9 reasons for starting a blog …

and not giving up when you realise how much work it takes!

Thinking of starting a blog, ay? Well, I’m not going to sugar coat it – it’s bloody hard work. If you envisage sitting at you pinterest perfect desk, typing up a quick blog post and then heading out to a launch event to sip free-flowing champagne, you are sadly mistaken. But if you’re prepared to put in the effort, it can be so rewarding!

Rather excitingly Girl about townhouse has been up and running for almost 6 months now! I’ve rambled on for more than 80 blog posts and somehow people are still showing up to read it every day! So thank you lovely readers, know that every page view and every comment makes this girl behind the laptop very happy indeed.

It’s fair to say that in just 6 months, blogging has become a huge part of my life. There’s been countless highs and lows, days where I have to pinch myself and days where I can hardly face opening my laptop. But overall an awesome experience.      

So if you’re thinking of starting a blog or need a little pep talk for continuing read on my friend. I’m about to tell you all about why blogging is great and why you should get started right now!

9 reasons for starting a blog

1# Meet other people with similar interests

When I first started blogging I really felt like I was flying solo, like the new kid at school panicking because I had no one to sit with at lunch time. But you know what? Blogging opens up completely new doors when it comes to friendships.

I mean, no longer are you restricted by the practicalities of proximity! You can easily make friends from across to globe. And the best part is there’s no need to even put a scrap of make up on or even get changed out of your pyjama’s.

Blogging makes it super easy to get in touch with people who have the same passions in life as you, that your real life friends might not share.

Not quite found your blogging tribe yet? Here’s my best places to meet blogging buddies:

• Facebook groups related to blogging or your niche
• Commenting on blogs you like
• Instagram  
• Collaborating with other bloggers

2# Improve your writing skills

Ever since I was young, I’ve been a writer. Writer of letters to my pen pals, writer of countless unfinished stories, writer of university essays, writer of diaries and more unfinished stories. Then copywriter of adverts, editorial and radio scripts in my previous jobs. Obviously, I love to write, but I get that not everyone does. So should that stop you starting a blog?

Hell no! Even if writing isn’t your forte, the more you write the better you will become. You can even use photos to tell the story for you if you prefer. The beauty of blogging is that you really don’t have to be the greatest writer. It’s not just about the words, it’s about expressing your personality.  

In fact the art to writing a blog post (in my humble opinion) is to write how you talk. I’ve spent years writing professional boring, corporate jargon and finally I’m free to write like an actual human person again. Back to the creative writing and storytelling I love, yay!

3# Earn extra money

Now don’t get too excited, because it’s certainly not going to make you rich overnight. In fact if money is your main motivation, then forget it. But it is possible to earn money from your blog, whether this is through advertising, affiliate links or sponsored posts. I’ve talked about my thoughts on monetising your blog in my post about things I wasn’t prepared for when I started a blog. As long as it’s done with honesty and integrity – I think you should go for it.

Although I don’t currently allow advertising on my blog, I do accept sponsored posts which I earn money from. However I have turned down paid opportunities because I don’t feel that they are relevant to my audience.

4# Stay motivated and achieve your goals

If you have a goal to achieve like, losing weight, redecorating your home or paying of your debt, blogging can be a huge source of motivation.

Once you hit publish and let the world (OK maybe just your Mum at first) know about your plans, you’re accountable! Someone will know if you’re slacking off.

I’ll let you into a little secret – Girl about townhouse is actually not my first blog. Technically I‘ve been a blogger since 2010 and my first blog was all about diet and weight loss. Knowing that I would have to post my weigh in results every week kept me on track. Plus encouragement and support from my readers helped incredibly.  

5# Learn new skills

Blogging is basically like starting a new job. I’ll admit, there are times that this can get a little overwhelming. But you will learn so much!

I’ve learnt how to do things on a computer that I thought was only possible for IT wizards! I know the ins and outs of social media as well as any teenager. My photography has gone from meh, to pretty decent for someone who has a DSLR camera and no clue what any of the setting do.

All transferable skills that are useful for work and life in general!

6# Create opportunities and work with brands you love

Anyone who’s visited my house know that I am a massive Next fan. It’s fairly true to say that roughly half of my home contents was purchased there. Any other interiors fans out there have to admit that their Spring/Summer home collection is on point!

So imagine how I felt when I received an email to say that I was the Next blogger on the month! Not only that, but that they wanted to interview me for their bloggers website. Plus, I got to pick some goodies from their website. I mean, am I dreaming?

I promise I’m not saying this to brag, I just want to illustrate that you have the opportunity to work with big brands that you genuinely love. Something that doesn’t necessarily happen in other jobs!   

7# Help others

Over the years, blogs have been a huge source of inspiration to me in all aspects of my life. I’m not just talking about the incredibly deep and meaningful – an open letter to the judgemental cow in the playground – type one’s either.

I love those posts, but I also love reading about productivity hacks, DIY tutorials, recipes, looking at other people’s beautiful homes for decor inspiration. Really, the simplest things can improve someone else’s life for the better.

8# A record of your memories

You know how when you go back to your old family home and your parents insist you go through a ton of junk in their loft? Then in amongst the Take That CDs you find a notebook from when you were ten with something hilarious written in it.

Imagine how you will feel looking back at your blog in ten years! I think this must be especially amazing for parent and travel bloggers. Plus, when you’re having a rubbish day and wondering whether it’s worth carrying on, you can look back over the progress you’ve made.

9# Creative outlet

If you’re a frustrated creative type, blogging could be just the platform you need to express yourself. It’s amazing to have a creative space that you’re completely in control of.

When I worked full-time in marketing, even though it was a creative job – I was still at the mercy of colleagues wanting a bit more this or a little less that. It’s a great feeling now that I can write about whatever I like, in a tone that feels natural.     

There are so many more reasons too, but this post is getting rather long and I’m sure you have important things to get on with (like googling how to start a blog).

Want to know what I wasn’t prepared for when I first started a blog? Check out this post!

So are you convinced on starting a blog yet?  

Now I want to hear from you!  Are you thinking of starting a blog? What’s holding you back?

Already a blogger – what do you love about blogging?

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