people make. It’s not that blogging is dead (it isn’t), but that blogging has become increasingly competitive and laborious for a long time.
It’s not something you can start with and expect to earn in the first few months. It takes time to not only blog well, but also to grow your readership.
IIs blogging still relevant in 2022?
Yes! It’s probably the most relevant/worth it ever, but it’s also more competitive. Your blog may not explode overnight like it used to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create something worthwhile for both yourself and your readers.
If you want to learn more about how we blog or are thinking of starting one on your own, you should check out our course Basic Information about Blog.
We also teach courses on podcasting, Instagramand even how to write and introduce a book idea. You can see all Our courses offered here.
Xo, Emma
