Sunday, April 3, 2011

Blast From The Past - Finding Your Blogging Voice


Finding your blog's "voice" is a concept that I've struggled with. It means a commitment to what your readers can come to expect of you. It's why they come to you, what they hope to always find.

A focus or a voice is your blog persona, it's who you are on your site.



I think of the famous Pioneer Woman's blog. When I click on to her website, I am hoping to find the fantasy of what a cowboy life would be like. I click over  to read the humor and sweet charm I count on her delivering every day. I visit to see what a life different from mine would be like. I know she'll deliver with exquisite photos, short and sappy text, and always a bite of humor. I love the way she loves her children.  That is her focus: it's what keeps me loyal - and she is consistent with it.


Finding an area of focus, of style, isn't necessary, of course. But, I think it will increase your readership loyalty.  Readership will build through viral word of mouth. Your readers will come to know who you are, and will feel as if they truly would recognize you the instant they met you, in real life.  A reader can tell another blog reader, "I know you like beautiful photography, you should go here," or "You really enjoy homeschooling blogs, hop over here."  That's the handle of a focus, it's a grip that allows someone to identify who you are, and who would be attracted to your blog. It makes explaining who you are, possible.


I look back at my first week of blogging, and think of how I wanted to be all things. I have many, many interests, and I wanted to write on all of them. What I found, through all my assorted beginning postings, is how much easier it is to maintain a blog and commit to good content, if you have a focus of who you are, and what you want to sound like.


My first week's posts were: a book review, an exercise routine, the neighbor who was unkind, karate classes for boys, a homeschooling field trip to a pizza factory, and I topped the week off with a poem. I wanted to throw a recipe in there, too, but ran out of days. I still wanted to do more: I wanted to review a play that was in our town, a live music show I had gone to, and also to have a Wordless Wednesday with my son's artwork. I  wanted to do a weekly "fashion" post. And beauty products that I really loved, I wanted to highlight those. I wanted to do gardening tips, cooking tips, and homeschooling tips.  And, this was at the time of Vienna Sausage with Jake, the Bachelor, so I did a quick post on that, too. 


But it all felt so disjointed to me. I wanted to talk about all of these things, but the thought of so many subjects, made me feel scattered. I knew I had to limit and determine a focus. But, I didn't want to. But, not having my subjects limited was stressing me out, I felt it. Why did I feel this way? I wanted to blog about all those things. I wanted to be all things to all people. My thinking? Well, I find it interesting, others will, too, right? Well, then, why did it make me feel so anxious and like I had just had a Costco tub sized amount of coffee? I think I felt the lack of a focus at my website. What was I about?


Finding a focus can be determined by sitting down and analyzing your blog. Look at your tags: what type of posts do you have the most of? What type of posts do you enjoy writing the most? What types of posts show your passion? Are they cooking, photos, parenting, humor, your struggles, music, TV show reviews, current events, politics, Hollywood gossip, relationship tips, crafts? Do you write mostly on overcoming struggles? Are your posts on family life? Do you really enjoy writing fiction?


I enjoy writing about all things: I truly do. However, I recognized that first week, that my blog posts looked unfocused. I could tell that, and I could really feel that.


I sat down and looked at what I enjoyed writing about the most: it was my children, the adventures of a stay-at-home homeschooling mother to 3 boys in a small town. I enjoyed the humorous posts the most. My passion? I love to make people laugh. I also love to teach and help and share resources. I like to talk about a life lesson I learned the hard way, in hopes that sharing it may save someone some pain. It's also important to me to lighten someone's burden, and help them feel understood, and less lonely. I like to do what I would like to have done for me.  I always hope to post with a voice that is transparent, and sincere. And welcoming.


From that first month, I realized that I felt most settled and at peace with a focus that was primarily parent centered, humorous, and introspective. It's what came naturally. How did I know I was finally successful in getting my focus across? When I began receiving comments that began with "I can always count on coming here for a quick laugh," and "you always seem to understand me." Good things like that.


And, there it is: the beauty of your voice, your gift. Loyal readers, who return, to get what they expect. You can continue to write for just yourself, by all means, yes. For me, however, I needed to decide on a direction, and what felt most at home, for me. You don't have to give up all your other interests at all; you can continue to post the occasional lovestruck posts about your children, a difficult time if you're struggling, a travel week while you drive cross country, a childhood memory. All these side road meanderings are acceptable, but, I find, that even with posts like those, my "voice" continues to poke it's head in, through the words.


With the majority of my posts being about my family, my honesty about my life's struggles, the life lessons I've gone through, information that I've found and want to share, and some funny thrown in here and there, it has made blogging a much happier, more simple, experience for me.

It's also made me recognizable to my audience. They know my voice in a minute. 

I love that.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
I like running these old posts. This blast from the past was an original post prepared for Lady Blogger's Society. I still agree with what I felt I needed to do, for me: to limit my subjects. I felt so out of breath with 30 different kinds of posts that first month.  Whew. 
Happy Sunday!

39 comments:

  1. Great post...loved it

    what a fun party. I have enjoyed finding so many new blogs..

    Hope you will stop by...I have some extra giveaways that require nothing but a comment...no jumping through hoops.

    Teresa
    http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/

    http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. I always find wisdom in your posts, whether it's humor, Baby E's Monday post, or simply some observation. I struggled with posting, as you know; and while many momma's may be hiding their light; they are reading despite my blog name. Because; as scattered as it may be? It is my authentic self. Humor, pain, and a tiny bit of insight all rolled into one big LOVE ball!

    One day I aspire to be like so many others bloggers; but if it's meant to happen, it will; and if not? I'll write a book. Thank you for yet another wonderful blog!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I used to read about what made for a successful blog--whatever successful was supposed to mean. And one thing "they" all said was you should post at least three times a week. Early on I committed to twice weekly and have never bumped it up. I try really hard to make really tight, funny posts, and I don't think I could come up with three good ones a week. But you're right--sure do love to get that feedback.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It took me awhile to find my voice but now I think I have it and it makes my writings so much easier.

    ReplyDelete
  5. nice. it took me a while to find my voice...and then it has changes and adapted over time...

    ReplyDelete
  6. I had a couple crappy blogs before I found my voice. I had tried to be all nice and concerned with what people would think if I used my real voice. It was fake and didn't work. My real voice isn't always nice, and it likes to swear.

    Also? Still can't see what the to do is about that Pioneer Chick. Snoozefest.

    See? I'm a jerk.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've really never paid any attention to my blogging voice. It's the same as my regular voice. Except my regular voice is sometimes a little more squeaky.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I used to struggle with my voice and whether I needed to be one way or the other for my readers and what I finally found was, if I just do what I want to do most that is what makes me happy and what also brings people to read.

    I love this post. You are always full of wisdom Ms. Empress.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Very helpful for those of us just getting started. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Excellent tips. I once sat on a blog conference panel about finding your blogging voice. And my blogging voice is absolutely one of my real life voices, the sarcastic, snarky, cynical me, but I have many voices. That's the way I like to write.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I echo that you are a source of wisdom. But funny, quiet wisdom, with a lowercase w, not a pedantic sort that makes me feel unworthy, but one that sneaks up and reminds me I can do better.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey there, fantastic post for a newbie like me who is just trying to find her voice. Actually I was going to contact you and ask for an opinion ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. A blog is like your favorite movie star. You follow every single thing they do because you've been hooked by their STORY. Dooce and the Pioneer Woman have that going on.

    Even if it's the minutia of everyday living, you will still get hooked. Of all the blogs I read the one I never EVER miss is Dooce. I've followed her soap opera for 4 and a half years because now I have to see how the kids turn out, the home decor turns out, etc.

    That being said, it's hard to tell your story if there are certain parts you're uncomfortable talking about. I suffer from that, as do many many many other bloggers.

    All in all, find your story and tell it. A persona is the personality an individual has. Story + Persona + Long term success.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love you, all: and I hope you feel your voice is something you can sincerely fit into your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great post! Definitely important to find your voice! (I thought this looked familiar ;)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I think I have two voices that feel natural to me - but they are so different, it's hard to fit them both into one blog.

    I love to be funny, to share over-the-top silly stories that actually do happen to me.

    But I also like sentimental, nostalgic explorations of motherhood.

    I'm not sure those two audiences overlap for everyone, so I worry occasionally that I can't please everyone.

    I have jumped on opportunities to guest post - because I can adapt to the theme of that blog -and try on different voices. In the meantime, I write to please myself.

    (And hope that at least one other person besides my mom likes my posts.)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I think my blog is pretty random...but my life is random too. Am I like Elaine from Seinfield random? Perhaps.
    I started my blog as an outlet for my PPD. Now I am addicted. Chronic over sharing is my drug.
    I really love that I am able to use Postpartum Progress now as an outlet and a much wider audience of women seeking help and hope. This writing gig is so important to me...way more important than my own blog.
    But finding that voice has been hard.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yeah, I have a ton of interests too. And I wanted to spend time on all of them. But as you said, there's no way to gain a readership if no one knows what they're going to find from one day to the next. However, there's the question of feeling limited in one's...I hate to use the word...niche. At least, it's a question for me.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love reading these, since I didn't always see the older ones. And this one is relevant anytime and a good re-read once in a while. We all lose our "voice" here and there....

    And you have most certainly found your voice, and it keeps me coming back over and over again, my dear.

    Happy Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh man. I know what you're saying, but I tend to stay on topic as well as a drunk monkey on a trampoline. My focus isn't on one thing...but I try TRY try to make em funny.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I do love your voice. The problem with mine is sometimes I feel like I have to force it. I wish I could post more but I don't always feel witty enough and don't want to be weak.....

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wise words, Empress.

    For the record, ' welcoming' is first on my list of words to describe you and the persona your voice exudes.

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's funny, you're consistent in your voice - but you still manage to blog about it all! Seriously, I envy your ability to do this.

    I love these old posts too. Keep 'em coming, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you! This is exactly what I needed to read right now. I'm having such trouble finding my blogging voice (and piecing together posts while my toddler babbles away or at 3am when I finally have a moment of peace) that my blog has become a disjointed hodge podge of, well, crap. I stopped writing for over a month because of my lack of focus. Thank you for offering a simple and clear solution to this problem.

    ReplyDelete
  25. And what a great place this is...I remember you back when...I loved you then and I love you now...just sorry I havent had too much time in the blogosphere lately...but Im trying to get back...Have a greqt day..!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I just love you and everything you write, I am just finding my voice, even after all this time of blogging. This post is very helpful about where to start my investigation of mine. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm struggling "finding my voice," and likely re-launching my blog for the 3rd (4th?) time in the near future...trying to stay focused without getting tunnel vision - we'll see how this turns out.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love your humor, but I love that I can see your full life through that awesome humor too.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Like you, I also feel that you can stray here and there on your topics, but every single piece should drip with your own personality. Or, I think this so I can justify my parenting humor pieces with my fiction and writing pieces!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love how kind and real and true your voice is. It's very consistent, interesting, and soothing.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I remember this thoughtful post.

    And I can recognize your voice, wherever you are blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like this post.

    Evidently my theme is profanity. Pass it along.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your voice is my reminder about the power of this community. The head nodding while reading, the giggles, the heart strings that tug. After almost two years I feel as if my voice is finally starting to come through...slowly but surely. Thank you for the reminder of it's power.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Finding your own voice in your blog is never an easy thing and I have definitely struggled with this in the past. I think I've finally reached a point where I know who I am as a writer, I understand my readers, and I have learned to fine-tune my content so that they keep coming back. At least, that's what I hope to do :)

    I have always loved your home here, because as you said earlier (and as several of these comments here indicate) I can always count on coming here and smiling. It's wonderful blog therapy for me (and a heck of a lot cheaper).

    Love you, girl.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I needed to read this today! I neglected my blog this fall and I truly didn't know what it meant to me until I was away from it for 3 months. Now I am back and really trying to throw myself into it... but in need of any good tips I can get!! Thank you. I also realized how much I missed other blogs. Nice to feel reacquainted with you :) I'll have to catch up...

    ReplyDelete
  36. Good God, woman, did you also do a vlog on ventriloquism!? Ha ha. I'm a one trick pony - it's all I got. I'm a big believer in focus!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Words of wisdom...thank you. I don't feel as though I have found my voice just yet, I thought I would just write about whatever I felt like writing about and see what happens. I am still waiting for it to emerge.

    ReplyDelete
  38. It is good to re-read this. I was the same exact way, and I had also started blogs that I was not even passion about writing (like the technicalities of starting a business. yikes!) Even when I found my focus (like you, family), I remember trying to foray into cooking and book posts. Finally I just refocused myself. I realized that my readers came to read about parenthood, not about cooking or books, and I also felt disjointed writing about these different things.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thank you so much for this post, I, like you, want to write about everything...but finding a voice is most important..thank you for this perspective.

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails