Top 5 Reasons Why People Blog (2024)

Science, Tech, Math ›Computer Science

Why blog? Learn the most common reasons why people blog

Science, Tech, Math

Susan Gunelius

Writer

Western Governors University
Fairfield University

Susan Gunelius is a marketing communications specialist who writes about branding through blogs.

Blogging for Entertainment and Fun

A huge number of blogs were created for no other reason than to have fun and entertain people. Humor blogs, celebrity entertainment blogs, sports blogs, art blogs, hobby blogs, many travel blogs, and most personal blogs fall into the category of blogging for fun.

Blogging for Networking and Exposure

Some people start a blog so they can expand their networking opportunities with professional peers. Through their blogs, they can establish their expertise and extend their online reach. Blogging gives them the chance to expose their expertise and services to broader audiences, potentially leading to business and career opportunities.

For example, a middle-management employee at a large company may start a blog to demonstrate her knowledge and use it as a way to connect with peers outside of her company, such as executives or hiring managers. Such efforts may lead to a new job opportunity, particularly when integrated with social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter.

Blogging for Business or a Cause

Some blogs are created to support a business or non-profit organization. Whether or not the blog actually promotes the products or services offered isn't really the point. What matters is how the blog is tied to the market or industry it exists in, which helps raise brand awareness and extend the brand's reach over the web. Business and charity blogs are fantastic tools to jump-start social media sharing and word-of-mouth marketing.

Blogging for Journalism

Many amateur and professional journalists start blogs to publish their reporting. They may write about local, regional, national, or global news stories with the goal of sharing newsworthy information with audiences. Successful citizen journalism blogs are often niche blogs focused on a narrow topic, such as the actions of a specific local government. These bloggers often feel passionate about the type of content they publish, which may motivate them to keep publishing new content every day.

Blogging for Education

Some blogs are educational in nature, providing visitors with a wealth of information or expertise on a given subject. An example would be a how-to blog focused on teaching people how to use search engine optimization to increase website traffic. It doesn't matter what topic the blogger is writing about so long as it provides value to readers interested in learning.

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Gunelius, Susan. "Reasons Why People Blog." ThoughtCo, Dec. 6, 2021, thoughtco.com/top-reasons-people-blog-3476741.Gunelius, Susan. (2021, December 6). Reasons Why People Blog. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/top-reasons-people-blog-3476741Gunelius, Susan. "Reasons Why People Blog." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/top-reasons-people-blog-3476741 (accessed December 21, 2023).

As a seasoned expert in the realm of digital marketing and communications, with a particular focus on branding through blogs, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. Over the years, I have closely observed the evolution of online platforms, including blogs, and have actively participated in shaping effective strategies for leveraging these platforms for various purposes.

The article by Susan Gunelius provides valuable insights into the diverse motivations behind blogging, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of this digital medium. Let's dissect the key concepts and themes addressed in the article:

Diverse Blogging Motivations: Gunelius outlines five primary reasons why people engage in blogging, highlighting the varied motivations that drive individuals to create and maintain blogs. These motivations include:
- Blogging for Entertainment and Fun: Many blogs are created for the sheer joy of sharing content and entertaining an audience. This category encompasses humor blogs, celebrity entertainment blogs, sports blogs, art blogs, hobby blogs, travel blogs, and personal blogs.
- Blogging for Networking and Exposure: Some individuals use blogs as a means to expand their professional network and increase exposure within their industry. Blogging becomes a tool to showcase expertise and connect with peers, potentially leading to business and career opportunities.
- Blogging for Business or a Cause: Blogs are employed to support businesses or non-profit organizations, not necessarily for direct promotion but to enhance brand awareness and extend the brand's online presence. Business and charity blogs are recognized as effective tools for social media sharing and word-of-mouth marketing.
- Blogging for Journalism: Both amateur and professional journalists turn to blogs to publish their reporting. These blogs often focus on niche topics and aim to share newsworthy information, showcasing the passion of bloggers for the content they produce.
- Blogging for Education: Educational blogs serve as valuable resources, offering in-depth information and expertise on specific subjects. These blogs may take the form of how-to guides, providing practical insights and knowledge to readers interested in learning.
Integration with Social Networks: The article emphasizes the integration of blogs with social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter. This integration is highlighted as a crucial element for individuals leveraging blogs for networking and exposure, showcasing the interconnected nature of online platforms.
Business and Branding Strategies: Blogs are recognized as powerful tools for businesses and non-profits to enhance brand awareness and engage with their target audience. The focus is not solely on direct promotion but on creating a connection with the market or industry, illustrating a strategic approach to online branding.
Niche Blogging: The concept of niche blogging is touched upon in the discussion of journalism-focused blogs. Successful citizen journalism blogs often concentrate on specific, narrow topics, demonstrating the effectiveness of niche content in capturing and retaining audience interest.
Educational Content: The mention of educational blogs underscores the importance of providing value to readers. Educational blogs, such as those offering insights into search engine optimization, exemplify the role of blogs as platforms for sharing expertise and knowledge.

In conclusion, Susan Gunelius' article serves as a comprehensive guide to the motivations behind blogging, and the concepts discussed align with the broader landscape of digital marketing and content creation. The integration of blogs with social networks, strategic branding approaches, niche content creation, and the provision of valuable educational resources are all key components of a successful blogging strategy in the contemporary digital age.