Writers write. Good writers write a lot. Or so I keep telling the junior writer I currently mentor.

She’s talented, has a terrific attitude and a bright future ahead of her. I still want to flick her in the forehead when she rolls her eyes at the suggestion that she start blogging. Especially when she follows her eye roll with “Yeah, I know I should,…but…you know…”

Incidentally, “…but, you know” is one of the worst responses ever and sets my teeth on edge every time. But I’ll spare you my rant and move on.

There exist tons of articles and posts on why writers should blog. These articles exist for a reason.

Blogging is good for you. For so many reasons. Even if no one ever reads it.

Practice

Yes, I realize I’m preaching to the choir when I state that our skills get better and our flow becomes more fluid the more we write.

Blogging helps writers who write for a living (like me) stay sharp and in the ‘zone’ when the workload is light. It helps ease the transition from “Oh sweet holy hell, how am I going to get this all done?” experienced during the busy times to “Uhhhhh….what are words again?” experienced when the drought is over and the flood gates reopen.

Community

Sometimes people wonder if blogging is dead (nope) or if there’s room in the blogosphere for one more (always) or if anyone will ever bother reading their blog (who knows?).

Here’s the thing, if you participate in a community, you’re part of that community. Writing is a solitary craft—but we all need colleagues. Whether you write for a living or not, if you’re a writer, you need to connect with at least a couple of like-minded writerly friends who get it.

Confidence

Blogging makes you evaluate your own work. Unlike having a creative director or client give you direction, you have to figure it out for yourself. Sounds scary, but after you spend some time owning and shaping your work, your confidence as a writer grows.

You’re the sole curator. You own your writing. There’s a certain swagger that comes with that.

Sense of self

When you write for others, you write in their voice. If they don’t have a voice, you help define it.

On the other hand, your blog is your own. You develop your own style standards, your own rhythm, cadence, word choice and personality. When you find your voice, you come into your own as an individual writer with something to offer the world. This increases your swagger and confidence, thereby enhancing what you have to offer the blank page.

Living writing sample

Rubber Ducky Copywriter has helped me get hired. Your blog is an evergreen writing sample and living portfolio piece.

Will potential employers and clients follow your blog? Probably not. They may not even read your latest post all the way through. But the fact that you have one and that you post regularly showcases you as a serious writer.

It also showcases your personality. In this age, hiring decisions can come down to culture fit. Your blog can be your edge.

Curiosity

After a while, you start to run out of ideas about what to write. Eventually, you have to look for new topics, new spins and ways to keep your blog exciting. If you’re dedicated, you’ll work harder to keep yourself inspired—and that’s good for you, your blog and your creativity in general.

Mentality

Regular blogging helps make your writing a priority. I think this is one of the most important yet often overlooked benefits.

We all experience the ebb and flow of inspiration. When your creative well runs dry, your blog can help motivate you to fill it back up again so you can return to the blank page. It makes your writing feel more important and less like something you can store on the back burner.

Yes, you can look back at my archives and tell when I let this blog get a bit dusty. But I keep coming back because I have something I love to come back to.

More reasons

As I stated in the beginning, there are numerous articles and posts on why writers should blog. These are a few of my favorites.

7 reasons copywriters should blog by Tom Albrighton (ABC Copywriting)

15 Reasons I Think You Should Blog by Joshua Becker (becoming minimalist)

Why You Should Start a Blog (Even If You’re Not a Writer) by Jeff Goins

And because there must be balance in the force, here’s a good argument to not start a blog.

Why You Should Stop Writing Blog Posts (and What to Do Instead) by Carol Tice of Make a Living Writing.

I started blogging because I wanted my own brand, my voice and a place to write in my own words. I’ve kept it up for six years because it makes me happy.

Now, over to you…

If you blog, why? And if you don’t, why not? Share in the comments.