Blogging As A Virtual Assistant: Is It Really Worth It?

Every year, I see many people online saying that blogging is dead or out of style, or that it's a dying platform. But I always wonder if that's really true. Here in the Philippines, almost everyone seems to prefer watching videos over reading blog posts, and that can be an intimidating fact because you’re left wondering whether you should blog or not.

I realize blogging wasn’t as popular as it was before, so why am I doing it? Why am I spending time writing until my head hurts? It’s because, for me, blogging never really died. It just evolved. And even with the rise of internet users preferring videos over written content, I know there will always be an audience that wants to read. 

What's new in the blogging industry?

Blogging has changed a lot over the years. It’s not like what it was before when expressing yourself and treating it as an online diary was on trend. Now, it's more about sharing something you know that benefits other people but with a more personal touch. 

Why blog?

Your primary goal as a virtual assistant is to provide exceptional support to your clients, but did you know that blogging is one of the most powerful tools to market your skills? Although you can also showcase your knowledge on social media, blogging is still the best way to establish yourself as an expert in your field. 

If you already have a website, adding a blog can definitely improve your website's SEO and provide a lasting resource that clients can reference anytime. Unlike social media posts, blog content stays accessible and searchable over time, giving you a consistent platform to build your authority and attract clients.

What are the benefits of blogging as a VA?

There are so many benefits of blogging as a virtual assistant but I’ll list the four key points that will help you stand out in a competitive market and connect with your ideal audience.

1. Show Off Your Expertise

As I mentioned before, blogging is a fantastic way to showcase your skills and knowledge, and it helps potential clients see that you really know your stuff whether you’re sharing tips on time management or offering insights into the latest tools. It's like a mini-portfolio of your expertise!

2. Build Trust with Your Audience

When you blog regularly, you get to build a strong relationship with your readers. They get to know you, trust you, and see you as an authority in your field, and this trust can turn casual readers into loyal clients who value your services. Who doesn’t want that?

3. Engage and Network

Your blog is a great place to engage with your audience by responding to comments. And when you share your posts on social media, that can also spark conversations and connections. Plus, you might even connect with other professionals who may open doors to new opportunities.

4. Stay Ahead of the Game

Blogging keeps you in the loop with the latest trends and developments in your industry. The best part about it is that writing posts means you’re always learning and growing, which could really help you stay competitive and provide top-notch services to your clients.

Can you blog for free?

Starting a blog doesn’t have to be expensive because you can always take advantage of the free and cheap options to host your blog.

Here are my top 3 blogging platforms that are not only free but also very functional:

1. WordPress:

The number one content management system (CMS). You can start writing your posts right away after creating a free account, and you can upgrade later if you need more features.

2. Blogger:

Old but still great for blogging. Blogger is a service offered by Google, it’s free and it’s super easy to use. It's perfect if you're just starting out and want a simple way to share your expertise and experiences online.

3. Medium:

If you’re looking for something with a built-in audience, start with Medium. What’s great about this platform is that it has a minimalist design that makes your writing look professional.

I've actually tried all of these platforms, and each one has its own strengths, especially if you have specific needs. So, take a look at these free blogging sites and see which one suits you best.

If you want more control and a professional look for your blog, you can always consider affordable hosting plans from providers like Bluehost, GoDaddy, NameCheap, or Hostinger. With costs that range as little as Php180-Php300 ($3-$5 USD) per month, you can get more features and manage your own site however you like.

How to squeeze in the time to blog while working on client projects?

I say passion is the fundamental thing that always drives people to do what they like regardless of the challenges. So, if you like to share your knowledge or journey that can help and inspire other people, use that as your driving force to work on your blog.

Finding time to write a blog post while managing client projects can be a real challenge, but it’s possible if you focus on strategic planning. Here are some of the steps I found very helpful:

1. Decide the frequency of publishing your posts. 

Will it be once or twice a week, or 3 times a month? It's up to you. I set mine once or twice a month because I know what I can and cannot do. So, just make sure you're not overestimating yourself on this.

2. Schedule a dedicated time to write. 

Set aside specific blocks of time each week and treat it like an appointment you can’t miss. I also like to think of it as a personal commitment separate from my daily work responsibilities.

3. Write in short bursts. 

You don’t need to finish a post in one sitting. I can't either and I tend to pause now and then to allow myself to rest. Also, you can use small pockets of free time to write a few paragraphs. Pro tip: write on your phone if you feel like it. Google Docs app is a flexible tool to use on your phone so you can write anywhere as soon as ideas come up.

4. Prioritize topics. 

Have a list of topics ready and choose the ones you're most passionate about or are knowledgeable in to make writing faster and more enjoyable.

5. Create an editorial calendar. 

Plan your topics in advance so you’re never stuck wondering what to write about. I like to use a tool like Notion for this to have a visual plan of what to write next. It's really a time saver.

Is blogging worth the effort?

Blogging is definitely worth the time and effort. For me, my main goal for having a blog is not just for self-expression but also for building a reputation, and a blog is a great way to achieve that. I like to share my insights about things I'm passionate about and I don't care if I have limited resources to do it.

As a virtual assistant, a blog is a big help to showcase your skills and it also serves as an online resume. When you blog, you have your own platform and you can control everything without worrying that it may shut down anytime or the algorithm changes, unlike social media.

So, if you're passionate about sharing your journey and insights, go for it! Embrace the evolution of blogging, and you'll find it's still a relevant and rewarding path.

Credits: Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash