3 Skills You Learn from Being a Blogger

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Blogging offers a unique opportunity to learn a lot of skills. From creating and managing a website, to content writing, logo and graphic design, marketing, relationship building and negotiation with brands, to handling finances and running a business.

The success of a blog may vary for many. For some, making a profit from blogging could be viewed as success. For others, their blog may be a diary or educational outlet. Either way running and maintaining a blog allows you to learn a lot of skills for both the workplace and beyond.

Here are some of the skills I’ve learned while running my blog.

My Personal growth as a blogger

In the past few years, beemoneysavvy.com has really developed. It all started in 2017 as a bit of a hobby, and something to do in my spare time. But last year it was nominated as one of the UK’s top money-making blogs, featured in 2 national newspapers, and helped me fund buying my first home.

I never know whether my blog should be a feature on my CV but my current manager believes it should be something that I shout about to future employers.

Here are some of the blogging skills I’ve learned in my 3 years as a blogger/influencer:

• Website set up (including buying a domain and hosting)
• Logo design
• Social media marketing (across Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn)
• Content writing
• Affiliate networking
• Negotiating fees (and other terms) with brands
• Tax and completing a self assessment

As well as learning these new skills I’ve also been able to increase my income. Last year I bought my first home, a large chunk of my deposit (£10k) came from the money I’d earned from sponsored work on social media and my blog.

Building a personal brand

One of the best ways to build a brand is through blogging. Your blog can act as a hub for your all of your advice, products and services. For example, if you’re a professional such as an economist you could become a finance influencer and offer tailored financial advice.

The first step of building up your personal brand as a blogger is to find your unique style. Look at your existing skills and expertise and use that to fuel your content. You’re far more likely to attract an audience if you’re creating uniquely helpful advice.

My uniquely helpful advice therefore, was my money saving skills. Ever since I knew what money was I’ve been trying to earn it, and save it. I’ve developed a lot of money saving hacks and that’s what I talk about on my blog. Because of building my personal brand around my money saving abilities I’ve been contacted by 100’s of brands to share my money saving advice.

Relationship Management

Brands and bloggers work together more now than ever. Many bloggers, including myself, get approached by brands on a daily basis for reviews, giveaways, and sponsored work.

The more you interact with brands and advertisers, the better you become at creating and maintaining business relationships. You learn how to establish partnerships, and work in a way that is mutually beneficial for you, your readers, and your collaborators.

Often, a key aspect of working with brands as a blogger is negotiation. I receive multiple emails a day asking me to promote a brand or service for free, as I’ve already established several paid partnerships I negotiate a fair editorial fee.

Blogger Finances

Another useful skill that I’ve learned from blogging is how to better manage my finances and everything associated with that such as tax.

Once you start earning money as an influencer you need to start recording your earnings to comply with HMRC. Last year I completed my first self-assessment and learned a lot about how much tax and national insurance I need to pay, as well as what I’m entitled to claim back in expenses.

Running a blog is a great way to improve a range of skills. I’m thankful for the personal growth I’ve experienced in my years of blogging. I’d love to know what skills you’ve learned as an influencer, let me know in the comments below.