Written on October 28th, 2009 at 04:10 am by Darren Rowse
The Power of Being Personal on Your Blog
Over the last few weeks I’ve been exploring principles that are evident in many successful blogs. So far we’ve looked at Listening, Trust, Usefulness and Community. Today I want to get personal with you and share a story with you.
The Day I Was Jumped On By a Reader
Last week while at Blog World Expo I was coming down off the stage after presenting on a panel when out of the corner of my eye I noticed someone moving towards me – fast.
Within a second of seeing the movement I was literally jumped upon and found myself in a tangle of arms, hair and tears – I was being hugged within an inch of my life.
I didn’t know what to do at first – I didn’t know who was hugging me but while a bit of a shock at first I could tell the person was genuine and so did the only thing I could think to do – I hugged back.
After a few seconds of hugging the person pulled away. I had expected it to be someone I knew but realised pretty quickly that this was a stranger (or at least she had been a moment or two before). She had tears in her eyes and was obviously emotional – I didn’t know why until she began to talk.
For the next 4-5 minutes my hugging assailant (a reader as it turns out) talked, almost without taking a breath. She told me about the first day she read my blog (she remembered the first post), she told me about how it had helped her, she told me about the ups and downs of her blogging, she told me about her family, she told me about my family, she told me that she’d bought my book, joined my community, bought my ebook, she just talked…..
She talked as if we’d known each other for years – I guess in a way we had…..
Gradually my new friend began to slow down (and breathe) she suddenly began to become a little more self conscious. She began to blush a little as she realised how what she’d just done. I assured her that it was totally fine and in her flustered state she said:
“It’s just that I feel like I know you.”
As we continued to speak I realised that here was someone who I had previously not known had existed (she’d never left a comment or said a word on my blog in over 3 years) who ‘knew’ me – at least to some degree.
Here was someone who’d not only read something that I’d written daily for years – but someone who had watched my videos, had noted when I’d become a Dad, had seen when I’d travelled, had observed my disappearances from the blog when I’d been unwell.
She didn’t know all this stuff because she was a crazy stalker (far from it) but because I’d allowed myself to blog in a way that was personal.
Not that ProBlogger is a ‘personal blog’ as such (not in the sense that I blog about the movies that I see, the things I eat or the everyday experiences that I have) – but I inject something of myself into this blog:
- I use my real name
- I share images of myself from time to time in posts and on key pages
- I share videos where people can see my face and hear my voice
- I include details of what’s happening in my life and family (usually in passing and by way of illustrating something)
- I try to use personal language (I blog in the first person most of the time)
- I write in a style that is similar to the way I would speak to a person face to face
- I tell stories about my experiences as they relate to my topic
- I use personal examples where I can to illustrate what I’m saying
- I’ve done live streaming question and answer sessions via video
By no means am I the most personal blogger going around. Everyday I see opportunities to be more personal in fact – but I’ve made a concerted effort over the years to inject something of myself into what I do – and it’s paid off.
It’s paid off not just in terms of being jumped on by strangers when overseas but also in creating the kind of site that people want to come back to, the kind of site that people recommend to others and also the kind of site that people want to spend their money on (remember my friend has bought everything I’ve released – she said she did so because they were ‘mine’).
I know being personal on a blog is not something that everyone feels comfortable with and that is in everyone’s style – but it is one thing that I’ve seen exhibited in many successful blogs.
How about you? Do you take a personal approach with your blog?
PS: one piece of advice – when it comes to being personal I’d suggest bloggers think a little ahead about what they will and won’t reveal about themselves, their family and their lives. Having some boundaries in place for personal safety can be a worthwhile thing – this doesn’t mean you’re not being personal, just that you’re being smart and exhibiting some personal safety.
125 Responses to “The Power of Being Personal on Your Blog” - Add Yours
jon
October 28th, 2009 5:03 am
Stalker…..
Mike
October 28th, 2009 5:05 am
It depends on the ‘venue’. I can take a personal but impersonal approach at the same time by acknowledging my readership doesn’t really know me. Only those that do get the deeper significance of some of my personal life. I like to be personal but still at arm’s length.
Kelly Diels
October 28th, 2009 5:06 am
I strip textually naked on my site. It is not for everyone.
But I find that everytime I write from the heart – really, truly, painfully, scarily – I am washed in love. Comments. Emails. Tweets. Marriage proposals. Traffic. Ahem.
That being said, Darren is right: you need to think ahead. Employers will google you. So will dates. So will your inlaws and eventually your children.
Also: I don’t value privacy, but that’s my choice. Other people in my life do. So I ask them before I write about them. My best friend keeps telling me not to write about her lazy eye, for example.
You also have to think about what kind of blog you’re running and whether it needs you to write about sex and bad dates and insecurity. Mine does. That’s what mine IS – Life lessons learned by living life. It would be BS to take any other approach.
But not every blogger needs to get naked with readers. If you do, do it consciously.
Jackie Barnaby
October 28th, 2009 5:11 am
The personal part about blogging is what makes it so exciting. Sharing the personal anecdotes and finding useful tips in the “things to avoid” that might make the reader smile, makes it very enjoyable.
Thank you for the caution to draw the line. A good think of where that line needs to be seems appropriate for many bloggers. The spirit of Transparency is great for government, but there is a reason why we don’t all build our homes with glass walls…
Arvind Devalia
October 28th, 2009 5:13 am
Writing from the heart is key for me – and I know no other way of writing.
Since i write about topics such personal development, making a difference and creating your legacy, for me it would be difficult to write in a cold manner without revealing the “real” me.
At the same time, I do not yet write about my own personal relationship situation as I feel that I do need some boundaries.
At the same time, two of the most popular posts on my blog have been about my very personal grief when I suddenly lost my father.
I have since got many emails about my loss and readers genuinely feel for you – they really want to share your ups and your downs – so just give them a chance to do so :-)
Veronique
October 28th, 2009 5:15 am
I whole-heartedly agree with your postscript here. My blog is very personal, in that I share the crafts and activities that we do as a family. Yesterday I posted about a very difficult subject for me. Overall, I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for this particular forum. Unfortunately, what I didn’t take into consideration before posting was the reach my little blog has and a colleague of my husband’s commented (a positive thing in this instance), but it could have caused an uncomfortable situation for my husband.
So yes, do be personal, do let people in within reason (my cat’s already out of the bag), but do also consider who else might be affected by what you share.
Dan
October 28th, 2009 5:19 am
I admit, maybe too many times, my failings on my blog. It’s a way of asking for help from my readers as well as just being honest. I don’t want to mislead people into thinking I know everything when in fact I know little and I’m blogging to figure things out. That’s just the way it goes.
Yet this reveals me to the readers, and I get the nicest comments when I do it. Great post!
Keith
October 28th, 2009 5:24 am
Darren,
I have been reading (commented on a few) your articles for a couple of years now too, and you never cease to amaze me with your topics.
I find it difficult to get personal on my blog, as I try to keep my site about the products I offer.
After reading this, maybe I should try to be a little more personal for my readers and maybe they will be more personal with me too!
Thanks,
Keith
ChristopherR2D2
October 28th, 2009 5:27 am
As newspapers, magazines, and other journalistic mediums get more involved with the social web, there’s obviously going to be a lot of content online – and quality content at that. But I have a feeling they’ll struggle to provide the personal touch independent bloggers dish.
Hey Darren, what say you to exploring a few specific boundaries and examples that can help create a personal touch without risking personal safety? Where’s the line?
Ms. Freeman
October 28th, 2009 5:27 am
That is quite the tale. I’m not sure I would want to be jumped by either fan or foe, but I am glad she was not a stalker.
Mike Skel
October 28th, 2009 5:36 am
I have always been writing in first person. I think writing in first person has certain advantages. Like it gives an impression that you have actually experienced what ever you are writing. That may give a good impression on the reader.
I think readers too like it when they feel they are being spoken to while reading a blog post.
Jeffrey Tang
October 28th, 2009 5:37 am
It’s been kind of operating in reverse for me, because blogging is really teaching me how to be personal. That’s really the best way I can put it for now … that I’m learning to be authentic – openly authentic – by blogging.
I’d go into more detail, but I haven’t yet reached the point at which I can detach myself and really look at what’s happened. But it feels good, whatever it is.
Mal Keenan
October 28th, 2009 5:38 am
Fantastic post, Darren, and perfectly illustrated by your ‘hugging’ experience.
My personal blogging journey has just begun but I have already planned in my mind how personal I will be. I’m a private person by nature as I’m sure are many other successful bloggers. I don’t think that should impact too much on my success.
i think it’s important as you point out, to set a limit on how personal you are when blogging. I would also suggest that you NEVER share anything about a family member without their prior permission. What’s OK with you may not be with them.
Mal Keenan
Bruce Backman
October 28th, 2009 5:40 am
Darren…I think that in order to draw people into a trust relationship…you have got to be personal in some ways. People see through the junk that inauthentic people post very easily.
You can write specific posts that are of a personal nature or simply weave it into things that you do as you explain above.
I happen to try to be personal while not giving away any information that would make anyone too vulnerable. For instance…people know that I have seven children but they don’t know their names and their ages (for the most part).
My kids and our family life make for beautiful and wonderful stories that touch other people’s hearts…but I do not want to put them in any danger at the same time.
Anyhow…thank you for a great experience at your blog!
Michael Fletcher
October 28th, 2009 5:41 am
I have always thought, that what sets blogging apart from other media is the fact it is a dialog. I can’t really think of any kind of blog that would not benefit from an injection of the authors personality. Simply put, my personality is a large part of what sets my message apart.
Being personal is also often a by product of sincerity of thought. Being personal is a great way of brand building as well as giving authority and context to controversial opinions. Every blogger should have personal boundaries but ideally they shouldn’t make for a sterile blog.
Melissa Karnaze
October 28th, 2009 5:42 am
Darren, that was a beautiful story, thank you for sharing.
Everything I write on my site is personal, meaning it comes from heart, tears, experience. I think personal works when it can help the reader. :)
Debajyoti Das
October 28th, 2009 5:44 am
This is what ” SUCCESS PERSONIFIED ” means…. Hats Off…
Michelle
October 28th, 2009 5:45 am
I write work and personal blogs. I’ve been personal in both and I’ve noticed that more people are interested in reading (and commenting) when I share something of myself.
At work we were told to be less personal. Writing impersonally has all but stopped the reader comments and I sometimes feel like I’m talking to myself. Part of the appeal of blogging is the instant connection with between reader and writer. I think the “less personal” might have been a mistake.
Donny Gamble
October 28th, 2009 5:46 am
I think have a personal blog is one of the most important things that you need when trying to build any type of brand for yourself. It is called attraction marketing, having the ability to create an online brand for yourself by helping others people learn about you through the knowledge that you have on your subject
InventingLiz
October 28th, 2009 5:54 am
Your blog is the only “make money blogging” blog that I read – I’ve tried others and I just don’t like them, I think your personal style has a lot to do with why I keep coming back here, just as you say.
I have a personal blog, so I reveal a lot of myself in it, but I do have some ground rules. I don’t write anything in my blog about other people that I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying directly to their faces. If any of my non-blogging friends make an appearance in a blog post, I usually give them an alias instead of using their real names. I don’t blog at all about my day job (and I had to learn a lesson about that the hard way).
ashok
October 28th, 2009 6:05 am
I’m definitely trying to learn how to take a more personal approach: I want to write more short entries about myself that convey something people might want to respond to, I want to interact with more in ways other than “I write something, they read it.” I didn’t get into blogging because I was anti-social, but sometimes the web feels lonely.
Jake Easley
October 28th, 2009 6:12 am
This was a great read, as well a great reminder that being personal is just as important in online networking as it is in person. Thank you.
Mathdelane
October 28th, 2009 6:18 am
Being personal on my blog is revealing my vulnerability like everyone else. I’m not perfect and I don’t try to be a know-it-all guru or something even though people may expect that when you run a tech blog, you have to be all that techie and geeky like everyone else.
I’m just the average kind of blogger trying to make something out of blogging but I make it a point that everyday is a learning process.
It’s right that you have to set some boundaries in revealing personally identifiable information for your own security. There are a lot of ways to show personality on a blog and I think it’s up to the blogger on how far he/she is willing to expose or share about it.
Shane Hudson
October 28th, 2009 6:25 am
Ermm… Wow.
George Angus
October 28th, 2009 6:30 am
Hey Darren,
Much deserved hugs, I’m sure. We do need to remember that the words we write do impact others and we may not always see the fruits of our labor.
I try to keep this in mind whenever I post.
George
Mike CJ
October 28th, 2009 6:34 am
When I first started my blog I remained anonymous, for a variety of reasons. But when I eventually decided to “come out” it enabled me to share my more of my life with readers.
I can trace that back as the point my blog really took off and I was able to make a full time living from it.
Barbara Swafford
October 28th, 2009 6:41 am
Hi Darren,
Now that’s what I call a loyal fan.
I share my name on my blog and some of my personal experiences, however I do not share names or personal stories of my family or friends. I feel if they want to share their life online, they can blog/tweet/facebook it themselves.
Mary Lutz
October 28th, 2009 6:44 am
I have a “personal” blog, which is about me, my family, my life, my ministry, church, kids, the dog, going to the beach, being snowed in, and everything in between. So, its very natural for me to be personal there.
I also have my business website which has a blog, plus I own 2 other blog sites; one for moms and one for wahms. I always add my personal touch to all of them, without giving out too much personal information.
I think it’s important, as you said Darren, to be personal so your readers can get to know you, so they can relate to you and what you’re going through. That way when you do disappear for a few days and then come back and write what you were going through, your readers will understand. They trust you and know you’re not just some internet marketer trying to make a buck off of them.
Mario Carrillo
October 28th, 2009 6:48 am
Hi Darren
I wasn´t taking a personal approach with my blog because I didn´t knew that it was that powerful!
The story is great. I believe that being personal builds your credibility because it is a good way to be a closer to your readers.
The 9 ways to make your readers feel like they know you are really powerful and easy to start doing!
I think that every serious blogger should start doing each of these things. By the way, I am from Mexico and I want to thank you the great advice you share every day.
Have a nice day!
Mario
Tyson J. Hayes
October 28th, 2009 7:01 am
As I’m about to launch my blog next week I’ve been mulling over the articles my partner and I have written trying to figure out our style and what we need to have more of and what we need less of. We’re currently planning on doing a question a week to respond to reader questions and ones we pose to ourselves. The idea is so people can get to know us and the blog becomes more personal even though it’s for our company. Thinking back on the idea most of our posts written thus far lack the language that make it more personal. Considering it’s two of us talking and not a faceless corporation I’ll suggest to him we go back and insert more stories and ‘I’ and ‘we’ language.
Thanks for the thoughts.
Anita Nelson
October 28th, 2009 7:11 am
My blog is supposed to be about skin care, but I find myself all over the categories, writing about Twitter much of the time. I use a very personal voice and audio blogging from my radio show, too.
Big question is whether it’s “professional or good for my business” to be so personal (and off-topic). I appreciate you saying it’s ok to be personal; at least I’m halfway alright ;-)
Anita @ModelSupplies
Trudy
October 28th, 2009 7:22 am
Wow. Thank you for this post. So many people are advocating against actions like this and cry and moan over people sharing themselves via twitter and blogs versus of becoming a one man impersonal corporation that I appreciate this post all the more. Keep doing what makes you happy…and apparently makes others happy.
Franck Silvestre
October 28th, 2009 7:26 am
It’s funny because I just read a blog post where the blogger put a picture of his whole family.
I’m not heavy on picture and videos. I must admit though.
Franck
DWJ
October 28th, 2009 7:38 am
I’m in the middle of collecting responses from a reader survey right now and what I’ve overwhelming heard that my readers want more of is me. I do a fashion blog, but they like my crazy stories and pictures of how I achieved the look I was going for. I stupidly tried to keep myself out of it (for fear of appearing vain) but clearly being personal are the posts that get the most hits and the most comment love.
Christy
October 28th, 2009 7:42 am
I’ve realized recently that the more personal I get, the more people enjoy what I write. I haven’t done it as much on my blog, but I’ve experimented with my newsletter.
In one issue, I told a story about me and my husband and having our anniversary. A few months later, we ran into a reader who I know personally, but who my husband never met. She gave him a big hug and said, “So great to see you!” and he looked at me, like, “Do I know her?” I later told him what happened. He found it amusing in the end.
Blanca Stella Mejia
October 28th, 2009 7:42 am
It is interesting you write this post today. I have a personal blog for over 1 year about inspiration and overcoming difficult situations by making a negative into a positive.
It has been mainly about my life & work challenges. I barely talked about my son. Then this past week I had a difficult personal incident with my ex-husband relating to my son. I blogged about it carefully not revealing all the details so not to put my ex-husband down.
This morning I have been thinking of deleting, but something kept telling me that I should leave it.
My heart tells me there is a message, a lesson to share and that it is OK.
So this week I felt very vulnerable putting it out there, but felt it was necessary. Thanks for the confirmation today.
PS If I meet you one day, I’ll jump you too:)
Antti Kokkonen
October 28th, 2009 7:42 am
Showing and telling how things are done is one thing, but doing all that and more through a personal story (like on this post) is something more.. Putting a personal touch to your blog is definitely important, but like Darren warned at the end of the post, it’s important to think ahead on what you choose to reveal.
Being personal doesn’t mean that your readers must know everything about you, but they can still relate to the stories you tell from your own experiences. With that said, I think everyone should go and write a post in the first person, just to see how it feels and what results it can bring.
Scott Bowman
October 28th, 2009 8:09 am
I can be quite a private individual, but have slowly been letting go on my personal blog, while remembering to set boundaries. It’s not always easy, but I think it is part of the growing process. I plan to take what I learn on my personal blog, and use it when my company blog eventually launches :)
Leto II
October 28th, 2009 8:21 am
What a changing world we live in. Nowadays, people are so open. You can call a person and before that person even picks up, you’ll know what they look like, the school they attended, the jobs they’ve had, an idea of how much money they make, the books they’re reading, etc. The web 2.0 world is great AND scary. A whole new form of etiquette is required. Should I make small talk about the Tar Heels since I know a complete stranger went to UNC? Is that creepy? Should I tell her she has a beautiful family because I saw pics of them on FB? Is that creepy too? I’ve often wondered that if a stranger post 200 photos on FB, is that an implied invitation for the world to look at them? If so, can I comment on them too? If I think a girl is pretty on FB, is it okay if I try to build a relationship with her? Is that really creepy? All these issues are created because of blogging, social media and the web 2.0 world. What if someone does not like what I have to say on my blog? Should I be scared someone will seek retribution since they know what I look like and know what city I live in and where I work? Personally, I don’t think people should be so open about their lives and thoughts to the whole world. You never know who you may offend. I hope it doesn’t take some crazy person committing a homicide over a blog posting to make people realize this. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened.
Broderick Durisseau
October 28th, 2009 8:44 am
I was afraid to be very personal with my blog at first. Eventually I realized that if I’m going to go where I want, I’m going to have to expose myself sooner or later. Plus, I’ve just seen so many people have success when they’re open and authentic.
krissy knox
October 28th, 2009 8:58 am
Yes, I take a personal approach. I have personal blogs and niche blogs, and I take a personal approach in both. Some say “too personal.” But I’m sure I’ll find my balance soon.
I definitely believe a blog must show the blogger’s personal voice. And I love your balance, Darren. You take both the personal approach as well as set good boundaries in your blogs!
I want to say thanks for “giving us permission” to have a personal voice — take a personal approach — when we blog. I have encountered quite a few self-proclaimed “blogging experts” who say we should in no way show anything of ourselves in our blogs, or it will be the ultimate ruin of our blogs and our blogging careers.
I do realize that we must have boundaries. However, I believe these “experts” go too far, stating we write our posts in a way in which our readers will know nothing about us. They also suggest a style of writing that I find very methodical and dry.
I won’t read a blog that doesn’t have a personal approach, it just doesn’t sit right with me. And I don’t write that way either.
Thanks for a great series so far!
krissy knox :)
http://twitter.com/iamkrissy
Brian
October 28th, 2009 9:32 am
I have been blogging for about 6 months now, and I can see what you mean about being personal. I think it will help my following a great deal. Thanks for the advice and keep it coming everything I have read on your blog helps me greatly.
Lisa Olinda
October 28th, 2009 9:37 am
What a powerful story. It is great to share information with our online community. Thank you for sharing yet another aspect of your life. Welcome to your “new” friend. I look forward to hearing from her. It sounds like she has a lot to share.
kalyan
October 28th, 2009 9:49 am
You are here to make a difference in life’s of people and you are doing it exceptionally well and hope you will continue this good work forever.
Junk Drawer Kathy
October 28th, 2009 9:51 am
My humor blog is 100% personal and I think it’s the reason for my success. There is almost nothing I won’t share with my readers. If it’s funny, it gets written about. If I’m making fun of myself, all the better. My readers feel they know me and I’m glad for that. For me, my blog is all about connection and community.
--Deb
October 28th, 2009 10:22 am
I have several blogs these days, with different levels of “personal” on each of them, but agree … I want my blogs to sound like they were written by a PERSON, not by a machine, or what’s the point?
Benjamin Solah
October 28th, 2009 11:00 am
I love being personal in my blog. My blog is kind of about me anyway and imparting lessons I’ve learned or opinions I have.
I’ve built some valuable friendships this way.
Golf Clubs
October 28th, 2009 11:00 am
That’s the reason why you are so successful.I have been blogging for about 3 months now, and I can see what you mean about being personal. I think it will help my following a great deal. Thanks for the advice and keep it coming everything I have read on your blog helps me greatly.
Runningmama
October 28th, 2009 11:02 am
I just did a major blog overhaul, including a domain change. Through the process I read many articles about shortening posts, focusing on reader takeaway, and not talking about yourself too much. Now I have lost the desire to write altogether.
I really enjoyed this article. It makes me feel free to write as myself! For some blogs, the personal part IS the blog!
Travis Tasset
October 28th, 2009 11:51 am
I absolutely love this post, the truth.
I love how you speak often from the first person, owning who you are, your perspective, opinion – truly owning ‘first position’.
I am inspired by this post (;
Walt
October 28th, 2009 11:55 am
Darren,
I couldn’t help but smile as I read along. The blog that I am most known for (and my only one aside from a personal blog) has a lot of video content. In those videos we tend to let our personalities out even more then when we type something up.
While I’ve never experienced something as extreme as your account, I’ve had people come up to me at conventions and shake my hand vigorously. They then launch into conversation about the Blog and about me.
The whole time this is going on I keep wondering if I know this person, because they seem to know a ton about me. Some of the conversations have felt extremely awkward because I know nothing about the person I’m speaking with. At times it just feels really strange, but fun at the same time.
All in all, I don’t think I would want it any other way. The personal connection between the authors at Stogie Review and the readers makes for a very dedicated following.
Thanks for the article
Liz
October 28th, 2009 12:09 pm
I’m learning that “getting personal” on my blog generates more traffic and comments than any other single thing I do. I blog about traveling with hidden disabilities and chronic pain, so my experiences inform much of my content. But still…it’s the truly personal stories I write that get the most response. My readers are in pain, literally, and I think it helps to know that they’re not alone. (I know it helps me!)
Great site, btw. I’m a new reader, and I’m really enjoying your take on professional blogging. Thanks so much for all your work and advice!
Calandra
October 28th, 2009 12:51 pm
Hi! I love your blog. I visit here on a regular basis. Appreciate all of the useful information you share. I have a blog in which I sell mostly vintage sewing patterns. But, I really attempt to practice many of the suggestions you have here…and I like David Airey’s site. At present, I’m only receiving minimal visits (I hope it’s because I’m so new)..but in recent months I’m begun to see quite an increase in regular daily traffic or at least a “holding steady”. Here’s my question, hopefully I’ve receive honest feedback and opinions. In an effort to be transparent and personal (building relationships) I decided to include video posts of myself. On the initial day-visits leaped…but since I’m seeing a decline. I never receive many comments although I believe I have alot of useful information on the site. Here goes…do you believe my race could be a factor in the wane in visits…or just the videos? Or just paranoia. One of the benefits of selling on line without total transparency is not being subjected to many social ills otherwise possibly faced…I haven’t removed the videos, but they are no longer on my front page. So…can too much transparency be bad for business? Thanks!
Thiago Paulino
October 28th, 2009 1:31 pm
Didn’t know your blog 2 weeks ago, and im loving it already !
Congratulations! Great information.
Oh and convinced me to be even more personal !
Annabel Candy
October 28th, 2009 1:58 pm
It’s interesting that a lot of blogging advice focuses on being useful and providing useful content that help readers. Bloggers are warned not to ramble on about themselves because no one is interested in them.
But of course, even if you’re looking for specific info you want to know who’s giving it. You want to know they know what they’re talking about, and that they are reliable and interesting.
So that’s the bloggers challenge – to be useful but share enough to add value to your content by revealing something of your true self.
Deano
October 28th, 2009 2:07 pm
OMG! I am going to give you such a bear hug the next time I see you!!!!!!
jan geronimo
October 28th, 2009 2:59 pm
“It’s just that I feel like I know you.”
Television does that, too. Bring celebrities, shows, coverage of great events right into our homes, making us feel participants. It’s the same with blogging. The constancy of reading your favorite bloggers right in your own home, access on-demand, and the all too-real online persona you’ve developed over the years contribute to hitherto perfect strangers into instant friends.
That personal voice we get to read every so often, strengthened with video clips and pictures, peels away the layers of space. Makes us feel we’ve an intimate knowledge of you as a person and friend.
She’s very open and enthusiastic, your overjoyed reader. Some of us may just wave, and smile, or nod in silent recognition and from a distance yet. But that doesn’t take away the sense of intimacy we might have felt had we the grace or luck to stumble into you personally.
Blogging Tips
October 28th, 2009 3:17 pm
Great Darren Nice to know about it
Armen Shirvanian
October 28th, 2009 4:45 pm
Hello Darren.
I do most of the things you listed at the end there, and have started doing videos as well(my 2nd one is going up tomorrow). It’s nice because it’s me anyway, and there’s no reason not to provide more relevance through valid contextual examples.
To continued personable-ness~
Stretch Mark Mama
October 28th, 2009 5:31 pm
I think being personal is especially important for the female readership. I felt connected to “the problogger site” soon after the birth of your first son (who is the same age as my girl) and even more so after son # 2 (as I have two boys a couple years apart as well).
I stuck around because of the content but it was the personal side that got me hooked.
Kevin (strongandfit.net)
October 28th, 2009 7:32 pm
I think the power of blogging comes through somehow identifying with the blogger and trusting him/her. So yes, I try to be personal.
se7en
October 28th, 2009 7:38 pm
Even though ours is a mom-blog I don’t get very personal about us… it is all about our projects, outings etc – the stuff we do… In the year and a half of blogging I think I have posted my face twice!!! And every time I do something personal our comments literally treble and our rss subscriptions double…I know it works to build readers but I feel like I am cheating to do it other than for a huge personal event!!!
Akila
October 28th, 2009 7:58 pm
For a new blogger, I think this is one of the toughest questions to answer. How personal should you be on your blog? Ours is a travel and food site so we are personal and share our own stories but I try to guard our privacy, too. It’s a tough call to make but I think that using a real name and talking about the trials and tribulations that a person naturally has makes reading the blog more fun and interesting. It is wonderful that this reader felt so close to you after just reading your blog.
adin
October 28th, 2009 8:12 pm
great blog…this is my first time visiting here…..in my blog, I’m not giving my personal information or something like that, but I have another blog that I dedicated to my girl….hahaha…don’t you know what I’m talking about….
sorry for my bad english…nice to see you (at this blog)
Yevgeniy
October 28th, 2009 9:31 pm
Well I think that people will buy firs of all from companies rather than from a single person. If you will present yourself as a leading company in indastry you are working its gonna give a huge plus.
Bryant
October 28th, 2009 10:38 pm
Being personal is vital to the success of a blog. I have two blogs, one which is very personal and revealing (within reason) and a second which is written under an anonymous name. The personal blog probably has 20 times the readership. To be honest, I have worked that blog more but I still think the personal side helps.
Early on we are striving for that “critical mass” of readers that will help us grow exponentially and thrive. I think it’s easier for them to promote our work if they feel like they know us. Instead of asking a friend to just check out some article they find themselves thinking of us as a friend. Friend-helping-friend is always a plus.
Thanks,
Bryant
David Airey
October 28th, 2009 10:48 pm
To Calandra (who commented before me) thanks for the kind words about my blog. To answer your question, I don’t think you can be too transparent, but I do think you can talk too much about personal issues. There’s a line between publishing personal posts and publishing posts that relate to your chosen niche or passion. It’s quite a wide line, however, and differs depending on the person the the blog.
wii games
October 28th, 2009 11:10 pm
I agree completely. I have a few blogs, and the one I find it easiest to write for is my own personal blog, where I share personal experiences each time. As you’ve said, this makes it much easier and more fun to do, so my number of posts is higher and (I think) better quality. People seem to remember them better too.
Kelvin Servigon
October 28th, 2009 11:27 pm
Cool, live streaming? Hmm, I think I can’t do that (as of now). :P
Jodi Friedman
October 28th, 2009 11:32 pm
I have 7 year old twin girls and I occasionally share pictures of them in tutorials, and also they do the random draws for my contests, etc. So people not only feel they know me but also know my family.
We have gone on vacation and had people asking if they could please meet me….
Jodi
http://mcpactions.com/blog
work at home
October 28th, 2009 11:34 pm
Your advice is really nice Sir, I am a blogger who like to be professional. Although blogging is my hobby, I think being professional help us for grow our blog business.
Venkat
October 29th, 2009 12:01 am
Darren:
I’d like to see you expand on the last ‘privacy’ theme. Its importance was hammered home for me recently. My blog has recently been growing really fast, and I’ve been getting a fair number of these people I suspect will want to hug me if they see me in person.
But there is a very scary side to ““It’s just that I feel like I know you.” There are people (sometimes, I think, with actual mental health issues) who don’t realize they are NOT a family member or personal friend, and I’ve had a couple of people go postal on me (down to email threats) when I’ve drawn a boundary.
My reaction has been to gradually tighten up privacy boundaries and what I share as you suggest (though in my case with hindsight rather than foresight). But there is still the overall issue here of conveying clearly: “I may write informally and conversationally, and you may really resonate wildly with what I said, but I am NOT speaking to you personally and you are not my personal friend.”
What tactics have you found (digital and physical) that work, besides the basic “do not feed the troll” tactic?
It is sinking in for me that blogging is a game where you get to pay the price of fame (digital stalking etc.) before you win the prizes of fame. My blog is fun and a good hobby and I make some decent coffee money with it, but I sometimes wonder if it is worth dealing with this stuff for it.
Venkat
Fruitfulvine2
October 29th, 2009 12:37 am
My blog started off as a blog to keep track of and relate the everyday happenings in my life. Now it has blossomed into more than that and I’ve taken the approach of using personal experiences to add to what I’m writing about instead of relating everyday happenings.
I know that I learn more when people relate their experiences to strengthen what they are saying so it made sense for me to do it that way.
Jamie
October 29th, 2009 12:40 am
I think I’ve learned something important today. I’ve always thought of presenting my experience and knowledge in my blog but I never thought of trying to establish relationship with my readers. Good point indeed.
Jamie
Cheryl Andonian aka Momblebee
October 29th, 2009 12:44 am
Although I completely agree that you have to show who you are to your readership to make a connection, I think the level of personal exposure completely depends on the type of blog you have. If it’s a business, writing, blogging, marketing related blog (such as mine) and it’s connected to your business of providing professional services, I think there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed. If it’s a blog about your personal journey as a mother, cancer survivor, traveler or any other “journal” type blog, then more intimate information would be appropriate. I do reveal things about my life to my readers when it’s relevant to what I am writing about. They know about my entrepreneurial background, they know that I am married to a designer, they know we have an 11 year old son, but more importantly I think they get to know me through my viewpoints on the various topics I write about. Who you are as a person can show through clearly in your philosophy and ideas that you write about. Are you honest, outspoken, clear, ethical, giving, generous, arrogant, insecure, etc? Your personal qualities should show through in how you write and your attitude in your writing. A blog is not a white paper. For me, Twitter is a place where I reveal a little bit more personally than in my blog.
The Hype Is Real
October 29th, 2009 12:44 am
This REALY DEPENDS !!!!!
Robin Cannon
October 29th, 2009 12:56 am
Some really interesting insight there. I think that it’s vital to inject some of yourself into your blog, to be personal even if you’re writing about an impersonal subject.
That doesn’t mean that you need to give away loads of secrets and insights about your non-work life, but you do need to demonstrate a genuine interest and passion in what you’re doing, and engage with your audience on a personal level.
Same goes for a lot of social media. If it’s too dry, then even if it’s informative and on message then it’s going to put a lot of people off. We’re social animals, we like to think that there’s a real person writing that blog, with opinions and personality. It doesn’t matter what you’re writing about, you should be demonstrating that personality (Gary Vaynerchuck writes really well about this in his book “Crush It”).
Karen
October 29th, 2009 1:03 am
I do not post personal pictures on my blog – just pictures of things and my observations but no family photos. I am paranoid about that, I guess.
But I do talk about my family, a little, but use initials as their names. I do publish my real name though (ecokaren, kinda gives it away too).
People do like personal stuff though. We are human, after all, and I think people like reading about our personal journeys, ups and downs of life, and the emotions related to words on screen.
cjwright
October 29th, 2009 1:04 am
This is so timely for me because (just yesterday) I was thinking about the difference between blogs that present facts and those that are experiential/personal. The personal always touches because it evokes empathy. It touches lives.
Thanks for your insights, as always.
Galvahaha
October 29th, 2009 2:26 am
Being personal on my blog is revealing my vulnerability like everyone else. I’m not perfect and I don’t try to be a know-it-all guru or something even though people may expect that when you run a tech blog, you have to be all that techie and geeky like everyone else.
I’m just the average kind of blogger trying to make something out of blogging but I make it a point that everyday is a learning process.
It’s right that you have to set some boundaries in revealing personally identifiable information for your own security. There are a lot of ways to show personality on a blog and I think it’s up to the blogger on how far he/she is willing to expose or share about it.
Madeleine
October 29th, 2009 3:13 am
Thank you, Darren, for the thought-provoking post and all you commenters for your thoughtful responses.
I came to blogging with years of experience in Toastmasters where I learned that using personal stories is a very powerful way to engage and persuade an audience. As they say, “Facts tell, stories sell.”
I blog about myths and realities of growing old, and I use a lot of personal stories–in part to debunk some of the myths and in part to add interest and credibility to a post.
For example, a post about how to be really healthy even with Type 2 diabetes would be dry as dust without my personal story. My story is also meant to inspire the reader. If I can do this, you can do it too and here’s how.
And yes, respecting the bountaries is so important. No one who reads my blog know that my BF actually has a name.
Michelle Cox
October 29th, 2009 3:21 am
I took over Lipstick to Crayons (an established blog) last summer and the previous owner told me that she felt that the “personal angle” was a missing ingredient on the site. I’m slowly trying to add that personal touch, while also keeping up with the product reviews, giveaways, and articles on topics of interest to Moms. I have noticed that the “personal” posts get more traffic, so I know I will be doing it more and more as my comfort level increases.
I read your blog all the time, and like your “hugger” — I’ve never commented. So, I thought I’d do so today. Now, I need to go buy some of your resources. It sounds like they might make the difference for me.
The Naked Redhead
October 29th, 2009 3:53 am
“Personal” has to do with being honest, though it doesn’t mean COMPLETE honesty, as in, “I work at such-and-such and I take three dumps a day.” I’ve developed a moniker for myself so that I can be personal without divulging too much. I think my readers feel as if they know me, and they do. They know the REAL Naked Redhead, but they don’t know all about every detail of my life, and they’re ok with that.
I’m ok with only knowing parts of other bloggers, too, as long as something true comes out.
will
October 29th, 2009 4:21 am
Your post has given me a few more ideas on how I can push my blog even further. The approach I’m taking to my blog is exactly what your post is saying. I’m putting myself out there in hopes people can connect better with me that way and see that I’m not some company. Being personal and showing people that I’m human, I think is going to differentiate myself from other blogs and websites in my niche. Thanks for giving me a few more ideas on how I can extend the personal factor.
Will
Oleg Mokhov
October 29th, 2009 4:31 am
Hey Darren,
People want to connect with those that are remarkable. Be remarkable by being an amplified version of yourself.
Look at your unique traits and quirks and take them to an extreme in what you write. People will naturally discover more about you, since you’re not hiding your true self.
When you amplify yourself and go to the edge with it, you’re naturally becoming personal without becoming too much so. Since you’re representing yourself in what you do, people see you, not just ideas and articles from some person.
But because you’re not forcing it, any private details that fall outside of your personality you won’t share. You’re not trying to be personal when you amplify yourself – you just are. So you share yourself while keeping private the important things around you (relationships, for example).
Be remarkable. Amplify yourself. Naturally become personal while filtering details that should remain private.
Nice reminder that we can know (and become known) by people all over the world via blogs,
Oleg
Ryan
October 29th, 2009 5:18 am
That’s a neat story Darren.
I am semi-personal. I write about personal development and cash gifting, so I tend to recount examples from my life. Beyond that I don’t get into too many casual instances. By nature I’m a pretty private dude. I disclose enough so that people can connect but beyond that you have to be in the inner circle to get the rest.
Kat Rice
October 29th, 2009 6:55 am
Its so true about being personal online. I speak about blogging occassionally and when I do I often say I know this person or that person, it wasn’t until someone pointed out to me later that I realized how good bloggers connect online. He said, “Its funny how you say you “know” someone whether you’ve met them in person or not.” He called it a generational difference, but I think its part of the time we live in. But there are certainly bloggers I read who I don’t “know”, so there is a line.
Tim
October 29th, 2009 6:56 am
I used to be personal in my old LiveJournal blog from the late 90’s that is until a good friend of mine lost his job due to his LJ blog. He was a teacher and girls volley ball coach and one of his students found the blog. They found a picture of him driving his jeep across a river with the dog in the back in shorts during a camping trip, harmless fun right?
The kid thought it was cool and forwarded it to everyone in the class, everyone liked it except for one who complained to their parents. The parents complained to the school board who launched an investigation into it and went over his 5 years worth of posts and friends blogs, mine included with a fine tooth comb.
After years worth of personal writing a few f-bombs and swear words are going to slip through and any large volume of text can have a few sentences pulled out of context to make it sound bad. In the end the school board decided that it was inappropriate for a teacher to be blogging but that he’d done nothing wrong and had him change the content to private. However, after a one sided newspaper story blew things out of proportion and stirred up lots of controversy with the local public he was forced to resign.
Something as harmless as a shirtless photo of you having fun that you put up today could potentially come back to bite you later.
So consequently my current personal blog isnt all that personal. I purposely dont use real names or full names for myself and others I write about and with all my posts about the various motorcycles I own I’m also careful to not put up pictures that could be used to track down my house. My blog is still personal but it would be tough connect down to one human being.
David Stillwagon
October 29th, 2009 7:08 am
That is so true about being personal on your blog. The blogs that I have been successful with are the ones that connect with personally.
Available Domains
October 29th, 2009 7:09 am
Thanks for sharing your experience. I will need to think about being personal or not while blogging or implement it partially.
Linda-Kitchen Therapy
October 29th, 2009 7:14 am
Kitchen Therapy is about living gluten free. It has to be personal. I blog about converting recipes and have pictures of the dish we made. And how the dish fit into our lives. Was is a clebration, or simple lunch on Tuesday? I write about our garden, growing much of our food, with pictures of us occasionaly.
I share only things that I am comfortable with my mom, or kids, or neighbors reading. Ocassionally I write about clients that are not identified.
People search for recipes. But they subscribe to get to know us better. The most personal posts have gotten the most comments.
Tomas Stonkus
October 29th, 2009 8:40 am
Hey Darren:
Good point. People absolutely love to connect to something that they feel they know. Uncertainty and unknown scares them. By being personal you make them feel welcome and at home.
However, being personal is not enough. I believe it’s more about sincerity and honesty than anything. People want to trust others, we just need to give them a reason to do so.
Also, by sharing your own life you are creating moments with readers to which they can relate or think: “Hey! I remember doing that too!”
I wish I had an experience like yours one day too, that ’s when you know you really made an impact.
Best of luck,
Tomas
Bra Queen
October 29th, 2009 10:00 am
When you state”You write in a similiar way as to how you speak” I agree. I know many people who don’t.
Online it can be very impersonal so I know when I read or buy online I want to feel that I am talking to the person, so that what I try to inject into my blog.
I HATE when sites/blogs try to use words that they wouldn’t usually say however all they are doing is providing a ‘wank factor’ to what they are trying to say. It doesn’t sound real.
Some people like that, I personally don’t.
As always food for thought.
Renee xx
Stephanie - Home with the Kids
October 29th, 2009 10:27 am
Enjoying this post. I tend to worry that I talk too much about myself sometimes when I get personal. But it’s also the best way to add a little flavor to a blog. How else are you really going to pull people into your posts?
Tammy
October 29th, 2009 10:50 am
What a timely article! I just published a similar article this morning on my blog and went back to edit in a link to your article. It was a perfect way to expand on my recent observations! I think you nailed how to be personal without being too personal.
Tammy
KimC
October 29th, 2009 12:05 pm
I’ve had similar experiences with readers who feel like my best friends even though I’ve never met them, and I love it!
There is a downside, though. You’ve heard the phrase, “a face made for radio”? Some of us have a personality made for blogging.
I’m mouthy, outspoken, and often funny on my blog, but very quiet in person. I think some people are a little disappointed when they meet me in real life.
I even managed to severely offend one reader who thought I was snubbing her because I didn’t make sparkling and witty conversation.
C’est la vie.
beli nama domain
October 29th, 2009 1:09 pm
Reader usually want to read from the real person, so personal blog is really good and reader like to read the post.
magnesium
October 29th, 2009 2:29 pm
Thank you very much, I have produced a couple of other posts in the series but I didn’t explicitly name them as such, as they could be articles read in their own right and I didn’t want to alienate people who didn’t read into the ego article.
Casey
October 29th, 2009 2:32 pm
I love that story Darren. You being personal and me feeling like you genuinely want us to succeed has drawn me to read everyone of your daily posts since I started subscribing. You are also the first blog I ever subscribed to. Thanks.
Terrance Charles
October 29th, 2009 4:22 pm
Great post, people love people, it’s not just about websites and the next big thing, people want people they can connect with in some way that relate to them. Just like it is said in marketing, people buy from people they know, like and trust ;)
Vanae
October 29th, 2009 4:33 pm
being personal is key because it humanizes the person behind the blog.
for me, being personable IS my brand. i want readers/viewers to connect and relate. and feel that they can open up to me.
i’m personal through what i share and how i present myself through my videos and blog.
thanks for a great article, darren!
Vanae
Paul Hassing
October 29th, 2009 6:05 pm
I do 7 of the 9 things you listed, Darren. I totally agree that being personal is the way to go.
Not only do readers dig it more, it’s easier, as you don’t have to remember to pretend to be someone else all the time.
And it’s such an honour when people reciprocate and give glimpses into their lives. Nice one, Mate! P. :)
ZK @ Web Marketing Blog
October 29th, 2009 7:30 pm
In fact Darren we all would love to thank you.
Because after arriving at your blog we feel that we are at a honest and real man’s place who is far away from controversy (like other had with google or on tweet with Matt).
You always concentrate on those things for which this blog is.
And we all are thankful for that.
Beth Norman
October 29th, 2009 9:19 pm
Hillarious post. So well written (but aren’t they all?). Your comment about being careful about what we share brings something to mind. Although I don’t say anything that I regret, it is like being hit over the head with a brick when a friend, or local acquaintence, says, “yah, you said____ on your blog.” I totally forget that there are local people who read my blog and it bothers me that I shared personal information because I am so private that I don’t like people knowing me on the level that I’m sharing. In my mind, I feel secure behind the computer and totally forget that anyone knowing me will get to know me better.
Ricky
October 29th, 2009 9:57 pm
I know many people admire you. You will be shocked to know that after the 6 months of blogging this is my first visit to your blog and now I know why people talk about it. I personally don’t like to be more personal on my blog as it is not a personal web blog.
Leila
October 30th, 2009 9:15 am
I have always felt that being personal in your blog is a good thing. (like you said with boundaries) It helps your audience to connect with you and genrally humans a drawn to human emotion. If you appear more of a buissness or a group than an individual, people feel you are less approachable. You don’t seem you could relate.
Some evidence of the sucess related to being personal is in advertisments that use charcters to sell their products or get peoples attention. eg, talk to frank, the new quit smoking ad’s, compare the meerkat. etc
Maven
October 30th, 2009 1:35 pm
I’m very personal on my blog as it’s the re-telling of the ups and downs of my family’s life. But I’m choosey and deliberate about what I share and what I don’t.
Just coming out of lurkerdom as one of the readers who appreciates this blog VERY much!
Your tips and advice have been incredibly helpful to me and I have always enjoyed the relateability of this blog.
Aftab
October 31st, 2009 8:04 am
Nice Blog… Some good info provided and comments posted… I loved visiting this blog…
Onepot @ onepot.wordpress.com
October 31st, 2009 8:44 am
I stopped following a couple of blogs because their authors ceased to be personal in order to focus exclusively and “seriously” on a specific topic. Meh. There are a lot of places where I can go for a dry, impersonal take on a variety of topics. I read blogs for a totally different reason.
But, I also stopped following certain blogs when they became way too personal. While I understand, for instance, that having a child is a life-changing experience, I am turned off by blogs that suddenly become inundated with baby pictures and super-detailed descriptions of the little miracle’s milestones. (I’m not referring to mommy blogs here, but to blogs that had a totally different take/flavor/theme previously. And, babies are certainly not the only reason why a blog can become too personal; that’s just one example.)
Ronblogger
October 31st, 2009 9:17 am
Being personal gains more trust from your readers, but i agree there should be boundary for your personal safety
Evelyn
October 31st, 2009 1:04 pm
A very good post and subject. I’ve oftened wondered how personal to get on my blog that is trying to promote my artwork. I’ve never wanted to alienate anyone, but maybe I have room to share a bit more. Everyone tries so hard to be “correct” sometimes.
After I read the story I realized I kind of felt like I knew you too. From your trip to Vegas (I recommended a restaurant) to the freaky guy on your street the other day, both from your tweets. So I guess it’s not all that weird to share a bit of our personal lives…the freaky guy kind of made me chuckle! Since then, even though I purchased 31 Days to a Better Blog, this is the first time I’ve really been on your site, so I guess it works!
Thanks for all your insight!
Ecko
October 31st, 2009 6:12 pm
Yes, I agree that being personal is an important thing to do as a blogger. Blog is me and I personify myself in my blog. That way I can make better relationship with my readers, both online and offline.
hokya
November 1st, 2009 12:46 pm
yup, one of my blogs is to expressing my own personality
Renee
November 3rd, 2009 7:43 am
I agree….sharing personal tidbits makes your blog ‘human’ and relatable. If readers can’t put themselves in a real person’s shoes, there’s not much to keep them coming back. You may as well be writing the equivalent of a technical article in the Apocalypto language.
I am drawn to blogs where the writer makes me feel at home and gives me a reason to want to check in with them another day (much like Problogger does). As the owner of a budget travel blog, I think it’s important to allow the reader access to my personal experiences in saving money while traveling. Thanks, Darren for your common sense approach to things that tend to go over a newbie blogger’s head, like myself. I will keep reading and learning from each and every one of you.
Donny Gamble Pro Network Marketer
November 3rd, 2009 10:09 pm
What a powerful story. It is great to share information with our online community. Thank you for sharing yet another aspect of your life.
Network Marketing
Sofie
November 4th, 2009 2:26 am
Hello Darren,
This is my first comment in your blog.
I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now and I thought it’s time for me to comment too.
I thought I should wait until I meet you so I can jump on you as well. :)
Anyway, as I see it, the power of being personal in a blog is when the writer tells the story with humility and honesty. That is probably one thing that I like about your style, it’s the humility behind it and your honesty.
I always say to myself and to my friends, that you cannot really judge a person by the way the person writes. You have to meet and see this person face to face to know what this person really like.
But in your case, there is a little bit of transparency so somehow you gained my trust. One thing that I just don’t give to anybody.
You were very right, when you were writing all those things about TRUST in blogging. You earned it.
Thank you very much and keep it up. I’ll be back! :)
Darya
November 4th, 2009 3:29 am
Ha, what a fantastic story! I’ve only recently started adding personal touches to my blog (including photos, which I was reluctant about) and they have paid off tremendously in reader engagement.
I guess it’s not surprising I have been having similar experiences lately when readers have recognized me in public and started gushing enough to embarrass us all. It’s cute though, and I think a good thing.
Jon @ Adventures of The Fearless
November 4th, 2009 12:25 pm
Great post Darren, Definately the days of hiding behind a pen name, no longer interacting are far behind us. Social media like twitter has totally ripped the mask off and as ive said to a few celebrity friends, if you want to build a large community of people who like your word in acting and music you had better start being the one who interacts with them.
Dr. Jason Ulsrud
November 5th, 2009 7:13 am
I’m new to the blogging world and trying to figure out my style. My blog covers topics associated with health care from a patients perspective. I feel personalizing the blog with personal information lends itself to more credibility.
I’m just figuring out my writing style but try more and more to write as though I’m talking to an individual. Personalizing my post for specific people and maybe stirring up some emotions, good or bad, at the same time
Steve Benedict
November 5th, 2009 8:06 am
Darren,
The part about boundaries may make the difference in a blogger being comfortable about getting personal. I try to use some humor and a little life story in each article, but my litmus test is: Would my mother like to know about this?
Keep up the thought provoking posts. Maybe an article on author burnout might be appropriate some time.
priscilla_clara
November 13th, 2009 9:32 pm
this is a powerful post, love it.. ^^
David Edwards
November 16th, 2009 3:04 am
I think its essential to inject personality into a blog, with the twitter/facebook lifestyle we all live in today its much more engaging to get to know a dotcom owner with photos & videos. It seems like apart from the SEO kings that started their dotcom’s way back in 2000, this is the only way to make it in the dotcom world.
I would say photos, videos and a mixture between informative and entertaining posts = 1 million visitors a month!
Nice 1
Darren ;]
Kira
November 16th, 2009 1:45 pm
Darren, I couldn’t agree more. Striking the right balance between being personal and revealing too much is essential.
scheng1
November 16th, 2009 1:49 pm
haha,that’s a very funny experience! Everyone would think you are a celebrity
Cigar Reviews
November 18th, 2009 8:39 am
It’s good to know that there are still people out there that think you should be personal on your blog! It’s a growing trend to just advertise and give tips and fall away from the personal side… As a reader, I want to feel connected to the writer and the blog owner. Keep it real!
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