I started my blog right before I started college, and I’m so glad I did.
I had a month off between the summer and fall semesters, and one day, I blurted out to my parents that I wanted to start a blog, and then I did. I didn’t really tell anyone about it at first, and the few people I did tell didn’t really understand what “having a blog” meant… Honestly neither did I! But I knew that this was something I wanted, and slowly, KristenShane.com became the site you see now.
My dad has always supported my creative endeavors (and even lent me his camera and software for my awkward YouTube days), and he was a huge support for me in the early days, when I was still trying to figure all this “blogging” stuff out (although, I’ve learned that the figuring-stuff-out days will never really be over). He believed in me and this blog, and helped me purchase my domain to drop that “.wordpress” from my URL, which for me, marked the true beginning of making this blog my own.
Once I had the clean domain name, I finally started sharing my blog site on my personal social media and sharing it with my friends. Now, I’ve been blogging for eight months which is crazy talk, because I still consider myself a new blogger.
Anyway, I’m telling you all this because my only regret in this journey so far is that I didn’t start my blog sooner! There is a huge learning curve at the beginning of creating a blog, and I still haven’t settled into my niche in almost a year of writing.
That’s just a little piece of my story (let me know if you want to see a full “why I started blogging post”), so what’s yours? Why did you start your blog? Or, why didn’t you?
This year, I’ve been pushing myself to try new things and I believe that *most of the time* if there’s something you even have an tiny want to do in the back of your mind, you should just do it! Life’s too short to wait around for tomorrow, or someday, or whatever day you’ll finally decide to go for it. Go for it today!
Here are ten reasons why you should start a blog sooner rather than later, if it’s something on your mind, and why college is the perfect time to start.
1. There is simply no time like the present.
Like I said, life’s just too short to wait! I don’t think there’s such a thing as starting your blog too early. Sure, the earlier posts might be embarrassing to look back on, but they’re all lessons learned and experience gained! I could go on and on about not waiting for things, and I did go on and on in this post, so I’ll let you go read that one to hear more!
2. College is the perfect time to try new things.
In your college years, you have more freedom and time to figure yourself out than you probably ever will. College creates a great environment to push yourself, get out of your comfort zone, and learn a lot. Having a blog allows you to meet people, express yourself, and learn new skills, and isn’t that what college is all about?
3. A blog is way better than a journal.
Sure, it’s way more public, but in a lot of ways it’s more personal. As a blogger, you have the ability to shape a whole site that’s all your own. You get to choose what you write and share, and you get to meet so many amazing people. Can a journal do all that? A blog is a great way to catalog your thoughts and your life, and you’re in charge to share as much or as little as you’d like.
4. A blog is a productive use of time, and a great hobby.
What do you say when people ask you what you like to do? Real hobbies are pretty rare today, and blogging/writing is a great one. One of my favorite parts of blogging is seeing my hours spent working directly translate into success/new posts/new things on my blog. The more I put in, the more I get out.
5. It never gets boring.
And it makes a great break from all that studying in college! Between editing photos, going on Instagram, reading other blogs, and creating content, you can never really run out of things to do with your blog. There’s always another blog to read or something new to learn, and always a new way to grow!
6. There are some serious perks.
I don’t have much experience in working with brands yet, but blogging can open so many doors to work with brands and sponsor products you love!
7. You’ll meet incredible people.
Internet friends are real! I met one of my best friends (*cough the Freckled Prep cough *) at FSU this year through blogging, and I’ve met so many others, too! Again, college is all about meeting people, and blogging opens the door to meet people you never would otherwise.
8. You’ll learn a lot, and blogging can even be a resume-builder.
A lot of good blogging-skills (like photo-editing, writing, working with brands, managing your own site) can apply to other areas/jobs, and if done right, your blog can be something you can list on your resume, and all college kids want that, right? There’s even the possibility of being paid to blog, being published/posted on a major site, or writing scholarly-level pieces.
9. Everyone has an Internet presence… so why not stand out?
Why be limited to sharing what’s “normal” on regular social media? A blog allows you to share so much more than that, and again, you’re in charge!
10. It’s a great excuse to step up your social media game, and be fearlessly, authentically, 100% you.
When I first started blogging, I was shy about it and was worried about “putting myself out there”. Now, I know that my own identity, all my experiences/stories/traits/passions are what make me a good blogger, and separate me from “everyone else”. I found a missing piece of myself through my blog, and you never know, maybe you will too.
Honestly, you don’t need 10 reasons “why you should start a blog”. You really one need one, just that you want to! Don’t worry if you don’t know what to say, don’t know what people will think, or don’t know how. You can figure all that out, and it’s all part of the journey! Where there is a will, there’s a way, and so so many people to help you get started!!
If you want to start a blog, my main advice to you is just do it, don’t wait!
I’m working with a whole bunch of lovely college bloggers on Instagram on this #followFriday, so be sure to go check out my Instagram post, and their pages! We’re all talking about blogging in college today, in case you need any more motivation than this ;).
May 26, 2017
Excellent advice. I didn’t start my blog last September, and I graduated college in December 2015. Looking back blogging then would be the perfect opportunity, but I’m glad I discovered it when I did. It keeps me fresh on writing.
May 27, 2017
I’m glad you agree! I wish I would’ve started even sooner just to start learning it all, but college is a great time for it!
May 26, 2017
I just started a blog this year though, and I’m a freshman. It took me years of procrastination before I forced myself to get to work. So far, I’m very much enjoying it, and enjoying you too!
May 27, 2017
I’m glad you finally got started then! I began mine on a whim but it does take work! Thank you!
May 27, 2017
Loved this! I started my blog in college
https://anastasiagregory.com/
May 27, 2017
Thank you! I’ll be sure to check yours out 🙂
May 27, 2017
Hi! Love your posts. I’m rather new to blogging also and I was wondering some of the things you do to get more people to see your blog?
May 29, 2017
Hey girl! When I first started, I sought out a lot of similar bloggers to myself and followed/interacted with them. Commenting & engaging with other posts is a great way to get your name out there and make connections! The tagging feature of posts also helps get you in front of the right crowd. I didn’t make a blog instagram until a little later but that’s a great platform for finding more people to follow and follow you. I hope that helps! Feel free to email me / message me on Instagram if you wanna chat more! 🙂
May 29, 2017
Thank you!
May 28, 2017
Love this! I started a blog when I first started college and it kind of just fizzled out because I didn’t give it the right kind of aesthetic that I was looking for. Although, at that time, I didn’t understand that I was missing that! I started fresh with this one and it can only get better! This really stood out. Keep up the awesome pieces!
May 29, 2017
Thanks so much!! I just followed your blog and I love it already 🙂 I’m trying not to be too worried about my aesthetic for now as I’m still trying to figure it all out! So I’m just focusing on content and seeing where it takes me. I’m so glad you gave blogging another shot!
May 30, 2017
I loved this post! I totally agree with you that a good support system (even if it’s from a non-blogger!) can make a huge difference! My brother and sister in law purchased my domain name for me as a Christmas present and it meant SO much! This is great advice, and I’m sure a big push to anyone debating starting a blog of their own! 🙂 🙂
May 30, 2017
Thanks so much!!! It is so important, it was so nice to have my dad get the domain to really solidify the whole thing! I’m glad you had that too 🙂
May 31, 2017
This is a great post! I’m a stay-at-home Mom who’s 35 and I started blogging about 2 years ago. Honestly, I’d been reading blogs for way too long and had always wondered if I had what it took, so I finally took a chance and started blogging. I’m on my second name and what I write about has totally changed. It’s like God has totally taken what I wanted to do and made it his. I’ve learned so, so much with this blogging experience and I’ve changed in ways I never thought that I would. As a mom, though, I don’t have much spare time so this is basically my only hobby. I so agree with you when you said, “I’ve learned that the figuring-stuff-out days will never really be over.” Have a great day!
June 1, 2017
What a great story! I think it’s amazing to hear people’s “blogging story” and see where it takes them. I’m glad you’ve kept with it all this time! You too, blessings!
May 31, 2017
I just love this Kristen! If only the internet was even around back when I was in college, it would have been a perfect hobby for me too! You are doing extraordinary things at such a young age, and I can see why your dad is such a great support. You have created a BEAUTIFUL site here. I’ll be sharing this for any college age people I know to read. (I’m a youth leader, so I know a few!)
June 1, 2017
Wow Chris thanks so much! I really appreciate the sweet encouragement. Have a blessed day!
June 4, 2017
I love this post! I started my blog a few months ago, and I am so glad I did. It’s worth the “omg, I can’t believe you have a blog!” teasing from my friends. I think the secretly enjoy it though:)
June 5, 2017
I totally agree! It’s difficult at first, but so rewarding.
June 4, 2017
I agree!!
June 5, 2017
Totally agree with you! I just started mine and am already halfway into college. Such a good way to write down your thoughts in an organized fashion. It’s so weird showing this more personal side to your friends from home!
June 5, 2017
I totally agree! It’s definitely an adjustment to share so much, but it’s so worth it!
June 5, 2017
[…] via 10 Reasons Why You Should Start a Blog in College — Kristen Shane […]
June 9, 2017
I love this post. I recently started a blog myself and every time I post something I feel a little boost. College is all about learning about yourself and what better way to make a blog! Plus my resume is going to look great just like your post said lol.
June 9, 2017
I totally agree!!! It’s so awesome to see the reward of your hard work, and definitely cool to use it as part of your resume!!
June 10, 2017
I love this post! I started blogging in January this year as one of my “resolutions” because blogging has been something I have always wanted to do but never made the leap. I started with a product review blog then recently started this blog because I found that I like to write about all sorts of things and not only reviews! I still haven’t made the jump to purchasing my domain. I’m nervous about gaining a following and want to make sure I have a few followers and more interaction before I take the next step! 🙂
June 11, 2017
I love your site, Donna! I’m so glad you decided to start blogging! It takes time, but I’m sure you’ll find your following 🙂 can’t wait to see more from you!
June 11, 2017
Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words 🙂
June 16, 2017
Omg. You go to FSU?!!?!?! I go to FSU!!!! I just started blogging and I’m already in love!
June 17, 2017
Yes I do!!! Thanks so much!
June 19, 2017
Nice advice. I just started my blog about a week ago, for very similar reasons! I go to the University of Kansas, I’ll be a sophomore this year, and there really is no better social outlet than one like blogging. Thanks for your advice & sharing your story, how kind of your dad to help you buy a custom domain!
June 21, 2017
Oh cool!! I totally agree. Blogging isn’t quite like anything else! No problem girl, I’m glad you enjoyed the read! 🙂
June 23, 2017
Blogging is definitely a great way to build your resume and your social media presence. Blogging is great for people who enjoy writing in general.
June 24, 2017
I agree!! There are so many great reasons to blog 🙂
June 30, 2017
I honestly could not relate more to this! I have done exactly that- started a blog right before I start college (for the second time) and pushed myself to do more things and to not care so much about what people think anymore, thank you for this great post! Would love to hear your feedback on my own as I’m new and have no idea what I’m doing, feel free to check it out if you want!
https://mygrowingpains101blog.wordpress.com/
June 30, 2017
Thanks so much for the read and sweet comment! I’ll go give your site a look now, I’m sure it’s awesome!
June 30, 2017
No problem, can’t wait to read your future posts!
July 3, 2017
I just posted my first blog post, and then I went exploring for bloggers with things in common with me. I loved seeing this post. After I shared my first post, I was so nervous. You’re totally right though. It’s a great way to put yourself out there. All of my friends loved my post, and they told me to continue blogging.
July 3, 2017
Well I’m so glad you found me, then! I just checked out your site and I can tell it’s going to be great already 🙂 it is hard at first but it’s even more rewarding as you go! Keep it up, you go girl!! Can’t wait to see more from ya!
July 3, 2017
Omg thank you so much! That’s so nice 😊
July 6, 2017
I love this! And you are absolutely right. I’m so glad I started blogging. There really is no time like the present. I love your blog so much!
July 6, 2017
Thank you!!!
July 6, 2017
OMG. Thank you for this post!!! I just started my blog 😀
July 6, 2017
Yay that’s so exciting! I’ll go check it out 🙂
July 8, 2017
So I just came across your blog and I loved this post! I’m kind of in the same boat you were; I’m starting college in a month and a half and just recently started my own blog. That was a huge leap of faith for me, so it was encouraging to read how great of an experience blogging in college has been for you! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences; excited to read more of your posts!! 😀
July 8, 2017
YAY, Maguire I just checked out your site and it’s awesome!!! I remember how it feels to just be starting out & it is intimidating, but I hope you’ll quickly see that you fit right in, and that starting a blog was the right decision. I can’t wait to see more from you, and I’m always here if you have any questions or just wanna chat!! 🙂
July 9, 2017
I just started my own blog, and I cannot wait to get started blogging about my life. I love to writing, and I am about to go into my freshman year of college so this was like the perfect post for me to see.
July 9, 2017
Yay that’s so exciting!!!
July 9, 2017
I just started a lifestyle blog, and I cannot wait to get started. I am going into my freshman year this upcoming fall and this was the perfect post for me to see. Thank you for writing this!
July 10, 2017
I just started my blog and have been looking for other bloggers who are in college as well! I am really excited to see where this will take me and I am so happy to see that you have really enjoyed your journey!
July 11, 2017
I’m glad you’ve found me then, thanks for reading!! 🙂
July 14, 2017
Thanks for sharing this! I am a dietetics and journalism double major at the University of Maryland and I am relatively new to the blogging world as well (I started a bit more than a year ago, but I haven’t exactly been the most consistent with my posts…). I too think blogging is a wonderful hobby; It’s a great way to connect with and hear about different people’s thoughts and adventures, which is always interesting. Feel free to check out my blog, The Artsy Palate, where I post original healthy recipes as well as tips for how to eat healthy in college 🙂 https://theartsypalate.wordpress.com/
July 15, 2017
I totally agree!! I still feel so new to the blogging world and I’ve been here for almost a year! I just followed your blog, & I can’t wait to see more from you!! 🙂
July 22, 2017
awesome post! this is exactly what I decided to start a blog!
July 26, 2017
[…] a college blogger, and a faith blogger, and a sometimes-style-blogger, too. Like I’ve talked about before, all you really need to be a blogger is a simple […]
July 26, 2017
i love this! i’m about to be a junior in college and i just started my blog (like, JUST started) and your 10 reasons are so true and exactly what pushed me to start mine! xo
July 27, 2017
Ahhh yay that’s so so exciting!! I just followed you & I hope your blogging journey is a good one!!
July 28, 2017
College is definitely a great time to start a blog, but it truly does depend on the person’s ability to be discreet. Once it’s out there, it’s hard to take it back. There are a lot of things we find amusing in college, that wouldn’t serve our best interests as professionals later on in the working world.
Aside from that, the sooner the better with a blog. Like you said, there is a bit of a learning curve. There’s also the fact that older domains are more respected by google.
All the best with your blogging journey. Let us know if you ever need any assistance.
July 29, 2017
I just began my blog and I’m entering my freshman year in college-this post made me all the more excited. 🙂 Thank you!!
July 30, 2017
Yay, that’s so so exciting!! That was me just one year ago 🙂 can’t wait to see where it takes you!!
July 30, 2017
I can’t agree with you more! I strated my blog a few months ago and I am junior in college! Come by my blog and share exciting moments!
July 30, 2017
I’ll go check it out now 🙂