By Sara Urquhart. Photo by: Justin Hackworth
One of the greatest things about blogging is its diverse
application—it’s easy to start a blog and anyone can
share her voice, whether it’s as hobby or for a job.
Blogging for fun and blogging for business are both great
ways to engage in the online world, but like crossing a line in the sand, a
blogger’s financial success requires a deliberate choice to become a
professional. Strategic, focused action is necessary to build her business.
Every business venture requires an investment of either time
or money, and usually both. Bloggers are no different than other small business
owners who must decide how much time and/or money they’ll invest in their new
endeavor. For example, if you don’t have money to invest in your site, you
invest your time learning how to design, photograph, make videos or code. If
you have money to invest in design, photography, or perhaps contributors, you invest
less time in those aspects of your business.
Just like other business ventures, bloggers have to be prepared
to work creatively and work hard. Beginning bloggers may have to do great work
for free at first, and will definitely need patience while things grow. Although
blogging is always a flexible environment, once you’ve crossed the line, you’re
obligated to post consistently and meet sponsor and reader expectations.
If you enjoy the blogging space, but you’re not interested
in blogging professionally, or if you crossed the line to professional and
decided it’s not for you, embrace blogging as a hobby. You may find work
through collaborations or becoming a contributor. Enjoy the benefits of the
community, the content, and the inspiration without the pressure of meeting
sponsor accountability.
