Starting a blog can be an exciting adventure, offering a platform to share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise with the world. However, many bloggers dive in without a clear message or defined purpose for their blog. While this enthusiasm is commendable, it’s essential to understand why having a focused purpose is crucial from the very beginning.
One common mistake new bloggers make is writing about a wide variety of subjects. If you’re like many aspiring writers, you likely have a ton of interests and an endless array of topics to explore. This might seem like a strength because it ensures you’ll never run out of things to write about. However, in the world of blogging, this approach often leads to confusion and frustration.
Imagine a blog that one day discusses travel tips, the next day delves into cooking recipes, and the following week shares personal finance advice. While all these topics might be of interest to the blogger, they can leave readers bewildered. They might struggle to understand the core theme of the blog and wonder if the content will consistently meet their interests and needs.
Here are a few suggestions to help you clarify the focus for your blog;
Know why you blog on your chosen topic.
Often bloggers don’t give enough attention to why they blog on their topic or topics of choice. It’s important to know this starting out. Doing this first helps you define the purpose of your blog. Knowing your why will help you develop your unique writer voice.
What is your why?
- Why did you start a blog or want to start a blog?
- Why is your topic of interest important to you?
- More importantly, why do you think it will help others?
Select a niche area of interest.
When I started blogging several years ago I struggled with this part. This happened because I was interested in many topics. My love for writing led me to blogging. At the time, I didn’t understand the importance of selecting a niche topic to write about.
When deciding on a niche area ask yourself a few questions;
- What are you interested in writing about?
- Are you interested in your blog topic enough to write consistently about it?
- Having a blog means you’ll be writing content consistently.
- If you lack interest in your blog niche, you’ll struggle with what to write about.
Focus on your target audience.
Once you know your why and have selected your niche area, your target audience is waiting for you! These readers will be interested in the topic you write about. Those who aren’t will not become your loyal readers and followers. This is okay because you are not speaking to everyone. You are helping those who are interested in your topic.
Connect with your audience and establish a relationship with them. As you and your blog grow, you’ll develop a loyal following.
Establishing a growing audience takes an investment of time. Reach out to other bloggers in your niche area and also establish friendships with them.
Make a clear first impression.
When I visit a website/blog for the first time, I like to know if I’m in the right place. Is this the place that can help me with the information or content I’m looking for? If I cannot see right away something that grabs my interest, I don’t stay long. Sometimes the website is not easy to navigate and that can cause me to leave. You have one chance to make a first impression and those first few seconds matter! Make it clear when people visit your blog what it’s about.
Below are a few ways you can do this;
- Create a tagline. One sentence that captures a little about what you do. Example: Mine is “Helping writers and bloggers find their wings of confidence.”
- Logos are great for branding your site. Like a stamp that is unique to you.
- Simple and clean design is pleasing to the eye. Less clutter enables your site content to stand out!
Conclusion
Clarity comes through spending the time to nail down the topic best suited to you in the long term. Mastering one topic of interest is easier than chasing too many and mastering none. Enjoy starting and growing your blog! Happy blogging friends!
Helping you to establish a successful online presence.
I’ve gone both ways with this type of thing; that’s why I have more than one blog. My business blog sticks to things I do in my professional life, though it didn’t start out that way. Back in 2005, it was more important to have a blog where I could talk about pretty much anything, even though I mainly stuck to business.
It wasn’t until 2008 when I created my 2nd blog that I fully embraced business on one and “whatever” on the other. Even on that blog, I mainly stick to particular themes, but I don’t limit myself to them because I like sharing my personality… and of course writer’s gotta write! 🙂
Hi Mitch! Great to hear from you! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Cool you have 2 blogs. I have a couple for the same reasons. Need to talk about other topics not related to this one. Like you say in your comment…a writer’s gotta write! 🙂