Having a blog is almost a prerequisite for today’s
journalists. This is because there is more to blogging than simply
disseminating information; and because journalists do more than simply produce
content.
By Cassy van Eeden
For modern journalists, not having a blog is equivalent of figuratively
shooting yourself in the foot. Without one you are losing out on a number of
opportunities that could enhance your career and the work that you produce.
You are a specialist
in something
By default, being a journalist means that you have expert
knowledge in some sort of field. No matter what you beat is, whether it is
sport or gardening, you automatically have unique insight (or even an opinion)
about the topic.
Content
marketer and self-publisher, Michael B. Feishbein, says, “Having a blog and
writing about important topics that are relevant to your audience establishes
yourself as an authority in the space.”
Ryan Clements,
lawyer and marketing professional, says that consistently blogging about a
particular topic “can build into a unique expertise, which can lead to new
business and career opportunities”.
Digital publisher and niche blogger, Adam Westbrook, says, “If your blog is the first place people
go … you have established yourself as an expert in the field.” He adds that as
an expert you are seen to be more credible and are more likely to secure a
better job and be able to source better stories.
You need story ideas and you care about
your audience
Like most online platforms, blogging is a great space to pick up on potential story
ideas, do research and even gauge your audience’s reaction to something.
Westbrook notes
that “Running a blog about your beat is a great way to connect to your audience
on a new level.”
Blogging makes
one of a journalist’s main functions – story hunting – easier and more
efficient. By keeping an eye on the comments section of your blog as well as
making yourself available for people to contact you, you are staying abreast of
what your audience cares about. This means you can make informed decisions when
researching and writing a story. This also broadens your list of contacts.
Westbrook says,
“A blog keeps you in the loop hunting for stories.” He adds that blogs are “a
great place to update new ideas and gives you a platform for research which
might not make in to the mainstream.”
You have a reputation
to uphold
A blog allows
you to brand yourself and maintain that brand. Writer and blogger, Kelly Clay
says, “Creating a brand around your own name
can help carry you through your career, especially if you write for several
publications or have very short contracts.”
She adds that: “A strong
reputation behind your name can lead you to future opportunities that are often
not presented to others who do not put forth the effort to build relationships
with others, whether traditionally or via social media.”
Your blog can
also act as an online portfolio of your work as well as a resume. You can share
links to the content you have created in the past and to publications that you
may currently be working on.
What do you think? Should all journalists have blogs? Do you
have a blog? Please let us know in the comments below.