It’s been awhile since I wrote on the topic of blogging itself but finding myself skimming through Copyblogger this morning it got my mind working. (Thanks to the comment below from Phil Lucas, this is now a live link to the particular story I was reading when inspiration struck that lead to the writing of this article.) For some reason the question popped into my head, “Who gives a damn about what I write?” No I am not expressing my depression for lack of readers over here at Viral Thinking I am simply brainstorming, trying to figure out who it is that “gives a damn about what I write”. Why do I think it is important that I know this and why is it that you to should know this? Simply put, if you can’t answer this question in one form or another then you are wasting your time. Alright that’s a little harsh, plenty of us write for our own good without really worrying about whether or not anyone cares to read it. I am referring to those of use that are out here writing with the hope to bring in the traffic, market or sell a product and just plain make something of their blog. For you, your blog is a product whether you like to admit it or not and as is with any product, you need to know who your customers are.
So are looking to bring in the casual reader who is just looking for a little relief from the daily grind and more apt to skim. Or are you focused on the reader desparately searching for the next big idea that is going to catapult their business into the realm of success overnight and is more apt to hang on your every brilliant word. Don’t know? Figure it out and then tailor your product (writing style) to appeal.
How focused are you? Are you looking to provide content to one elite group of people who fully understand the ins and outs of your niche, or are looking to appeal to those informed and those interested. Let’s say for instance the topic of Nanotechnology. You are an expert on the subject and all you really want to do is content with others in the same boat, that’s your market. So go for it, use all of the fancy terms and technical terms you would like. But lets for a moment say that you are looking to appeal to a reader more like myself, I might be interested but if you start throwing out the big words too soon, chances are I will loose interest pretty quickly and go searching elsewhere. Start me out slow, “dumb it down a bit” as they say, real me in and then wow me. Bottom line is learn to relate to your reader. This should be one of the easiest things in the world because chances are if you are interested enough to write about it then you are interested enough to read. YOU ARE PART OF THE MARKET so relate to your peers, just like you would anywhere else, whether it be the halls of a prestigious university or the dark corners of the neighborhood tavern. Make it personal and find a way to relate.
You have a ton of great ideas and a passion to share them, but if you don’t focus on appealing to the “people who give a damn” about your brilliance or lack there of then you will forever being asking yourself who gives a damn about what I write.
Good article!
just an additional note…
Another very important aspect of developing a general audience is to always utilize networking opportunities in each and every article you write. Audiences always appreciate a blogger that will steer them to further information, and if a reader consistently finds that in your blogs, they will be more apt to bookmark your feed.
e.g., in this article you mention Copyblogger ( which is a great collateral reference for your article! )…but…you should have presented it with a link. Title, Content, and Networking are the keywording essentials of effective SEO.
Phil – I always appreciate your comments and your keen eye for finding my mistakes, thank you for point that out. You bring up a very good point, I think that recognizing the “work” of others especially when they are quite a bit more credible in the internet arena does in turn boost the credibility of your own writing. Too often I work with clients that are afraid to place even the slightest reference to another source much less link to them. Very interesting that you refer to this as Networking, it may not be in the traditional sense but it is very much like a hand shake or the passing of a business card. Do not be afraid to “share the love” as they say, it may not always be returned but when it is it can be well worth it.
Please feel free to correct me, but I think it is important to point out here that when linking you do so wisely. Provide value to your reader by placing the link, don’t link just for the sake of linking as that can often times have an adverse effect.
Thanks again Phil, it is good to know that someone “gives a damn”.
Jeremy – Yes, I definitely agree that linking should be used prudently and that you should always try to clear links and backs with the other party(ies) before insertion ( unless it is just a reference to a general info/public or commercial site ). Good that you point that out!
I refer to it as “networking” in it’s more traditional “social” definition rather than with its more technological-age implications. I guess you could call it “rubbing shoulders”, “name-dropping”, or just plain “web-schmoozing”.
Actually, and aside from the schmoozing aspects, I think linking in blogs is, in some ways, similar to footnoting and bibliography in more formal writing – a way for you to credit, “credentialize”, and verify sources and resources so that the reader can further pursue your train of thought while recognizing your own particular take on the subject matter.