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Over the last few years, there have been constant updates to Google’s search engine rankings. The Helpful Content Update was designed to improve search results for the everyday user, but it has been hit with a lot of criticism from many people with blogs since then. It’s definitely change to writing and publishing blog posts — and not necessarily for the better for all.
Genuinely good blogs were hit with the update, and they have been hit by other Core Updates since. Something isn’t working, and it doesn’t help that Google says it doesn’t want AI content but then pushes its own AI platform.
It begs the question of whether blogging is even worth it anymore. Does it still work in 2026? Definitely, but it will mean some changes on your end.
Blogging as It Was 10 years Ago Is No More
If you’re looking to blog on a daily basis about a fun topic just to make money, it’s probably not going to be worth it. That’s not to say you shouldn’t do it at all, but it will take time to build your audience, as you need to prove that you have what it takes.
However, blogging to help grow your business is still possible. We’re talking useful articles that help people achieve goals, and that can lead to gaining customers or clients.
Remember that the SEO update* was known as the “Helpful” Content Update, so the idea is that you offer something that is in line with the content people are looking for. You need to build authority and prove that you are the expert on the topic, and if this blog is to help market your current business, then you know that you can do that.
Blog Posts Are a Tool for Leverage
When it comes to blogging for your business, you need to use it as a tool to leverage that business. The aim is to solve problems so that you can become an authoritative voice. So, take a look at Google Trends* to see the type of problems people have within your industry. What problems can you solve — and more importantly, what problems can your products solve?
Sales come after trust is built, so you need to keep blogging to grow your reliability. Show your expertise, and make sure your content remains aligned to your readers’ needs.
There are a lot of people against AI, especially writers, but it can have its place. This is a great place to find out what people are searching for when it comes to your business. From there, you can write — or get a human blogger — to write your content.
Consistency Is Key in the 2026 Blogging World
Many businesses won’t create a consistent plan for their blog writing*. They may post once a month or just on a now-and-then basis when the timing feels right. This isn’t going to help you build that authoritative voice.
And I know, I’m guilty of this! I let years go by between posting content, all because I was focusing on other parts of my business and on clients. It takes effort to create a blogging plan and then stick with it.
Sticking with it is the hardest, but you will find that as you gain loyal followers and more customers, it pays off. They can see that you are the voice they need, and as they build trust, they are going to buy.
You can turn your blog posts into an email newsletter. This is another way to connect with your audience. Make sure you have their permission to send them emails, and then set it up so that your blog posts are sent out as email newsletters. By getting the content straight to their inbox, you’ve taken out the fear that they won’t find you online.
You don’t even need to send the same blog post. You could shorten it down to bullet points and then include the link, so that they head to your site to read.
Hire a Freelance Blogger When You Don’t Have Time
I get it; you don’t have time for this. You need to be consistent, but your business needs you in other ways. The great news is you don’t have to do it alone, and you can still get the human touch that AI can’t give you for the full blog post.
Hiring a freelance blogger is the best way to do this. You get someone who understands the market, and you’ll have someone who can create your plan and write your content. They can even publish it, and some can offer to do the social media marketing if you don’t have anyone on hand for that.
A good blogger for hire will also stay on top of the ever-changing landscape of SEO. And yes, it often feels like a headache!
This is the best way to avoid cutting the blog, as it’s the one part of your marketing that feels optional. Blogging isn’t dead in 2026, but it has certainly changed over recent years.
Do you need help with your content? Get in touch today for a free 15-minute discovery call to see if we’re a good fit!
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