Do people even blog anymore? Is blogging dead in 2023 and does it even make sense to start a travel blog or any blog these days? That is the question. As many bloggers shift to microblogging on social media or close up shop altogether, here are my thoughts on why blogging definitely is not dead.
Is blogging dead in 2023?
There’s been a rumble in the blogosphere about blogging’s popularity and how it’s on the decline. There’s a lot I can say on this huge topic, but let me cut to the chase. The answer to, “Is blogging dead?” is no, definitely not. Here’s why.
As long as people are on the internet searching for information, a connection, and answers, blogs will be alive and well. Starting a blog will always be worthwhile.
There are over 600 million blogs in existence today! What is true is that people’s interests and attention spans have shifted, so maybe fewer people read blogs than in years past, but blogging is far from dead.
Take you, for instance. You’re reading this. You’re on my blog. And so are millions of other people around the blogosphere, searching for information and reading blogs. Isn’t that proof enough that blogging is here to stay?
Here’s a fact. Blogging isn’t dead but some bloggers’ motivation and drive to create via their blog is dead. And that’s OK because the way we consume digital content changes with the times and we all do this blogging thing differently. Back when I started Oui In France, I wasn’t on YouTube, and Instagram stories and reels didn’t exist yet.
As the media landscape grows, I think it’s important to try new things and keep abreast of the trends but always do what feels right to you as the content creator and reader. For me, my blog has been my priority and is what I always come back to.
Yes, I make videos and yes I’m on social media, but if everything else went away, Oui In France would still be alive. The blog is and always has been my main focus. It’s mine.
Here’s what I mean: Other platforms are great but we don’t own our content on places like Instagram and Facebook, nor do we have control over how our content is being seen. If they shut down one day, all of our content would disappear. If their algorithms change, it can have a serious impact on if we’re being seen. The same thing happens if they decide to put all content behind a paywall.
On the other hand, a personal blog is something we own and control 100% and it’s so important to be able to present our thoughts in a way that still gives the creator the upper hand. Is blogging dead? No, because the creators’ passion and drive keep it alive.
P.S. If you’re starting a blog (or have one and want to switch hosts), I can’t recommend SiteGround enough, especially if you aren’t techy.
Something else I’ve felt is the dwindling attention spans of readers. They comment after just reading the title of a post, totally missing the message. Or don’t comment at all.
I feel like a positive shift is on the horizon, or at least for some of us, who are tired of being bombarded by the fast and frantic double tap/swipe culture that the online landscape has become. I wouldn’t say it’s a blogging comeback, though, because the reality is I don’t think blogging ever went away.
Blogger Hayley Hall explains the shift perfectly here:
Like the resurgence of hard copy books and movie soundtracks, it seems living in such a fast paced and immediate world has actually given us thirst for something more meaningful.
YES!
People’s attention spans have gotten shorter and there are more social media distractions these days that leave you feeling like you’re always missing something and can never see it all.
I think we’re tiring of the thoughtless content and are hungry for real people having real conversations… in a way that takes more than 10 seconds to digest. For me, that’s writing blog posts and reading others’ little pieces of the internet.
People's attention spans have gotten shorter and I think we're hungry for real people having real conversations. But is #blogging dead? Click To TweetDespite the fact that well over half of my readers consume content on their mobile device, I very rarely read blog posts on my phone. It doesn’t feel whole enough to me. I can’t read a blog post while I’m walking Dagny. Maybe I can bang out a few double taps and likes but that’s not enough anymore.
The mental media overload has taken a toll on all of us. We scale back on what we read and consume, trying to find some inner calm away from our screens. I know that instead of swiping and scrolling past 50 accounts in a matter of minutes on Instagram, I opt to sit down in front of my laptop and read one thoughtful blog post, taking the time to engage and maybe leave a comment.
When I focus on one thing, I don’t feel scatterbrained and distracted. Social media has a strange way of getting overwhelming in a way that blogs don’t. So I stick with what feels good.
Let’s look at the “is blogging dead in 2023” question another way. It’s like asking, “Is knitting is dead?” Is it the most popular hobby? No. Do people knit as much today as they did 100 year ago? Probably not. But knitting is not dead. If it makes you happy, serves a purpose in your life, and you get something out of it, then continue on with it. Blogging is the same.
If you are motivated to create, that energy will translate to the screen and no one can take that away from you. #Blogging will always be alive as long as you have the drive to create and if readers are looking for genuine connection. Click To TweetFor my fellow bloggers out there, I get it if you’re feeling fatigued and not seeing results with your blog. I truly believe that if you put in the work and stay the course, you will see results.
Maybe not right away, but putting in the time will pay off. If you are motivated to create, that energy will translate to the screen and no one can take that away from you. Blogging will always be alive as long as you have the drive to create and if readers out there are looking for genuine connection and information.
To help you get started, check out my eBook on lifestyle blogging for beginners. You’ll get started on the right foot. 😉
So is blogging dead in 2023? Absolutely not. I’m more motivated than ever and I hope you are, too.
P.S. Can I ask you for a favor? If you enjoy my blog, would you mind leaving me a testimonial here? It’s an amazing gift for any blogger, content creator, or small business owner. Merci!
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Annie Andre says
Hell no, blogging isn’t dead!!!!
But seriously, I agree with you, that readers’ attention spans are much shorter now. “They comment after just reading the title of a post, totally missing the message.”. And like you, im more motivated than ever and I think it is partially due to the fact that I write what interests me “sometimes” and I also feel, after almost 8 years of blogging that I’ve invested so much time into it, I don’t want to give it up. I want to see where it takes me which changes from year to year.
Diane says
Hi Annie! The thing is, readers who take 10 seconds to read a headline and the first paragraph aren’t the people I write for, nor are they the ones who end up sticking around, in my experience. The shift in the online space helps cull a community and I feel like it’s all about quality over quantity.
Like you, I’ve invested so much time and so much of myself into Oui In France that I won’t be giving it up. Let’s have a blast in 2020!
Suz says
Bonjour Diane – I always enjoy reading your blog. I feel we probably have had many similar experiences (both of us have French in-laws). I also prefer to sit down with my laptop and read. I focus on finding one new blog a day. I wrote about the death of cursive writing awhile ago. I’ve heard there’s been a rethink on the subject.
https://suzlearnsfrench.blog/2018/06/20/20-juin-2018-lost-language-arts-shorthand-and-cursive-dying-arts-a-piece-of-the-past-that-can-be-shared-in-love-received-with-intrigue-and-recalled-nostalgically-one-day/
2020 – this year I hope to really grow my audience.
Merci for a inspiring article. Keep up the good work!
Suz!
Diane says
Thanks so much, Suz! I appreciate it! How have you adapted to the French in-laws? Do they live locally and speak English? I bet we’d have a lot to talk about!
Suz says
Bonjour I bet we do! They actually live near La Rochelle. She speaks English – he does not. It’s been a hilarious relationship from day one. Check out some of my older posts – it’s been fun and frustrating. We try to see them every year – we were just there in October. I enjoy following your blog – we miss France very much. Á bientôt.
Cynthia says
I think you’re right. I’ve pondered this question a few times over the past year or so, and there are definitely shifts in the blogging landscape as it was ten years ago. In the 10’s, blogging was a real thing there for a second, so I had a lot of readers and commenters who were also bloggers, but I noticed when they didn’t blog, they wouldn’t read or comment, almost like they were doing it as part of the job. Then there are the traditional sort of readers who just enjoy a good blog, and even with microblogging, that never went away. I think I am following like 800 some blogs on Bloglovin, but out of those I see posts from only about 50 or less! (I have some pruning to do….)
Diane says
Hi Cynthia! Yes, I feel like serial commenters were crazy popular back in the day and a way bloggers tried to draw attention to their own sites. SO yah, I get what you mean. If they stop blogging, they stop doing the part that attracts readers. Kind of a shame though.
And I hear you about pruning on Bloglovin’. I must follow about 100 blogs and about half post regularly. But I understand. Maintaining a site takes time and energy and sometimes we go in different directions, as bloggers and readers, so I could never fault anyone for doing what’s best for them.
Wishing you a wonderful 2020!
Niculina McClanahan says
Hi Diane, you made some good points. I agree, I don’t think blogging is dead, but I believe it is changing- it is maturing IMHO. I am not a blogger (yet) but I do read few blogs that have meaningful and relevant content to me. And I’ve done it for quite few years, so I can see the change. There is always going to be a demand for authentic, genuine content, whether it is on a blog or any other social media platform. However, blogs that are constantly pushing for purchases, that have lost their way into this big, wide world of online information are going to disappear. Meanwhile others will appear. It is just the normal way everything evolves in general, from infancy to maturity.
Also, let’s not forget that the majority of bloggers started like that, but as new platforms became more and more popular, they migrated towards those in the pursuit of larger audiences since the majority of bloggers earn a living income off of this. Actually very few bloggers I have come across are like you- making no or very little money off of their blogs. Their motivation is slightly different than yours and they are adapting to their audience. To me though, it’s blogs like yours who make this world so interesting. Your kind of content that would never make it to the large media outlets but actually reflects better the reality, the way regular people live, love, create, learn and grow. So hopefully you’ll stick around for a little longer, I hope so with all my heart!
Diane says
Yup, it’s certainly changing and maturing for those who want to change and mature. And for people who want to pursue other things, that’s totally cool too.
As you said, there will always be a demand for authentic content. If people are searching, the demand will be there.
I do think that there’s a place for shopping and review-focused blogs and it’s all part of the evolution. I enjoy sharing books, clothes, and other things I’ve bought that I’ve loved.
To be transparent, I do do make money from my blog, namely from Mediavine (ad network), but it’s not a full-time income or anywhere close. I’m happy to be able to cover my costs, which have gotten high over the years as my audience has grown. But it’s a good problem to have. I’m not against monetization in the least. Many of us work incredibly hard on our sites/YouTube/social media etc. 😉
Really appreciate the compliment. You’re too kind. Saying “i appreciate it” sounds so cookie cutter as just typed words on a screen, but I mean that with my entire being. Thank you for being here!
Aussie Jo says
Blogging is for me an outlet and a way to feel connected to the world, sometimes I scan a really long post but not often usually when I have a headache or feeling like I can’t focus
Diane says
Yup, it’s a fantastic outlet and way to be connected to the world. Thanks for being here!
Mary Anne Helms says
Diane I love your blog. Keep up the hard work. I don’ t have a short attention span. In fact, as I grow older it I’d getting longer.. I cannot be bothered with triviality anymore. Bon chance!