Blogging as a side hustle

Let me start by being completely transparent: this blog is not just a side project for me; it's a labor of love. Among my collection of blogs, The MM Hobby holds a special place as my passion project. While I've always enjoyed writing, traditional journaling, and creative writing never quite resonated with me. That's why I turned to blogging—it's the perfect outlet for my thoughts and ideas. And now, I'm eager to guide you through starting your own blog as a hobby, if you're interested in trying it!

Blogging offers a canvas of limitless possibilities. It's a platform where you're free to express yourself in any way you choose. Not only can you craft posts on topics that resonate with you, but you also have the opportunity to engage with a vibrant online community that shares your passions. Whether you're connecting with fellow enthusiasts on social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, or fostering discussions right within the comment section of your blog, the avenues for interaction are boundless. Moreover, the visual appeal of your blog is entirely customizable—you can explore a plethora of aesthetically pleasing designs to enhance its allure.

When you embrace blogging as a hobby, you're stepping into a realm of boundless creativity. Whether you're sharing your expertise or simply delving into subjects that ignite your curiosity, the choice is entirely yours. From fashion and gardening to crafting, motherhood, coffee culture (yes, it's a thing!), and even meteorological musings, there are no confines to what you can explore and share with your audience. In the world of blogging, the only limit is your imagination.

What is blogging?

Blogging is the practice of creating and publishing content on a website, known as a blog, which features multiple articles covering various topics, usually within a specific niche. Essentially, a blog serves as a platform for individuals to share their thoughts, insights, and expertise with an online audience.

Traditionally, blogs are straightforward websites, although their designs are becoming increasingly sophisticated over time. They typically consist of articles, also called blog posts, organized in chronological order. Additionally, a blog may include supplementary pages, such as a contact form or an about page. Posts can often be filtered or sorted by different categories and tags, making it easier for readers to navigate through the content.

There are two primary ways to start a blog: through a blogging platform like Blogger or Medium, or by creating your own website with a unique domain name. Both options offer their own set of advantages and considerations, allowing bloggers to choose the approach that best aligns with their goals and preferences.

Beginning Your Blogging Journey as a Hobby

While it's perfectly fine to utilize free platforms, diving into blogging as a hobby is much more rewarding when you take the DIY route! Crafting your own personal website not only adds a fun touch but also equips you with invaluable experience for future creative endeavors. That's why I'm excited to share how you can start your blog as a hobby, just as I did!

Let's break down the process:

Step 1: Choose a Name!

Your instinct might lead you to use your own name, but don't hesitate to get creative! None of my websites bear my name; instead, they all reflect different aspects of motherhood. For instance, my business blog is "The Comma Mama Co.," inspired by my husband's clever suggestion. Your blog's name should resonate with you, regardless of whether it makes logical sense—it's your space to express yourself! Just be sure to check domain availability through Google Domains.

Step 2: Select a Theme

Traditionally, this step comes later in the process, but I like to switch things up! Your website's theme reflects its aesthetic, akin to creating a character in a Sims game. My personal favorites are the vibrant themes offered by the Little Theme Shop on Etsy, such as Honeyglow, which I used for this blog.

Step 3: Build Your Website!

This is where the magic happens! You'll need a WordPress account and a hosting service like Bluehost to bring your blog to life. While the technical aspects may seem daunting at first, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials available to guide you through setting up a self-hosted WordPress blog.

Step 4: Start Blogging

With your website up and running, it's time to unleash your creativity! If you're unsure about what to write, consider topics you're passionate about or knowledgeable in. For example, I'm an expert in blogging, but I don't keep a list of seamless files handy—I compile them by searching around!

And there you have it—your journey into the world of blogging begins! Enjoy the process, and remember that your blog is your canvas for self-expression.

Furthermore, you're not restricted to blogging about a single topic—you can explore multiple interests! Simply categorize your posts on your site to maintain organization. While it may seem overly particular, paying attention to grammar is crucial, as a poorly written blog can be challenging to read. However, feel free to inject some personality by incorporating slang and expressions as needed. After all, it's your blog—make it uniquely yours!

Congratulations! You're officially a blogger now!

Voila! It's official—you've taken the plunge and started your own blog as a hobby. Now, the key is to stay consistent. Just like any other hobby, blogging thrives when you keep at it. Think of it as akin to journaling; while occasional breaks are okay, you won't reap the full benefits if you abandon it altogether.

Benefits

Blogging as a hobby is like having a fun and creative side project that brings lots of benefits:

1. Express Yourself: It's a way to share your thoughts and experiences in your own unique style.

2. Relaxation: Writing can be a stress reliever, giving you a break from everyday worries.

3. Learning: You can discover new things as you research topics for your blog and interact with readers.

4. Making Friends: Blogging lets you connect with people who share your interests, building a little community around your blog.

5. Feeling Proud: Watching your blog grow and getting positive feedback can make you feel good about your accomplishments.

6. Discovering Yourself: Through blogging, you might learn more about what you enjoy and what matters most to you.

7. Time Management: Balancing your blogging with other activities teaches you how to manage your time wisely.

8. Happiness: Doing something you love, like blogging, can make you happier overall.

Disadvantages

Sure, here are the disadvantages of blogging as a hobby, explained in simpler terms:

1. Takes up a lot of time: Blogging needs a chunk of your time for writing, editing, and promoting posts.

2. Can cost money: Even though you can start for free, you might end up spending on things like a website domain or ads to get noticed.

3. Lots of competition: There are tons of blogs out there, so standing out can be tough.

4. You might run out of ideas or get tired: It's common to hit a wall creatively or feel exhausted from trying to keep up with regular posts.

5. Dealing with negative comments can be hard: People might not always be nice, and handling criticism isn't always easy.

6. Pressure to make money: Some bloggers feel pressured to turn their hobby into a source of income, which can take away from the fun.

7. Privacy concerns: Sharing personal stuff online can be tricky and might make you uncomfortable.

My advice? Keep it simple and relevant to your life—you'll find greater enjoyment in the process.

Are you tempted to explore blogging as a hobby? Or perhaps you're already a seasoned blogger? Feel welcome to express your thoughts in the comments section!

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