Why Blogging Still Works in 2026 (and How to Use It to Grow Your Business)

The big question: Is blogging dead?

You’re here because you want to know if blogging is dead now that ChatGPT and AI seem to have taken over the world. The quick answer is no – blogging isn’t dead. In fact, in 2026 it’s still one of the best ways to get found online, build trust with your audience, and turn readers into clients.

Why people think blogging is dead

It’s easy to see why people assume blogging is no longer relevant in 2026. Nowadays, social media feels like the main stage, with people endlessly scrolling on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Search engines and AI tools now give quick answers without anyone even having to click on a link. And with shorter attention spans, writing a blog post can definitely feel outdated.

But the truth is, blogs are far from dead.

In fact, 83% of internet users (roughly 4.4 billion people!!) still read blogs.

Blogs actually continue to carry weight because they create lasting, searchable content. A quick Instagram reel might grab attention for a day or two, but the blog post you wrote can keep bringing new visitors months or even years later. Blogs are also one of the main sources search engines and AI tools look to when they’re deciding what to show people.

Blogging in 2026: What’s changed

Blogging in 2026 doesn’t look like it did 10 years ago. It’s no longer about writing long personal essays or posting just to post.

Today, blogging is about creating clear, helpful answers to the questions your clients are already typing into Google or asking in tools like ChatGPT.

The biggest shift is how people search. We still see short phrases being used like “yoga class near me”, but there’s a growing trend of people asking full questions like “what type of yoga is best for stress relief?” Blogs that mirror this natural, conversational style are more likely to show up in search results and AI overviews.

And while platforms like Substack have become popular for sending your writing directly to your subscribers, your blog still plays a different role. Substack helps you connect with people who already follow you, but a blog on your website helps new people discover you through search.

Plus, unlike social media or third-party platforms, your blog is fully yours. It lives on your site, works for you long-term, and it doesn’t disappear because of an algorithm change.

If you’re in the wellness space and wondering how a blog fits into the bigger picture of your online presence, you might also like this super simple post about why a website is essential for your business.

The human side of blogging

The reality is, at the end of the day people don’t just want information – they want connection. Especially in wellness, clients are looking for someone they can trust with their health, growth, and healing.

The amazing thing about writing a blog is that it gives your readers a chance to experience your voice and your approach before they ever reach out. A thoughtful post can end up feeling like a conversation to someone, and maybe even have them think: “wow, this person understands what I’m going through.” That should always be the goal. And it’s that sense of trust that often becomes the first step toward booking a service.

The other thing is, blogging also works hand in hand with your email list. A simple blog post can lead your readers into a free resource like a guided meditation, a recipe guide, or a short video that helps someone take the next step with you. And from there, you can stay in touch, share value, and gently guide them toward becoming a client.

Why blogs last longer than social media

Social media moves fast. Everyone knows that a post might get attention for a few hours, maybe a couple of days, but then it will probably get buried under new content.

Blogs, on the other hand, keep working in the background. A post you publish today can still be bringing new visitors to your website months or even years from now – especially if you share that blog on Pinterest.

According to Forbes, one of the cool benefits of Pinterest is that a pin can continue to generate traffic long after it’s first posted. So, pins that aren’t tied to trends or seasons (aka evergreen content) keep working year-round and can continue to attract clicks and saves well beyond the day you publish them. To me, that makes Pinterest a no-brainer sidekick for your blog.

For wellness professionals, this longevity is especially powerful. Imagine writing one blog on “holistic ways to improve sleep”.. Not only can it attract readers today, but with just a little refreshing over time, it can keep drawing in new clients year after year far longer than any social post.

A quick look at SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Let’s quickly touch on SEO. The term “SEO” might sound like a big technical term, but at its core it just means making it easier for people to find you when they search online.

So every blog post you write is another doorway into your website. If a nutritionist writes a post about “5 foods that support digestion”, and someone types that exact phrase into Google, that post can show up in the results and that person is now one step closer to booking their service.

👉 Here’s a little tip: Write your blog titles the same way people would type a question into Google. For example, instead of calling a post “My Sleep Routine”, try “Best bedtime habits for deeper sleep”. This small shift makes your blog easier for search engines (and people) to understand.

Start thinking of your blog as a library of answers.

The more helpful answers you publish, the more chances you have to show up when someone is searching for exactly what you offer. And because search engines rely on this content, blogging naturally strengthens your overall SEO, helping your whole website become easier to find.

If you’re new to SEO and want a simple place to start, check out this post for a clear breakdown of the basics using Showit.

What “answer engines” mean and why you should care

As you’ve probably noticed, search engines aren’t just showing lists of websites anymore. Tools like Google’s AI Overview are now giving direct answers at the top of the page. These are called “answer engines” because they serve up the answer before you even click through to a link.

So where do those answers come from? Blogs and websites that explain things clearly.

When you write a post that answers a common question like “is acupuncture good for anxiety?” – your blog has a chance to be the one Google or AI highlights.

This is what people mean when they talk about AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).

But it’s not just any blog that gets chosen. Search engines and AI tools prefer content that is trustworthy and credible.

So how do you show that? Keep it simple:

• Write in clear, straightforward language
• Share your expertise through real examples or client-inspired stories
• Use headings and short paragraphs to make your post easy to scan
• Stay accurate and update old posts if the information changes

👉 Another little tip: Once you’ve explained a topic, add a short, clear answer at the top of your blog post before diving into the details. For example, “Yes, acupuncture can help reduce anxiety by calming the nervous system. Here’s how it works…” That way, your content feels credible and is easy for answer engines to pull.

How AI actually uses blogs

There’s also another term you might start hearing alongside SEO and AEO, and that’s GEO or Generative Engine Optimization. It sounds complex, but here’s the plain version: it’s about how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini decide what content to recommend when people ask them questions.

Unlike traditional AI, which analyzes and presents you with answers and content that already exists, Generative AI creates new original content (like text, images, videos, etc). But the thing is, it doesn’t just invent things out of thin air – it draws from existing sources like blogs and websites to shape its responses. So the clearer, more detailed, and more helpful your blog is, the more likely AI tools are to “trust” it and share your perspective with users.

Think of your blog as a teacher for AI. Every post you publish gives these tools better information to work with, which increases the chance that your business will be the one mentioned in an AI-generated answer.

👉 Another tip: Include both depth and clarity in your blogs. Always answer the question or problem first, then expand with examples, context, or client scenarios. This balance makes your blog valuable to both people and AI.

Why blogs still convert better than social media

Something I say again and again, is how social media is great for visibility.. but most people scrolling there aren’t actively looking for help. They might like your post or save it for later, but more often than not, they move on without taking any action.

Blogs are different. Someone who searches “is reiki good for stress?” or “best foods for better sleep” is already looking for a solution. By landing on your blog, they’re engaging with you at the exact moment they’re ready to learn more – and potentially take the next step.

That’s why blog readers tend to convert at a higher rate than social followers. A blog gives space for context, trust-building, and a clear call-to-action, whether that’s booking a session, downloading a freebie, or joining your email list.

3 easy ways to blog smarter in 2026

I know blogging can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 3 simple ways to make your posts work harder for you:

1. Answer FAQS: Think about the questions your clients ask you most often – each one of these can become a blog post! (Example: “What’s the difference between meditation and breathwork?”)
2. Use clear, search-friendly titles: Write your blog titles the same way someone would search on Google. Instead of “my favorite morning routine”, try “morning routine for more energy”.
3. Add a next step: Never leave your readers hanging. End your post with a gentle invitation to book a call, subscribe to your email list, or download a free resource.

Bonus – Share your blogs on Pinterest: Unlike other social media platforms, Pinterest acts more like a search engine. So a blog you pin today can keep bringing visitors to your site months (and even years!) down the road.

The bottom line: Blogging is not dead

Blogging isn’t a thing of the past, it’s just evolving like everything else…

Wellll, almost everything. Craigslist seems to be the one and only exception – still rocking that 1999 vibe.

Your blog, on the other hand, deserves better. In 2026, blogging is still one of the most powerful tools you have to be discovered online, build trust with future clients, and create content that keeps working long after you hit publish.

Think of it as your home base: your blog fuels search engines, supports AI tools, and gives you material to repurpose across social media and email. Most importantly, it gives your audience a real sense of who you are and why they can trust you.

If you’re ready for a blog that actually supports your business – whether that means adding one to your existing site or starting fresh – that’s exactly what I help health & wellness brands do at VERVE & COLOR. I design websites that make blogging simple, strategic, and built to bring in the right clients. Let’s make your blog work for you. ✨