Photo by Brandy Kennedy
C’mon, everyone’s doing it!
When you tell someone you want to start a blog, you’ll probably feel one of two ways:
- Like a Tumblr kid circa 2009
or
- Like a boss
Over the years, blogging has sort of lost its charm. Some people don’t consider it “real writing”, and when you mention that you have a blog, others look at you the same way they’d smirk at anyone with “model” written in their Instagram bio.
Even I had an aversion to the word blog because it didn’t feel serious enough. If everyone could start one for free, how could it be special?
In the past, a blog was a place where angsty teenagers went to voice their concerns about the doomed and damned state of the world, or their cardboard-flavoured school lunch, to a nearly empty room of internet strangers who’d happily co-sign on their grievances.
Then it became a place where super enthusiastic (albeit white, upper-middle class) housewives could share their vanilla frosting recipes (if you add a bit of fresh vanilla bean, it’s divine!)
Now blog is a blog is a blog, and the topics are endless.
Here’s the technical definition of a blog according to Oxford: a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
Check. Check. (super) Check!
Does Danni, Unfiltered have a blog? Yes. Do I enjoy the blog? Also, yes. Honestly, Danni, Unfiltered is my little piece of the internet that makes me feel safe, and seen and heard. It’s the content I want to read, but have yet to find. It contains themes that matter most to me, and the entire process of researching, writing, and publishing is one I get a kick out of.
Danni, Unfiltered is, almost equally as important, a website where people can locate me when they type my name into Google.
It’s a place where I can direct any potential clients who’d like to see a writing sample.
It’s a place where I can keep my content + thoughts organized in an aesthetically pleasing format. She cute!
……………..
5 Things to Consider BEFORE Starting a Blog
Most of the good ones aren’t free: you’ll need to pay to host and pay for your domain name. If you’d rather a more “package experience”, just be willing to pay for it! For many people, it’ll be their first impression of you. Make it count.
2. Social Media… use it: unfortunately, these two things go hand in hand. There’s no point publishing a post if no one is going to see it! Unless that’s your thing, then more power to you! Make sure that your messaging, branding (i.e. voice, colors, fonts, tone) are all on the same page.
3. Use high-quality images: Unsplash is my go-to, but there are others. Don’t get me wrong, I love my face, and love sharing my face, but some times a stock photo does the trick even better than a grainy selfie! Go figure!
4. You’ll have to update it…regularly: your blog is now an extension of yourself, and can you imagine inviting someone to your home and you haven’t done any renovations since the Clinton administration?
5: If you don’t know SEO, you need to: Get comfortable with SEO because it makes the world go round. You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to have an idea as to how people will find your content. On any given day over 2 million searches are made on Goggle alone: how will you stand out? Here’s an SEO resource from the legendary Neil Patel.
Photo by Good Faces
So, why did I start a blog? Because I love writing.
I started this platform because I write, and teach people how to write (and speak) for a living, and dammit, I want a place where I can take off my teacher / editor / copywriter hat and speak like myself.
Every day I write emails, or copy for companies that aren’t mine, and therefore, aren’t in my voice 100%. I love my job, though ,and it has turned me into an adaptable chameleon of sorts. It’s invaluable experience.
That said, I don’t want to forget how I sound.
I want to sign my name to my work.
I need to write for pleasure, and not for revenue.
I will always crave a creative outlet, and this is it.
Also, in 2021, the year of our Lord, does anyone not have at least 2 domains on lock and 1 website named after them?
