It’s pretty amazing to think that at one point in time, blogging (and only blogging) could make enough money to support a family. But nowadays? Well, for most, it might give you a bit of money here and there to be a decent side hustle at best.
Now, it’s absolutely true that content creation, especially short-form content, is reigning as king. And yes, even nowadays, content creators can provide for their families with what they make from content creation. But most content creators have to diversify and post on multiple platforms if they actually want to do that.
Essentially, what worked five or ten years ago might seem ancient today, and with so many platforms fighting for attention, bloggers have to stay sharp to keep their careers thriving. These days, it’s not just about writing a good post; it’s about keeping up with trends and finding new ways to stand out. So, can bloggers still make a career from blogging? Are they still relevant?
Well, yes, blogs and bloggers are still relevant, but there’s been an evolution, and yes, those changes do need to be emphasized. So, with that said, here’s what you can do to make sure your blogging career stays relevant and keeps growing.
Embrace New Content Formats
For starters, yes, it’s important to just understand that blogging is still important, but the way people consume content has definitely evolved. So, in order to stay relevant, it helps to dip your toes into other content formats that go hand-in-hand with your blog.
So, just think about adding some short videos, social media snippets, or even podcast episodes that tie into your blog’s main topics. These formats can bring new readers to your blog and give your existing audience more ways to enjoy your content.
But that doesn’t mean you need to master every single format. The idea is to keep your blog as the heart of your content and use the other formats as supporting acts. Even five years ago, this is what a lot of bloggers did. They would have a YouTube account or even an IG account where they would make a post that supplemented the blog post that they’ve written. This way, you’re reaching people in different ways without losing focus on what you do best.
Experiment With Monetization Strategies
The ways to make money from a blog have come a long way. While classic methods like ads and affiliate links still work (and affiliate ads just won’t go away), it’s a good idea to test out newer ways to monetize, too. For example, try things like sponsored content, creating digital products like eBooks or courses, or even offering subscription services for exclusive content. Years ago, a lot of bloggers had a Patreon and even sold Lightroom presets to make some extra money (and some still do these).
So, the goal is to have multiple income streams so you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. It’s not just about making money; it’s about keeping your blog evolving and staying relevant in a constantly changing landscape.
How Brands Still Want to Work With Bloggers
So, briefly, sponsored posts were mentioned above. These are definitely some of the best ways (and the most encouraged way) for any content creator to get some monetization. You’re not guaranteed any money through affiliate marketing (only hopes), and the same can be said for attempting to sell products and services, too.
But there’s 100% going to be money if you do a sponsored post. Brands are still interested in teaming up with bloggers, but it’s not the same as it was five or ten years ago. Back then, a simple sponsored post might have done the trick, but now brands are looking for more.
They want creators who can deliver a mix of content, like blog posts, social media (the major platforms), and even video integration. These days, bloggers are expected to use multiple platforms to get the sponsored message out there.
Basically, most brands want various platforms and accounts to spread their message; while there are still plenty of platforms for blogger-only opportunities, you’ll find that multiple channels are expected (and again, all content creators deal with this now).
Try and Engage With Your Audience Beyond the Blog
While sure, blogging may have started as a one-way street, but now it’s all about the conversation. So, to keep your blog career-relevant, it’s important to build and maintain a strong connection with your audience.
Seriosuly, don’t just limit yourself to the comments section; interact with your readers on social media, through newsletters, Live (such as TikTok, YT, and IG), and in online communities (such as Subreddits). Actually, it encourages you to ask questions, give feedback, and, of course, listen to what your audience has to say.
Collaborate With Other Creators
So, teaming up with other bloggers, influencers, or creators can breathe new life into your content. It’s a great way to introduce your blog to a wider audience and keep things fresh. Think about guest posts, joint videos, or even social media takeovers with creators who have a similar audience but bring something different to the table.
Adapt to Changing Social Media Algorithms
You really need to keep in mind that social media algorithms are constantly evolving, and keeping up with these shifts is key to driving traffic to your blog. The way platforms push content has changed a lot over the years, so staying flexible and adjusting your strategies is a must.
Ideally, you’re going to have to pay attention to which types of content are getting the most love—whether it’s videos, stories, or standard feed posts—and tweak your social media approach to match.
Invest in Professional Development
In order to keep your blogging career-relevant, don’t be afraid to invest in your skills. For example, you might want to take courses, attend workshops, or even dive into online tutorials on things like writing, SEO, digital marketing, or content creation. As the industry changes, keeping your skills sharp will help you stay ahead of the game and keep your content quality high.
