I've been blogging since 2008, but at the time (and for a long time) only wrote because I love writing ... not in an attempt to gain followers or monetize any aspect of my writing.

Every couple of years, it seems, I had a new interest or passion--parenting, purpose, the craft of writing, music--and started a blog on that theme.

As such, I didn't keep up with any of them as well as I should have.

All the while, I've been working as a freelance writer and editor (mainly on Upwork), and realized that is the area I have the most skill and experience in ... that and literature.

So, this past year I deleted several of the blogs and started a single website with a blog. My hopes are to stay more focused in topics and to post regularly (twice a week at this point in time).

I'm fairly new to Medium, and am trying to post daily here, at least until the end of the year.

So, in answer, yes, I definitely think having a blog is a good idea, especially if writing is your main "thing."

And like you said, you can do more with your own blog, such as personalize it, add forms for email subscribers and host giveaways, etc.

Oh, here's my blog's link: https://bonitajewel.com/