I say that with absolutely no hyperbole or exaggeration. Because once I started this blog in 2009 (yes, I’m old), I’ve been afforded numerous fabulous opportunities and encounters.
Here’s me talking about how starting a blog completely changed my life:
But those are just a few of the reasons I’m still so passionate about blogging for beginners.
Why start a blog? Starting a blog has allowed me to…
The list goes on.
And in fact, it’s great to revisit this base again, as I earlier published this post over ten years ago while I was living in Bangkok, Thailand. And after revisiting it recently, much of what I said still holds true. But here we go.
First, here’s a video I shot less than a week after moving to Thailand (man, I was young) but everything I said here still holds true years later:
And with that, here are 56 (updated) reasons to start a blog:
56 Reasons to Start a Blog in 2024
- Blogging isn’t dead (despite what some people might say)
I know of few better ways to establish your expertise and influence than to publish blog posts on a regular basis. Blogs are still one of the best ways to build an audience of real people. - Construct a support system that will be there no matter what happens in your life
There have been all sorts of difficult decisions I’ve had to make over the years, whether it be to quit my job, move abroad, or get involved in new business ventures. Along my blog, readers became the backbone I didn’t necessarily have in material life. And until you’ve experienced it, I’ll never be able to express how important that is. In 2024, this still holds true. - Reach hundreds or even thousands of people who hang on your every word
Okay, perhaps not every word. But as you grow your audience, they start to really care about what you have to say. In a world where so many of us feel like we don’t have a voice, this is a powerful thing. Your first 365 days of blogging will be difficult but worth it. - It gives you a reason to waste time on social media
Let’s face it, you probably spend too much time on social media. Well, what if you actually had a productive and profitable reason to be on social media? Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest, all of these can be assets that will allow you to grow your blog. - You’ll make friends from all over the world
I remember on a trip to Bangkok a while back, I sent out an email to a segment of my list saying I was going to be at Cheap Charlies (may it RIP) at 7 pm if anyone wanted to join. There were 15 people that showed up! Half of them were paying Location Rebel Academy members. At a NYC meetup a few years later, we had over fifty people come. It makes travel so much more fulfilling because in so many cities around the world, you have the potential to meet up with someone. - Become a better writer
Writing is one of the most important skills you can learn if you want to succeed with any online lifestyle. A blog gives you a platform to practice your writing skills. I’m going to share a few other resources for improving your writing and starting a writing business because it’s one of the easiest lifestyle businesses to start. - Gives you an easy way to add consistency into your life
In a recent video, I said that the single most important key to success with an online business is consistency. Sometimes it can be tough to know what to work on, but once you have a blog and a mailing schedule, it provides much-needed structure to get things done regularly. - Provides an opportunity to have fabulous experiences for free
The bigger your audience, the more opportunities will come your way. And if you work hard at it and grow something special, the chances for free or sponsored experiences will be some of the most memorable times of your life.
