Why Blog?

by Edie Melson

For several years, blogging has been touted as the end all way of reaching an audience—especially for writers of all types. Now, enough time has passed that it’s possible to get a good statistical foundation of whether or not blogging really is a good use of a writer’s time.

And the answer is . . .
it depends.

I know, I can hear the groans from here, and I feel your pain. Everyone was promised, “Blog and they will come.” Well, that is only partly true and here’s the nitty gritty of blogging.

Blogging works for writers under these circumstances -

• The blog/blogger has a clear purpose to blogging.
• The audience is clearly defined. (For example, a novelist is writing for readers—not other writers)
• The blog fits the picture of who the writer is. Or, in other words, it enhances—not contradicts—the author’s brand.
• The rest of your branding makes sense with your blog.

Blogging DOES NOT work for writers under these circumstances -

• The point of the blog is vague and undefined.
• The audience isn’t clearly defined.
• The blog leads readers to a different picture of the writer—not a deeper picture—but totally different.

Over the next few weeks I will address each point and show you how to make your blog work for you, instead of being a time waster for you and your reader. But for now, I’d like to know where you are with blogging.

• Do you have a blog?
• Is your audience for it growing?
• Does it deliver results?

Chime in with your comments and questions.

And . . . Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains ChristianWriters Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for SouthernWriters Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Don't miss her new book from Worthy Inspired, WHILE MY SOLDIER SERVES.