As I was writing my blog last week – 3 Reasons Why You Need to Blog, I thought about how many people don’t blog. I was thinking about some of my networking groups I go to and how small of a population actually blog. I didn’t quite understand for someone wouldn’t and started to think about the reasons folks say WHY they don’t blog and decided to do a Myth/Reality type blog.
So, let’s take a look at all of the excuses reasons that people use for why they can’t blog:
Don’t have time
Well, of course we only have 24 hours in a day, and have to utilize our time wisely, this is the key here. We also have to consider that many successful business owners do find the time, also the key. So why is it that you don’t have time? Are you working an 8-5 and running this business as your side business? This includes moms who are stay at home moms taking care of the kids. Are you a new business owner and just trying to do everything?
BUSTED: Let’s start off with something I always consider… people make time for the things they want or need to do. The same goes for money – ever heard a friend say how broke they are but hours later you see them on social media out with a cup of coffee at a local coffee house?
Agreed, our time is limited and you need to determine what makes you money and find the time to do that. If you don’t have the time, you can always outsource the blogging. Blogging has huge potential for your website in that it puts content on your website, gives the search engines more pages to crawl and more opportunities to show up in search (search engine optimization ninja stuff right here) and are usually GREAT pieces to use for opt-in pieces for your email marketing = GOLD!
People make time for what is important. Isn't your biz important enough to blog about? Click To TweetDon’t know what to say/write about
Sure, you’d think that with all the content out there, how can you come up with new content? Or, new to business and not sure what to write about? This should be a great opportunity for you being a startup, there is so much for you to write about that YOU haven’t written yet.
BUSTED: Seriously, that was even an excuse? As a new business owner, there are many facets of your business you can write about. Start with a product or service you offer and break it apart into pieces and write on each piece.
Original content? There is only so much original content out there and everyone is basically regurgitating it. The catch is to put it in your words and explain it to your followers in a way that they could understand it. Have you ever searched something and had to read various articles in order to get it to make sense? Some people just have a way with words, and some… don’t.
Ideas – this is easy, take it to Google. Do a search on Google for one of your keywords or products/services and see what others are writing about. I’m not saying to copy theirs, but know what someone else is writing about can give you an idea to go with. Utilize Google’s search tools to search for news, more current searches and even blogs written for that topic. You can always check out Twitter search and see what’s trending over there, check out your competitor to see what they are blogging about, LinkedIn Pulse and so much more. This.. should not even be a reason!
Make your content evergreen, write it today, share it for years. Click To TweetMy writing style/grammar is poor
I have friends that don’t have the best grammar or English and they are native English speakers. I am 
like the grammar nazi, but working in a high school, as a secretary… for lawyers even, for many years, it’s hard not to be. But I get it, English is just not your thing.
BUSTED: Suck it up buttercup, we all can’t be excellent at everything, however, luckily for you, there are people out there that do this sort of thing, outsource it! Heck, even have your older kids, spouse or family check it out. Plus, this might help explain if you are getting your point across to your readers. Lastly, you could always take an adult English class to help you improve your skills.
Don’t have a website
Oh no you didn’t! Why don’t you have a website would be my first question! You don’t have the money? Then why are you running a business? You want to appear professional; you just need to have this done. There are cheaper options that you can do to get you started and improve it as you grow. You are an MLM’er and running with the template site that everyone else has? I got you covered too!
BUSTED: You need a site, period. This is where you are ultimately trying to drive your social media traffic, it is on your business card, this IS your business card where people go to find out more about you and this is where you are starting your email marketing campaign opt-in form.
If you have a templated site with an MLM, you need to get your own blog page with the intention to grow to your own website and this will be a great start for you, having that content already there. I agree that MLM’s are a great way for people to start a business with low start up, great… start up, but have a goal to grow and with that, you need a website, your OWN website. If you don’t plan to run your business for more than 5 years, then I agree, you may not need a website; but you aren’t planning on putting the effort into the business, most likely, if you are only doing it for a short term.
Consider the pros/cons on blogging and notice how the scale leans to blogging Click To TweetStill weighing in?
So still weighing the options on why you should blog and coming up with the excuses on why you can’t? Take that can’t and turn it into a can, because you CAN make time, you CAN come up with ideas, you CAN make it work with the English somehow and you CAN have a means in which to blog on for your business, only if you want to put out the effort. It WILL be worth it!
If you have any questions or need help with blogging for yourself or need someone to do it for you, let me know. I am also able to consult with you for your website needs, just contact me with any questions.
~Kristen
Kristen, this is a valuable article. I will definitely refer people to it when they insist that they just “can’t” have a blog. I love the way you list their most likely excuses and then say why they aren’t valid reasons and give ideas of how to cope with their reservations. Going to Google for ideas is an easy way to come up with topics to discuss.
Thanks so much Beth, I appreciate that. Everyone has excuses.. what’s important then?
Funny you should mention — yesterday, as I was jammed between my regular workload as well as pumping out 2 proposals for prospects, I kept thinking “What the hell am I going to blog about this week?” And then it occurred to me: I just wrote a book and oh, the challenges I faced. Bingo! My blog, banged out at oh-dark-thirty this morning, offered tips for new self-publishing authors. Which speaks to your point about write about your business. If nothing else, give people an inside look as to what it’s like to be in your business and offer suggestions. Or may be “what not to do.” Great stuff, Kristen. Another super post.
That is an excellent blog topic Jackie… as you know, others may be struggling like you! Thank you
I am so busted here, Kristen! I’ve used half these excuses. LOL. But I found when I actually committed to my blog (which meant committing to my business and myself), the excuses went away as well.
Great post!
BUSTED Susan…and soooo glad you conquered it!
This was fun Kristen! I love how you wrote this post. When I am stumped on how to start a blog topic I always search the keywords to help find something similar so I can get some inspiration. I am working with a client that consistently puts herself down about her procrastination on blogging. I just don’t have any compassion for the excuses. Sorry to say. So I just help her refocus and get inspired and it seems to help. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sabrina, I try to keep it light, it makes it more enjoyable to read. Glad you have found ways to find new stuff. Nice of you to help refocus your client.
Now I have no more excuses!! Seriously. I agree and such a great motivator. Thanks a bunch!
No ma’am Teresa… none! Thanks!
Yes, yes I agree, we need to blog… although, as you are well aware, I was only just complaining about not having time for this!!! We so many thing vying for our attention, it does get difficult to know what to let go of. But you are right, our blog is our voice and our clients, our prospective clients need to hear us.
Yes yes yes Lisa! So glad you agree and are MAKING time to do it. You are right, as entrepreneurs, we have so many things pulling us, the catch is to know what works in the short and long run and make it work! Glad you agree. 😉
We recently posted about our website traffic report for 2015 and made a point about the Blog page being the 2nd one receiving most traffic after the home page.
Obviously people are checking and are interested in what you write about before they decide to hire you. Really important to have a blog and really important to call the option Blog and not another creative name.
You are so right Delia… with that many posts ‘hiding’ under that one page.. it is so important. Agreed on BLOG
I think fear of blogging is the biggest reason. It does seem intimidating until you start. Now, it is intimidating to think of switching to Wp.org but I am going to do it very soon. Planning and learning. Thanks.
But the fear isn’t the reason, there is an underlying reason Karen that is holding you back.. fear of what? Can’t wait to see you blossom!
Busted. Great catchy & true. No excuses or complaints. I have a load of them you didn’t list but I’m committed to a weekly blog & did succeed most of last year. Why should this year be any different?
I’m so glad you are committed Roz as I love seeing what you come up with each week! 😉
Okay, you hit some of my favorite excuses, I mean reasons, for not posting. Thanks to blog groups, I’m back on track – but we are all totally BUSTED by this post. Thanks for pointing out the importance of blogging – and how easy it really is to put information out to our clients, potential clients. Love the post!
YAY Deb.. you conquered the BUST! Thank you and glad you are on blog, I mean board! 😉
My first thought Kristen, was, if someone doesn’t even have a website….forget blogging and get a website! That would seem to be a first priority for anyone who wants to have a presence for themselves and their business online. As far as blogging, I honestly feel that the market is inundated with information and sometimes I would love it if fewer people were regurgitating content that zillions of other people have already shared. The key, as you mention, is to find your voice and to share from that personal perspective. Great points for the “excuse” people, and like you also say, there are always people who can help you create content that speaks to your tribe.
Agreed Bev, but they can have a blog w/o having a website, per say.. I know what you mean tho.. but my point.. get on it!
I blog because I love to write. If you want to blog, then I say blog. Stop with the excuses and just get writing!
That’s awesome Heather, glad you enjoy it. Agree, no excuses!
Agree on all of your points, when starting to blog so much changed, and I do not even blog that much about my real job, that is a translator. However, everywhere I go or often clients contacting me for work know I am passionate about wine saying they have read my posts. So in the end it also helps my translation business. 😉
That is awesome Katarina, looks like a nice blend of your blog and biz!
Very insightful post. I make it a goal to blog at least three times a week. No excuses, just want to stick to a schedule!
Holy moly Liz.. that is a lot… how many words and how many hours do you spend on blogging each week?
As hard as it is some days to think of writing another blog, I still do. I now find myself sitting on a goldmine of material I can turn into reports and e-books. Now, I need to motivate myself to get my act together and turn them into reports and e-books. If I have no blog excuses then I can’t have any other writing excuses. Thanks for putting everything into perspective.
I know Joyce, you would have thought we would have run out of ideas, but it all works out!
I’ve been blogging for years and still make these excuses sometimes. Then I give myself a shake and man up about it. Blogging is an excellent way to connect with your audience. You’re spot on about MLMers Kristen. Joining a multi-level marketing company can be a great way to start your business because there’s so much done for you. But you still have to find a way to stand out from the rest of the pack. Your blog can be the thing to help you do that.
I hear you Clive, I have my days too and sometimes I have been known to miss one week here and there.. but just as long as we keep plugging along, right?
Writer’s block is a real thing, but I have a way to overcome it. There are opposite times when the ideas just flow out and I keep a list for those days when I’m stumbling to come up with something.
Yep Scott, I just write down topic ideas as I think of them or as I see a need from listening to my followers and target market.
Agree, agree, agree! I used to work for a company where some people understood the need for a blog but the most important person didn’t… the owner. There was not convincing him.
Sad how the top doesn’t see the value in getting new business, right Stacey!?
What are you talking about, we all have the same amount of time in one day? lol. Trust me, I’ve been writing. I just haven’t been writing to an audience that would appreciate my wit and snarky humor. However, I hereby promise to take time off of my academic writing to keep my blog full of witty and snarky posts! Thank you for the debunking inspiration, Cupcake! 🙂
I surely appreciate your wit, for sure Liz. Love your writing!
This should hit some folks smack in the face. I was this way just a year ago. Didn’t know what to write about, didn’t have time, etc. But I’ve been blogging for a year now and I actually enjoy it. You just have to start. And regarding poor grammar/spelling, you can download Grammarly’s free version and problem solved. It even just told me that I misspelled Grammarly.
I was hoping Carol! Thanks! Grammarly, that is great!
I do not blog a lot because of the same reason feel like I can’t do it as good as I should. I have been trying and thanks to your article I know I don’t have to be perfect.
You should blog Cynthia, you have expertise in what you do, so share it… and the reviews are great too. I have done a few on that sort of thing as well.
These are some really good points, especially the tip of putting your own spin on news and original content others are coming up with. Skimming the trending topics section of social networks works wonders to generating ideas, too.
yes Holly, your followers may understand your voice better and maybe you can explain it in terms they understand. Thank you!
Great points! I can not understand why all businesses do not have a web presence. Personally, the first thing I do when checking out a business is a web search. Here’s the thing, even if the business does NOT have a website, it’s online. Leaving your brand’s reputation in someone else’s hands, like a review on Yelp, is like playing Russian Roulette. Just don’t do it.
Oh yes Migdalia, I don’t get it either.. why don’t you have a website again.. ugh, frustrating!
I have definitely used the first couple a lot. Thanks for the motivation! I know I could do much better than I am now, I just have to set me mind to it!
We ALL can do better Ashley! Glad you are making a point to set your mind to it.