Why Your Business Needs a Blog: Benefits Beyond Substack

Maximize Your Online Presence: How a Blog Can Elevate Your Brand and Drive Growth

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I embrace minimalism not just in my personal life, but also in my business. Clutter and excessive options distract me from focusing on the essential tasks that drive my business forward. While certain platforms are necessary for growth, it's crucial to choose wisely.

So, which platforms do we truly need?

There’s no definitive answer, but I believe that a self-hosted blog is invaluable. Despite recent changes on Google, it remains a platform with minimal downsides.

With so many new platforms available to establish an online presence, it's natural to question whether a blog is still necessary.

The truth is, you don't need a blog—but you should seriously consider starting one for your business, no matter what type of business you're building.

Before I dive deeper, let's address a fundamental question: What is a blog?

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What is a blog?

Are there misconceptions about what a blog really is? 

I believe so. 

These misunderstandings stem from the early days when blogs were more like personal journals, where individuals shared their lives. 

However, the role of a blog has evolved significantly. 

Today, a blog is a crucial part of a website that represents our business. The blog page itself is filled with valuable content that showcases our expertise and highlights what our business is all about.

When I talk about my blog, I’m usually referring to my website, where potential customers can meet me. It’s like my business headquarters on the World Wide Web.

That’s why I chose to start with a blog instead of going all in on Substack. Substack serves as a branch of my business to grow my audience and, naturally, my business.

Think of your blog or website as your digital boutique—no more hiding behind a P.O. box! Just like you wouldn't run a business out of a random mailbox, why settle for anything less online?

Your blog is your stylish storefront, where customers can 'window shop' your expertise, 'walk in' to learn more about your services, and 'check out' your offers—all without leaving the comfort of their screens.

It's your personalized, 24/7 business address in the online world, where your brand shines and your customers always know where to find you.

Before you dismiss the idea of starting a blog or website for your business, take a moment to pause and thoughtfully consider how it could support your business model.

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Ideas how a blog can support different business models

Here are five ideas on how a blog can support different business models:

Writers and Authors

I often receive emails from writers who say they don’t need a blog because they’re successfully growing on Substack.

And yes, that’s true—you can absolutely build and nurture an audience there.

However, a blog offers additional benefits. It allows you to regularly share your work, thoughts, and ideas, helping to build a dedicated readership. Plus, you can eventually convert your Substack audience into loyal buyers when you release new books or other content.

Your blog can also be a place to post excerpts, deleted scenes, or behind-the-scenes insights into your creative process, generating even more interest in your published works.

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YouTubers

Are you successful on YouTube? That’s fantastic!

A blog can serve as a valuable supplement to your video business. Use your blog to offer deeper insights, scripts, or additional information that complements your YouTube content. It’s a great way to expand on topics that might be too detailed for a video.

Plus, your blog provides a platform to market and sell your own products directly through your website.

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Course Creators

Using Substack to educate your potential customers is great, but having your own blog offers another powerful way to provide free educational content that specifically complements your paid courses. This not only showcases your expertise as a course creator but also builds trust with your potential customers.

The most valuable aspect of your blog, however, is its ability to capture leads through email sign-ups, ultimately converting those readers into paying students for your courses.

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Coaches and Consultants

As a coach or consultant, a blog allows you to share your knowledge and insights, complementing your presence on Substack and positioning you as an expert in your field. This can attract potential clients who are seeking guidance and expertise.

On your blog, you can not only discuss how your coaching or consulting services benefit clients, but also feature client success stories and case studies. This provides valuable social proof and demonstrates the effectiveness of your methods.

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Digital Product Creator (eBooks or paid newsletters)

Just as you regularly publish content related to your eBooks or newsletters on Substack, you can apply the same strategy to your blog.

This approach helps establish you as an expert in your field, even for readers who aren’t on Substack. By sharing valuable insights and tips, you build credibility and increase the likelihood that potential customers will purchase your digital products.

Additionally, your blog can be used to capture email addresses through sign-up forms by offering free resources like eBook samples or exclusive content. This helps grow your mailing list, which you can then use to promote and sell your paid products.

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What is the upside of a blog compared to Substack?

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not here to convince you to abandon Substack and start a blog instead. In fact, the opposite is true.

• I use Substack as a complementary platform alongside my blog to grow and nurture my audience and build a community.

• I also embrace the benefits of having a self-hosted blog or, better yet, a full website.

While Substack offers a powerful platform for email-based content distribution, there are several reasons why I prefer to have both a blog and Substack.

Here are the key advantages of having a blog compared to relying solely on Substack:

Control and Flexibility:

Design and Customization: With a blog, I have full control over the design, layout, and functionality of my site. This allows for greater customization to align with my brand and provide a unique user experience.

Content Management: A blog offers more flexibility in organizing and managing content, such as categories, tags, and pages, enhancing the navigation and usability of my site.

Ownership and Branding:

Domain and Branding: A self-hosted blog on my own domain provides a more professional appearance and better branding opportunities compared to Substack’s platform, which operates on its own domain.

Content Ownership: With a blog, I own the content and control how it’s presented, whereas on Substack, I work within their platform and its constraints.

Monetization Opportunities:

Diverse Revenue Streams: I can monetize my blog through various methods, including ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and e-commerce. This provides more flexibility in generating income compared to Substack, which focuses primarily on subscription revenue.

Both platforms have their strengths, and the choice between a blog and Substack depends on your specific goals, needs, and business model.

Regardless of your business model, you’re here to build a professional business. Why not do it right from the start, acting like a business owner and establishing a strong brand on the World Wide Web?

This way, people can instantly recognize and identify you, no matter where they find you—whether it's on your blog (or website), Substack, or other platforms like social media.

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Combining a Blog with Substack is Your Ultimate Online Power Move

While both a blog and Substack offer valuable opportunities, combining the strengths of both can enhance your online presence and business strategy. 

A blog provides control, flexibility, and branding opportunities, serving as your professional business headquarters on the web. 

By integrating it with Substack and other platforms, you can create a cohesive and effective approach to building your brand and engaging with your audience.

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Now it’s time to start building your business empire. Begin creating content, growing your email list, and experimenting with offers.

Ready to launch your business and start making money online? I’m here to help—dive into my latest blog post, "8 Simple Steps for Starting a Business and Making Money Online," and get started today!

Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start building your business empire now and turn your online dreams into reality!

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