Blogging isn’t just for aspiring cookbook authors, fashionistas, or mothers of adorable children. It’s for anyone with a passion. A blog is a platform, a tool we can use to share stories, comment on society, and develop our own niche in the world. Blogging makes us active participants in the conversation, not just passive bystanders.

Need the extra push to start one? A blog can help you:

Become An Expert
Whether it’s the environment, baseball, or rescue puppies, we all have something that excites us. Blogging is a way you can turn those passions into areas of expertise. It’s a way to gain experience and show off knowledge in a tangible way — all in a field that’s not necessarily your day job or your degree. (Likewise, if you’re passionate about your current industry, a blog can help you reach the next level.)

Grow Your Online Presence
Considering that 48 percent of employers say they Google potential hires, a blog is an excellent way to bulk up your internet portfolio beyond 140 characters and selfies. You control the story on your blog, which means you get to show potential employers who you really are and what you really care about. It’s a chance to shine, not to mention having a regularly updated blog proves you’re hardworking and self-motivated. These are all skills employers covet.

Challenge Yourself
It may seem like everyone (and their mom) has a blog, but there’s a good reason for it. A blog is a way to shake things up if you’re in a rut or don’t feel challenged enough in the daily grind. It’s a chance to write, to photograph, to research, and it forces you to think outside the box.

Learn New Things
Blogging teaches you how to effectively communicate online, promote yourself, code in HTML, and so much more. While it’s up to you how deeply you dive into each of these topics, the opportunity is there.

Make A Difference 
A blog is a great platform to make your voice heard on a topic that gets you fired up. Animal cruelty, the water crisis, sex trafficking, whatever it may be, you can make a difference by blogging — even if it’s just raising awareness in one person.

Have New Experiences
Writing a blog opens you up to new opportunities in both the virtual and real world. Through comments, social media, and your own research, you’ll get connected with other bloggers who share your same passion. Blogging expands your horizon beyond the screen and puts you in touch with people you may have never met otherwise.

Document Your Life
No one ever said you need thousands of followers to have a blog. If all you want to do is have a place to write and share thoughts about your family and your life, a blog is the perfect tool.

Whatever your reason for starting a blog, the most important thing is to be an authentic version of yourself. There’s a lot of noise on the internet and to have your voice heard you can’t mimic what others are doing. Don’t try and be something you’re not. Be yourself — the rest will follow.

Image via Ashley Ella Design