Five Friday// 5 Reasons To Start A Blog

I've been blogging for a little over 8 months now and I honestly never thought I'd last this long. I've started blogs previously, but always posted twice then gave up. However, keeping at it, I've definitely noticed the benefits that come from blogging. So if you're considering starting your own blog, but aren't sure, read on for 5 reasons that might convince you.

1) It looks good on your CV!

It's no secret that it's becoming harder to get a job nowadays. As a recent graduate, I'm feeling the pressure of the competitive job market, but I feel adding 'blogging' to my CV has improved my employability. I recently got an interview with Boots. Not my local Boots, but at the head office! Unfortunately I didn't get the job, but I kind of expected it as it was for a management job and I have no experience with management (unless you count managing my beauty storage.) But that's okay, because I still find it crazy that I managed to actually get an interview for a managers jobs of one of the biggest beauty companies in the UK. I honestly think that talking about my blogging had something to do with it. That, or I somehow miraculously got every single question right on the numerical reasoning assessment.

2) Make some friends.

I've made so many new friends since I've started blogging, and even though I've graduated from Hull Uni, I still have a reason to go back there to see my fellow #Hullbloggers. I feel like I bore some of my other friends with fashion, makeup and blogging talk so it's nice to have someone to talk to.

If you're not sure how to get talking to fellow bloggers, I recommend getting a twitter account and using the #bbloggers hashtag to connect with other beauty bloggers (or #fbloggers for fashion, #lbloggers for lifestyle etc.) There's chats almost everyday for different topics. I believe the beauty chats are on Sunday and Wednesday 8-9pm.

You might even be lucky enough to have a blogger event in or near your local area. This is a great way to meet bloggers face to face. So far I've been to three meet ups and met so many new people.

3) Learn a new skill!

Although blogging is a hobby, it's hard work. As with any hobbies, whether it be playing an instrument or sport etc, the more you do it, the better you get. When I first started blogging, my photos were rubbish. They're still not as good as other's I've seen, but I've learnt a bit more on how to arrange my items and using a nice background to make my photos more appealing. I guess this is the part where I admit I have a photography A Level, however I hate digital. Give me a dark room and chemicals any day.

At some point, I also want to learn some basic blog design.

4) Events and samples.

There's often a lot of controversy surrounding this point, with the debate of bloggers vs blaggers. I'm going to be completely honest here. I didn't know that bloggers could get free samples to review when I started blogging. I thought that was something only celebrities got. However, I know that PR samples are a great incentive for some people to start a blog. It's like a nice reward after many hours of hard work. Imagine blogging for a year, then waking up to an email from a company you love, telling you that they love your blog and want to send you some products to review. You'd be over the moon. I work towards that goal everyday and I'm sure most beauty bloggers do.

I've also been lucky enough to attend three blogger meet ups and blog for Hull Fashion week since starting my blog.

I wouldn't say simply start a blog to get freebies, as that's not what I mean at all. However, the opportunity to work with brands and attend events is something to strive towards.

5) It's fun!

Despite all these reasons, the most important reason to start a blog is because it's fun!

I hoped you enjoyed reading this post and if you have any other reasons to start a blog, leave me a comment!