Is Blogging Dead? My Thoughts on Blogging Today
Not to sound like a bitter old lady, but...
Any
blogger out there that has been active online for years will tell
you: blogging is just not the same as it used to be. Which is totally
normal after all, because with time everything changes - trends,
people, interests and media. However as someone who creates content
and shares it online, the effects of those normal, unavoidable
changes can be a
tad frustrating. For some time now, like many of you I am sure, I can clearly tell that blogging isn't as popular anymore. I can see it even at my (very) small level, in my views and engagement. Personally, I still enjoy blogging, though I have considerably less time to put into it now that I am not a student anymore. Lack of time aside, I can't help but be affected by this change in the world of blogging, and here are my thoughts and ideas about blogging today and how we can make the most of this hobby still.
WHY ARE BLOGS NOT PERFORMING AS WELL TODAY?
There are many reasons why blogging isn't as popular as it once was, but there are two main reasons I will highlight here. All of this is of course my own opinion, not proven fact, so feel free to disagree or add to the conversation in the comments!
The first (and I think main) reason for me is the rise of instant social media blogging. By that I mean outlets such as Instragram and Snapchat, which have both been rising through and through over the years and are now on everyone's phones. It's easy to see why users would consume more Instagram content than blogs: it pops up on your phone, it's mostly photos so you can go through more content is less time. I for one am totally falling in that category: I love Instagram because you can have beautiful and creative pictures, meaningful captions that basically are shortened blog posts, and - another things that blogs can't do as well - you can interact with bloggers so easily, via DMs and comments in one tap of the finger - much easier than sending an email or filling in name/email/site boxes to send a comment.
The first (and I think main) reason for me is the rise of instant social media blogging. By that I mean outlets such as Instragram and Snapchat, which have both been rising through and through over the years and are now on everyone's phones. It's easy to see why users would consume more Instagram content than blogs: it pops up on your phone, it's mostly photos so you can go through more content is less time. I for one am totally falling in that category: I love Instagram because you can have beautiful and creative pictures, meaningful captions that basically are shortened blog posts, and - another things that blogs can't do as well - you can interact with bloggers so easily, via DMs and comments in one tap of the finger - much easier than sending an email or filling in name/email/site boxes to send a comment.
In this day and age, we're always running around to get stuff done, be productive and successful, and for a lot of people that means less time sat in bed with a laptop to check out on bloggers and online content, and more time to do so on their phones, during their commute or on their lunch break. Online content creation is forever evolving, and though there are still people like you and me who still enjoy reading blogs and taking the time to leave comments to support other bloggers, it's easy to see why social media is overtaking the creative space.
The other main reason I see as to why blogging isn't so attainable anymore is profit. Let me explain: blogging started out mainstream online content creation, way before Instagram gave us the words 'influencer' and 'content creator.' Bloggers created their blog posts from A to Z: ideas, text, photos, and so on. Today, content creators on social media do the exact same thing. And the growth of blogging and content creation has brought in monetization, profit, collaborations and marketing, which is great because it almost legitimiszes the craft. The thing when money is involved though, is that content creation largely becomes a race: who will get the most followers, who will take the most incredible pictures, who will collaborate with the most prestigious brands, and so on. Thus social media platforms have become more profitable than old-school blogging, because as I mentioned it's easier to reach out to people and to have a wider audience. I do not thing this is necessarily a bad thing, however I do think this is one of the reasons why blogging isn't what it used to be anymore - for small bloggers who write as a hobby, but also for bigger names who used to blog a lot but have now turned to more profitable platforms, i.e. Instagram, mainly. I would love to hear any thoughts on this as I truly find the topic fascinating!
DO I STILL LOVE BLOGGING?
Yes,
even with all these changes going on, I still love blogging no matter
what. After all, I've had this blog for years and years and this is
not gonna change any time soon. What I like about blogging and that I
can't find in social media, is the ability to use words more
thoroughly than in the caption of a photo. I also love taking the
time to read blog posts, instead of scrolling through a social media
feed waiting for a photo to grab my attention. I am sure whoever is
reading this and is also a blogger feels the same - if it's for you,
you just know it and you carry on through and through because it
makes you happy!
WHAT CAN I DO TO REVIVE THE BLOGGING WORLD?
We
may not be able to reverse the social media revolution, but there are
many ways in which you can keep the flame of blogging alive, whether
you are a blogger yourself or just a reader.
Supporting
the bloggers you read. This is what you can do best of
course! Commenting, interacting, and showing that you enjoy their
content. I love going through my Bloglovin' feed and reading what's
new, and I really like posts recapping a blogger's favourite recent
reads, because they help me discover new blogs and new people.
Writing
the blog posts you love. As a blogger, people can tell when
you're writing because you love it, or just as a mechanical action to
keep up with your schedule. I personally choose to post less often
than I used to, but I love all the posts I write and I hope they are
all helpful to those who read them.
Think
positive and spread the blog-happiness! If you're still an
enthusiastic blogger, sharing your interests with your friends and
family can only shed a positive light on blogging. Your excitement
and dedication will show others how great blogging is, and it is
thanks to this dedication that blogging will keep being an amazing
way to create content online and connect with others.
What are your thoughts on blogging today? Do you think blogging will survive the popularity of social media?
Lots of love,
Julia x
Lots of love,
Julia x
38 commentaires
Becoming a blogger is all about learning how to blog. Blogging isn't difficult as some people may tend to think.
ReplyDeleteLeland West Insurance
Are you a blogger yourself? :)
DeleteI agree with you that the rise of social media outlets like Instagram affected blogging, but I think this is not beneficial in the long term. While it can be easier to upload a picture, it doesn't offer the evergreen content one can find on a blog. I'm not keen on Instagram, their algorithm changes and I end up seeing 10 posts by someone and miss another person I'm following.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to blog on my three blogs because I do it for me in the first place, to remember where I've been, to remember my recipes, and what I've read. I just hope more people will go back to blogging as it was really lovely.
I agree with you about the difference in content, you find different things on Instagram and on blogs. I love that we all blog because we love it and use it as a way to express ourselves - this is the best reason to do it, and probably why there will always be some people who blog! xx
DeleteBlogging is so different to social media influencing that I find it will survive, but in a different way. I mean, where do you look for an in depth review or a long explanation? Surely not on Instagram where content stays on for maybe days. I have blog post that are more than three years old and still get traffic, simply because people still need the information provided - that doesn´t happen on Insta, no matter how meaningful the caption.
ReplyDeleteBut the engagement, the comments, the regular readers - that has gone down quite a lot.
In the end I will keep blogging simply because I enjoy it.
Anne from “Doctor Anne” (former Linda, Libra, Loca)
There's definitely a different type of content found on blogs vs. on Instagram, but I feel like nowadays (I may be wrong) short, snap content is what people are looking for most. It doesn't mean that there won't be any more interest in blogging at all, but I feel like blogging is slowing down just as social media is speeding up these days. Let's keep blogging because we enjoy it! I surely enjoy reading your blog! xx
DeleteI feel like blogging is one of the things that came out of this digital era that will last, people have been blogging in different ways since the internet happened I still remember those long tumblr posts that would just be people pouring their hearts out. I love blogging, that love isn't constant, there are struggles, but I always do it because it makes me feel good and there isn't that external pressure for me that there is with social media that I have to post which is a lot healthier I think. Great thought provoking post xx
ReplyDeleteALittleKiran | Bloglovin
It is true that blogging takes multiple forms. You do it for the right reasons, and as long as blogging remains a positive outlet to express ourselves, I am sure we will always get back to it. Thank you for reading! xx
DeleteThis is such an interesting post to read through Julia; I love reading/hearing people's thoughts on this topic! Personally, I feel as though it's more obvious now than ever before as to whether someone is truly passionate about blogging or not. Interestingly, a lot of people have recently deleted their blogs due to more interest than ever turning towards social media instead! Personally, I feel as though my blog leads to more opportunities (it got me my current job in writing) and is something entirely of our own to keep and transform over time :)
ReplyDeleteaglassofice.com x
Thank you Gabrielle! I haven't noticed anyone I follow deleting their blog, that's crazy because it's such a drastic move to make, isn't it? Blogging definitely brings you many skills you can add to your CV and use in so many jobs - you are the proof of it! xx
Deletetotally agree with your post, blogging have quite been slow for me too mainly because of Instagram. But there is this richer content on blogging versus any social media in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteCapturing Life Memoirs | Aimee Bustillo
Both things you said are true Aimee! Instagram has played a big part in the change... But with all the unsatisfactory moves the company has made recently, I wonder how long this is gonna last! Thank you for reading :) xx
DeleteI really agree with lots of your points here, Julia! I've only been blogging for three years but I've been reading blogs for ages and the decline is such a sad thing to watch. You can see lots of people moving to Instagram or YouTube etc but it's nice to see that people are still reading blogs. I have a feeling that the trend will come around again one day. I love to see people writing for the love of writing, it's so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post, it got me thinking lots which is always nice!
Have a lovely day xx
Love of writing is definitely something you won't fulfill only through social media, this is why blogs are still awesome, for those who keep the flame alive! xx
DeleteThis was such a thought provoking post and I agree with everything you've said! I feel as though Instagram has definitely taken over at the moment, and it's a bit more difficult to reach out to audiences, I've noticed recently. I still love blogging too and think it can offer so much more than Instagram can. I really enjoyed reading this post, I'm glad you still love blogging too!
ReplyDeleteMy Lovelier Days
Thank you Diana! Yes it's definitely about reaching out to audiences and readers that has become more of a challenge, even when you still love blogging as much as you did on day one. Let's hope it makes a big comeback! xx
DeleteYou literally hit the nail on the head with this post! I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking these things! I'm pretty grateful that blogging is a hobby for me and I want to continue to write about what I love!
ReplyDeletefranalibi.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you Fran! Blogging as a hobby is always great, I just feel for those who rely on blogging as their main source of income. It must be harder these days, unless they're also on top of things on social media. xx
DeleteSaw your post linked in a comment on someone elses blog and it caught my attention! It's sad how the blogging community has changed :( I definitely think there is a link between instant social media or even videos - it's so easy to just sit and watch something. In general, our attention spans are the lowest they have ever been. However, there are certain things that I will search for and specifically find a blog for a review or travel recommendation.
ReplyDeleteHayley || hayleyxmartin
Thank you for clicking the link and reading my post Hayley! You're right about videos, that too is easier to consume that blog posts. It's also true that blogs can never be replaced for some types of information! xx
DeleteI have been having the same impression that blogging is dead but I simply couldn't accept it so I started digging. I mean I started to study blogging - I have been reading so many blog posts about how to start a blog, how to a, how to be - overall I changed my idea.
ReplyDeleteYes, mainly Instagram is big right now but there is not security there. One day or another they might decide to delete it whereas blogs are our own. Plus we are free to do whatever we want. There is too much limitation on other social media while we can write long form content and add images, video, songs, anything here.
I don't know I just prefer the world of blogging and the community around it, I feel like there is more honesty and we can better relate one with another. It's like reading someone's diary(: It feels more like having internet friends, so I really hope blogs will stay strong(:
I have been reading yours for so long you know and it feels reassuring to have your thoughts here(:
Have a lovely weekend Julia!!
Cate ღ 35mm in Style
Such an interesting point of view here, Cate! Thank you for sharing. There are so many issues with Instagram that you're definitely right about the safety of your accound and your information. The community is also more close-knit on blogs, you often know your readers and create a sort of little family - and I think it's so awesome! Much better than Instagram bots and fake comments, which literally pollute the platform unfortunately.
DeleteI have been reading your blog for so long too and when you're a long time reader, it's like growing with the blogger as if you were a friend. Isn't it cool? :D xx
I agree 100% Blogging could be much more if we were reliable and authentic enough. I think readers were originally atracted because we were real people posting, now we are just complying with color schemes, schedules and patterns.
ReplyDeleteLindifique
Well I like to think that I am reliable and authentic still - and yet I feel the effects of the drop in blogging popularity in general :) xx
DeleteAw loved this post Julia! That is so true, it is much quicker to simply go on instagram and scroll through images and digest them quickly, but for me on instagram, I so very rarely see the content of those I follow, in my home feed - and I forgot their username so I can't find them, even if I follow them! - it makes it so frustrating to support the accounts I love >< it makes me feel so frustrated I don't go on instagram as much, plus when I go on there it feels like everyone is shouting loudly to get me to look at their photo, it feels like a performance rather than posting photos people love, I don't get much feeling from them. That's why I love blogs, there is something so comforting about curling up and reading a blog, it's really soothing for me and there is so much more depth for me to devour and enjoy :D I always love your posts Julia, they are such cosy reads! xx
ReplyDeleteelizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
I know, it's so annoying not to be able to navigate Instagram properly. Definitely a different vibe than blogging, I agree! xx
DeleteInteresting post! I noticed that too, with Instagram and how fast that is to interact with people, many bloggers (now influencers) are seldom posting on their blogs. But yes, I still like reading and writing there!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, my brand new post is up on the blog, I would appreciate you visit! :)
xoxo,
Jessica
What To Style | Instagram
I noticed that too! I will check your blog out Jessica :) xx
DeleteGoing back 3 years ago there was definitely more of a community - now it feels like people just aren't supportive of one another... I haven't seen a huge drop in actual page views but engagement is so down and I'm not really sure how to deal with that - I'm definitely a writer as opposed to a TV presenter so YouTube doesn't really suit me. Thanks for writing this post - definitely gave me food for thought :)
ReplyDeleteJasmine xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
Even if the only audience you have is your close friends and relatives, you'll have fun and be able to say whatever's on your mind.
ReplyDeleteThe Mens' Store
That is very true, the most important is to have fun and enjoy it! xx
DeleteI agree with all you wrote but I mostly feel that blogging as having your own little space online is a one constant platform noone could take away from you. I haven't used snapchat for ages, instagram seems to be reaching very people lately, social trends come and go, but whatever happen, having your own site will forever create space where you can share whatever you want in your very own way and where your true fans and followers will always be able to find you. I also feel like content shared on blogs is more permanent thing as the one on places like instagram is seen once and then lost by the time we check it next, while on blog it will easily be reached on demand. I'll certainly stick to blogging for a little while longer, mostly because I'm really enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteLackaDaisy
All these reasons are probably why we are sticking to blogging, all of us who see the changes but still enjoy our little space of the internet! xx
DeleteInstagram is definitely dominating but blogging is still doing well too I think! xx
ReplyDeleteBeauty & Colour | Daily Harvest Review + Discount
It varies a lot I think, but blogging is still a thing, yes! xx
DeleteI came here from Anne's post & enjoyed this read. I'm definitely more of a fan of reading blogs than scrolling through Instagram - if Insta disappeared tomorrow, I wouldn't miss it but I would definitely miss blogs. I'll continue to write for as long as I enjoy t! x
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin | Antipodes Skincare Giveaway
Thank you for reading! I can relate to missing blogging and not Instagram - I am guessing it must be part of the whole instant, fleeting content that we see a glimpse of and never really think about again! xx
DeleteI totally agree with you and as you I will continue blogging as I still love it!
ReplyDeletexx Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com