Here’s what you can expect as a blogger on Goodreads. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages but not by much, so make sure you’re ready for the challenge.

Advantages of Blogging on Goodreads

Overall, you’re dealing with a platform that readers, writers, and publishers rely on for book recommendations, discussions, and publicity. But how exactly does Goodreads help you as a blogger?

The site has grown in popularity since 2007 as it lets people track their literature, find new books to read next, chat with other bookworms, promote their books, and more.

There’s so much you can blog about to a literary audience, from favorite genres and author interviews to your own creative writing.

And since Goodreads offers ways to explore and talk about all such topics, it’s a great platform to voice your thoughts.

2. Goodreads Gives You Direct Access to a Global Audience

While new platforms keep cropping up, many book lovers stay loyal to Goodreads and look forward to reading and talking about literature.

So, blogging on Goodreads means you have access to a huge community that loves books. You’re addressing a range of readers, authors, and publishing professionals from all over the world.

3. A Goodreads Blog Is Good Publicity

Thanks to the status of Goodreads and its high activity, your visibility as a literary blogger can grow. And since only authors can blog on Goodreads, your reputation as a writer can enjoy a boost, too.

You still need to create interesting content and blog regularly to draw people’s attention, but your audience, tools, and respected environment are already there, waiting to help you build a fan base.

Disadvantages of Blogging on Goodreads

The platform is valuable and popular but not the hub it once was. A key reason you should stop using Goodreads, especially as a blogger, is its outdated system, which rivals have outshined in recent years.

1. Goodreads Has Limited Tools to Make Blog Posts Appealing

You use a basic HTML editor to create posts on Goodreads or sync a pre-existing blog. While this is not the most complicated process, it’s not feature-rich for today’s standards either.

For example, you get a plain font that you can only underline, italicize, and bold. You can add images via URL, simple emojis, hyperlinks, book references, and that’s the extent of how exciting your blog can be.

Not only that, but Goodreads doesn’t display its blog posts in an attractive way—it doesn’t even distinguish between content writing and creative writing. In other words, standing out on the platform is entirely up to you.

2. Navigation and Marketing Tools Aren’t User-Friendly

Goodreads hasn’t improved its layout much over the years. If the limited formatting tools aren’t bad enough to shy you away, getting to your blog and live posts is also tricky.

So, in order to grow your Goodreads followers and your blog’s potential, you have to make an extra effort with your tags, titles, content, and marketing strategies—actively sharing your posts on social media is essential, for instance.

3. There Are Better Platforms Than Goodreads for Literary Blogs

Whether or not to use Goodreads as a blogger depends on how efficient you want to be. If you’re just putting your thoughts out there and having simple discussions with a timeless community, Goodreads is perfect.

However, for impressive posts, smart tools, and a smooth user experience, you’re better off with alternative sites than Goodreads.

Get Creative When Starting a New Blog

Think about what your blog is for and where it fits the most. Goodreads is undoubtedly a reliable place to find book lovers interested in discovering and talking about literature. Still, it’s not the best choice if you want to quickly build a successful blogging career.

Explore other platforms and methods to put you on the map. You can still use Goodreads as a marketing and publicity tool for your literary work—just as part of a bigger strategy.