These days, there are so many names for an independent publisher. Some call it blogger (like how I like to call it), digital influencer, online journalist and the list goes on. In actual fact, we all have the same focus, that is to produce an online article with great content.

Well, being a full-time blogger, on an entrepreneurial level, is not as easy as you think. Those who told you that all we do is just put on makeup, wear nice clothes, pose in front of the camera and write whatever we want, are wrong! Life as a blogger is more than just those; it is just as challenging and requires a lot of determination to grow this business. I can tell you 5 reasons why being an Independent Publisher or blogger has made me a better person today than before.

1. Coming up with new ideas every day
I ask myself everyday, what should I be writing today or for tomorrow? There are so many blogs out there. How can I make my content better than the next blog? Coming up with different ideas challenges my mind to improve and write great topics that people would want to read.

2. Improve my photography skill
I had previously taken photos occasionally. When I became a blogger, I took photography more seriously. A good picture on one’s blog can retain a reader’s view longer than an average picture. Hence, knowing how to pose in front of a camera, as well as, taking better photos would help tremendously as well.

3. Be consistent and determined
This is my very own business and I run it myself. Unless and until I have a team to run it for me, I need to be determined everyday to keep this business going. I don’t need to write every day, but I do need to be consistent in the blogging world. If I slack, I will be left behind in this blog-sphere, where there are new digital influencers popping up everyday.

4. Develop confidence
People say “fake-it-till-you-make-it” and I totally believe in that motto. At first when I started blogging, I thought I can just sit behind the computer and just….blog. Boy, was I wrong. I have to attend brand meetings and meet new people at events to be able to grow my business. I need to pitch and sell my blog to these brands, so that they will, in turn, invest in my blog. Through those experiences, I had the opportunity to build my confidence.

5. Grow my business
I constantly think of how to grow my business, as in getting more readers and sponsors. I’m always looking out for contest (such as Digi WWWOW Internet Award) to participate and gain more exposure, reading other popular blogs for inspirations and develop a “thick-skin.” There are so many brands with websites and social medias these days. I would constantly drop them an email or message. I’m sure someone will reply somehow.

If you’re a blogger yourself, I hope you’ve been enjoying your journey as well. If you’re new to the blog-sphere, I hope my pointers will help you in the near future.

More about Digi WWWOW Internet Award 2015

If you have an idea, a project or a business on the internet, Digi WWWOW Internet Award 2015 is looking for you! You can submit your entry here, or nominate someone who you think deserve to win. There are 8 categories for this awards:

1. Videos & Photography
2. Social Influencers
3. Independent Publishers
4. Web E-Commerce
5. Mobile E-Commerce
6. Social Media E-Commerce
7. Social Impact
8. Social Movement

Are you the next internet hero? Watch this short video and hope it will give you some inspirations! For more information, drop by http://www.wwwow.my/

Thank you for reading my blog. Wishing you a great day!

*Photo shoot and article in collaboration with Digi