One question that we are repeatedly asked, especially at the start of each year is ‘is it too late to start a blog in [insert year]? As the years are going by, this question is becoming even more frequent. In the last month alone, we’ve had so many emails asking if it’s too late to start a blog in 2020?
If you’re reading this, chances are that you too have been thinking about starting a blog. Perhaps you’ve come across some bloggers who have built massive businesses, landed book deals and so much more. Maybe you’re wondering if that kind of success could happen for you too.
But there’s a little voice inside your head telling you that you’ve missed the boat. It’s too late to start a blog in 2020 because it’s all been said and done. How could you possibly stand out among the millions of blogs already out there? Or maybe you’re thinkig nobody reads bligs anymore. This is a perfectly normal concern. It’s certainly harder to stand out now than it was back in 2010. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late to start a blog. In fact, we believe there’s never been a better time to be a blogger.
Here are some of the typical objections we hear from aspiring bloggers who want to start a blog but think it’s too late:
Reasons why you might think it’s too late to start a blog in 2020…
1. It’s all been said already
At the end of 2018, there were an estimated 505 million blogs out there. So you might be right in thinking that it’s all been said. One thing is for sure however: it hasn’t been said by YOU. Your words, your story, your opinion, your aesthetic; you are unique and nobody can ‘do’ you like you can. So if you have something to say (even if it’s been said millions of times already), say it. The world needs your authentic voice. On the flip side, if your only plan is to churn out mediocre content that’s been done to death, then you’ll be wasting your time (and everybody else’s).
2. You can’t make money blogging
If you’re starting a blog to get rich quick, just forget about it. Blogging can be hugely rewarding in so many ways, but it’s definitely not a get rich quick scheme. Like any business, a blog takes time to grow and develop into a profitable business. Also not every blog will be profitable, but if you start a blog as a business from day one, you can make money from it, either directly or indirectly. The key is to know why you want to start a blog and keep that focus in mind with everything you do. The best way to explain this is through some examples:
EXAMPLE 1: If you’re a small business owner, a blog is a great way to share more about you and what happens behind the scenes of your business. It’s a way to show your expertise as well as your personality. People buy from people. Your blog won’t be directly profitable, but it will drive far more sales than if you were just another soulless online retailer.
EXAMPLE 2: You want to become a published author. A blog is a great way to build up a portfolio of your writing. You are far more likely to get a book deal if you have a blog that shows what you’re capable of. Once again, your blog might not be a direct moneymaker, but it gives you a definite advantage over writers without any sort of platform.
EXAMPLE 3: You want your blog to become your business. There are thousands of bloggers making money from their blogs. And yes, there are thousands — even millions — who aren’t making anything at all. The difference is you and how you approach blogging. In any niche, there will be a handful of start-up businesses that become profitable and there will be thousands that fail. So if you want to start a blog to make money, then treat it as a business from day one. You must have a clear plan on how you will make money and most importantly, launch your blog the right way. If you treat it as a hobby, it will remain a hobby.
3. Blogging is lonely
Yes and no. Yes it’s lonely in that you are usually working from home alone. But there are so many benefits to this as well e.g. you can work in your pyjamas, you get to work around your family and you are your own boss. On the flip side, blogging over time builds relationships like nobody’s business. And you never know where these relationships will take you. Some may lead to profitable opportunities, some may lead to amazing experiences, some may lead to new ventures and dream collaborations. Most of all, it’s the friendships you build that create their own rewards.
EXAMPLE: A group of bloggers started chatting and connecting online. Most of them had never met, but they chatted on Twitter (back in the day) and then they started commenting on each others’ blogs, doing guest posts for each other and even started sharing opportunities. Eventually, after a year or so of this, they met in real life and instantly clicked because they already ‘knew’ each other. After getting to know each other even better, some of them decided to start an online business together to help empower mothers in the digital space. That my friends, is the very short version of the story of Mothers and Shakers.
Blogging naturally encourages friendship and community. If you put yourself out there, you will forge relationships that will last a lifetime. And yes, those relationships might also lead to amazing opportunities. But this can only happen if you take the plunge and launch that blog.
4. Blogging is dying
If we had a pound for every time we heard this, we would be sipping margaritas by the pool in our multi-million dollar villa in the Caribbean! Lots of people believe it’s too late to start a blog, but that’s not what research tells us. For instance, according to Technavio, content marketing will be a $412 billion industry by the end of 2021.
Stats aside, just think about how you shop. If you see a random ad for a new mascara on TV or online, you aren’t that likely to engage. But if your favourite blogger shares a post on how much she loves it, you are far more likely to go out and buy it. Getting tips from bloggers and influencers we follow is very much like getting recommendations from our friends. It’s the power of word of mouth, on a larger scale. Brands know this and are collaborating with bloggers, including micro-influencers, more and more.
But it’s not just big brands that recognise the importance of blogging. If you want a book deal, publishers want to know that you have a platform and also that you have an audience who will buy your book and recommend and promote it. If you want to advocate for a cause, you are far more likely to get yourself heard and make a real difference if you have a blog. If you want to grow your creativity, blogging is a never-ending learning experience. We could go on and on and on. But rest assured blogging isn’t dead. It will change, it will evolve but it isn’t going anywhere.
5. I can build an audience on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook…
Yes you can. And there are several ‘bloggers’ who are only on Insta or YouTube and are earning a very juicy income. But, and it’s a BIG but, you don’t own Insta, YouTube, Facebook… so what if they shut down? Or what if your account was deleted? Or what if they changed their algorithms yet again and your content was barely shown? By all means embrace social media/YouTube as they’re an essential part of being an online creator. But you own your blog, your site is yours.
Think of it as the difference between owning your own home and renting. In your own home you can decorate as you wish, heck you can paint the walls slimy green and no one can stop you. You can decide you’ll never sell it or you can sell it tomorrow. Basically you’re in 100% control. But if you’re renting — well you can be asked to leave, the rent might go up, you can’t decorate as you wish… you get it right?
As you can see, there are countless reasons to start a blog now. Blogging isn’t going anywhere. Still, it’s important to add that blogging isn’t for everyone and it’s definitely not some get rich quick scheme! But if you’ve ever thought about launching a blog, now is a very good time. Whether as a business or a hobby, blogging can open up more opportunities than you could ever imagine. And the best way to get started is to start.
Do YOU want to start a blog or a creative online business in 2020?
We work with women who want to start or grow a blog or any other type of creative business. Our Skype coaching calls will help you get unstuck, find clarity on your goals, and take the ONLY actions you need to bring you closer to your dream life.
Our coaching calls are friendly and are brilliant for women who are struggling with overwhelm, fear of putting yourself out there, imposter syndrome or any other gremlin that’s holding you back. We’ll offer clear advice and support to help you get out of your own way and really focus on what matters! Each call includes a follow-up email outlining steps to bring your vision to life. And you can book one call or 6, depending on how much help you need.
If you’re ready to make your dreams come true in 2020 get in touch with us through our contact page or drop us a line – contact@mothersandshakers.net
Take that first step and imagine where YOU could be by 2021?
[…] easy to forget about your blog. If it’s a personal blog, you might run out of time to write it, or if it’s a business […]