Do you know how beneficial having a blog can be when you’re in executive job search?

Having your own blog will help you build your personal brand and differentiate the value you offer as a candidate . . . in a way that almost nothing else can top.

An added bonus . . . you can also make money with your blog.

However, keep in mind that blogging is not a quick-fix scheme. It calls for utmost dedication and resilience, if you are to achieve your desired results.

Why blogging is important

Whether you are a start-up, a corporation that has been in the industry for a while, or an executive searching for a new position, blogging can be crucial to your success.

For this reason, the question shouldn’t be why you should have a blog, rather, why don’t you have a blog?

3 of the Many Ways Executive Job Search Blogging is Beneficial

1. Puts you on the map as an industry expert

The content on your blog does much more than provide information to your readers. It sets you apart from the rest of the players by portraying you as an authority in your field.

Thus, you are not only educating your readers, but you are also building their trust in what you do.

This can prove to be invaluable as you’re on the search for a new job and can really help you stand out from other candidates.

It’s a perfect medium for sharing your working experiences, past employment and what exactly it is you’re looking for by working with a company.

2.  Promotes Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

You stand higher chances of being found online if you have a blog, than if you don’t have one. Creating new content improves your blog’s SEO ranking and gives you an upper hand over your competitors.

Researching relevant keywords and correctly weaving them into your blog posts betters your position in the search engine results pages.

3.  Builds relationships with the public

Your blog provides customers/viewers with the opportunity to connect with you directly. Responding to the feedback they leave on the comments section establishes a long-lasting relationship that will keep you in touch with their needs.

Even if you are not currently in business, building a community this way can really aid in launching a venture, or for when you start a new job since you already have a market base.

Communication also reveals your human side. This is more likely to appeal to the public as opposed to the tough business side of industry experts they are used to. This will also make you shine in an employer’s eyes since it shows you to be personable and that you interact well with others—key in any executive position.

How To Start and Host Your Blog

Many people blog for different reasons. While some just want an outlet for their creative ideas, others are more concerned with professional advancement. Regardless of your reason, blogging has the capacity to unlock numerous opportunities.

Free versus paid blog hosting

While there are only two options for blog hosting, deciding between a free and a paid blog is one of the major decisions a new blogger is faced with.

Before choosing one over the other, first assess your needs against the pros and cons of each option.

Free hosting

Here you don’t have to pay for a domain name or an account. Free blog hosting is ideal for those who blog for leisure.

Here are some common free blogging  platforms you can choose from:

• WordPress.com
• Weebly.com
• Blogger.com
• Wix.com
• Tumblr
• Medium

Advantages of free hosting

• Easy to set up regardless of whether or not you have prior experience in web design
• Zero initial costs
• Software is frequently upgraded
• Can be customized to fit the user’s tastes
• Writing and sharing articles is easy

Disadvantages of free hosting

• Hard to establish custom domain names
• Limited plug-ins
• Limited free themes
• Impossible to earn from advertisements
• May prohibit certain types of material

Paid hosting

This can also be referred to as self-hosting. You are required to pay for your own independently operated domain. This type of hosting is perfect for those who intend to set up a professional blog. Apart from having all the benefits of free hosting, self-hosting boasts of other additional features. 

Advantages of paid hosting

• You can monetize your blog and earn from ads
• Higher ranking on search engines
• Total control over your blog
• Brand recognition
• Unbeatable technical support
• A wide range of templates
• You get your own personalized email

Disadvantages of paid hosting

• High initial costs
• Vulnerable to security risks such as hacking
• Additional costs in backing up data
• Difficulty in setting up and navigation

Positioning yourself to earn with a paid blog

A free blog is a great way to learn the ropes and gain some blogging experience. However, after several months, you might want to upgrade to a paid blog to maximize your income-earning potential. It might be expensive, even scary while starting out, but the risk is worth taking.

3 ways to monetize your blog

1.  Selling products and services

If you have a business on the side, you can use your blog to reach out to more customers. The products can either be physical objects like clothes or even intangible objects such as eBooks. You can also use your blog to find buyers for a service you are offering. A blogger can also take advantage of their social media presence.

If you are a freelance photographer, for example, your blog can be a great place for clients to find you. It is also important to make known the channels of payment and mode of delivery for transparency.

2.  Earning from advertising

You can earn money by selling advertising space on your blog to various companies. This way, everyone who visits your blog gets to view the advertisement.

Alternatively, brands can hire you to promote their products by writing sponsored content. However, for companies to trust you with the responsibility of gaining publicity for them, your blog must be popular in your particular niche.

3.  Donations

This is another option of making money from your blog. However, you must have a huge readership and always make sure you create unmatched content so that your readers get value for their money.

Final thoughts

Blogging offers numerous opportunities for earning income. With patience and the right strategies, you can make a living out of blogging alone.

Blogging is also an excellent strategy to help you land a new job as an executive, allowing you to showcase your talents, passions, and aid in solidifying your personal brand.

That being said, why don’t you give blogging a try? You’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain!

More About Executive Job Search and Blogging

Executive Job Search: Blogging? What Am I Going To Write About?

Executive Brand Online Reputation Management: How to Build Your Brand Online

The Value of Blogging Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

After making real money learning how to build and scale niche blogs, Karen Evans decided to go full time and hasn’t looked back since. When she saw too many people waste time and money trying to learn how to create money-making websites, she decided to create the ever-popular StartBloggingOnline.com. So far, over 9,500 new blogs have been created using her guide! Follow Karen on Twitter.