Today I read a fantastic blog post by design blogger Colleen Eakins titled I Want to Blog to Make Money. In this post Colleen recaps a discussion she had with a friend in which she stated the following:
Saying “I want to blog to make money” without any other goals, purpose, etc behind it, is like saying “I want to randomly make a commercial to air on tv.”
I thought that this statement was the perfect analogy. Just as Coleen suggest, broadcasting a commercial is not a product just like blogging is not a product. They’re both valuable communication tools that can sell products if you reach the right audience with the right message.
Yes, established businesses can make money from using these tools. However, it’s very rare for individuals to personally benefit. This is why the need to make money is the #1 reason NOT to start blogging.
I can think of much better ways to write for money other than blogging. First of all, you would be better off doing some freelance writing project via a site like Fiverr or Upwork if making money is an immediate need.
Don’t get me wrong, blogging is a valuable branding, marketing and overall communication tool when you have altruistic motives. However, if you’re going to blog primarily for self-serving purposes, then you should just forget about it.