There are plenty of people out there making a living from blogging, and many will tell you it’s easy. If you’ve ever tried your hand at it (and most of us have at this point!) then you’ll know that it is actually a lot harder than it initially seems.
What most people don’t realize that a successful blog is actually no different to a successful business – and if you want to make it happen, you have to treat it like a full-time business. That’s bad news for 98% of bloggers, who simply throw up some posts every now and again – and certainly, ignore those who talk about constant vacations and 4-hour work weeks.
Talking about 4-Hour Work Weeks, Seth Godin has plenty of amazing advice in his book, but don’t forget that 99% of people who are following his advice may not make it – while claiming too. That whole ‘fake it till you make it’ cottage industry is alive and well in the blogging industry!
So, it’s going to be a lot of work, and you’re also going to need to know who your audience is – even in those early days when they aren’t your audience at all. Blogging to an audience that’s essentially you, your pet dog and possibly your Mom isn’t glamorous, and that’s what kills 99% of people off when trying to grow.
Blogging is a hard business to break into, and there will be a lot of things to learn on the way. If you can make it, you’re a rare person. But you’re also going to need the smarts to monetize your blog – and for the last 1%, that can be a major stumbling block.
Do you have what it takes to be a great blogger? Blogging isn’t just about the writing, but also a lot of behind the scenes stuff. You may not be cut out for that – and it is worth checking yourself before committing.