Ever since we all talked about whether anyone is blogging for fun anymore, we’ve been thinking of what it’s like to be a new blogger in an age where more people than ever are sharing their experiences online and even earning an income doing it too. A reader recently brought up a great point about how many women have been able to make their own opportunities in this space and create careers they are in total control of, which is so great.
This is one area of digital media that we can never have experience in, being a new blogger in 2017. In some ways, it’s the same as starting in 2008–you’re jumping into this chance at sharing a piece of yourself or business with the world and there are endless paths that this can take you on. On the other hand, so many niches have been filled (or are overflowing) and it can be easy to feel like you missed the boat on content. We can’t count how many times we’ve dreamt up what we thought was a new and novel idea, just to find it all over Pinterest that same day. Crazy! So, while I don’t know what it’s like to enter blog world without any experience at this point, I do know about starting new blogs and coming up with original content, and I think that even with new challenges, I’d still choose to start a blog today. Here’s why!
1. The world will always benefit from another perspective. If you start to feel like it’s all been done, remember this. No one has your unique experience. So even if you are blogging about a topic that’s universal, you’re finding a way to make it original. As long as you inject your voice into something, you’re doing something new. Plus, the reason we write about so many of the same topics is that they’re often universal; it’s nice to be able to relate.
2. A changing landscape requires new ideas–and new people to have them. No industry has ever moved forward by limiting itself to the status quo. It’s always going to be changing and by bringing a fresh perspective, you’re adding to its evolution. If you’ve got a new idea but you’re not sure how it fits into a world where many of the bloggers behind the most successful sites have been at it for years, just know that there’s still room for yours. While it can be challenging to find a way to stand out, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. But you have to put your ideas out there to see!
3. There’s probably still a niche. We totally get it! It’s easy to have that “it’s all been done” mentality. But there’s another way to look at it, and that’s the fact that there’s already an audience for what you’re thinking of. If you’re not sure if the world needs another DIY blogger, think of how you stand out, and realize that there are already millions of people searching for and pinning and getting inspired by DIY projects every single day. You too can connect with them!
No matter what your story is or where you’re coming from, it’s never too late to start a blog. And that’s really so inspiring! Give your fave new bloggers some love by sharing their sites in the comments. We’d love to see what you’re reading :)
Kelsey says
What a refreshing post! I was just thinking about this and whether I really need to have a blog to go with my shop. I struggle with the “it’s all been done” mentality, and I feel like there are a lot of more experienced people in my niche. But this has really given me the validation that I need. Thanks for sharing!
Dan says
I started Digital Camera Central in January 2017. Like the name says, it’s a digital camera/photography blog. The marketplace for camera blogs is crowded but not too crowded. The biggest thing is that there is one major player and then there’s everyone else. So there’s a lot of us competing against the goliath that is DPReview.
Just putting in the effort/work and hopefully one day it’ll be profitable.
https://www.digitalcamcentral.com/
Arlene says
This is a great post. I recently read a saying about not giving up on doing something because of the time it will take to accomplish it. That time would pass anyway. I think that’s so true with starting a blog. It’s easy to feel that you’re already behind, but there’s room for more bloggers out there, especially if they bring a unique perspective.
I started my blog From Pennies to Plenty this year. Although frugal living is a saturated niche, I feel like I have a lot to share and can change with the times if needed. I don’t even think about how many other bloggers there are out there with the same topic as me. Thanks for the post. I always enjoy reading TBM.
Angela says
That quote is a fave of mine! I’m starting to believe it more and more with things like my career too. It’s easy to think you have to start everything early on in life, or be the first to do it. Love all the resources on your blog!
Brittany says
It is definitely never too late. I however do think that you should be starting out because it is something you love. I’ve had my blog for almost 2 years and it is truly something I do as a hobby. It is a creative outlet for me and something I’m passionate about. If it wasn’t, there is no way I’d still be waking up every day thinking about new ideas for my blog.
Brittany | thechicette.com
Sheila Joy says
Such valid points! Yes, there are millions of blogs out there, but there is only one YOU! This is why I think it’s very important to define your target audience and write specifically for them. Readers have different tastes and look to different people for advice and information. I know I do!
I’m loving the blog Coffee With Summer right now–she keeps it raw and real and I love her perspective on life.
http://www.insearchofsheila.com
Marie-France says
Such a great post! I often think to myself that it’s all already been done and what I’m doing isn’t “interesting” enough. But this is a good reminder that it’s never too late. And as long as I’m happy with what I’m doing, that’s what matters.
Marie-France xo | thesoulfulbunny.com