Us marketers, we spend a lot of time promoting other people, places and things. It’s time to say “What about me?” We write, edit and anguish over copy, commas, tone, messaging etc. and sometimes we wonder what it’s all for. How would it feel if you used all that expertise, passion and pure mojo to benefit yourself?
4 Reasons why you should start blogging immediately:
1. You need an outlet. Marketing is traditionally understaffed, underfunded and frequently misunderstood. It’s a wonder we’re not all in the insane asylum. What if you made some time to write about what you’re really passionate about? Maybe it’s helicopters or saving the whales, or maybe it’s marketing (ahem)—but whatever it is, wouldn’t it feel good to for once write about something you really care about? It’s easier than finessing that same old rhetoric you’ve grown tired of and it’s super satisfying.
2. You need to market yourself. Some of us are humble and want to hide behind our company and product, and put all our energies there. Cut it out! Your future career moves depend on being able to sell yourself. Creating a reputation doesn’t happen overnight. The sooner you start blogging, the sooner you build a footprint online that shows your expertise in a way that no resume or LinkedIn profile ever will. Time is wasting, get going right now.
3. You’re already good at this. We marketers go into this field because we are good writers, or we are good at making something look visually appealing, or we’re great at strategy (or all of the above). A blog is right in this wheelhouse. You’re light years ahead of other newbie bloggers in pure experience. What are you waiting for?
4. Google is waiting for you. What do I do when I evaluate a marketing candidate for an open position? I Google their name. What happens when you Google your name? If you’re not on page 1, your stock just went down. Google looks for relevance and influence. Your blog brings your expertise to Page 1. Be Page 1 worthy—I know you can do it!
You might be thinking (or whining), but I don’t have time! And my only answer to that is that no one has time. If you don’t have time to push your career to the next level and achieve the goals you have set for yourself, what exactly are you spending your time doing? Yes, blogging is hard. But it’s a hard thing that is worth the end results and is fun and rewarding along the way.
Be sure to read my post 4 Dumb Reasons to Start a Blog to make sure you’re getting off to the right start. If you need some marketing blog inspiration, this post from the unbounce blog has a nice list of 75 Must-Read Online Marketing Blogs. And, of course, ask me questions in the comments area below. I’d love to help you get started.