Blogging During A Recession

Filed as Features on January 30, 2008 2:51 pm

There’s no question that an economic slowdown in 2008 is a real possibility (otherwise, why would the Fed have cut rates for the second time in under two weeks?) Anyhow, even if you’re personally unaffected by a foreclosure a layoff, it doesn’t hurt to put the rose-colored glasses aside and just ponder how a recession would impact your blog.

If you rely on your blog for income I would take an objective look at your revenue streams – most likely advertising – and consider what you would do if those revenue streams reduce or disappear completely. For instance, if shoppers are really pulling back and shutting their wallets, I would imagine PPA (Pay Per Action) advertising to suffer. Diversification would also be wise – now may be the time to explore additional income or solidify what you already have. For example, if your blog only brings in money through advertising, explore writing for other blogs or consulting.

Your subject matter may also need some adjustment. Writing about expensive interior decorating, restaurant reviews, day trading, or high-end jewelry may not find a receptive or growing audience. Conversely, there are many subjects that can thrive: frugality, life simplicity, do-it-yourself repairs, and job hunting. I’ve read that movies were popular all throughout the 1930s depression – as people looked to entertainment to distract them from all-too-real troubles.

But generally speaking, I feel that blogging is recession proof. It’s one of the cheapest businesses to start, and many of us could continue writing with nothing more than a working computer, an internet connection, and hosting costs – which is a few hundred dollars a year.

And if money isn’t the primary reason why you’re blogging – you have the luxury of posting persistently through the economic headwinds.

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Jason Kaneshiro

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  1. By jenofonte posted on January 30, 2008 at 3:56 pm
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    That’s right guy but will be harder earn some money with blogging

  2. By Jeffro2pt0 posted on January 30, 2008 at 5:39 pm
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    Hey Jason. Awesome that someone out in the blogosphere has brought this issue up. I’ve been wondering what people in cyberspace are going to do when we are in a deep recession possible depression. I think the best thing a blogger could do is use the blog as a resume to write for other blogs. Guest blogging from home would save on Gas and any number of other things. I’m currently working full time at the grocery store and am trying to guest blog as a second job. It’s tough but it’s working.

  3. By Webomatica posted on January 30, 2008 at 9:42 pm
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    Thanks, I am just sharing how the economy may impact my blog in the next year.

    Good point that blogging at home means less money spent on a commute. If it works out, blogging can be a very solid business to out of your home.

  4. By David Zemens [1955 Design] posted on January 31, 2008 at 7:47 am
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    If things do get really bad, perhaps it might be a strange kind of situation where people who are unemployed will have more time to search the web, read blogs, etc. Blog readership may actually increase!

    This is kind of a strange perspective, but sometimes things work out in strange ways.

  5. By missburrows posted on January 31, 2008 at 10:37 pm
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    I wonder if the possible recession will hurt cafes and coffee houses, causing them to cancel their free Wi-Fi. That may really impact bloggers in a negative way.

  6. By Mark posted on June 17, 2008 at 10:06 am
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    This string caught my attention, but still a little surprised there isn’t as many comments as I expected. I’ll keep checking back since this is a hot topic for me personally.

  7. By Tom Lindstrom posted on October 15, 2008 at 9:16 am
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    Excellent article.I have not even thought that recession can strike online business because it is global.But, perhaps the best way to make sure you are safe is to has as many income streams as possible.

  8. By Tiffany posted on July 2, 2009 at 12:17 pm
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    I wonder if the possible recession will hurt cafes and coffee houses, causing them to cancel their free Wi-Fi. That may really impact bloggers in a negative way.too

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