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22 Indicators to Help Determine If You're Suited for Starting a Blog
Today I want to talk about the characteristics and qualities of professional bloggers.



Lately on ProBlogger we’ve noticed a bit of a surge of readers who are what I would call ‘PreBloggers’.

People asking questions about how to start a blog and even wondering if they should.

As a result we’ve recently published a 5 step guide for starting a blog which walks you through some of the technicalities of how to start out.

I want to step back a little from that process and tackle an important question that really should come before you start your blog. Should you start one?

Today I want to suggest to you 22 questions to ask yourself if you are considering starting a blog. These are not yes or no questions. These are 22 indicators to whether or not you might be suited to blogging.
In Today’s Episode 22 Questions to Ask To Identify if Blogging is a Good Fit for You

Do you have a message?






Do you have something you really need to say
A central message






Are you a good communicator?






Communication skills are an advantage
You can also learn communication skills through blogging






Are you willing to be in the public spotlight?






Blogging is a public act
People will analyze what you do, say, and how you look
You are putting yourself out there
Once you write something online it is hard to get it removed






Are you thick skinned?






Can you take criticism well
Someone will write about you sooner or later






Are you a self starter?






Starting a blog takes initiative
It takes motivation to get a blog off the ground






Are you disciplined?






Blogging requires regular attention and motivation over time
It’s good to aim for writing everyday


Do you have time?

You need to be able to update your blog regularly
You also need time for comments, promotion and social media, etc.






Do you have the ‘energy’ for blogging?






Blogging takes focus
After a long day at work can you still focus and be creative






Do you have any technical ability?






It’s not a requirement, but it’s an advantage to be able to learn and work on a technical level
You don’t have to know everything to start, you just need a willingness to learn or ask for help






Do you have a blend of humility and Ego?






Bigheadedness abounds in the blogosphere, but the humble blogger often ends up on top
Many ‘look at me bloggers’ haven’t lasted
You need a healthy ego and self worth
Build something of worth and have the confidence to promote it
Getting the balance right is not easy






Are you an organized person?




Bloggers need to be organized
Most successful bloggers have some type of system in place




Are you a Social person?






There are advantages to being a people person and liking your readers
Having a genuine heart for your readers and making their lives better tends to work the best






Do you enjoy ‘virtual relationships?






Some people who are great face to face aren’t that great online
Being comfortable with speaking to and working with people you have never met is an advantage if you’re a blogger






Are you willing to learn?






Blogging is a journey where everyone knows something, but no one knows everything
Industries like blogging also change






Are you a creative person?






Creativity on the web really stands out






Do you have Stick-ability? Are you a patient person?






Take a long term approach