Write With Personality to Become a Better Blogger
Are there times when you visit websites with dynamic writers who just pull you in?
Chances are that it's because they've shown you a part of who they are or how they think.
Even if they aren't just like you, there's that sense of personality that comes with meeting a new person. Who cares if they think Styx are better than Journey? They're a real, live person! Who knew the internet has any of those anymore?
Now, imagine a time you read a post somewhere and couldn't get a sense of the writer. They could be anyone; it's just basic English with no glint of color.
In school, we're taught to keep our own personal stories out of our writing. It's one thing to add insight and creativity, but another case entirely to tell your professor about that one time your uncle took you for a ride on his riding mower... If this was a paper, I'd go back and delete that.
On a blog, do the opposite. In fact, people want to know you. They want to know about how you were hit with a spark of genius while ordering a huge cup of Cookie Dough at Cold Stone Creamery. They want to picture the ice cream and feel the cold glass as they leaned too close.
The best way to create a readership that wants to keep coming back is to put yourself on the page.
Some of the best bloggers give you a slice of who they are. In fact, when I first realized this trick, I faced a dilemma. If I really wanted to succeed as a blogger, I needed to be me. Well, what if people don't like me? What if I'm rejected? How do I do this without turning my site into a digital diary?
Here are a few ideas to write with personality:
1. Stay on topic.
Add that flourish of self-identifcation, but always follow the message.
2. Add a picture.
People will need to be sold less if they can see your bright, smiling face.
3. Have an in-depth About page.
Instead of rehashing your story time and time again, people will learn who you are in one place. Plus, it helps build your tribe.
4. Use your language.
As you can see here, I've got my own particular writing style. People enjoy that, but I know to keep it in check depending on where and for whom I am writing. Allow some of those extra touches to stay, but make sure people can understand you behind the creativity.
5. Don't be too specific.
Every little off-topic tidbit you include into your writing can put off someone. Whether you're upset that I referenced Journey as superior to Styx above, there's room to offend EVERYONE. That's okay, but stick to non-divisive topics.
6. Consider your audience.
I never write anything my grandma wouldn't be comfortable reading. Since I write a lot about SEO and website production and she's 90, she might not understand what I say. But, she would know if I swore, insulted old people, or said mean things. This rule is optional.