I believe blogging is something that has not been well maximized by small businesses in Uganda. I believe if every Ugandan turns into this a lot will change in our business environment.
There many reasons in my I have learned over the few years I have done blogging for my business and found out the benefits and the challenges which I would love to share.
Benefits of blogging for your small business.
From my experience blogging has opened doors I never expected. Clients I would never reach if I looked for physically.
1. Learning
The fastest way I have kept on track with the latest trends and ideas is to keep writing about them. And surely with a blog, this has become more and more beneficial activity because I discover new materials, new methods, and techniques when I write about them.
2. Building Online Brand
From the start having a website is a big step to improving your business brand. I would add and say a blog is what increases the reach and constant use of your website by your clients.
Leading your niche online, make your brand reached the billions of internet stoners in the world.
3. Meeting new people
This is one of the most interesting parts of why I still do blogging. My blog has exposed me to a large number of people and surely many of which would love to meet me.
If your business is a people thing, which I feel all businesses are. I believe investment in a blog can never disappoint you as a business owner.
4. Documentation
A blog is one of the most unique ways one can document their company activities. Personal with my blog I have been able to document most of my project successes and failures. with such information, I have been able to my past and learn from it as I progress. This also helps even my new employees to engage with the past and respect why we made new decisions in the present and the future.
5. Make money
With my experience blogging in Uganda, I will tell you the open truth I have not made money from promoters or advertisers. I don’t mean it is impossible however it calls for lots of hard work, and time.
Where I believe the way a blog can make money easy is by funneling clients to your business. Like towards a given product, or service.
6. Land in a new Job
Good bloggers are very good researchers and surely are knowledgeable. They can play as very good consultants in their given niches, because of the constant research. And good employers would love to relate with them, this can be side haste as your small business.
7. Work from Home
A blog you may just need your laptop with internet to start and that’s it. You can work from home and save transport costs and rent costs of an office. It still brings lead to your clients.
Challenges I learn you should expect
These challenges may not be avoidable. You just have to use hard work to step over them.
1. Hard:Hard work
Blogging breaths on the following two points: Consistency and Quality.
Consistency- never lose the consistency, if you plan to post daily please try as hard as you can to keep it constant. If you do it weekly please keep it going. This is the backbone of client trust.
Quality- Always make sure you do your research well, gain writing skills, graphic skills, visual skills. As much as possible always present your best and get better.
2. Blog are not for fast cash seekers
The best bloggers have learned a skill most of the greatest artists have. PATIENCE. This is key to any successful blog. Know that you will not just get your pay the next day, it may take more than six months or even a year to produce results, especially for beginners. But I promise you if you pass through this test you will surely benefit.
3. Passive income
A blog is not assured of giving you a monthly salary. The best it can do is give you passive pay depending on the performance and opportunity that comes its way. which is okay for small businesses.
4. It can sometimes call for lonely days
Bloggers become computer geeks, they are always learning. some days may call for all-day work and writing. these long hours eat on other time like family time, Fun time. which may also reach a point of affecting mental health.
How to start one: in Uganda.
- Select an attractive unique name.
- Buy a domain and get hosted
- Design blog
- Invest in SEO
Thanks for reading
Joshua Gwamoiza