Should developers blog?
Most developers use blogs as an acquisition channel to eventually sell courses or eBooks. Are there any other creative ways?
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Most developers use blogs as an acquisition channel to eventually sell courses or eBooks. Are there any other creative ways?
Yes, definitely. Developers should have their own blogs and podcasts.
I use a blog and write a post once or twice a month. Also about system- and network administration topics. I think its a great way to share knowledge, keep and summarize topics for yourself. You don't need to overcomplicate it, sometimes I just post a snippet with a introductory sentence and a sentence on the end.
I start my blog back in 2015. I think as a developer a blog is a great way to share what you are working on. I recommend not getting distracted with a fancy setup and putting your focus on writing content. If that means using a hosted version of WordPress, then go with what is easy for you to manage and write more often.
My personal blog: https://timleland.com/
I think so, I feel like it's the norm now that if you want to stand out it helps to have your own online presence.
Most developer should create a newsletter
I used to blog, but it really burned me out and I can't see myself doing it again.
This was a nice post I read about the topic - https://guzey.com/personal/why-have-a-blog/?utm_source=pocket_mylist - in my mind I want to get into blogging more as an excuse to mess around with new tools and keep myself fresh.
Often I feel when I start a long term project I can get a bit stale and not see what is out there. Also practicing to write seems like a good way to organically get better at writing marketing copies or communicating what you build.
Inspiring post. Thanks for sharing.
I agree about writing in general. Even if it's random posts or comments. Learning how to write effectively is incredibly value.
I feel like blogging for developers can almost be used as a way to organize random thoughts and experiments you have. Kinda giving form to random ideas you have.
Almost like a form of journaling
As others have said, there is definite value if you are selling yourself or your services. I would consider blogging part of a wider content marketing and SEO strategy, so yes, it's a great avenue.
Not sure why people are saying don't do it with the intention to sell courses. It does, of course, work if your content brings in lots of targeted traffic. You can look at pretty much any dev edu platform and you'll see exactly this (content -> ebook/course/bootcamp), as you'll see it with many individual dev bloggers, too.
Another typical one you will see is blog/content -> newsletter -> product.
This is easy to verify. Do a search for "JavaScript bloggers". Literally the first person I found:
https://www.joshwcomeau.com/css/surprising-truth-about-pixels-and-accessibility/
Notice newsletter subscription at the bottom. Then notice CSS for JavaScript Developers on the following page (this is their for sale product): https://www.joshwcomeau.com/goodies/
Developers should blog, but not with the goal of selling courses or eBooks, but to market their own dev projects and/or themselves.
Hmm probably not. Blogs are more of a content, copywriter's, 'bloggers' (per se) job. But it will definitely help someone who are acquiring customers or selling their skills, services, or even products.
So the key? Hire someone who's effective in sales and marketing writing.
I always wonder how this could possibly work and what could go wrong.
What if the blogger does not have a technical background. How would he/she understand what you have done to write about it ? what if you want to do some storytelling. If the blogger can not relate to the product or doesnt know all the struggle / the motivation you went through while building it. And also how do you pay for such services (per article, per word... )?
Please could you share your experience ?
Sorry for replying late, but I hope my reply will give you a better idea on what to do next.
So, basically, you'll have to hire writers on specific niche. For instance, would you a hire a 'health-based writer' if you're running a SAAS program? You can even ask for a paid trial test or just ask for their existing portfolio / best samples to decide if they can fit well with what you're looking for in a writer.
There are online job platforms like FIVERR and UpWork that can help you sort out and outsource writers.
The payment all depends on your contract or conversation. It can be per article, per words, or even per hour :)
Provide value?
honestly, I think that is the only reason someone should blog/vlog/podcast.
If you are in it to sell courses, why don't you focus on selling courses?
But if you prefer to take the advice from a 16-year-old vlogger with a youtube channel you should definitely go for it.
What 16-year-old vlogger? 😅
Yes, you start with providing value, but there could be a benefit in having an end-game for making money out of it.
Absolutely Yes