If you’re thinking about starting a blog, stop thinking, and start writing! There are countless benefits to starting a blog. A few are improving your writing skills and establishing a voice on the web. Even Running Your Own Blog Can Help You Grow as a College Student.
Even if you don’t like to write, taking the time to set up a blog can set you up for success in the future. Having a blog when you’re applying for jobs after graduation can give you an edge over your competitors.
If you’re still not convinced (and even if you are), here are five reasons why running a blog offers profound benefits.
1. Improves Your Writing Skills
If you enjoy writing, there’s no better way to improve your writing skills than by practicing them! There are different styles of writing you can try on your blog. Experiment with different styles, and you’ll learn what you like the most.
The four main types of writing are:
- Expository
- Descriptive
- Narrative
- Persuasive
Most bloggers express themselves through expository writing because they’re informing their readers about a subject. That doesn’t mean you have to stick with only style, though. Have fun writing in different styles until you discover how you like to write the best.
2. Helps You Form Connections
Blogging, like social media, helps you connect with people in the blogosphere. Through your interests, you can get to know other bloggers and stay current with their blogs.
As you connect with other bloggers, you’ll gain new friends. Not all will be your age, which means you may have contacts that can help you find your footing after college.
A blog may lead you to find your dream job through the people you meet. As you form friendships, stay open to professional opportunities. You never know who you may develop a friendship with while you’re on your blogging journey. It’s exciting to see what possibilities a blog can bring your way!
3. Allows You to Express Your Interests
One of the most exciting aspects of running a blog is that it gives you a place to express yourself. On your blog, you can write about whatever you’d like.
Say there’s a specific niche you’re interested in, such as fashion. If that’s the case, dedicate your blog to discussing the latest fashion trends.
You may be studying engineering at school. If your focus is on mechanical engineering, use your blog as a place to document everything. As you learn through your online courses, let your readers know what you love the most!
By expressing what you’re learning and sharing your passion, you’ll become an expert in your field. Plus, you’ll help other students who are studying the same subject learn alongside you.
4. Encourages You to Make a Difference in the World
Having a blog may seem like a lot of pressure, especially if you have many readers. After all, it takes work to write and express yourself consistently.
But think of all the reasons why writing can bring about positive change. Depending on the subject, you can prompt people to think and share their thoughts with you. It’s a fantastic way to foster growth and spread love.
As a writer, you have the power to encourage others to solve problems and bring about social change. That should be reason enough to blog knowing you’re making a difference.
5. Builds an Online Portfolio
Besides working on a blog as a hobby, it can transform into an online portfolio.
As we mentioned earlier, don’t be afraid to write about what you’re knowledgeable in. Keep a log of what you learn throughout college. Your blog is the ideal spot to post your designs, photos, articles, and more.
When you approach graduation and start applying for jobs, you can include links to your blog. Showing off your blog will impress an employer who is looking for someone skilled in their field.
Conclusion
Having a blog is the perfect way to express yourself and create an online portfolio. It can wow prospective employers and give you a place to share your passions with the world.
Even if blogging doesn’t seem appealing to you, give it a try! If later you don’t like something you wrote, you’re in charge. You can delete or make changes to it.
Don’t allow perfectionism to get in the way, though. Never forget that a blog should be a safe zone where you’re free to be yourself.