Why do we do it, seriously? Is it for friends and family to see what we’ve been up? Is it for trying to make money online? Is it for pure enjoyment?
Basic questions we need to ask ourselves before sitting down and starting to type.
We read blogs daily. From the “Hot To” to “How to Write” blogs. We watch endless videos on YouTube and make e-connections daily. Yet, as soon as we think we’re ready we need to ask 5 questions.
1. Why am I blogging?
Why simple it can become very interesting on what you can come up with. At first this very blog was to just let friends and family (the few that knew about it) what I’ve been up. While I still write about various items about my personal and professional life I make an effort to touch on things that I am interested in and feel others would be as well. So, from the get go get it clear on why exactly your blogging. It can change over time but the last thing you want to do is change a month in and not be happy about it.
2. What Am I blogging?
This goes hand-in-hand with the “why” question. This is the “niche” factor. I spoke on this last week and trust me when I say that this is VERY IMPORTANT. This will let you know what your blog is centralized around.
3. How Am I Going to Blog?
Basic question but when you boil it down you need to think it through. Time is something we all have a hard time with and blogging doesn’t help (trust me). I do it for pure enjoyment so instead of heading out with the coworkers I’ll post a blog, usually from points I’ve made throughout the day.
4. When Am I Going to Blog?
Goes along with point 3 (see the M.O. yet?). I know personally this has become a difficult thing on other blogs I’m currently working on. I know some writers who’ll write 3-4 articles in a day and then pre-post them. I’ve done that and have done up to 6 articles on Sunday evening but afterward I’m mentally drained. So you need to come up with a daily/weekly schedule. Your posting time doesn’t have to be the same time every day. Yet, you need to be consistent for your readers because yes…they will come.
5. What is my Goal?
If your goal is just to keep friends and family up-to-date (remember this from #1) then keep it at that. If your goal is to become an expert in your niche from blogging let it be known from the get-go. Let your readers know what your plan is, not in detail, but allow them to take a journey with you and more than likely they’ll look to you for answers about your niche as your blog develops.
I hope you enjoy the 5 questions because they are the same ones I ask myself before I even buy a domain with the idea to write on. If you have these 5 questions in mind and go able to answer them truthfully then there is no stopping you.
Good Luck!
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