This post begins the Benefits of Blogging series, where I will cover the many benefits of blogging, for bloggers and readers.
Before the internet came into being, if you were not a published author, public speaker or anchor for CNN, the average person’s largest audience would be no greater than his or her family and friends. So anytime the average person had something important to say, they would have to hope that the people they were able to influence were receptive to such information.
But now, it doesn’t take much for the average person to share what is on their mind. With blogging and social media, anyone is able to put their thoughts onto the internet and expose them to a worldwide audience.
Benefits of a Worldwide Audience
What are the benefits of writing for a worldwide audience? If you have opinions that do not agree with those you know personally, you are now able to go online and seek others who may be more receptive to your viewpoints. If you have knowledge or advice that you feel would benefit others, you are able to reach beyond your circle of acquaintances. You will have the ability to teach, inspire and help others. Your influence could be spread to anyone who speaks the same language, and with online translation services, it could go even further.
The World at Your Fingertips
Along with the benefits to bloggers, there are also a myriad of benefits for readers. Blogs can bring almost any part of the world right to your monitors, in a personal way. You are able to learn about other cultures, international viewpoints, and so much more from the average person in another country, or even on another continent. There are so many events being covered in world news today, but the perspective gained from those who are living where that news is being generated from can be completely different and much more informative.
Responsibility
With the potential to reach such a large audience comes a bit of social responsibility. If you are giving a strong opinion, consider whether it will motivate others to react in a constructive or destructive way. If you are promoting a product or service, do some research or give it a try, if possible, so others are not spending their hard-earned money in vain. If you are suggesting a change in diet or lifestyle, be sure to note whether or not you are qualified to give such advice, and caution others to check with their health professional first. Certainly you are not responsible for anything a reader may do in response to an article you write, but at the same time, you do not want to deliberately mislead or misinform someone.
New to Blogging?
How much does it cost to get your voice heard on the internet? It is free! Sure, if you are looking to become a power blogger, you would want to buy your own domain, hosting and so forth. But for the most part, you can simply sign up for a free blog (WordPress, Blogger, LiveJournal, etc.) and start writing.
Of course, if you do seek a worldwide audience, you can’t just assume that if you write it, they will come. If you prefer, you can leave that to chance, but there are also cost free methods of publicizing your blog. Signing up on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and StumbleUpon is easy, and once you do, you are able to search for people with similar interests to share your ideas with. And if you already belong to a forum that relates to your blog’s subject, be sure to share it there in your signature too!
Your Thoughts
What are some other benefits to speaking to a worldwide audience via blogging? What are the responsibilities of having such a large range of influence? And what are the benefits for the readers?
This post brought to you by Kristi Hines
Kristi Hines is creator of Kikolani which focuses on blogging tips and social networking. Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Kristi has written 310 awesome article(s) for Kikolani.
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post Kristi.
There are so many benefits. We can help people by providing specific information and guidance, we can start discussions and friendly banter and create our own extended families.
The responsibilities other than being within the law or a bit harder. The responsibilities would be having accurate information and not untested theory, unless stated etc.
The benefits for reader’s are way to many to list, but a few are receiving information that is free. Feeling like they belong and feeling as if they can accomplish any goal they want.
The key is to never give up!
Your Canadian friend!
Garret
Garrets last blog post..This just in ufo sightings in….
I’ve heard you can make money off of advertisers. Is it really a significant enough amount to make it worth it? Or does the real benefit in blogging come from the exposure you get? I’m a bellydancer and I dance at private parties and events. How could I use a blog to get more business? I’ve heard about people who have products to sell using blogs, but I don’t have a “product”, just me!
Jason, you have a product. You are a belly dancer.
Why not create a course teaching people to belly dance?
Make a blog about belly dancing, create a few video’s and get going.
A great template for you would be http://www.hearandplay.com. Jermaine Griggs, Founder has made quite a successful online business by teaching people through video.
I won’t even put my affiliate link in here just so you know I am being genuinely helpful.
Stick around Kikolani or waynejohn.com and you will learn so much it isn’t funny.
Another thing I wanted to mention to Kristi about Benefits on Blogs is that we can help our favorite charities with donation button’s. A great charity gets some much needed cash and we improve our personal Karma.
Jason, you can do this. We are all here to help. We were all new once also, now we give back.
Good luck my friend.
Garret
Garrets last blog post..This just in ufo sightings in….
Hey Jason, focus on your message you are trying to drive and you will find ways to deliver your message regardless of what medium it is. For example, if bellydancing is your message, you can deliver that across the web via blogs and videos, as Garret rightfully mentioned. You aren’t limited to just parties and events to bring it to life.
Kristi, I really love blogging and how it has connected all of us, despite of our geography. That includes you, me, and everyone here! One thing I love about WWW is the non-existent barriers to entry. Everyone can blog regardless of their age or educational level. The only prerequisite is a computer and internet access. That’s what makes it so non-discriminatory.
Celes | EmbraceLiving.Nets last blog post..Cultivate a Good Habit in 21 Days
What a great post. I never really thought about it before but I think you summed up what I love about blogging most. Blogs have given every individual the power to make themselves heard.
Jennifer/Connect with your Teenss last blog post..Kelly Ripa launches Virtual Lemonade Stand for Ovarian Cancer research
Hi Kristi. What a nice, well rounded first article to a series I am really looking forward to. I like the part about responsibility, excellent reminder.
Great post Kristi! We surely do live in an exciting time… if you are motivated, if you are ambitious and if you are willing to work hard, Internet and blogging can take you much closer to your dreams… keep up the good work!
Marko Sarics last blog post..Top 33 silliest search queries people have found my blog with
@Garret: Thanks! Those are great points on the benefits for both bloggers & readers. Free information is definitely a plus! And the donation idea is a good point too. I like the days that they have bloggers unite for a cause. I’ve missed a few, but am trying to get better organized with those.
@Jason: I’m not one to talk about monetizing, as I haven’t figured out that one yet. As far as blogs for business, they are easy to market. So having an informative blog about dancing might drive people to learning more about your studio/business. Plus blogs do better in search engine rankings due to their fresh content.
@Celes: Yes, knowing I have awesome people to connect with around the globe that I wouldn’t have known otherwise is a definitely bonus!
@Jennifer: Definitely. Now people who would have otherwise isolated their thoughts can freely share them and find others that are like-minded as well.
@Jonathan: I think responsibility is something we have to keep in mind. I was reminded of that recently when I shared a post I was reading on Twitter, then actually used one of the plugins listed in that post and it messed up my site a bit. I felt bad that someone else might have the same happen to them because they saw my tweet. I ended up going to the comments for that post, another post that listed theirs, the Thesis forum and the Wordpress forum to make the bug known.
@Marko: Thanks! This is definitely the time when anyone can really shine, thanks to the internet.
Kristi,
Blogging opened up a world of information where authors can now share their articles with an infinite amount of people. It is so viral it still amazes me.
Frank Js last blog post..Unexpected Keywords Reported on Your Blog
Indeed! Attracting worldwide audience became the defacto of the blogging world in my opinion. It’s always good to have audience and to be a reader for other bloggers too in order to know better so it’s a two-way communication.
Hichams last blog post..Sorry
The best benefit in blogging in my view is that my voice matter. I can talk about anything I want and my voice matter. Couldn’t be a greater feeling.
Deneil Merritts last blog post..Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Pulling Out Hair
I had learn a lot through blogging. For example, i had a web design blog, my readers do share their thoughts with me and i had collected valuable comments and feedbacks through their sharing.
Dickys last blog post..60+ Awesome Grunge Font That Every Designer Should Collect
I always get a kick out of the fact thatmy content is being read all over th world. Almost 40% of my readers are outside the United States. In a way, blogging help bring people together and makes the world alot smaller. I have blogging friends all over the world, and I think that is very cool.
I fell in love with blogging at first, mostly because I love to write. I even did 2-language postings at first, and some thought I’m a translator in real life. What I love about blogging, is that it helps me to be a better person on/offline. It gives me the chance to reach out to some great individuals, and exchanging knowledge with one another. And from that I realize how small I am, which drives me the persistence to never stop learning, and constantly appreciate other people’s work.
Most of all, it’s the smaller world created resulting by blogging/social networking.
@wchingya
social media/blogging
Ching Yas last blog post..How To Create Podcast For Your Blog?
Good one Kristi. You know, I don’t know if I will ever reach Pro Blogger status, but it’s nice to know that I can be consider a Power Blogger. It sort of has a nice ring to it.
I think that you make an important point when you said that a certain amount of responsibility goes with being a blogger. Not only in the way we interact with our commentators, but also in the way out posts may influence others.
Sire@ Cool Blog Linkss last blog post..FlexSqueeze And The Total Screen Recorder
I thank you so much for this creative post Kristi !
I thought about how to make my voice reach the world, but the main challenge for me was “What for?!” , and also it’s a big responsibility, so anyone want to do it should think about what exactly he want to do in this life!
The most thing that I like in your post that it gives ideas that can applied in different part of our life!
Heshams last blog post..Zebida Fridays – When Life Force You Not To Blog On Time
I agree with your post here Kristi:)
Blogging is to reach more audiences, so that for those that interested on our blog’s contents, they will continue to follow closely and later become friends.
It really benefit both parties, as the audiences will get knowledge, fun, release, ideas, inspirations, encouragements……etc from there.
Just like so much I have received and got from here Kristi. Thank you once again!
Last but not least, my dedication to you dear Kristi.
Happy Belated Birthday!
http://yoonsee.blogspot.com/2009/06/happy-birthday-to-kristi.html
Trusting you are always happy and contented!
yoon sees last blog post..IF-Craving
Kristi, Excellent insights on some of the joys and power of blogging. It’s fun and interesting to connect with people all over the world — quickly and easily. One thing new bloggers do need to be aware of is that it takes time to find an audience. Time and creating quality content that people want to read.
some people get into blogging and figure they will have 1,000 visitors on the first day. Not very likely unless you have invested a large advertising budget. Perserverence is important on the web and in blogging.
Mike McEvoys last blog post..30 Firefox Keyboard Shortcuts
Hey Garret, thanks for the shout out! Much appreciated!
The benefits are sometimes intangible as well. I’ve improved my own writing skills over the course of running my blog, which in turn will help me in other areas of my life.
Social responsibility? Yeah, still trying to learn what that means. I figure as long as I’m not teaching people how to make explosives or promoting they go and off someone, I should be good. But I keep things tame…I think.
Hey Jason, just start a freebie, get acquainted with blogging, and you’ll be in a more knowledgeable position for yourself. I’m convinced anyone can make money with any niche, its all about approach and stamina. There were so many things I learned in my first year that I wish I had known, but would have never known had I not just started. Does that even make sense??? lol
Anyway, I say go for it!
Another excellent post kristi! Looking forward to reading more!
Waynes last blog post..Passive Shopping Subscriptions from DealAppeal.net
I was gonna just start yelling at people on the street with a bullhorn, but this blogging thing is way easier. No garbage thrown your way! Physical garbage, anyway.
It’s a great time to be alive.
The A-Hole Gurus last blog post..Why You Secretly Love The Life You Say You Hate
Have you done or considered doing a post on how you think it is that you’ve come to get a good reception on the Internet? There are plenty of SEO companies and IMs who have regularly updated blogs who don’t get anywhere near as much traffic as this site. Think you could probably give them a few tips at their own game
Nicely written, and a good introduction to blogging as a communications medium. Course, I’m waiting for you to introduce the hard stuff and really scare people. lol
Mitchs last blog post..Two Interviews Of Me
Great post Kristi.
As far as your blog is concerned. you have a world wide audience and audience that also shares your posts by bookmarking. It is the case with me
Nihars last blog post..Download Safari 4 Browser for Mac and Windows
Great points Kristi. My favorite part of becoming a blogger is all the great new friends I have made. It’s incredible!
Stephen – Rat Race Traps last blog post..Hold Your Goals Loosely
I love the fact that you point out that you can do blogging for free, there are so many great talents out here now and entertaining blogs to read but I honestly feel we haven’t scratched the surface.
Extreme Johns last blog post..A Day at Tampa International Airport
Hi,
I love the Blogging.You can meet different types of people and get lot of knowledge about recent happening in the world.
Thanks for the blog.
Webinar servicess last blog post..Video Web Cam Chat – A New Era Of Communication For Businesses
Hi Kristi:
Blogging can become addictive; so I guess we need to blog responsibly. Additionally the availability of a world wide audience means one’s content needs to be accurate so the whole world does not think that the subject blogger is a fool; this is especially true of technical blogs. But you are right, blogging has really opened up the world to the average Joe Blo writer. Thank you.
Raj Krishnaswamys last blog post..55 gallon drum recycling
@Frank: It is quite amazing, considering that now people will grow up without any idea how it felt not being able to communicate on a global scale.
@Hicham: Two way indeed. There are so many things bloggers miss out on when they don’t interact with their readers.
@Deneil: Very true. Knowing that people actually care about what you write is a great feeling.
@Dicky: I have learned a lot as well, which I always enjoy sharing with others.
@Tycoon Blogger: I have a pretty good readership outside of the US too, which I find fascinating and insightful.
@Ching: Definitely. I have thought about taking up Italian again and trying a blog in that language. I already know several Italian bloggers, and it’s fun to see how much of an article of theirs I can understand from just 2 semesters in college.
@Sire: I think a lot of people consider Pro Bloggers to be the money makers, but I have noticed a lot of bloggers who don’t do it for income, don’t necessarily have thousands of readers, but what they do have are lots of comments from loyal readers, and I think that in itself is being a powerful blogger.
@Hesham: Thanks! It is something that has been on my mind recently.
@Yoon: Thank you so much for the birthday dedication!
That is the sweetest thing I have gotten from my blogging friend’s for my birthday!
@Mike: Definitely takes time to find an audience. But if you just take the time, write great content and let it happen, it is well worth it!
@Wayne: I just consider social responsibility as not misleading or misinforming others. I know there are times we may accidentally say something that is taken the wrong way and such, but I just consider things like leading people into buying things that you know aren’t beneficial or trying to influence others into thinking negatively as irresponsible.
@Guru: Hehe… this is much easier on the vocal chords too.
@David: I’ve actually noticed that with other large sites that don’t get as many backlinks and what not that my site does. I have to attribute it to the fact that, even though sometimes I’m slow about it, I do ultimately get back to commenting on most blogs that have come here, and lots of others on top of that. I find that, when I visit several sites, if I see the same person in the comments between them all, I will check them out, and I figure some people have discovered me the same way. That’s my theory for now. I have a few more that I’ll be releasing later in this series.
@Mitch: I hope I don’t scare anybody. I do hope some people that don’t blog will see the benefits in it and start, personally and for business.
@Nihar: Well, I appreciate anyone who shares my posts through the social bookmarking world, and I hope I can do the same for them sometimes too!
@Stephen: Definitely… that’s one of my favorite parts as well.
@Extreme John: I think that is one thing that might scare some potential bloggers off – the domains, the hosting, etc. If they just knew they could start a free site and then more from there, like I have seen others do, then they could test it out without getting to involved, and hopefully find how much they love it!
@Webinar Services: You’re welcome.
@Raj: Yes, trying to be as accurate with technical content is a must. I usually test things before I write about them, so hopefully no one comes back and says I tried this and everything went wrong. I’ve seen that on other tech sites, and I figure that must be highly uncomfortable.
Goodness Kristi, if my blogging tips series didn’t scare anyone off, your tips here won’t either.
Once again you have hot the nail on the head. I think a lot of bloggers had money as the initial incentive but once the blogging bug bit, while it’s added gravy it is no longer the main thrust of their blogging.
Hi Kristi,
I was reading the article and I realize that I had not checked on how many countries my site is reaching. I checked and discovered that Google shows it reaches 83 countries. That just blows me away! Thanks!
Boris @ Arizona SEO Servicess last blog post..The 109 Day Link Building Explosion Day 100
Looking at the countries section is the most fun part of checking Google Analytics
I am still freaking out after I discover a new exotic country like “Tuvalu” or “Mauritius” there 
That is the internet: communication without borders!
cheers,
Thomas
Thomas Web PM´s last blog ..The 15 Worst User Experience Design Mistakes Ever
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