Why do we blog?

I have asked myself that question each month before I start writing. I don’t know if it's because I really don’t know if very many people follow blogs. I begin making up reasons not to sit quietly and write. I realized that just taking time to sit and write is relaxing and gets the creative juices flowing. Even if nobody is reading this blog at least it is a meditative release in my day.

We started blogging to validate the CMA website while increasing SEO. Clients had begun asking me if we blog and questioning why companies need to blog. I pondered the idea of “why blog?”, sat quietly and compiled the following reasons we blog at CMA. I hope this helps all of those who are reading this to dig deeper.

1. A blog is the new journal…it trains us to be disciplined, think about ideas, and track our world; it also encourages us to sit quietly. Meditation is something I struggle with daily, as my mind does not ease into calm. I have found that once I start my blog and sit quietly at my computer, blogging begins to feel meditative.

2. A blog provides a vehicle to explain trends, news, and events in a way that is simple and fun to follow, while also increasing your chances of moving up the SEO food chain. I encourage clients to add this to their list of items that are necessary for a good online presence.

3. Blogging will force you to become a better writer. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed writer or someone who struggles with putting your thoughts on paper, I have found that blog writing flows naturally and unsticks the brain, because blogging is all about what you choose to share. It is a great way to warm up the mind and unwind your thoughts.

4. Blogging can lead to healthier life protocols, as you must be disciplined, committed and consistent in your blogging. This is especially true when you start to have an audience and loyal readers. You will need to clear space for blogging and mentally prepare. If you are in Starbucks, you can enjoy people watching while sipping and typing. This makes you feel like you are interactive and getting out of the office, which again leads to a healthier lifestyle.

5. You may become more mindful while taking on blogging, as writing is exercise for the mind. Now that everything is online you may enjoy input from your fan base. They may introduce you to new topics, ideas and a meaningful platform to share the joy we have experienced and recommend new discoveries.

A few other great potentials of blogging…you could become rich and famous! That’s probably not going to happen to this guru, but hey you never know! I know a few colleagues who make some spare change from their blogs.

I have three favorite bloggers, and they are all so amazing. You must check out The Blond Salad—Chiara Ferragni: at 27 this fashionista is a global star in the US and Europe. Gary Pepper Girl: her specialty is Vintage Style and I love her mix of Chanel Vintage mash-ups. Song of Style—Aimee Song is a must read…with over 2 million readers, her interior decorating is the best I have seen.

I don’t need to make money blogging, in fact it might be a distraction (for me) as it will make me think in a nervous-mode. It might take the joy in writing away and bring worry and anxiety. I don’t think I need to worry about this for now.

Until next month gurus, remember, blogging can change your life and the life of your readers. Because blogs are free for the public, you have an open audience. In many ways I like to think on many levels, it is an act of giving. It is a selfless act of service to invest your time, energy, and world views into a piece of writing offered free to anybody who wants to read it.