PB120: Should You Start a Blog? 22 Questions to Ask To Identify if Blogging is a Good Fit for You

Note: this episode can be listened to in the player above or on iTunes or Stitcher 22 Indicators to Help Determine If You're Suited for Starting a Blog Today I want to talk about the characteristics and qualities of professional bloggers. Lately on ProBlogger we’ve noticed a bit of a surge of readers who are what I would call ‘PreBloggers’. People asking questions about how to start a blog and even wondering if they should. As a result we’ve recently published a 5 step guide for starting a blog which walks you through some of the technicalities of how to start out. I want to step back a little from that process and tackle an important question that really should come before you start your blog. Should you start one? Today I want to suggest to you 22 questions to ask yourself if you are considering starting a blog. These are not yes or no questions. These are 22 indicators to whether or not you might be suited to blogging. In Today’s Episode 22 Questions to Ask To Identify if Blogging is a Good Fit for You Do you have a message? Do you have something you really need to say A central message Are you a good communicator? Communication skills are an advantage You can also learn communication skills through blogging Are you willing to be in the public spotlight? Blogging is a public act People will analyze what you do, say, and how you look You are putting yourself out there Once you write something online it is hard to get it removed Are you thick skinned? Can you take criticism well Someone will write about you sooner or later Are you a self starter? Starting a blog takes initiative It takes motivation to get a blog off the ground Are you disciplined? Blogging requires regular attention and motivation over time It’s good to aim for writing everyday Do you have time? You need to be able to update your blog regularly You also need time for comments, promotion and social media, etc. Do you have the ‘energy’ for blogging? Blogging takes focus After a long day at work can you still focus and be creative Do you have any technical ability? It’s not a requirement, but it’s an advantage to be able to learn and work on a technical level You don’t have to know everything to start, you just need a willingness to learn or ask for help Do you have a blend of humility and Ego? Bigheadedness abounds in the blogosphere, but the humble blogger often ends up on top Many ‘look at me bloggers’ haven’t lasted You need a healthy ego and self worth Build something of worth and have the confidence to promote it Getting the balance right is not easy Are you an organized person? Bloggers need to be organized Most successful bloggers have some type of system in place Are you a Social person? There are advantages to being a people person and liking your readers Having a genuine heart for your readers and making their lives better tends to work the best Do you enjoy ‘virtual relationships? Some people who are great face to face aren’t that great online Being comfortable with speaking to and working with people you have never met is an advantage if you’re a blogger Are you willing to learn? Blogging is a journey where everyone knows something, but no one knows everything Industries like blogging also change Are you a creative person? Creativity on the web really stands out Do you have Stick-ability? Are you a patient person? Take a long term approach