Many people think that only freelance writers are the ones who should create a blog. This is not true because even web programmers and graphic designers can put a blog into good use. Many think that since blogs contain lots of content, it is only appropriate for those who are in the field of writing.
Blogs can be used by all freelancers, even those who are not in the field of writing. For an instance, a web programmer can use a blog to show snippets of code or it can be a channel where he can provide freeware for other people. On the other hand, graphic designers can focus more on creating appealing web designs, logos, caricatures, and even abstract art in their blogs. Thus, whatever field you may be, blogs are extremely important to freelancers.
Here are the top 5 reasons why freelancers should blog.
1. To showcase their talents. Blogs can be used in addition to the profile, portfolio, and trial tests provided by freelancers to potential clients. In essence, it can fortify all the proofs of how good a freelancer is. Having blogs make it easier to show clients what you can do but make sure to keep your blogs always up to date.
2. To continuously learn. Maintaining a blog gives the freelancer a reason to continuously study. An effective blogger always tries to find something new that can be done to improve the blog. It can be a new blog theme to play around or a new plugin that can enhance the performance of the blog. Whatever new thing it is, it will surely allow you to acquire knowledge from it.
3. To avoid freelancing burnout. Doing something repeatedly will eventually burn out any person. If all you do is work on your projects then you might end up losing interest in them and performing less than expected. That is why I recommend that you create a blog that interests you and is far from what you usually do. In my case, I have another blog that focuses on food and travel because these two are my best interests when I am not working. Try to think of something you enjoy doing and make your blog like a diary of your thoughts and experiences about it.
4. To earn something extra on the side. Maintaining a blog can open the opportunity of earning through it. This is called monetizing a blog. Usually, this is done by putting up advertisements within the blog. If you plan on doing this with your blog but you don’t want to spend money for domain registration and hosting, do it in Blogger because WordPress does not allow personal ads within WordPress hosted blogs. But if you are willing to spend a little cash for your own dot com, I recommend WordPress because it allows freelancers to do a lot of customization and use of plugins compared to Blogger.
5. To be able to share knowledge and influence to other people. Owning a blog and maintaining it for a long time gives you the credibility regarding your niche. The blog lets you influence people and it is a good channel where you can help your fellow freelancers and even the aspiring ones.
How about you, why do you blog? As a freelancer, how did your blog help you?
