Is Blogging Outdated?

Haley Whitehall
Jul 10, 2017 · 3 min read

I started blogging in 2010. I jumped on the Wordpress bandwagon. At the beginning, I really enjoyed blogging. I felt like I had a lot to say. I broke through the isolation many authors experience by connecting with other authors in the Wordpress community. I even undertook a challenge to blog something every day. Then it went from fun to work. There was pressure, especially during busy times like the holidays. I ran out of blog post ideas, and I found myself spending more time on blogging than writing my novels. I have since stopped blogging and only post the occasional update on my site.

I feel blogging is outdated. While already established blogs with a regular posting schedule continue to provide steady promotion it has become more of a time suck than a benefit for most authors. Without steady posting, many blogs will eventually lose readership and that readership is hard to get back. Authors and fans do not have the time to read and comment on countless blogs. I confess to only reading half of the blogs I subscribe to and commenting on only 1% of those. Many authors will agree that the social aspect of blogging has declined. It is harder to communicate with readers as people seldom comment. Even when authors offer fabulous prizes for comments such as free books, writing courses, and other swag the stats can be depressing.

An author’s time is better spent writing books than blogging.

Writing the next book is the best form of promotion. Many authors started blogging to build a platform and build readership. The best way to build readership is by continually publishing quality books. There are also many other social media options which take less time like Twitter and Facebook.

Authors need to have a website. For the most part, a website can be static. With your brand and your books displayed it is like a giant business card. Your website can be your first impression on many readers. When submitting to agents and publishers they want to know your social media presence. They will expect you to have a website of some sort even if it the free version of Wordpress, Blogger, Weebly etc. I’m surprised how many readers have connected with me via the contact form on my website.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying not to blog. Blogging can be a great way to get your ideas down. It can help you get into the daily writing routine. If you enjoy blogging, then keep going. Those who follow a theme and bring in guest authors seem to be the most successful. But if you no longer have the passion to write blog posts, do not feel like you are required to continue. Blogging doesn’t have as much reach as it used to. Instead create a professional website and then find the social media outlets that work best for you and your personality.

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