Lately I’ve been thinking lately about the people on the other side of the computer screen. That would be you guys, the ones who (for whatever reason) read my blog. First of all, hello and thanks for stopping by. I hope you stick around.
But I want to confess—when I open up WordPress or jot down notes on a scrap piece of paper (true story) 90% of the time my intent is to just get thoughts out of my brain. My first instinct is not writing for an audience to read, but instead writing for enjoyment and as a creative outlet. I like to think of my blog as an organized, digital journal where I can include pictures and talk about events and hobbies in my life. That’s why I include weekend recaps, Friday favorites and other “silly” posts. Blogging is my hobby. Only after that initial fulfillment do I start thinking about the audience. But I honestly try to avoid thinking about it because it’s kind of intimidating.
It’s intimidating because I know I can’t please everyone. But as a people-pleaser in real life, this is hard for me to accept so I just don’t think about it.
Source
Whenever someone tells me what they read my blog I’m incredibly flattered. But instead of following up with a very sincere “thank you” I really want to ask “what do you like about it?” I want to know because I want to keep pleasing them. I want to accommodate all different people, ages and interests.
Maybe I should think more about what my audience wants. Maybe I should write more specified content. Then again, there are a lot of things I should do that I don’t, like clean my room for example. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I write what I know and what I enjoy reading. I don’t enjoy reading posts that feel forced (preachy words of wisdom or tips) so I don’t make myself churn out a certain type of content each week. If I happen to be thinking deep thoughts then I’ll write about them, not the other way around. If some people like those posts, great. If some people don’t, come back another day. Same thing goes for the weekend recaps, food posts, playlists, workouts, etc.
As of now I plan to continue blogging about a hodgepodge of things. I don’t want to conform to a niche because my interests are so broad. Plus, I like rambling and sharing. So maybe not thinking about the audience is good in this case? But part of me will always want to provide some benefit to my readers, whether it’s entertainment, help (?), or just an escape from office work. I think if I remain authentic in my writing it’s possible to write for myself AND my readers.
I hope you find my content to be worthwhile in some shape or form, but I understand if you don’t. As I’m learning in the “real world” it’s completely possible to still be a nice, friendly person without making everyone happy 24/7. It’s not easy for me to let go of the need to please, but it’s possible.
I think the best thing to do is to remain authentic and to use your own voice. I think that is what draws people in and keeps people reading. I am always happy when people share that they read my blog, but always want to ask that question too. I just try to keep blogging about the things that I feel passionate about and am interested in as I think that my voice will shine through in those posts and keep people reading and interested.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Birthday Cake Baked Oatmeal
Perfectly said. I think when I write about topics I enjoy or am interested in, whether light-hearted or heavier, is when my voice shines the most.
One of my biggest struggles in life is often times putting other peoples feelings in front of my own. While this is great, and definitely allows people to think of me as “beyond caring” and “thoughtful” sometimes I end up hurting myself by not doing what’s right for ME. I respect your honesty about blogging/your writing process and I definitely think it’s an interesting balance to strike. What I want to write about vs. what people want to read about. I think you do a fabulous job and as always I appreciate your candor! Hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!
Jamie recently posted…Tried It Tuesday – ISTJ-T
Yes! I’m always the “thoughtful” and “super nice” person but it can be tiring at times. I do like making people happy but when it comes to blogging, that’s one place I don’t want to carry that over (at least not right now). I LOVE your blog for your honesty and relatability :)
I like your blog because it is clear you write for you. I don’t like the forced how to posts either. I hate preaching and I like hearing others’ experiences. Your posts are a breath of fresh air in the blog world. I, too, write for myself. I hope that sharing about my life does help others, but at the end of the day, that is not my sole purpose. It’s an added bonus. People will keep reading your blog as long as you keep doing you!! And for the record- I like the “hodgepodge” :)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…(Not) Solo Weekend
That means a lot to me, thank you. I know I’ve told you this but I think so highly of your blog because you’re just sharing your experiences, not preaching. Oh, hodgepodge is one of my most frequently used words haha
You have nothing to worry about with your blogging ;) You have a blog that acts a a journal and these types of posts are always great o read. Thoughts, just like friends talking, it’s nice :)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…The Awakening Of Yoga
I like to think of all my readers as my friends anyway :) Never talking down or at them, just to them.
It is so true that no matter how considerately you try to write a post, there will always, always be someone who does not like it. I find that the best bloggers write from their heart and find a way to integrate it with their audience’s wishes as well. The moment blogging becomes a ‘chore’ is when you know you are not doing it for yourself anymore. I totally agree that is should always be a creative outlet!
Niki @lifewithniki recently posted…Why ‘Guilty Pleasures’ Aren’t Actually Guilty + My Favorites
Completely agree. I don’t want it to become a chore, and the moment it does I will re-evaluate my methods.
For someone so young, you have a wise soul darling! I used to be a people pleaser, but being a “PP” is exhausting and you end up getting lost and not living your life. This past year, I finally made the switch. I do what I want to do. I do it because it makes me happy. Everyone else can either support me or they can keep on moving along with their opinions…LOL!
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…bACK To Nantucket With Graced By Grit
So glad to hear you are focusing more on your happiness. I’m tired enough at the end of the day that I don’t need the unnecessary pressure of trying to write for other people.
It’s hard to not feel like you need to keep up or do whatever everyone else does. Honestly there’s a crapton of blogs out there all doing the same thing and posting the same sorts of recipes and blah. Not even enough time to read them all. Just do you!
Lauren recently posted…MIMM {Food & Family in Hashtags}
“Just do you” seems to be a constant theme in my life. I don’t hate that :)
People pleasing is a thing I’ve had the biggest difficulty with blogging. For a while I spent time writing posts based on what I thought people would like, but writing that way quickly burned me out. I lost motivation to write because I wasn’t writing things that I liked and that I was truly passionate about. I’m still working on it, but I’ve started more writing for ME, which means posts that are more sporadic and kind of random, which perfectly parallels my life at the moment and I think that’s A-OK!
Lacey @ Runs and Roses recently posted…Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce
It really is exhausting trying to write what you think people want to read, especially when it’s NOT what you feel passionate about. I’m totally with you on the sporadic, random posts. That’s my life at the moment too.
I have always been a people pleaser and I am severely guilty of letting the preferences of others override my own far too frequently. It often frustrates me but I am getting a bit better at realising you can’t keep 100% of people happy 100% of the time although even when I put my own opinions out there, I tend to be over diplomatic about it…
After following your blog and several others in this community for a while, I have finally taken the plunge to start my own (its in its very early stages!). I ummed and ahhed about it for a long time with questions like ‘who would want to read about my life/ thoughts/ hobbies/worries?’ ‘I’m not doing anything constructive yet so people will think I’m a fraud…’ etc. but then I thought about the main reasons I wanted to start in the first place: 1) I love to write and writing has been absent in my life for too long. 2) I love reading about the adventures of people who share similar passions and I would love to connect with them.
I totally support your position and love your ‘hodgepodge’ page so please keep doing what you do!
P.S. I saw Mission Impossible on Sunday and it was AWESOME!
Congrats on starting a blog! It’s exciting, confusing and overwhelming at the same time. I love connecting with people who share similar interests…that’s been the best part. Wasn’t that movie fantastic?! I want to see it again!
I like to say that I am a recovery people pleaser ;) I think it is a trait we are born with and society makes it that much stronger. I also struggle with the “should” thoughts. I have to consciously tell myself to cut it out! I think in the end if you are happy and treat yourself well then the right people will gravitate toward you. And if someone doesn’t like me for being my authentic self- then forget them!
sarah recently posted…Some Travel Ambitions
I like that term- “recovery people pleaser.” I hope I’m on that path too. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a people pleaser so I think you’re right that it’s a trait we are born with.
Oh my gosh, I totally understand what you mean with work! It can be hard to let go that you can be completely nice to people, and they still won’t respect you. I really respect that you’re able to put those feelings aside for your blog. I think your posts always resonate with me because they are insightful and authentic.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon: Week One
I really appreciate your comment, Rebecca :) I think I’m having the hardest time in the work environment because it’s a struggle between being young and wanting to prove myself AND not wanting to be overworked unfairly.
I really like this article. Personally my blog is a little all over the place but I think that’s a good thing because it reflects who I am (A fellow 20 something with a lot of different interests, opinions and things to share). Not everyone is going to agree or enjoy everything you post but what I try to focus on is the person it does speak to, the person who relates, the person who needed to hear that particular message that day. One of the most popular articles I’ve posted, I was so nervous about because it was controversial but I got so much good feedback. So just keep writing what you want and your audience will find you and vice verse.
Dia recently posted…On believing in yourself…
Thank you for this! It was (ironically) just what I needed to read today :)
Very well said! I love that you are in control of where you’re taking your blog — and that’s how it should be. 100% agreed.
Paola Angeli recently posted…July Favorites | My Orange Blossom Obsession
Thank you, Paola!
one of the reasons i like your blog is your hodgepodge style. i can tell you are a new blogger but in a great way ! a way that i never know what i will see and i like that. certain blogs you know you will see X on Monday, Y on Tuesday, etc. dont get me wrong i like those to u can count on the content but i also think its fun to see a new blogger evolve. im in awe since i don’t blog i just read ! i am drawn to people who are authentic (at least they seem to be), share some personal info (though i understand you need to have a line), and share the ups and downs. i just feel like that is more relateable and more healthy for me. over preachy blogs make me feel a but like omg i must be wrong. i like to hear what works for you (and how that changes overtime) but love when you say…but hey it might not work for me. as a celiac, i also love those posts. keep it up. write what you like !
That means a lot to me, thank you! I get the same feeling with preachy posts. I’ve learned that most things won’t work for everyone across the board so it’s better to just share my experiences and what works for me.
Oh I love this so very much! Definitely will be keeping it in mind as I create more content for my blog. :)