I’m in my 5th year of blogging and throughout that time I have encountered a few blogging perks. Not anything as big as being able to turn this hobby into a full time job (Kudos to those who have managed to do this successfully), however I have come across some other advantages of having my blog & I thought it would be nice to share with you. Maybe some of you would even agree that these apply to you too.
LEARNING NEW SKILLS.
Before I blogged I had dabbled in html very briefly thanks spending
my evenings trying to pimp out my Myspace profile. I’m no pro at it but I have
definitely gained a little more knowledge in that area over the past few years.
Making tweaks here and there to the blog, reading informative websites when
stuck with what to do etc. Likewise with things like SEO & Marketing. I did
not have a clue about any of this 5 years ago, I may only know the basics and
just enough for my blog to get noticed out in the huge world of the internet but
that’s still a decent skill to have gained. I can apply it to other situations ‘in
real life’ like in work or even if friends want some help with their own blog!
DISCOVERING NEW BRANDS AND PRODUCTS
If it weren't for blogging I probably wouldn't be aware of
half the brands I am of these days. Blogging opened me up a whole host of new
brands I had never even heard of and continues to do so on a weekly basis! Whether
it be through twitter, reading other blog posts or receiving a press release in
my inbox. I am always discovering new brands and products which is great! Would
I have known about Liz Earle? Nuxe? Dirty Locks hair extensions? How about
products such as Anastasia brow whizz, REN Glycolactic radiance renewal mask? Hourglass
ambient Light blusher? It’s also quite exciting being ahead of the game when it
comes to hearing about new beauty products compared to those who aren't part of
the blogsphere.
GAINING NEW FRIENDSHIPS
I can hand on heart say that I have gained some great
friends through blogging. It’s so strange to think that if it weren't for us
having the shared interest of documenting things online we may have never
crossed paths. It’s so nice to have others around you that don’t think you are
crazy when you want to Instagram your meal before tucking in. Or are willing to
hang around the aisles of Boots/Superdrug with you, swatching a multitude of products
on the back of your hands. Someone else who understands the pain of taking blog
photos only to find none are suitable because they are all blurry! Those minor points aside, it’s nice to have
someone there for support when you are feeling a bit crap about things. Not
just blogging but life in general. Internet friends = Good friends.
VISITING NEW PLACES
Following on from my previous point. Going to blogger meet
ups (Where I met some of my blogger friends for the first time) means you get
to visit new places around the country. I've been to a few places during my
time blogging – although meet ups seem to be a bit few and far between these
days in comparison to a couple of years ago – some of which I've liked the
town/city so much I've gone back there with Tom for a visit. On the odd occasion
I have also been fortunate enough to be given complimentary stays in cities I’d
never visited before, this isn't a regular thing, but a nice perk that without
my blog I wouldn't have been approached about.
BOOSTING YOUR JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Running a successful blog requires drive, commitment &
creativity. All factors which are important in everyday situations like your
career. Like I previously said, blogging can sometimes introduce you to new skills,
therefore it can on occasions be beneficial when you want to apply for certain
jobs. Now I’m not saying you should go around thinking you deserve X job
because you have a blog. It doesn't work like that. I am just saying that to
some employers like the fact you are committed and show passion for a hobby in
which aspects of it can be applied to certain roles, depending on the job you
are applying for of course. For example… in the interview for my current role
we discussed my blog quite a lot. I didn't go to university, however my
employer said to me that even though I had not got myself a degree by going to
uni, the fact I had run my blog over the 4 and a bit years was proof that I was
literate, dedicated & focused. They liked that. I have friends who have landed
themselves social media and marketing roles due to interning plus the
experience of having a blog. Having a blog isn't a qualification, and doesn't guarantee
particular jobs but it can definitely give you a bit of an edge over other
people applying.
Are there any other #bloggerperks you feel deserve a
mention? Let me know in the comments.
Much love,
