A typewriter, blank book, books, glasses pine cone pencil and instruments of inspiration
A typewriter, blank book, books, glasses pine cone pencil and instruments of inspiration
#bloggingisworthit

Why Blogging Still Matters: A Voice in the Digital Universe

By
Paul Kiernan
(11.21.2024)

In a world where content creation has become an industry of its own, blogs continue to hold a special place in the digital landscape. They’re more than just a repository for thoughts and ideas—they’re tools for connection, creativity, and even business growth.

Right now, I’m just about the luckiest guy in the world. Nope, I didn’t win the lottery, no I am not finally meeting Minnie Driver, and she’s seen me for the hilarious genius I am and realized that all the good-looking men she could have her pick of are nothing compared to me and my jar of sourdough starter. No, I’m not getting a raise, a new office, or a new car. So, you’re asking how this guy can say he’s lucky when nothing seems ot be going right? I am lucky because I can do my job here at ThoughtLab while simultaneously pursuing my passion and acting in a show.

Yes, the kind overlords at the Lab allow me to work, go to rehearsal, and then work some more. I get to have the security of a steady job; although the acting pays well, it’s not at all steady while doing the thing I love more than anything else in this world. How lucky am I?

And now for the complaints. Because, of course, even when we get what we want, we have complaints, right? It’s not a complaint as much as an observation: I’m exhausted. I was so exhausted, in fact, that when I sat at the machine this morning, I had two thoughts: one, I need to write a blog, and two, why?

Why write a blog? I don’t believe a single person reads these. I have nothing to offer, and I don’t wanna. Really, isn’t the blog out of style now? Is there any purpose or reason for a blog? If I stopped blogging, would it matter?

A huge part of me wants to say no, it doesn’t matter, so I can go back to bed before I have eight hours of dance rehearsal today. But the realistic part of me says yes. Yes, people read, yes, people want to know, and yes, it’s part of my steady job, so I have to write this blog.

Apart from the remunerative repercussions that will fall on me if I don’t write this, other facts make writing this blog necessary. So, today, I thought I would write one for those up against the creative wall, those who are saying, "But bed looks so warm and inviting," for those who have reached the end and are giving up and thinking, "Why bother? No one reads it anyway." The truth is someone does read it, even if it’s just one someone. You do have something to say; we all do, and you are part of us all. So today’s blog is a reminder of all the good things, business-wise and personally, that writing a blog can bring.

To Blog or Not to Blog

In a world where content creation has become an industry of its own, blogs continue to hold a special place in the digital landscape. They’re more than just a repository for thoughts and ideas—they’re tools for connection, creativity, and even business growth. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or someone just starting out, there are countless reasons to keep at it, even when it feels like the world isn’t paying attention. Let’s explore why blogging is still relevant and how it can benefit your creativity, business, and audience—even those you don’t know about yet.

Black and white image of three people checking out the view in a new, empty office space

The Business Case for Blogging

For businesses, a blog is not just a side project—it’s a strategic asset. A well-maintained blog can be the backbone of your digital presence, delivering tangible benefits beyond sharing your thoughts.

1. Boosts Search Engine Visibility

Search engines love fresh, relevant content, and blogs are an excellent way to provide that. Regularly updating your website with high-quality blog posts improves your search engine optimization (SEO), making it easier for potential customers to find you. Each post is an opportunity to target keywords your audience is searching for, increasing the chances that they’ll land on your site instead of a competitor’s.

2. Builds Authority in Your Industry

When you consistently publish insightful, valuable content, you establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche. Whether you’re sharing tips, solving problems, or discussing industry trends, a blog shows your expertise and builds trust with your audience. This trust can translate into customer loyalty and long-term business relationships.

3. Drives Traffic and Conversions

Blogging is a low-cost way to drive traffic to your website. It provides an entry point for potential customers to learn about your brand. Once they’re there, your calls to action (CTAs)—whether to sign up for a newsletter, request a quote, or make a purchase—can guide them further down the sales funnel.

4. Humanizes Your Brand

In a world of automated customer service and faceless corporations, a blog can give your business a human voice. Through storytelling, personal anecdotes, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, you can create a connection with your audience that goes beyond transactions. This personal touch is especially valuable in building brand loyalty.

Blogging as a Creative Outlet

While the practical benefits of blogging are undeniable, the creative rewards are just as compelling. For individuals, blogging is a space to explore, experiment, and express yourself without the constraints of traditional publishing or social media algorithms.

1. Fosters Personal Growth

Writing is a form of reflection. When you blog, you’re not just sharing your ideas with others—you’re also clarifying your own thoughts. The process of organizing your ideas into a coherent post forces you to think more deeply about your experiences and insights, leading to personal growth.

2. Encourages Creativity

A blank page is a canvas, and a blog gives you the freedom to paint whatever picture you like. Whether you’re a writer, photographer, or entrepreneur, blogging allows you to combine words, images, and ideas in unique ways. Over time, this creative exercise can lead to unexpected discoveries and innovations.

As many of you know from experience, the blank page can be a nightmare. However, if you blog continuously, you start to view the blank page not as opposition but rather as a partner to your process. This can help you recognize and refine your process. Understanding your process is a large part of knowing how to create and what helps you create. Facing the blank page time and gain will allow you to become friends with it.

3. Provides a Sense of Accomplishment: The Power of "Doing One Thing"

There’s something deeply satisfying about hitting “publish” on a new blog post. Even when your audience is small, or you’re unsure how your words will be received, completing that one task—writing, refining, and sharing your thoughts—brings a tangible sense of achievement. In a world filled with endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and the constant pressure to be productive, focusing on “doing one thing” can be transformative.

Why "Doing One Thing" Matters

The idea of “doing one thing” is simple yet powerful: When you focus your energy on completing a single task, you break through overwhelm and create a moment of success. Blogging offers a perfect opportunity to practice this. Writing and publishing a post involves a series of small, manageable steps that culminate in a completed project. It’s a microcosm of larger accomplishments, reminding you that progress often comes from consistent, focused effort.

  • Small Wins Build Momentum: Completing one blog post might not feel like climbing a mountain, but it’s a step toward building your body of work. These small victories can add up over time, creating a sense of forward motion that fuels your confidence and motivation.
  • A Sense of Control: In the chaos of life, finishing one thing—especially something as personal and creative as a blog—can remind you that you have the ability to take charge, make decisions, and follow through.
Rusted bolts and moss on a bridge cutting through woods

The Act of Creation as Accomplishment

When you blog, you’re doing more than writing words on a page—you’re taking an idea and turning it into something tangible. That act of creation, no matter how small, is inherently rewarding. Each post represents a piece of your perspective, a unique contribution to the world that wouldn’t exist without you.

  • Your Voice Matters: Even if your blog feels like a tiny speck in the vastness of the internet, hitting “publish” is a declaration that your voice deserves to be heard. It’s a reminder to yourself and anyone who reads it that your experiences, insights, and creativity have value.
  • Completion Feels Good: There’s a special kind of satisfaction in seeing something through from start to finish. Unlike many tasks that remain ongoing or ambiguous, publishing a blog post provides clear closure. You can point to it and say, “I made this.”

"One Thing" Can Lead to Bigger Things

Accomplishing one task often serves as a gateway to doing more. A single blog post might inspire a series, lead to a new idea, or spark a conversation. Over time, these small, consistent efforts can snowball into significant outcomes.

  • Unexpected Opportunities: You never know where one blog post might take you. It could catch the attention of a potential client, lead to a collaboration, or simply become a cherished piece of your creative journey.
  • Building a Habit: The discipline of doing one thing, like publishing a blog, helps you build habits that can be applied elsewhere in life. It’s a practice in commitment, perseverance, and celebrating progress.

Finding Joy in the Process

The beauty of focusing on one thing—especially something creative like blogging—is that it shifts your attention from the pressures of perfection or productivity to the joy of the process. When you approach each blog post as an opportunity to express yourself and contribute something meaningful, the act itself becomes its own reward.

4. Connects You to a Like-Minded Community

The internet can sometimes feel isolating, but blogging is a way to find your tribe. By sharing your passions, interests, or struggles, you attract others who resonate with your message. These connections can lead to collaborations, friendships, and even opportunities you hadn’t anticipated.

Writing for an Invisible Audience: The Power of Connection

One of the hardest parts of blogging is the fear that no one is reading. It’s easy to feel discouraged when a post doesn’t get the engagement you hoped for, but remember: the internet is vast, and the impact of your words might not always be immediately visible.

1. The Long Tail Effect

Unlike social media posts that disappear in a matter of hours, blogs have a long shelf life. A post you write today could be discovered months or even years from now by someone who needs exactly what you had to say. Search engines, backlinks, and social shares ensure that your content has a lasting presence.

2. Silent Readers Are Real

For every comment or like, there are countless silent readers who appreciate your work but don’t engage publicly. These readers might be learning from your insights, finding comfort in your words, or simply enjoying your creativity without feeling the need to respond. Never underestimate the value of these invisible connections.

3. You’re Part of Something Bigger

Even if your blog feels like a drop in the ocean, it’s still part of a larger conversation. Every blog post contributes to the collective knowledge and creativity of the internet. Your unique perspective might inspire someone else, spark an idea, or provide the missing piece to someone’s puzzle.

4. It’s About the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Ultimately, the act of blogging is valuable in itself. It’s an opportunity to document your thoughts, celebrate your passions, and leave a digital footprint that reflects who you are. Whether or not your words reach a large audience, they are a testament to your creativity and commitment.

A small penguin on a huge rock

Overcoming Exhaustion: Why It’s Worth It

Writing a blog when you’re feeling mentally or physically drained can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to show up for yourself. Here’s why it’s worth pushing through:

  • Authenticity Resonates: When you write from a place of honesty—even about your exhaustion—you connect with readers on a deeper level. People appreciate vulnerability and relatability.
  • Momentum Matters: Every post you write, even on tough days, builds momentum and reinforces your identity as a blogger. Consistency is key to long-term success.
  • Self-Care Through Expression: Sometimes, writing can be therapeutic. By putting your thoughts into words, you may find clarity, release, or even inspiration.

Summing Up: Your Blog Matters

Whether you’re blogging for business, creativity, or connection, your efforts are never wasted. Each post is a step forward—a chance to grow, inspire, and contribute. Even when it feels like no one is listening, remember that your words might be exactly what someone, somewhere, needs to read.

So keep writing. Keep sharing. Keep creating. Your blog matters more than you know. That sounds like I’m bucking myself up, and frankly, I am, but it’s also true. Your blog and your thoughts matter. Maybe you’re not making money, perhaps you’re not hitting on all your SEO cylinders, but none of that matters. What matters is you sat down at the keys and expressed your thoughts, shared your ideas, and opened yourself up to possibilities. It’s not always about money or likes; sometimes it’s about hitting publish, grabbing a cup of coffee, and saying to yourself, I didn’t think I could, and yet, I did. I have conquered once again. And, once again, I have placated my kind overlords, and I can eat the good Ramen this week. Yay!