Blogging is Beneficial for Networking

The world of journalism is growing in various ways, and is there is no better way for those who are eager to share their communicative skills than to start a blog. 

Blogging has become a popular creative outlet. It is a form of self-expression, which can be beneficial for college students who want to pursue a career in journalism, writing or even just a fun hobby. It takes time to become a successful blogger, but it can most certainly be done.

In order to become successful, bloggers have to build up followers on your social media accounts. Facebook and Twitter are great ways to get more page views. Bloggers let their friends and family know when they post and the audience will continue to expand. Bloggers often discover other bloggers through the Internet, and whether it is a Facebook status or a tweet, social media gives bloggers endless opportunities to advertise their pages.

Take the time to interact with other bloggers. If a reader is interested in someone’s post, they can comment on it and share with them how much they loved it. Bloggers should also be sure to leave a link to your page, so they can check it out as well. Interacting is a great way to make connections that could potentially lead to jobs. Blogging for newspapers such as “The New York Times” or “The Huffington Post,” marketing businesses and even brand collaborations is very common, and if you can write about what they love while getting paid, there is nothing better.

Take 24-year-old personal style blogger Leandra Medine of “The Man Repeller” for example; she has more sponsorships and brand collaborations than any other blogger on the Web right now with over 3.7 million page views a month. A booming marketing affiliate can do a blog some good. 

In an article on Fashionista entitled “The Most Influential Personal Style Bloggers Right Now," writer Lauren Sherman states that bloggers need to think about production quality, editorial strategy and affiliate programs to really gain status on the Web. 

If a blogger wants to grab their audience’s attention, they should not be afraid to stand out from the crowd and make their posts noticeable. Essentially, what will make a blogger different from the rest is not being afraid to share their own opinions, whether it be on clothes, makeup, sports, movies, etc. If there is a product other bloggers are raving about but they did not like, bloggers share their thoughts on why they are not so keen. Individuality is a key component to making a successful blog. 

A blogger that is open to sharing personal stories is also able to stand out among other blogs because it can build a stronger connection between the blogger and the reader. Bloggers can connect with their followers and relate to them on an even greater level; write about their day, a favorite memory or even what your career path is. If a blogger lets their personality shine through their posts, their blog will be sure to grow in no time. 

Mixing it up is always a good idea when it comes to starting a blog. Beginner bloggers should not be afraid to write about things they are passionate about. Bloggers should not limit themselves – writing about different topics is what makes their page more intriguing than the rest. However, if this seems to backfire, focus on what posts get the most positive feedback and expand on those. 

Lastly, bloggers need to be completely focused in order to make their blog a big success. Consistency is key. Let your followers know your posting schedule; that way they know when to expect your daily rants. Be patient: blogs do not blow up after just one post. It takes time for blogs to become well-known, but if bloggers are passionate about what they write about and are determined to put their work out there, the wait is worth it.

vhone@ramapo.edu