Top 10 Excuses that Keep You from Starting a Blog

In this latest instalment in my Expert Series I am delighted to welcome my good friend Laura Click with her advice on getting over the hurdles that are preventing you from starting that blog to help your business.

If you would like to find out more about Laura you can connect with her on Twitter, on Google+ and at her excellent blog.

Top 10 Excuses that Keep You from Starting a Blog

You know that there are a lot of benefits to blogging. You know that blogging can be a great way to establish yourself as an authority in your niche, develop relationships with colleagues and customers and yes, even help you grow your business.

And yet, you still haven’t launched your blog.

So, what are you waiting for? What’s the hold up?

YOU.

Although you know deep down that blogging is beneficial for your business, you keep letting excuses get in the way.

It’s easy to do. And you’re certainly not alone.

But, if you want to move forward with your business, you need to recognize the hurdles you’re throwing in between you and your blog – and, develop a game-plan to leap over each one.

If you’re ready to launch your blog, once and for all, here are the top 10 excuses that are standing in your way and advice on how to overcome them:

1. You don’t have time.

Lack of time is probably the most common reason why people don’t start a blog. We tell ourselves that we’re too busy to blog or that it’s just not worth the effort. But, far too often, we use this as a crutch to get out of it.

I’m willing to bet you can easily find a few more hours in your week to blog. You could get up 30 minutes earlier every day, write during your lunch break or nix watching TV at night. The truth is that blogging, like exercise or eating healthy, gets easier when you make it a part of your daily routine. Schedule time to blog to smash this excuse to smithereens.

And, to make sure you don’t get off track, try blogging only once a week. Once you get the hang of that, you can slowly increase your how often you do it.

2. You don’t know what to write about.

A lot of business struggle with coming up with compelling topics for a blog. It’s tempting to turn your blog into one giant press release, but that would be a mistake.

Instead, focus on delivering content that engages, entertains and inspires. Give your readers a “backstage pass” to your business by sharing behind the scenes information. Answer the questions that your clients and customers have most. Or, show video of your product being used creatively (think: Will it Blend?).

If you’re still stuck, here are some blog topic ideas that might help.

3. You’re afraid no one will read it.

You’re probably right. No one will read your blog – at least at first. But, that will change over time.

Don’t worry about writing to an empty room. This gives you the chance to practice your writing and build your confidence while no one is looking.

If you keep writing compelling content and regularly promoting your content, eventually, your blog will snowball and you’ll begin to reap the rewards of your efforts.

4. You’re afraid someone won’t like what you have to say.

You have to remember that your goal with blogging is not to please everyone. In fact, some of the most popular bloggers in the world are extremely polarizing (i.e. Naomi Dunford, Erica Napoletano and yes, even Chris Brogan). Each of these bloggers are not afraid to take a stand. And, in doing so, they certainly create some enemies. However, at the same time, their fan base grows even stronger.

Don’t let some disagreement prevent you get started. In fact, the comments you receive may even help you improve your product or service. You just have to be willing to listen.

5. You don’t know how to get started.

If you’re not a web geek, building a blog can be pretty darn scary. You’re not sure which platform to use or how to install it.

So, instead of wasting hours of your time figuring it out, hire someone to help. Or, you can use a service like Page.ly, which installs WordPress for you and even takes care of the backups and updates.

6. You don’t think you’re a good enough writer.

You don’t have to be a writer by trade to be a good blogger. In fact, most bloggers are not professional writers.

Instead of worrying about your lack of skills, focus on improving them. Read other blogs

to learn best practices. Take a writing class. And then, keep practicing. The more you write, the better you’ll get.

And, if writing just really isn’t for you, look at other ways to share your message on your blog. You can use videos, pictures, comics or infographics on your blog. Be creative!

7. There are plenty of other blogs in your niche.

There are millions of blogs in this world, so the chances are pretty darn good that your topic is being covered already. However, there is only one you.

Don’t let other blogs scare you away from sharing your message with the world. Write

the content only you can write. Share your stories, experiences and challenges. Dare to be different and take a new angle on your topic. Readers reward creativity, so find your special sauce that makes you stand out.

8. It’s too expensive.

Although you can spend thousands of dollars building a blog, that’s certainly not required to have a successful site. Once you have the domain name purchased and hosting set up, there are few required costs.

You can build a blog for free using one of the many free themes that are available through WordPress and other blogging platforms. And, if you want something a little more professional looking, you can get quality templates from Elegant Themes, Woo Themes or StudioPress for as little as $49.

If you want a custom-built blog, there are designers, developers and web site companies that build blogs at a variety of price points. Ask around. You might be surprised at what you find.

9. It’s not worth the investment.

Like any other business endeavor, you have to make sure your investment will pay off.

Blogging can have huge pay-offs, but for it to be worthwhile, you have to determine your goals so you know what to measure. For instance, are you trying to build traffic, generate leads or drive sales? Whatever it is, make sure you know what success looks like for you. Then, regularly review your results so you can find ways to continually improve your efforts.

10. It’s too hard.

Yes, blogging is hard work. But, most things worth doing are not easy. Blogging takes time, perseverance and patience. If you don’t want to work hard and you’re not willing to stick with it, then blogging isn’t for you. Plain as that.

But, if you’re ready to do what it takes to be successful, you’ll find that blogging, while challenging, can also be a lot of fun.

What excuses have kept you from starting a blog? What are you waiting for?

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Laura Click is founder of Blue Kite Marketing, a Nashville-based marketing and social media strategy firm that’s passionate about helping small businesses take flight. You can get more tips and tricks to help your business by checking out her blog.

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Whats Your Excuse – supplied by Laura

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