Are blogs still relevant today? Why I chose to start one and what's in the plan

I got motivated to write about today's post after watching Ali Abdaal's video on Change Your Life with a Personal Website. Before you click away to watch his awesome video, here's why I chose to start with a blog when it seems to be less in vogue for personal branding as compared to the big four social media platforms – TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram/ Meta, and YouTube.

Businesses have numerous ways to engage their audiences – social media, influencers, events, tv ads, etc. However with limited marketing resources, they have to prioritise to achieve maximum impact. When it comes to building up a personal brand, it's not just money, but time and effort too. Since this mini project is just me, here's why I chose to start off with a blog to build my personal brand.

1. Focus on consistency

Starting out, I need to balance overcoming the fear of putting something out versus consistency. As a very new brand, consistency is super important when growing an audience. Blogging is the easiest way I can stay consistent in putting out content. It's easier to write my thoughts down and choose entertaining gifs than videoing myself or designing something that I must perfect before posting. I need to embrace the mantra, "done is better than perfect".

As of now, it is also the allure that it's a secret project and I can overcome the fear of what others may think of it. I have gained more confidence when riding on the momentum of posting every Mondays and Thursdays, and most importantly, encouraged me to continue creating/ writing.

2. A little headquarter of my own on the internet

Another reason to choose blogging is that I have full ownership and control over the website and its content. Austin Kleon wrote in his book, Show Your Work, to build your own space online – a place that you control that no one can take away from you. A headquarters where people can always find you and experience your brand.

3. The end game

I see this blog as a long-term game plan – a place that archives my work and thoughts. I want to document personal growth and for this blog to grow with me over time. Simply, it's a form of self-expression, to show up in the world, a mini "I was here".

Slowly but surely

Setting up this blog and writing consistently is the first milestone of many ahead. There are many more things I have plans for and that I'm working on in the background. For example, I'd like to have a little "nook" that hosts a book club page, and a portfolio page dedicated to show my creative works.

A sneak peak of the backend and what's in progress

Beyond the blog, I also want to grow the little lines brand on other platforms. It's inevitable that blogging and SEO alone can grow the brand. I've started posting videos on TikTok @littlelines.mov and plan to convert Instagram @littlelines.png into an avenue to engage with people in short lines of prompts, quotes, and showcase my hobbies – embroidery art, calligraphy, and small drawings. It's all very exciting to me, and I hope you'll stick around for it.

Till the next!

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Little lines of afterthought:

• What platform would you choose to share content with?

• What would you share?

• What is a domain name you'd like to own?