Hello I'm curious...what are people's thoughts about having their own blogs? I know some writers think they help connect to new clients and others that think it is just fun to have a blog. I don't have a blog -- my own that is. I have been thinking about starting one. I guess what is stopping me is that I write on topics that don't seem to connect well together (like peanut butter and pickles) and I'm wondering how to make it work. How about you? Do you have a writing blog or personal blog? Do you think every writer should have one? Abby
Blogs are multipurpose, you can connect with clients, you can share with others your hobbies, thoughts, points of view or useful resources, build trustworthy and use your blog as reference/sample of your writing style. I have 5 blogs, from which only one is active, all others are scheduled for a fresh start sometime in June because they are not matching this facet of my life
Nope. A writer doesn't need a blog to clear six figures a year. However, if you're a blog writer then having your own blog is almost mandatory. And quite honestly, unless you're blogging in your field (blog writers aside), it's not important. It's like going to a job interview for a X-ray technician position and saying you have experience working the machines at McDonald's. In closing, blogging professionally in your field can add a lot of credibility (as long as you're a good writer and know your field well--not just regurgitate/comment on simple news). It's by no means required, but it's a nice touch. And if you find it fun, then none of this matters. Just be warned, blogging can be damaging as well.
Need a blog? No. Can they be a worthwhile tool to invest time in as a writer? Sure. That's especially true if you blog in the niche / area you specialize in. I couldn't survive without blogs. I love them. But I wouldn't blog nearly as much or on as many if I couldn't make it a viable part of my business. I treat them as part business model, part networking tool, and part marketing tool. I meet a lot of writers who have given me referrals through my blogs. I've had plenty of writing and PR clients find me through my blogs. And I've earned more than a little bit of income directly through my blogs. They're even good places to promote my own informational products when they're released, and they give me a reason to experiment with new revenue streams, marketing tactics, etc. (b/c I can then write about them whether I succeed or fail). If you think a blog would be good for you, give it a shot. It does take time, and a lot of work though. But if you do it well enough you'll give potential clients a glimpse into not only how you write, but how you think - that's what I think has benefited me the most.
Depends, if you just want to update your fan club on news and all, it's a great idea and it really doesn't take that much work to get one up.
Yes..If you're a writer, then having a blog is a must. Not only do the search engines love them, but you'll increase your rankings, which leads to more sales. Start your blog today!
Blogging is my favorite writing medium. The best thing about blogging is that your blog is what you make it! I could easily go off on a "zillion reasons I love blogging" diatribe, but I think I'll spare everyone
I have many blogs but my very first blog (which is my active blog at the moment) is really personal in terms of content because I talk about lots of random and mundane things in there. Though I've written some good entries there, I doubt it would attract clients looking for a writer because the entries that they would see would be light topics that is intended to be a conversation between me and my blogging friends. So I'm transforming one of my neglected domains to be my "writer" blog where I can unleash the writer and not the blogger in me.
If you want to have a blog just to show people an example of your writing, then having a simple web page with sample articles will do.
The difference between having a blog and a simple Web page though, rami, is that a blog allows you to engage in a conversation with members of your target market as well as members of your target networking group. I find that the conversation, and letting people feel like they're getting to know you a bit while demonstrating your writing ability and continued knowledge in the niche is what seems to attract the most business.
I think some sort of website is a necessary if you want to go beyond the marketplace of places like DP. It allows you to show potential clients your writing style in a real life situation. It is also a great way to advertise your services. Most serious freelance writers have a website or blog. My blogs drag in thousands of groupies just as if I was a rock star. Women just throw themselves at me! Too bad I am married. LOL
I'm not a writer by profession, i'm a manager/entrepreneur, but i do most of the writing (all the press releases, proposals and some of the content) in my business. As someone who both writes and hires writers, I like to see a variety of a writer's work before i try them out. I have a few blogs, including my eponymous blog which is where I'm relaxed and just blurbing stuff. The more connections you have as a writer, the better/more expensive service you can provide to my customers. Having websites that have some PR/rank to them will also impress any clients who practice SEO.
Apart from Jenn's blog(s)/website(s) I am more keen to see blogs and/or websites of more writers.I have seen some of them and could derive some inspiration.Writing consumes much of your time and I really wonder how these people manage maintaining their own sites as well. I remember Jenn's writing once that almost 40% of total time should be dedicated to the business maintenance activities and maintaining website/blog is also one of them. If we see things from a common / new writer's point of view then it becomes very clear that there are plenty of them who do not know how to make/run a website. For these newbies experienced writers should come out and help. I am trying to draw few lines here. A writer has to select what type of blog/website must be started. What type of designs or template should be there and where and how to get them? What should be the prices?Should it be a writing platform like wordpress ? or anything else.I think experienced writers have done this all and are the best people to guide newbies. Can we also draw a complete map-chart here for all those writers who want to have their own blog/website. What are the DOs and DONTs? may be writers like Jenn would be in a better position to guide everyone out here.
I have two blogs. One is for personal use to write down my thoughts and ideas, and one is solely for my writing. I feel that if you are a writer and have a blog, then potential employers can see not only your article-writing style, but a much different, more personal style through that blog. Its also great for networking like others have said. However, I don't think you "need" one. Then again, they say the best way to improve your writing is to write, and that's what blogs are, a place to write.
While not a complete map / chart, I write about how to start your own blog or site as a writer periodically (especially recently) at All Freelance Writing in the Blogs & Websites section. A few of the recent posts talked about my own favorite resources for setting up sites, where I find the designs / themes I use, how to install Wordpress, and just today how to install a new theme for a WP blog.
I guess I've ended up with a website and blog. The website has always done very well for me. But since the blog has not been up as long, I can't make a comparison yet.
I have it and surely it helps trust me whenever i get time i do some post on my fav topic which is very helpful to show my creativity because i believe that i write well when in my best mood
If you're good in writing, I think you should start writing your blog of specific topics that interest you.