The Motivations Driving Every Professional Blogger

A blank screen and blinking cursor are the writer's hallmarks. These icons of the trade mark the beginning of each project, each blog post, and each newsletter sent.

Next come the keystrokes. The clicking —however soft— of the keys moving up and down as they push the cursor forward, leaving words, phrases, ideas, and meaning in the wake.

This is the act of composition, but what is the motivation? Or, more specifically, what drives the professional blogger?

The Professional

A professional blogger is a self-employed writer. A fellow who composes short, perhaps personal articles and earns a bit of coin for doing so.

I am using the word "blogger" broadly here, so the blog in question might be a website, Medium, LinkedIn, or a newsletter. Written words earning money.

The Motivation

Money is essential for the professional blogger. It is the very thing that defines the term. The difference between an amateur and a professional is money. But money is not the only motivation.

Purpose is primary. Writers are folks who put ideas into the world. Many professional bloggers are also diarists, journaling daily. Or they are letter writers, sending —for example— long and detailed Christmas cards. They are storytellers. It is part of their purpose.

Composition is something the writer enjoys. It is how he pleases God, in a sense.

Skill is necessary. Sometimes, a professional blogger writes because he can. He has the skill. This skill could be founded in talent, but it often results from practice.

The professional blogger writes habitually. Consistency is a craving, a motivation.

Money is rewarding. Finally, professional work for money. Money is the sustaining motivation. The professional blogger wants or needs revenue. It is the desired outcome and the key performance indicator.