Do freelance writers need a blog?

So you're a freelance writer and everyone talks about this blogging caper - is it something you need to do too? Or is it a complete waste of valuable writing time? I've been asked about this lots lately, so thought I'd put my thoughts on the topic out there...

The answer is neither yes nor no. (Which is slightly annoying, because I'm quite partial to a black and white response.) The answer is, actually, a whole lot of questions:

What do you want to achieve with your writing? If you're happily flying along as you are, maybe you don't want to try out this medium. Then again, maybe it's a good way to set yourself up for future possibilities. You need some clear(ish) goals because blogging and gaining an online portfolio isn't something that will happen quickly; you'll need to stick to it long-term to get anywhere.

How could a blog help your work get published? My blog has turned out to be my most valuable marketing tool. I've had editors say they know my blog and will happily commission articles because they know what I can do; I've gained corporate writing work from those who read here; and I get some invaluable opportunities - like travel famils - through this channel. Knowing whether it will help you isn't something you might be able to realise until you try it, which is tricky.

Could being online help your career? Diversifying is one of the keys to freelance writing these days, and we're seeing more and more writers gain success by a combination of print articles, corporate work, online pieces, books, ebooks, copywriting - and yes, blogging. As a writer I've found blogging and other social media absolutely worthwhile, but don't forget that effort has to be put into it.

Will people take you seriously if you blog? More than any other type of work I do, or have done, people are fascinated by blogging. What is it, why do you do it, how does it all work, and so on. I think lots have been surprised by what a blog can be - you have full control over what you do and don't share - but it seems to be recognised more as time goes on.

Can you make money out of blogging? Some people do, certainly, but I wouldn't recommend going into it for that reason alone. You need to do it for other reasons and if money follows, then isn't that brilliant (if that's a goal you want to kick). I guess I say that because if you're a writer, chances are you're doing what you do to follow your heart (not taking away from earning a living - I'm a big fan of turning your passions into business) so that should follow into blogging. Your passion will shine through and help gain some recognition.

Will you have time to blog? I don't know - will you? And if you are able to make the time, will the benefits be worthwhile? I'd advise thinking about this both in terms of gaining work as well as personal reasons, too - for me, one of the biggest reasons to blog is to keep up the discipline of writing regularly. There are many more benefits to blogging, but whether I get more from it or not, that in itself makes this worthwhile.

What do you think? Time to start a blog? Any more questions?