Why I Blog and You Should Too!

Amanda Mouttaki | September 7, 2011 | Comments (5)

Mom Blogger When I started blogging it was not because of some pipe dream of internet stardom. It was out of pure annoyance. Way back in 2007 my sister was calling me at least once a week to ask me for my Moroccan recipes. Every week I had to think back and try to tell her all the details again. Then I thought, “I should just write this down and put it online then she can get it whenever she wants.” So I did. It wasn’t until 2009 that I became serious about blogging. What once was a just a hobby I picked up now and again, became much more as I found myself unemployed. It was my blog that got me out of that very precarious and scary time. After I was back in the workforce I stuck with my blog because it was a fabulous networking and professional development tool.

I Blog Because…

Blogging is an amazing networking tool. It truly gives me enjoyment and connects me to readers around the world. I’ve also been lucky enough to find professional connections through my blog. You never know where these connections will take you but I do know I never would have met 99% of the friends I’ve made while blogging.
Free Professional Development. In the workforce learning is something that is always occurring. Blogging helps me stay on top of my game when it comes to writing and editing. It also has taught me how to expand my marketing and publicity skills. There are very few seminars or courses that give you the day to day practice and feedback that blogging will.
Share something you love. Don’t get me wrong I love my day job but I also really love cooking. I know being a chef isn’t in the cards for me but blogging allows me to share this passion I have without sacrificing my career.
It helps you to find yourself. There was a time when I felt like my kids and career defined who I was. Starting my blog helped change this attitude. By sharing the things that I love I have been able to find my inner-voice. It has helped me get through difficult times and to share really happy moments too.
It can land you a really great job or become a job in and of itself. During my bout of unemployment I spent a lot of time blogging and learning more about website development and social media marketing. When I eventually did get an interview I made sure to share these skills. Guess what – I got the job because those were the things they were looking for! I have known many other bloggers who have been able to make enough money with their site to support themselves and their families.

If you are serious about becoming a blogger please also consider a few “sticky points” you might run into along the way.

Topic choice.Choose something you love but also make sure it’s something you can talk about for an extended period of time. Finding a middle ground is key. Don’t choose something too broad but also make sure it’s not something to narrow.
Growing a site is an organic process. It’s not going to happen overnight. It takes time to develop your craft, hone your social media skills and grow in online communities. Be dedicated but also be patient.
Spreading yourself too thin. If you are working a full-time job, have a family and other social commitments blogging can add one more thing to the list. Be sure to schedule yourself accordingly so as not to get overwhelmed.
Spousal support.If you’re married, this is an important consideration. It took a really long time for my spouse to come around to supporting my site. I stuck with it because I could see the potential and I truly loved it. He saw it as a waste of time. Now he is one of my biggest supporters. Need some pointers? Check out Ponn’s Top Ten Tips to Help Gain Your Husband’s Support in Your Blog or Business.
Money. How much money are you willing to invest into a blog? There are plenty of free blogging platforms but you might want more out your blog than what these platforms can provide. Setting up a realistic budget is something worth exploring.

How to get started

I hope that these ideas have helped you to consider starting your own blog. If you already have a blog please feel free to leave a comment and add to the points I have addressed. If after reading this you realize it’s time to start your own blog – leave a link so that we can come and read it! And, if you’re a Muslim Mom Blogger, comment here so we can list you, inshaAllah.

Comments (5)

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Nour El-Zibdeh, RD says:

September 8, 2011 at 10:39 am

Great article! Thank you for introducing me to his site! I started blogging because I wanted to do more freelance writing and a blog seemed like the easiest way to get myself out there. I was also a new mom, and just like you, I wanted to do something other than all-baby related. I’m a registered dietitian by education, and I love to cook, so a blog food and nutrition just seemed natural. My very first blog post was in March of 2009. My blog has changed 2 twice and I’m going to make changes to it in the next few months (A second baby and working on MS degree took away my blogging time).

My tip:
Before you start blogging, follow few bloggers who write about your potential subjects. See what they do and try to learn from them. It helps you narrow down on what you want to do and you can learn best practices.

Another tip:
Be the best version of yourself, not a second version of someone else. Who are you as a blogger? I’m working on that myself too

[Reply]
Amanda Reply:
September 9th, 2011 at 11:44 am
Really great and solid advice! I’m glad that blogging has been a positive influence for you too!

[Reply]
Gloria S says:

September 8, 2011 at 9:08 pm

Most of the bloggers, like me, go into blogging to express something, to have a creative outlet and share a passion to whomever may happen to stumble upon our blog. Our blog develop organically as we do, reflecting our growth, changes and learning.

[Reply]
Amanda Reply:
September 9th, 2011 at 11:45 am
That’s very true Gloria. I think that the letting things growing organically is one of the biggest stumbling blocks new bloggers face. They want to see things blast off like a rocket when in reality it takes time to build!

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