Blogging During A Recession

January 30, 2008 | By Jason Kaneshiro | Filed Under Features, How I Blog, Opinion

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.

Digg it

About the author: Jason Kaneshiro is a relative "newbie" blogger and the author of Webomatica, covering technology, movies, and music. He lives in the Bay Area and works in web / instructional design in San Francisco.

Comments

5 Responses to “Blogging During A Recession”

jenofonte on January 30th, 2008 3:56 pm

That’s right guy but will be harder earn some money with blogging
Jeffro2pt0 on January 30th, 2008 5:39 pm

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.
Webomatica on January 30th, 2008 9:42 pm

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.
David Zemens [1955 Design] on January 31st, 2008 7:47 am

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.
missburrows on January 31st, 2008 10:37 pm

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.

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