Have you ever wondered, “Why should I start a blog? Is it right for me? Are blogs still a thing?” Well, don’t worry I’m here to help you figure out why blogging might be great for you — and why I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
April officially marks seven years since my first blog post went live on Kayla’s Chaos. I had started experimenting with blogging in early 2014, during my sophomore year of college. I was double majoring in journalism and fashion merchandising at Eastern Michigan University, in hopes of becoming a fashion journalist in New York City. During one of my fashion classes, while we were all introducing ourselves and talking about our aspirations, it dawned on me that although I was doing really well in school and contributing to the campus newspaper, I didn’t have much experience writing about fashion. And I wanted to change that.
I went home after class and decided I needed to overhaul my little experimental website I had started (I believe it was kaylacheyenne.wordpress.com) and buy a tripod. Once I had the tripod, I took my little digital camera, propped it up in my parent’s driveway, and snapped pictures in a leopard print maxi dress from Wet Seal. Looking back now, the photos are low quality and the text is a mess, but I was so proud of that first real blog post. I still am. I didn’t know the first thing about building a brand or a website and I didn’t know anyone else who blogged. But, I took the most important first step: I got started.
After seven years and a full-time career as a journalist, I still blog every single month. I want to share why that is and why blogging might be right for you. Yes, even in 2021.
Why I Still Love Blogging
As someone who never felt like I had a place in fashion because of my body size, my frizzy hair, and my lack of designer clothes, it felt good to create my own space. I came up with the tag line: “Create. Explore. Inspire.” because I wanted to encourage others to create their own narratives, explore new places, and inspire one another. Although there are many reasons I keep blogging despite an “oversaturated” market, here are three of the main ones.
I’ve grown tremendously as a person and professional.
As I mentioned above, I originally began blogging because I wanted more experience writing about the things I love. My blog still provides me with a place where I can explore my interests and passions, without the restraints of a big name publication. I get to be the editor in chief, writer, photographer, creative director, and social media manager. I like having my hands in everything and it’s taught me a ton about what’s important to me, what I want my life to look like, and how I can improve a variety of digital skills.
It allows me to create what I want without the pressures and constraints of social media.
Remember MySpace? They’re a great example of why you can’t rely on one social media platform. One day, they can just disappear and you could lose all of your photos, work, and possibly even your community. Since a blog is your own website, you don’t have that same risk. Of course websites can crash, but it’s not the same thing as leaving your fate in the hands of the Toms and Mark Zuckerbergs of the world. It also gives you a place to create content without the stress of algorithms.
On Instagram or TikTok, I’m worried about getting likes, views, and followers. Although I do work to grow my blog audience, it’s a lot less pressure without that little heart icon under every single post. I get to be strategic in other ways, such as with SEO and Pinterest, as opposed to trying to figure out some ever-changing algorithm. And since I can’t easily see what kind of traffic other bloggers are getting, like I can with likes and followers, it’s easier to avoid comparison and just focus on what I’m creating.
It gives me a creative outlet and a place to document my life.
I love being able to look at a blog post about a trip I took three years ago. After seven years, I’ve basically created a digital journal of my fashion choices, trips, apartments, and other major moments. Although I can do this with social media as well, my blog feels most authentic to me. I have as much space as want. There’s no character limit or photo dimensions. I can play with colors, fonts, photography styles, etc. I can add pages and posts about what matters most to me. And I get to see how much I change over the years.
Why Start A Blog — Here are 10 Reasons
So, why start a blog? It goes without saying that blogging isn’t for everyone. It’s a ton of work, it can be scary putting your ideas out into the world, and not everyone enjoys writing and taking pictures as much as I do. But, if blogging is something you’ve considered trying, here are a few more reasons I think it’s still a totally worthwhile hobby.
- If you love to write, it’s a great way to share your work with others.
As a full-time journalist, I obviously love to write. But, blogging can be a great way to share your voice especially if it’s not your full-time job. If you don’t have a platform, you can create one. - If you’re passionate about a particular topic, you can use a blog to help others learn about.
Developing a niche is super important in blogging. And if you already have one, you’re one step ahead! Whether you know a ton about cooking, traveling on a budget, sustainable living, tech, etc. you can use a blog to share your expertise. - You get to be your own boss and build something from scratch.
Creating something as personal as a blog is fun because you get to decide what topics you cover, what the website design looks like, etc. There are so many possibilities and it all comes down to who you are and what brings you joy. You call the shots! - It can be a fun way to make money.
Although I don’t think this should be someone’s only reason for blogging, it is definitely a plus. I don’t make a ton of money from blogging part-time, but it is super rewarding when I do get paid. I’ve done sponsored posts on my blog and social media, earned ad revenue, sampled free stuff, and made affiliate revenue. - It doesn’t cost a lot to get started.
I blogged for free for a while before I started investing in my website. I use WordPress and there are plenty of free templates to start with. The main thing I suggest paying for at the beginning is a URL. You can use your smartphone to take photos or find free stock images. And you can always venture into self-hosting and outsourcing later on, once you get the hang of things. - It’s a great way to build a community of people with similar interests.
From the very beginning of my blog, I’ve been interested in body positivity and fashion. By creating and seeking out this kind of content, I have met SO many cool people. - You can learn new skills.
Over the years, my blog has helped me to improve my writing, my photography, dip my toes in website design and HTML, look into analytics, negotiate, collaborate, and so much more. - If you’ve been looking for a new hobby, it’s a great way to spend your free time.
I’m the type of person who doesn’t believe in being bored. I’ve always been a busybody. Blogging is one of my favorite ways to spend my downtime. - You can work from anywhere, all you need is WiFi.
You can blog from almost anywhere in the world. Blogging can be done from your laptop, iPad, or even your phone. - You’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment by seeing your blog grow over time.
I love the feeling of scrolling through my blog and knowing I put my heart into a post, a concept, or a photoshoot. I can always see the fruits of my labor in one way or another, and it’s incredibly satisfying.
– Outfit Details –
Sadly, most of the pieces I’m wearing are sold out. The pants and belt bag are from Beyoncé’s Ivy Park x Adidas collection. The jacket ($295) is from Tamara Malas, an amazing plus-size designer. The sneakers are Fila Ray Tracers. Leopard print socks are from the Giambattista Valli x H&M collab. And the white long-sleeve tee is from ASOS (similar, $25).
Still wondering why start a blog? Have any other questions about blogging? Let me know!
