Writing Blog Posts that Folks Will Read

Part One 

Ever wonder wish your blog got more traffic or that folks read what you wrote?  Me too!

There are a LOT of blogs out there and the chances are slim that most folks have the time to stop and read any of our blogs.  With smart phones and feedly and the like, a lot of folks “just look at the pictures” and maybe skim the words.  There are a bunch of blogs I put in that category.  I get all I want from scanning the pictures.  They are amazing!

But there are some blogs, mostly crafty, but some that are not, that I always take the time to read the words.  The author has something to say that I find interesting or challenging or useful, and says it well.  In fact, some blogs have writing that is more compelling that the cards displayed... .

Here’s why I read some blogs.  Basically, it comes down to what do you have to say and why do I want to read it?  And, second, how well do you say it?   I do not care if the blogger posts every day or once a month.  

Some blogs are interesting. 

Example:  I read a couple of blogs written by folks whose lives revolve around their faith/religion.  This is interesting to me.  There are many times I want to reach through the screen and react. I don’t share the bloggers’ faith/religion, but the details are fascinating and thought provoking. 

 

Some blogs teach me something I didn't know and want to learn.

Example:  “I placed the bling here because…”  “I tried out two black inks and compared them.  Here are the results.”  “Here’s how you can combine mini apple pies with the this stamp set.”  “Do the following with your camera and your pictures will improve.”

Oh, I didn't know that.  Thanks! (Off to find some mini apple pies…)

Some blogs are funny.

Some folks crack me up.  Period.  I don’t care what their cards look like.  They make me smile.  For free. 

Some blogs are honest without dragging me down.

I like open and refreshing – up to a point. 

Example:  Blogger writes that she can’t post all the time and take care of her kids and water the lawn.  She’s tired or doesn't have the discretionary income to devote to stamping that others have.  I get that. I can relate.  It makes the blogger a real human.

Example:  Blogger’s husband is stationed overseas in a war zone.  She writes about that experience.  It is interesting and honest.  It strains her marriage and is tough on the kids.  Her life isn't perfect.  Her cards may be, but her life is not.

 

Example:  Blogger mentions on a regular basis that her marriage is in trouble/stamp companies release too many products/dies cost too much/kid got arrested.  It’s honest.  Sharing the down moments in our lives can connect with me, but a constant drum beat of negativity rings turns me away.  I'm already a glass half empty person.  I need your water to fill me up, not an open plug to drain my glass.  

 

Example:  A blogger shares her son’s serious illness, providing updates.  I connect. I care and am interested.  It is heartbreaking, but doesn't drag me down –it provides me an opportunity to know the person and connect to another human being.  Life, contrary to Facebook, isn't one happy status report after another.

So those are the things that make me want to read a blog.  

How about you?  What makes you want to read – really read – a blog???

Coming Up:  Part Two (Editing your own words so folks will want to read them.)