So, is it too late to start a blog? You could be interested in starting a blog. But, at the same time, it is likely to be concerned about the rise in competition and the changing digital landscape.
In this guide, we will break down all the pros and cons you need to weigh in so that you can effectively make a decision about whether or not you should jump into the blogging field.
Key Takeaways:
- Opportunity Still Exists in Blogging: Unique and insightful content can still attract a significant audience despite increased competition.
- Earning Potential is Promising: With strategic approaches like display ads and affiliate marketing, reaching lucrative earning goals is achievable, provided content stands out and offers value.
- Resources and Tools are Easily Accessible: Starting a blog is easier than ever with user-friendly platforms and abundant learning resources.
- Human Insight is Irreplaceable: AI cannot replicate the unique perspectives and insights that human writers provide.
- Patience and Learning are Crucial: Expect growth and revenue to be gradual; learning and adapting are crucial for succeeding.
- Avoiding Burnout: Setting realistic goals, taking breaks, maintaining an active lifestyle, and connecting with other bloggers are essential strategies to stay motivated and avoid burnout.
Table of contents
Is It Too Late To Start A Blog?
It is not too late to start a blog; even though trends are changing rapidly and competition is rising, there’s always room for fresh, unique voices. However, strategic and high-quality content creation is required to achieve long-term success in blogging.
Top Reasons Why It’s Not Too Late To Start A Blog
1. There’s Always A Place For New Voices
No matter how saturated a niche may seem, there’s always room for more. Readers like unique content with thorough insights.
So, your unique take on topics, your unique voice, and your experiences can resonate well with a segment of the audience that others might not reach.
Also, trends evolve, and interests shift. The in-things of today may not hold the stage tomorrow. Here’s where you come in.
By keeping a finger on the pulse of changing trends, you can ride the wave of emerging interests, providing fresh, sought-after content and establishing yourself as a go-to source in your niche.
2. Billions Of People Still Search Online
Every day, Google processes an impressive 8.5 billion searches. This is huge!
Consider the scale for a moment. Thousands upon thousands of individuals search for answers every second. Capturing even a small slice of this audience with your blog posts can have transformative effects.
And when it comes to monetizing this traffic, the possibilities are promising.
Let’s run some basic math.
Consider display ads – a common source of monetization for blogs these days. Even with conservative estimates, the Revenue Per Mille (RPM) can average around $15. For a blog that attracts 50,000 pageviews, that’s a neat $750. And trust me, these figures are on the lower side.
There’s even more!
While display ads can be a steady revenue source, integrating additional streams can amplify your earnings exponentially. Think about affiliate marketing, for instance.
By combining consistent page views with strategic affiliate partnerships, hitting the $2K monthly mark doesn’t remain a distant dream; it’s a tangible goal.
Remember, while the blogging landscape is crowded, there’s still a huge need for quality content.
The key? Create content that stands out, answers crucial questions, and offers real value. With the right approach, not only can you draw in a dedicated audience, but also carve out a profitable niche for yourself.
3. Tools And Resource Are More Accessible Than Ever Before
So, you’re thinking it might be too late to start a blog? Don’t worry, it’s not. Why? Because nowadays, getting your blog off the ground is easier than ever thanks to all the handy tools and resources available to everyone.
You don’t need to know all the tech stuff to start a blog anymore. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace make it super simple. They offer lots of templates, and you don’t need to know coding to use them.
There are plenty of affordable or even free online courses, webinars, and eBooks. So, learning all the required blogging skills is easier than ever.
Plus, you can find lots of helpful tutorials for free online.
Social media is a huge help, too! You can use platforms like Pinterest and YouTube to drive traffic to your website. Furthermore, with tools like Canva, creating high-quality graphics is far easier now.
Speaking of blogging and content creation, you might also like to read this guide on the best keyword research tools. These tools can help you target the right keyword topics.
4. AI Can’t Replace The Feelings And Unique Human Insights
With the rise of AI tools, you may be worried about the future of blogging. But here’s the thing:
AI can’t replace the unique insights, and unique take a human can offer on any given topic.
AI needs some basic information data set to base its answers.
Of course, we can’t say what will happen in the future. But one thing is for sure. There’ll always be a need for the human brain behind every successful content piece.
Editing, reviewing, and adding a personal touch need a human brain.
Remember that some pretty factual topics that could be answered in a paragraph or so may not be relevant enough as we enter the new AI age.
However, complex topics where human insights, human reviews, or human opinions matter will always be in need.
What’s the key takeaway? Keep learning, tweak your strategies, and you’ll never face any issues down the line.
Blogging Challenges You Need To Be Aware Of
1. The Unpredictability Of The Blogging Landscape
Even if you’re doing everything right, there’s no promise your blog will always see steady traffic or revenue.
Why is that? Well, many factors come into play. Seasons change, trends shift, new competitors emerge, and readers’ interests evolve.
One day, your blog post on a trending topic may get thousands of hits.
A few months down the line? Not so much.
And with new blogs popping up every day, readers have more choices than ever before.
So, Always Have a Backup Plan!
Think of it as a safety net. If blogging is your business, then, like any smart business person, you need a backup plan. This could mean trying affiliate marketing, selling e-books, or even starting online courses in your area of expertise. If one income source slows down, another can help support you.
The best way to stand out?
Offer readers something they can’t get anywhere else. That means creating content that’s helpful, unique, and comprehensive.
When your content genuinely helps someone, they remember it. They come back. They share it with friends. That’s how you build trust and a loyal readership.
In short, always aim to help and inform your readers. If you consistently deliver value, your blog stands a better chance against the ups and downs of the blogging world.
By the way, are you interested in starting a new site? Then, this guide on the best low-competition niche site ideas will greatly help you.
2. Starting A Blog Is Easy But Earning Can Take Time
Starting a blog is indeed simple, but there’s something you should know right off the bat: earning from it can take some time.
On average, it might take about 6 to 12 months to earn a decent amount, say $500 – $1000 per month. And for some, it might stretch up to 2 years. It’s crucial to understand this, so you can manage your expectations and stay motivated.
Blogging isn’t just about writing your thoughts. It’s about creating quality content that people want to read.
Good content creation skills are vital. It’s what keeps your readers coming back. And coming up with fresh, engaging content regularly? It’s tougher than it sounds, but it’s also rewarding.
Even if your blog is packed with great content, getting people to visit it isn’t that easy if you don’t have proper knowledge and skills.
You can easily solve the learning part by enrolling in various courses and through the free content available on the web.
But the challenge comes when you have to actually apply those skills. Sometimes, things don’t go right or as expected.
Don’t expect to get 100,000 pageviews per month on your blog (which is a good traffic number, by the way) right after 1-3 months of creating the blog (unless you already have a ready following on other social media sites).
It takes time as search engines gradually assess and test your content. Also, creating content takes time on its own.
Due to all these factors, don’t expect significant growth or revenue in the first six months. But results will surely come if you stay patient and consistent with your efforts.
Learning SEO, honing your content creation skills, and being patient with your earnings are all part of the journey.
Keep learning, keep adapting, and remember, the most successful blogs face these same challenges.
Check out this guide on how to rank micro niche sites to learn all the key insights on how to rank any site.
Is Blogging Still A Good Way To Make Money?
Yes, blogging is still a good way to make money. The basic principles are still the same. Create great quality content, bring traffic, and enjoy the revenue.
Indeed, it might feel like blogging is more crowded than it used to be, but the opportunities are still plentiful. And the ways to earn money? They’re consistent and reliable.
For example, if you can bring a regular amount of affiliate sales each month, you’re looking at a steady income. And, of course, there’s revenue from display ads.
If your blog can pull in significant pageviews, displaying ads can be quite profitable.
Modes of revenue and earning potential haven’t changed much. What has actually changed in the industry is the rise of competition, the introduction of AI tools, and more high-quality content creation requirements.
So as long as you can create high-quality content, blogging is very much profitable for you. On average, many top end bloggers are still earning at least $5000 per month.
How To Avoid Burnout As A Blogger?
Here are some of the top tips to avoid burnout as a blogger:
Set Attainable Goals
Dreaming big is great, but when it comes to goal setting, it’s all about baby steps.
If you set your sights on publishing 30 posts a month right out of the gate, you’re setting yourself up for a whole lot of stress.
Start small. Promise yourself 5-10 posts per month. This way, you create a manageable workload and set yourself up for little victories.
Enjoy The Breaks
Don’t forget to hit pause in the hustle and bustle of crafting perfect posts and hitting publish. Regular breaks are your best friend.
Step away from the keyboard, stretch those legs, and let your mind wander.
What a bit of fresh air can do for your creativity and mood is amazing.
Whether it’s a quick stroll around the block or a day off to recharge, giving yourself some downtime is essential. It helps you return to your blog with renewed energy and a clear head.
Follow Active Lifestyle
Let’s not forget about the physical side of things. Regular exercise is a game-changer. Jog in a park? A swimming session? A gym session? Do whatever you enjoy and follow an active lifestyle.
Moving your body boosts your mood, sharpens your focus, and shakes off stress. And hey, blogging isn’t just about the online world. Life extends beyond the screen, and keeping active is a great reminder of the vibrant, real-world out there.
Connect With Like-Minded Bloggers
Working alone on your blog can feel boring and demotivating at times. So why not connect with people doing the same thing as you daily?
Jump into forums and social media sites to find a community of like-minded bloggers and content creators.
Sharing experiences, swapping stories, and seeking advice or new strategies can all give you a fresh enthusiasm and perspective in your blogging journey.
Final Thoughts
So, is blogging still relevant? Absolutely. The numbers speak for themselves.
Sure, competition is a lot more than it was before. Challenges and risks are even more than before. BUT, with unique, value-adding content that actually SOLVES the problems of your readers, your blog will keep growing!
And with all the new tools and resources coming up, it’s never too late. Just keeping the challenges in mind and moving forward accordingly is the key to success in blogging!