Why Blog for Good?

I am crazy loyal to companies who do good. All things being equal I will always do business with a company that stands for something beyond profits. How about you?

Recently I learned that Hefty trash bags support Box Tops for Education. Hefty is the only trash bag that supports Box Tops for Education and when they support, they go big. It’s pretty easy to find a box of bags with multiple Box Tops on the packaging!

It may not seem like a big deal, but Box Tops add up. Each coupon is worth 10 cents and schools can earn up to $20,000 every year by collecting and turning in Box Tops.

At our local elementary school, the donations have provided everything from playground equipment to technology upgrades. I recently shared this funny little viral video with a few teachers and they loved it!

It should be no surprise to you that I only purchase Hefty trash bags now.

If programs like the Hefty Box Tops for Education campaign help build loyalty for a corporate brand, doesn’t it stand to reason that similar work might help develop personal branding for bloggers? 

Four Benefits of Blogging for Good

Today on Periscope, we had a great chat about the four benefits of blogging for good. Live streaming is great, but I wanted to share a summary of my thoughts regarding blogging for good with you in print as well (thanks for sponsoring this conversation Hefty!).

There’s no question that bloggers are blessed with the power to influence for good, but what are the benefits to a fairly self-focused, driven online professional?

Feel Good

With full editorial calendars, busy family lives and limited time it can be hard to set aside time and space on your blog for charitable work. However few things make us feel a bit better than engaging in a little service.

People who volunteer their time tend to have higher self-esteem, balanced psychological well-being and increased happiness – qualities and traits that lead to an overall improvement in health and even longevity.

There’s no doubt the very best benefit of giving back is the feeling you get from helping others.

Great Branding

It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind of pushing out tutorials and how tos that we don’t often get to showcase our own story. Blogging for good and focusing on a charity allows you to provide a little glimpse inside your life and allows you to positively differentiate your brand from the sea of others.

It ties you to an idea, increases loyalty, enhances your image and provides the opportunity to even more.

Increased Traffic

Have you heard the phrase, “If it bleeds it leads?” It’s a common phrase in the news industry. I have to tell you, I think people are a little sick of the negativity. People like to hear the good. People like the stories that tug at their heart strings. Blogging for good draws in traffic.

Nearly every time I’ve seen a blogger’s post go viral, the underlying message is an overwhelmingly positive one. Take for instance the post I shared on Facebook the other day that has been seen by nearly 90 million people. It’s just a simple message, but it’s all about the good.

Tax Deductions

Did you know that you can claim volunteer hours and contributions on your income taxes? Consult your CPA and make sure you’re working with a nonprofit approved by the IRS before you take a deduction.

Bloggers Who’ve Got it Going On

For some great examples of bloggers who’re really knocking it out of the park be sure to visit:

• Jennifer McGuire Ink – Share Handmade Kindness Campaign
• A Girl and A Glue Gun – Luke’s Loves + Project Linus
• Simple Simon and Co – Skirting the Issue

What’s your experience been with blogging for good? I’d love to hear more about the partnerships you’ve formed and why you’re supporting them. Leave me a note in the comments!

Oh and hey, if you’ve got any extra box tops around the house you’re not going to use send me a note. I’d be happy to collect and deliver them to a school!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.