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You've probably heard this advice over and over and over again since the moment you decided to try to make money by blogging: make sure you add your voice and personality into your blog posts.
And for good reason: it's good advice.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really do a good job of explaining what that means. You're writing your blog posts – wouldn't your voice and personality automatically be included in that?
Not necessarily.
You'd be surprised at how many amazing speakers, authors, and conversationalists write the most boring blog posts ever.
It's hard to explain, but everything that makes them them just disappears when they start writing blog posts. You can almost picture them standing at the front of the class hiding behind a stack of index cards and quietly reading their presentation notes word for word without glancing up even once to see if the rest of us were listening.
I don't remember all the different teachers I had in my life, but there are a few that stand out. And do you want to know which ones?
Exactly! The ones who were different. The ones who threw desks out of their way to demonstrate a principle, or who started dancing like Elvis to make a point. We remember the teachers who stood up on their desks because they were passionate about the information they were passing on to us.
They brought their personality to the lessons.
We do not really remember the teachers who read from the book, wrote a few sentences up onto their blackboards, or (worse) read long silently while they had students take turns reading from the books.
The same holds true for blog posts.
I can't count how many different blog posts I've read about certain subjects. I've probably read several dozen on productivity alone. And most of them were really good. But do you know which articles I bookmarked and remember?
Yea, the ones that made me laugh and nod along with them because they were funny and filled with personality. Or like Briana Morgaine over at Bidsketch who hooked me right at the beginning with her all-too-relateable intro:
Every conversation goes something like this:
“Wow, you work from home? That’s so awesome, I’m so jealous. I wish I worked from home!
I bet you can just work in your pajamas all day if you want, huh?”
Briana Morgaine, Bidsketch
Because you know what? I have had that exact conversation a bajillion times. I've heard that question so many times I could see Briana's eyes roll while recounting some of them.
Her article showed the perfect amount of her personality so the article could stand out.
But the ones that just droned on and listed a bunch of tips? Meh. They were good, but not very memorable. I'm sure I learned productivity tips from each one, but exactly which ones? I honestly don't know.
But I remember the article Briana wrote.
And, if marketing is all about creating a sustained impact on our community over a period of time, then knowing how to add your voice and personality into your blog posts is the best way to do it.
Why It's Important to Add Your Voice and Personality to Blog Posts
Blogs are the personal diaries of the internet. They allow individuals to share their thoughts, expertise, and experiences with an audience hungry for authentic content.
By adding your own voice and personality into your blog posts, you bring a sense of authenticity that can't be replicated. It sets you apart from impersonal corporate blogs or generic articles.
When you inject your personality into your writing, it becomes relatable and engaging. Readers are drawn in by your unique perspective and personal touch.
They feel like they're having a conversation with a real person rather than just reading another piece of information. Not only does adding voice and personality make your content more enjoyable to read, but it also helps in establishing a connection with your readers.
They start seeing you as a trusted friend or mentor who understands their problems or shares their passions. This connection creates loyalty and encourages readers to come back for more of what only you can offer.
How it helps in building a connection with readers
The truth is that people crave human connection even in the digital realm. By infusing your blog posts with your authentic self, you create an opportunity for readers to connect with you on a deeper level. When they resonate with what you say or how you say it, they feel understood which builds trust.
A strong connection between blogger and reader fosters a sense of community. It encourages readers to actively engage with your content, leaving comments, sharing their own experiences, or seeking advice.
This engagement not only adds value to your blog but also creates a supportive environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. Furthermore, when you add personality to your blog posts, it sets the stage for long-term relationships with your audience.
Readers become invested in your journey, eagerly following along as you evolve and grow. They become more than just passive viewers; they become loyal supporters who eagerly await your next post.
So, my fellow blogger, don't be afraid to let your voice shine through in every word you write. Embrace the power of authenticity and forge connections that can withstand the test of time.
How to Find your Voice
It probably goes without saying that if you want to add your voice and personality into your blog posts, you have to know what that voice is.
But sometimes defining that voice can be a little tricky. Especially because who you are as a blogger and who you are as a business owner may not be the same person. Who you are as a blogger may not be who you are as a teacher, a friend, or speaker.
And it's not that any of these people are fake – but we tend to wear different hats in different situations depending on our comfort levels, how well we know everyone, and what message we're trying to get across. We don't talk to our parents the same way we talk to our best friends, right? But (unless you're lying to one of them) that doesn't make you fake or any less genuine for changing your voice.
So, to figure out who you are as a blogger, start with your story – the moment you decided you wanted to be a blogger. Try to remember everything about that moment: what triggered it, how excited you were, what your fears were, what hopes you had.
With that story fresh in your mind, think about some of the inspiration you've had along the way between that moment and now. Who are other bloggers you look up to and why? How have they influenced you?
Then get comfortable. Whoever said “great things never come from inside your comfort zone” definitely wasn't a writer because your best writing voice happens when you are at your most comfortable. So take your stories and your inspiration and dig deep into your comfort zone to pull your writing voice out.
And use that voice when you write your blog posts.
I have an entire lesson that goes into much more detail on how to find your writing voice inside my course, Speedy Freelancer: How to Write Faster (because knowing your voice can help you double or even triple your writing speed).
How to Add Your Voice and Personality into Your Blog Posts
Start by talking to one person.
This might seem weird. You're writing a blog post, right? So hopefully more than just one person is going to be reading it.
Right?
Right. But you aren't speaking to every reader. You're speaking to the reader who is on your site right now.
Just like I am talking to you right now.
Have others come to read this post before you? Sure. And will others come and read this post after you've gone (and hopefully after you've shared this post).
Yep!
But right now, those other readers don't matter. I'm talking to you. You asked a question about adding personality into your blog posts, and I am giving the answer to you.
So, I've written this post with you in mind: I thought about a question you might be asking, and I worked out an answer for you.
This piece is going to bleed a bit into the next point, but the other way to write a blog post (and what a lot of companies do) is to start with the keyword in mind and work back to the reader. They want to reach everyone — I just wanted to reach you.
Understanding Your Audience
Researching your target audience's preferences and interests
When it comes to creating engaging blog posts, understanding your audience is like having a superpower. Take a moment to picture your ideal reader.
What are their interests? What gets them excited?
Dig deep into the minds of your potential readers by conducting thorough research. Browse forums, social media groups, and online communities related to your niche.
Pay attention to the discussions, questions, and topics that generate the most engagement. This will give you valuable insights into what content resonates with your target audience.
Additionally, take advantage of tools like Google Analytics or other data-tracking platforms to gain a better understanding of your current readership. Explore which blog posts have received the most views or comments.
Look for patterns in terms of topic preferences or writing style that seem to attract more attention. By analyzing these metrics, you can tailor future blog posts to align with what already captivates your audience.
Analyzing their language and tone of communication
Once you have a solid grasp on what interests and engages your audience, it's time to familiarize yourself with their language and tone of communication. Pay close attention to how they express themselves in online discussions; what expressions or phrases do they commonly use? Do they prefer a formal or informal tone?
By immersing yourself in their world, you can adapt your writing style accordingly. To get even more specific insights into their language preferences, consider creating surveys or polls targeted at your existing readership or potential followers on social media platforms.
You can ask questions related to language preferences and gather valuable feedback that helps you align with their expectations. Remember that adapting doesn't mean losing yourself in the process; it simply means finding common ground between their preferences and your unique voice as a blogger.
The goal is not only to empathize with them but also to connect on a deeper level by speaking their language. Understanding your audience is the key to delivering blog posts that truly resonate.
By researching their preferences and interests, you gain insights into what content grabs their attention. Analyzing their language and tone of communication allows you to adapt your writing style without compromising your unique voice.
Remember, it's all about building a connection with your readers and creating content that genuinely speaks to them. So, put on your detective hat, dive into the world of your audience, and let the magic begin!
Injecting Your Voice into Writing
Embracing your unique writing style and tone
When it comes to blogging, one of the most crucial aspects is finding and embracing your unique writing style and tone. Your voice is what sets you apart from other bloggers in a sea of digital content.
Whether you're witty, informative, or poetic, it's important to let your true self shine through your writing. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find the one that feels most authentic to you.
Using conversational language and avoiding jargon
To make your blog posts more relatable and engaging, adopting a conversational language is key. Imagine having a friendly conversation with your readers over a cup of coffee rather than delivering a formal presentation. Avoid using complex jargon or technical terms that may alienate your audience.
Instead, opt for simple, everyday language that everyone can understand. Remember, the goal is to connect with readers on a personal level.
Incorporating humor
Who doesn't love a good laugh? Injecting humor into your blog posts can instantly captivate your audience and make them want to read more.
Everyone has their own sense of humor, so be true to yours! Whether it's clever wordplay or witty observations about everyday life, infusing humor will not only entertain but also leave a lasting impression on your readers.
Anecdotes and personal experiences
Stories have immense power in captivating attention and creating emotional connections. Sharing personal anecdotes or experiences relevant to the topic at hand helps bring authenticity and relatability into your blog posts.
It allows readers to see the human behind the words on the screen – someone they can connect with on an emotional level. These stories can serve as examples or illustrations that further enhance the understanding of concepts discussed in the article.
When incorporating anecdotes, choose those that align with your blog's theme and resonate with your target audience. Sharing personal experiences not only adds a personal touch but also establishes you as an expert in your field.
It shows that you have firsthand knowledge and can offer valuable insights to your readers. Remember, injecting your voice into your writing is what makes your blog unique.
Embrace who you are by using conversational language, avoiding jargon, infusing humor, and sharing personal experiences. By doing so, you'll create engaging content that not only informs but also entertains and connects with readers on a deeper level.
Showcasing Your Personality
Sharing personal stories or insights related to the topic
When it comes to adding your voice and personality into your blog posts, one effective way is by sharing personal stories or insights related to the topic at hand. Your readers are not just interested in dry information; they want to connect with a real person behind the words.
By opening up and sharing personal experiences, you invite them into your world and create a sense of authenticity. For example, if you're writing a blog post about travel tips, don't just stick to generic advice.
Share an anecdote about that time you got lost in a foreign city and how it taught you the importance of being prepared. By weaving in personal stories, you make the content relatable and memorable for your readers.
Relating the topic to your own experiences or expertise
Another way to showcase your personality in blog posts is by relating the topic to your own experiences or expertise. Draw from your unique set of knowledge and skills and demonstrate how it intersects with the subject matter.
Let's say you're writing about gardening. Instead of merely regurgitating information found online, share how you developed a green thumb through trial and error in your own backyard garden.
Talk about specific challenges you faced, such as dealing with stubborn weeds or caring for delicate plants during extreme weather conditions. This not only imparts valuable insights but also establishes you as an authentic voice in the field.
Revealing quirks, passions, or opinions that reflect who you are
One of the most engaging ways to add personality into blog posts is by revealing quirks, passions, or opinions that reflect who you are as an individual. Don't be afraid to let your true self shine through!
For instance, if writing about cooking techniques, share how cooking has become an artistic outlet for you and how you love experimenting with unconventional flavor combinations. Express your unbridled enthusiasm for the fusion of cuisines, even if not everyone agrees with it.
By being unapologetically yourself, you attract like-minded readers who appreciate your unique perspective. Incorporating these personal elements into your writing not only makes it more enjoyable to read but also creates a strong bond between you and your audience.
People connect with authenticity and are drawn to those who have the courage to be themselves. So, embrace your quirks, share personal stories, and let your personality shine through in every blog post!
Engaging with Readers
Encouraging comments and feedback from readers
When it comes to blogging, one of the most rewarding aspects is the interaction you can have with your readers. Encouraging comments and feedback is crucial in creating a dynamic and engaged community. To achieve this, make sure to provide a clear invitation for readers to share their thoughts.
At the end of each blog post, ask specific questions that prompt them to respond. For example, if you're writing about traveling, you could ask: “What's your favorite travel destination and why?” This not only encourages readers to leave comments but also fosters a sense of belonging within your blog's community.
Encouraging discussion by asking questions
Asking thought-provoking questions is an excellent strategy for encouraging meaningful discussion among your readers. When crafting your blog posts, think about incorporating open-ended questions that invite diverse viewpoints and opinions.
By doing so, you create an environment where people feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and engaging in conversation. These discussions not only enrich the content but also allow everyone involved to learn from different perspectives.
Responding promptly to comments
Promptly responding to reader comments is vital for building strong relationships with your audience. When someone takes the time to share their thoughts or ask a question, it shows they value what you have written.
Responding in a timely manner demonstrates that you are actively listening and appreciate their engagement. Make it a habit to regularly check for new comments on your blog so you can respond promptly.
When replying to comments, be genuine and personable. Show gratitude for their contribution and acknowledge their insights or opinions even if they differ from yours.
Engage in meaningful conversations by asking follow-up questions or seeking clarification when needed. Remember that responding not only strengthens the bond between you and individual readers but also encourages others to participate in the discussion.
Engaging with your readers is an ongoing process that requires dedication and attentiveness. By encouraging comments and feedback, asking thought-provoking questions, and responding promptly to comments, you create a welcoming environment where readers feel valued.
This fosters a sense of community and encourages further engagement, making your blog a lively hub of conversation. So, don't shy away from interacting with your audience – embrace it wholeheartedly!
Creating a Memorable Blogging Persona
Developing a consistent online persona that reflects your brand
In the vast realm of blogging, it's crucial to carve out a unique identity that sets you apart from the crowd. Developing a consistent online persona is like creating your own virtual fingerprint; it helps readers recognize and connect with your brand.
To achieve this, start by defining what your brand represents. Is it informative and professional?
Playful and humorous? Once you have a clear vision, infuse this personality throughout your blog.
Let every sentence, every interaction with readers encapsulate the essence of who you are and what you stand for. Remember, consistency is key.
A strong online persona thrives on delivering content in a cohesive manner over time. Ensure that your voice and tone remain constant across different blog posts and platforms.
This will reinforce your brand identity and make it easier for readers to recognize you even when they stumble upon new content.
Choosing a catchy blog name or pseudonym if desired
Your blog name acts as the front door to your online world – it's what people first encounter before diving into your content. Therefore, choose wisely!
A catchy blog name can capture attention instantly and leave an indelible mark in the minds of potential readers. When brainstorming blog names, consider incorporating elements that reflect both your niche topic and personality.
Play with words, use alliteration or puns if appropriate, but ensure that it remains memorable and easy to spell. Don't be afraid to get creative; an intriguing or unexpected name can pique curiosity.
Alternatively, if privacy or personal branding is a concern for you, adopting a pseudonym can offer some level of anonymity while still giving you the freedom to express yourself authentically.
Designing a unique logo or visual identity for your blog
Just as a logo represents a company's ethos, a well-designed logo or visual identity can symbolize the essence of your blog. It serves as a visual cue that instantly connects your readers to your brand. When designing a logo, consider incorporating elements that link back to your blog's main themes, niche, or personal style.
Colors play an important role in visual identity. Choose hues that resonate with the emotions and vibes you want to convey.
For instance, bold and vibrant tones evoke energy and excitement, while softer pastels create a sense of calmness. Select fonts that align with your brand personality – whether it's elegant and sophisticated or fun and whimsical.
Remember, consistency is vital here too. Use your designed logo across various platforms – on your blog header, social media profiles, newsletter templates – so that it becomes synonymous with your content.
Over time, this visual identity will help imprint itself in the minds of readers and reinforce their connection to your blogging persona. By developing a consistent online persona through branding elements like blog name choices and logo design, you create an immersive experience for readers – one they won't soon forget.
Telling Stories through Visuals
Incorporating relevant images, infographics, or videos into blog posts
Visuals have the power to captivate and engage readers in a way that words alone cannot. When crafting your blog posts, consider the use of relevant images, infographics, or even videos to enhance your storytelling.
Start by identifying visuals that align seamlessly with the main message or theme of your post. For example, if you're writing about travel experiences in Paris, include stunning photos of the Eiffel Tower or charming streets in Montmartre.
These visuals will not only grab attention but also transport your readers into the world you are describing. Infographics are another valuable tool for visually presenting information and data in a more digestible format.
If you want to explain a complex concept or provide statistics, consider creating an eye-catching infographic that simplifies the information and makes it more memorable for your readers. You can use online tools or hire a graphic designer to help you create engaging and informative infographics that complement your blog content.
Capturing attention with visually appealing content
In today's fast-paced digital world where attention spans are shorter than ever, it's crucial to capture your readers' attention right from the start. One effective way to do this is by incorporating visually appealing content into your blog posts.
Use high-quality images that are eye-catching and relevant to your topic. Whether it's a picturesque landscape or an intriguing close-up shot, choose visuals that make people pause and want to know more.
Additionally, consider using bold colors and vibrant designs in your visual content to make it pop off the page. Think about how you can create a cohesive visual style across all of your blog posts by using consistent color schemes or filters on your images.
Conveying emotions or messages effectively through visuals
Visuals have the unique ability to evoke emotions and convey messages in a powerful way. If you want to create a blog post that leaves a lasting impact on your readers, leverage the emotional potential of visuals. Look for images or videos that can elicit specific emotions related to your topic.
For instance, if you're writing about overcoming challenges, use visuals that depict determination or triumph. Furthermore, consider how certain visual elements can symbolize or represent key messages in your blog posts.
Metaphors and symbols can add depth and meaning to your content, making it more thought-provoking for your audience. Integrate these visuals strategically throughout your post to enhance its overall impact and leave a lasting impression on your readers.
Remember, the goal is not only to make your blog visually appealing but also to use images, infographics, and videos as storytelling tools that complement and reinforce the messages conveyed through words. Finding the right balance between text and visuals will help you create an immersive experience for your readers while effectively communicating your voice and personality through multiple mediums.
Being Authentic and Transparent
Embracing Honesty in Sharing Opinions
In the vast realm of blogging, it can be tempting to conform to popular beliefs and opinions to gain approval or avoid controversy. However, true authenticity lies in expressing your unique thoughts and ideas, even if they diverge from the mainstream.
Your readers crave genuine perspectives that challenge their thinking and provoke meaningful discussions. By sharing your honest opinions, you invite your audience to engage with you on a deeper level.
Explaining the Reasons Behind Your Viewpoints
While it's essential to express your opinions sincerely, it's equally important to provide well-reasoned explanations for them. Merely stating your stance without any supporting arguments can come across as arbitrary or shallow. Take the time to articulate why you hold a particular belief or perspective.
Present logical reasoning, evidence, or personal experiences that led you to form those viewpoints. By doing so, you not only deepen the understanding of your readers but also establish yourself as an authoritative voice worth listening to.
Write for the reader first, then optimize for SEO.
This overlaps just a bit with speaking to one person: by keeping you in my mind while I write this post out, I am able to talk to you just as I would if we were emailing each other or messaging each other over the phone.
And hopefully, if I've done a good enough job on this article, you won't even be able to tell that I've also gone through and optimized it for search engines after.
There's a reason I do this: yes I want the search engines to be able to find my post. But it's even more important that if you are reading this post that you actually enjoy reading the post — that it answers your questions or provides some value to you.
You can usually tell when someone is writing a blog post with a search engine in mind instead of their reader because the blog post ends up sounding as dry and lacking in personality as a search engine is. It becomes all about catching those keywords rather than portraying any sort of personality.
Now, this doesn't mean I want you to just write things down willy-nilly without making sense. Keyword research is still important for bloggers. And you will want to at least have an idea of the keywords you want to be found on as you write. But the time for optimization is after you've written the blog post — not before.
Share your Story
Your story, more than anything is, is what's going to make an impact on your readers.
You can have all the research, all the facts, everything beautifully written and well-organized… but the fact of the matter is that people learn best when they hear a story. If they get to your website, read a list of facts, then leave, a day or two later they may not remember what they read. Or where they read it from.
I cannot count how many times I have gone to look something up, then a few months later I wanted to go back to the same article because I wanted to quote it in another blog post or share it with a group online, and I couldn't find it. I couldn't remember who wrote it or what the title of the post was or even what the exact keywords were that I had searched for when I found it.
And it's so frustrating when that happens because, generally speaking, the information in that post was good – certainly good enough for me to want to share again. But there was nothing else remarkable about the post that makes it easy for me to get back to it later on.
Stories just stick in our minds better. They give us something to relate to in a way that facts just don't. That's why the best history teachers don't just make us memorize different dates, but talk about the impact that events had on the evolution of humankind. That's why math books and algebra classes are filled with word problems: stories help us learn.
Don't forget to include yours in your blog post. It doesn't have to take up the entire blog post, and it doesn't have to be deeply personal. Just relatable.
Make sure Each Blog Post Covers a Complete Thought
One of the questions I am asked most often by new bloggers is “how long does a blog post have to be?”
And the answer sounds more like a riddle than a real answer: “as long as it needs to be.”
No, I know that there are guidelines to go by:
- According to Yoast, a blog post should be at least 3000 words.
- According to Julia McCoy over at Express Writers, the search engines actually prefer content that is more like 1,890-2,400 words long.
- And according to Joe Bunting over at The Write Practice, shorter blog posts under 300 words are best for generating discussion.
So what does all this mean? Basically — tell your story. Use as many words as you need to use to deliver your value and not one word more. Don't pump in a lot of fluff to try to make it longer or more interesting and don't short-change the reader by leaving a lot of things out.
Make sure your blog post covers one complete thought from beginning to end. Any tangents that might come up along the way can be addressed but then moved over into another blog post so they don't distract from the one you're writing (and so they give the reader something to read when they're done).
Even if you're writing a series, each post within the series should deliver the value of a complete thought so they can be read and understood on their own merit as well as together.
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