Innovative Digital Solutions for SMBs
Discover why even your best blog posts might be ignored, and learn how to create engaging content that resonates with your audience.
How many times have you had a great idea for your blog and you couldn't wait to get started writing it all down? You might be out walking the dog, doing your weekly shopping with the kids in tow at the local supermarket, or watching the latest episode of your favourite TV show. It can happen anywhere, anytime. You get a moment of recognition. You realise that it's a great idea for a post. You write, you publish, and then you get nothing! Not one person comments, nobody gives you a thumbs up, your masterpiece is ignored, you hear crickets in the background of silence, and the blog post is consigned to your archives. What went wrong? Is it just bad luck, or are we missing something crucial in our approach to blogging?
Let's face it: not every great idea will resonate with everyone. Your inner monologue might be shouting "Eureka!" but others might be yawning in response. The solution? Stop trying to please everyone at once.
We often get caught up in the excitement of a new idea, and we can't wait to share it with the world. We pour our hearts into crafting the perfect post, complete with witty headlines, engaging images, and meticulously researched content. But when it's all said and done, nobody reads it.
It's easy to get caught up in frustration and disappointment. After all, we put so much time and effort into creating something we believe will resonate with our audience. We imagine the conversations that will flow from it, the shares on social media, and the praise that'll come pouring in. But when reality fails to meet our expectations, it's hard not to take it personally.
Did you know that the average blog reader spends only about 15 seconds reading a post before deciding whether or not to engage further? It's a shocking statistic, but one that highlights just how competitive the blogging landscape is. With millions of blogs vying for attention online, it's little wonder that even the most well-crafted posts can fall by the wayside.
But here's the thing: we can't let statistics dictate our creative output. We have to keep pushing forward, experimenting with new ideas and approaches until we hit upon something that resonates.
One of the biggest mistakes bloggers make is trying to please everyone at once. It's a noble effort, but it's simply not possible. Every blogger has their own unique voice and style, and what works for one won't necessarily work for another.
So instead of trying to be all things to all people, why not focus on finding your niche? Identify the segment of your market that's hanging on your every word and tailor your content accordingly. Instead of writing a generic piece about wedding dresses, why not specialise in bridal fashion for plus-size brides or create a series of posts focused on eco-friendly wedding ideas?
When you narrow down your focus like this, you'll start to attract an audience that truly resonates with your message. They'll be the ones who appreciate your unique perspective and are drawn to your writing style.
Can you distill your idea into a single sentence that'd fit on a fortune cookie slip? If not, it's time to pare down and simplify. Blog readers are busy; they don't have the luxury of wading through complexities. Keep it concise, keep it clear - or risk losing them altogether.
When we write for a living, it's easy to get caught up in our own world of ideas and perspectives. We start to use jargon and technical terms that only make sense to us. But what about our audience? Do they understand the nuances of our writing?
It's time to pause and evaluate the effectiveness of your blogging approach. Ask yourself two crucial questions: "Would I enjoy reading this post?" and "Is this content engaging enough?" Be honest with yourself - if the answer is no, it doesn't reflect on your writing skills. Your worth as a blogger isn't defined by how well your posts are received. It's about creating valuable content that resonates with your audience and sharing your unique perspective with the world.
One of the most effective ways to connect with your audience is through storytelling. We've all heard the phrase "show, don't tell", and yet we often get caught up in telling our story rather than showing it.
When writing about wedding dresses, for example, why not share a personal anecdote about how you found your perfect dress? Or better still, interview other brides who have been on the same journey as you. By sharing real-life experiences and anecdotes, you'll start to connect with your readers on a deeper level.
Let's get real: you can't please every single reader all the time. Some will connect with your words while others won't. That's the nature of writing for a diverse audience.
When we're new to blogging, it's easy to take it personally when people don't engage with our content. We start to wonder if there's something wrong with us or our writing style. But the truth is, not everyone will like what you write - and that's okay.
Think of it this way: your blog is like a restaurant. You cater to a specific audience with specific tastes and preferences. Just as some people might love a particular dish while others hate it, so too will readers respond to different types of content.
Focus on a unique angle, target a specific segment of your market, simplify your message, and most importantly, write from the heart. When you do, the engagement will follow. Job done!
Remember that success in blogging isn't about hitting some arbitrary benchmark or getting thousands of followers overnight. It's about creating content that resonates with real people who are searching for answers, solutions, or simply inspiration.
When we focus on this aspect - creating for our readers rather than ourselves - the results will follow naturally. And when they do, you'll be able to look back and say: "I did it! I finally found my voice and connected with my audience."
Tags: blog blog post writing blogger blogging blog reader social media