If you’ve been blogging for some time and feel like you’re talking to yourself, you need to read this. Learn why no one is reading your mom blog.
I lurk in quite a few (read: too many, and I need to stop because I can be doing a million more productive things but omg social media is so addicting) Facebook groups for bloggers. And I would estimate that probably once a day, someone posts something like this:
Hey everyone – I’m looking for some guidance. I’ve been at this for 6 months and I am only getting 7 pageviews a day. I feel like I’m talking to myself! I really need some support right now because I feel like quitting. Does anyone have any advice for what I can do to get more page views!?!?!?!?!?!?? My blog is xyzsmom.com
So I venture over because I’m nosy like that and I browse around trying to see if I can give her some sage wisdom and keep this momma blogging. We’ve all be there, right? More often than not, I realize very, very quickly what her issue is. I will never write a response as I don’t want to offend anyone (man, social media can get harsh!) but if I had the guts, I would say this:
No one is reading your blog because you are writing for yourself.
Oh, I get it – truly, I do. Writing is an outlet for you. In a world of diapers and tantrums, your blog is a space where you can open up and talk freely, interact with other mommas, and let out a metric ton of emotions. You want the world to know about how little Johnny is growing, how much you love being a mom, and how difficult it can be. You want to share all of the “open letters” you write to everyone. You want to open up about how hard breastfeeding has been or how beautiful you think your daughter when she is sleeping or how fast time is going.
I.Get.It.
We all get it. It’s why when the above blogger posts that in an FB group, she will get SO many, “I checked out your page and I think it’s so great! I’m trying to get mine started as well, we just have to keep going!”‘s. Because other bloggers and writers get it. And we can see that your writing is amazingand written from the heart and that you have the ability to draw people in. And if you’re writing your blog solely as an outlet for your emotions and thoughts and to maybe get some insight from people who don’t know your whole life story, then you’re gold. Keep on keepin’ on.
But something tells me that is not your goal. In fact, I think it’s safe to assume that since you are reading this post, you want more from your blog. You want a bigger platform to share your advice, you want some side money to contribute to your family, you want to start blogging full-time and leave your job – whatever it is, you want more. You want more readers and followers and pageviews and opportunities. So you’re left wondering what you can do to get more. And here it is : start writing different content.
People aren’t reading your blog because you aren’t providing them with value. You aren’t giving them something they can take home, apply to their own lives, and benefit from. Yes, the occasional personal story is nice when mixed in with other valuable content, but an entire blog of personal stories and opinions isn’t a blog – it’s a diary.
I’m not saying you have to totally stop writing what you love – hell, I haven’t. I love writing monthly updates on Ryan and Owen, sharing some thoughts and photos for my In the Life of Boys series, and rambling on about what we did over the weekend on Mondays. And I think it provides my readers with a level of intimacy that keeps them coming back – it makes them feel like they are a part of my life and that I am a real person. But a blog can not stand alone on posts like that. (I lied – some can. Very few can. And they usually started at the very beginning of blogging, so they have a built-in loyal following.)
So what can you do? Here a few tips I have applied to my own blog to make sure I am constantly providing my readers with QUALITY and VALUABLE content that will keep them coming back:
Limit the personal posts.
Make a series out of them. Post them on expected days. Consolidate them. For the most part, I try to limit my highly personal (posts about my kids/updates on them/rambling about how adorbs they are) limited to Sundays. It’s a slow traffic day for me either way, so I don’t feel like I’m ‘wasting’ space in my editorial calendar.
Add value.
Okay, so say you want to write a post about… I don’t know, let’s say how hard you’re finding being a mom to be. If you really want to write that post with all of the emotions and what not – do it! And then once it’s written find ways to add value. What are some products you have found make it easier? How about some things you do daily to ease your mind? What are some ways that you deal with the overwhelming world of parenting? The best part of this strategy is that it takes your one post (It’s hard to be a mom) that would have been a quick, one time read for readers (also, not necessarily a post that will do well on Pinterest.) and turns it into either a series or a mega post of tips for an issue I’m sure your readers struggle with, while remaining relatable and writing about what YOU want to write about. Boom.
Take it to social media.
If you follow me on Instagram you’re bound to see a ton of #madadorbs pictures of the boys. I occasionally attempt (and fail – ugh, all of you IG wizards who constantly have gorgeous, amazing photos – tell me your secrets!!) some ‘pretty’ Insta pics, but I think it’s also a great place for your readers to get a more personal view of you and your life.
Submit your work elsewhere.
This is a new strategy that I’m working on, so don’t quote me here (ha!) But for the most part unless it’s a piece that I think my readers will really benefit from, emotional posts (for example, my post on how I was feeling about having 2 kids or the Clean Plate Club) will not really be posted here anymore. I’ve seen time and time again that it’s not what MY readers want to be reading. Instead, I will be submitting them to places that often feature that kind of writing either on a freelance basis or as guest posts. It’s a win-win – recognition and exposure to new readers, potential $$ and I get to keep writing those kinds of posts if I want to. With a knowledge of what my readers identify with and enjoy reading, I am able to better tailor my content to them.
So do you see what I did in this post? I wrote about something I was thinking about (mom bloggers who are eager to turn their blog into a business writing content that won’t get them there) and addressed it and brought value to the reader by giving you 4 ways you can fix it.
I hope this helps you out if you find yourself struggling with where you would like to go with your blog. Blogging is amazing, but if you have a specific goal in mind, you can’t just write to write (I know, sorry.)
ALSO! I have some news and a request for you. I am starting a newsletter for JUST for all of my bloggy friends. I’m planning on starting to send out my monthly income reports (!!!) there as well as tips and links to any new blogging related posts in this newsletter! If you’re interested in reading about my income reports and how I’m turning this space into a business, I would love for you to sign up here! I’m really passionate about writing about blogging and helping my fellow bloggers, but I don’t want this space to become ONLY about blogging, so this is my ultimate compromise!
Lastly, if you have any topics you would like me to talk about here on the blog or in my newsletter, let me know! You can leave it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!
If you enjoyed this post, check out my blogging tips page as well as these posts!
The Importance of Blogging Authentically
Why I’m Finally Seeing Blog Growth
Pia @ Mama Hustle says
This is such a great point. I’ve started to do a Sunday gratitude round-up. It allows me to share personal stories, what I cooked during the week (which would otherwise be off-topic for my blog), articles that I read and loved, and a little more of “me” – without jeopardizing the focus of my main blog posts.
Also, blogger tip – you might want to put some brackets around, or spaces into, your email address in the body of your post. Otherwise spam crawlers will be able to pick it up and you’ll start getting a ton of junk mail.
Sonia says
Useful info- I’ll definitely be checking out your other blogging tips posts. I haven’t been blogging for long so am really keen to explore new ideas and get advise! #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup
Candace says
As always, I enjoy your tips on blogging posts. Not only do you have catchy titles (I always end up selecting your posts during linkups), you write great content too. I think you make a great point about posts and how it should offer up value to the readers rather than an emotional outpouring. Thanks for sharing #HappinessisHomemade
Brenda says
Thank you so much for this great post! It was very honest and something I needed to hear. I really want to grow my blog, and that’s why I joined the Merry Monday Link Party today. I’m hoping that will help. I’m going to save your post too, so I can refer back to it often and make sure I’m writing blog posts others want to hear.
Kristy from Southern In Law says
I cannot agree with you more on this – and I feel like this applies to every kind of blogger! I think you always need to view your blog from an external point of view. Would you be interested in reading your blog if you were on the outside?
Kendall Patton says
I think you have a real point here that sometimes is needed! Heck, even I know this. I’m working on my blog and business now myself. Or, I’m dedicating time and energy and effort to it more now than I have before. And, when I have a bigger mix of things, I see rises in my stats. I love the authenticity of blogging and sharing with others 🙂
Kristan @ Pink Rose Co. says
I have been wanting to start incorporating an “updates on my kid/family/life” type of post because it seems my readers respond to that well on social media. I love your idea to use a low traffic day for that. Thanks for the tip!
Jennifer Worrell says
You nailed it! Such great blogging advice to really make me think today! Thanks so much!
Carly says
Great Post Morgan! I’ll be interested in hearing an update on how submitting your more emotional writing goes. I try to steer away from that stuff too, for the reasons you listed. I did ONE guest post submission in the last few months, and I thought I had scoped out the blog pretty well… It was a decent post, the kind that would have gotten me traffic on my own blog. I got CRICKETS!! So I know I did something wrong there lol.
Crystal Green says
These are some valuable tips. I had a hard time letting go of writing personal posts. I still do it, but in a different manner.
Erin | A Welder's Wife says
I can definitely see you point on who you are writing for versus what you are writing. I like how to the point you are about this, because we all need this person in our lives. I have had trial and error with this these past few months, and I have finally realized this is why. I am limiting my personal posts to twice a month: 1. monthly goals (for blog and personal) 2. update on year long goals that do not exactly fit into my monthly goals. My other posts will consist of How-Tos, Inspiration References, and Tips and Tricks for different things. I feel it will be the perfect balance for my blog personally.
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
This is really great. I also think that its not just mom bloggers but bloggers in general! I think many people may be writing for themselves and not even know it. I’ll be signing up for that letter! 😀
Jenna says
I always love your tips. You always give me something to reflect on and improve but are so encouraging about it. Thank you so much. I am signing up for your newsletter and am really excited for more tips to improve my blog. Thanks again!
Ruthie Gray says
Sage advice! If we want readers (and let’s face it, that’s what we really want), we must give them what THEY want!
Thanks for posting this on Tuesday Talk, I enjoyed (and identified with) the read!
Lisa J O'Driscoll says
This is a great post and I couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much for linking it up at Share The Wealth Sunday and I’ve chosen your post as one of my features for this week’s party!
Katie says
Great post – it’s funny but it’s TRUE! It’s all about the content baby, that’s what keeps them coming back!
Sandra Garth says
These tips can be apply to most every niche. As much as I love baking and sharing my Cream Cheese Bundt Cakes my readers aren’t going to be enthused about the tender crumb of my cakes unless I give them great tips on how to achieve it each time plus give them new and different recipes. Thanks for your insight and for sharing your links with us at Celebrate Your Story.
Becky Hastings says
Such important tips! Knowing your audience is the first step, but moving past that to give them what they want (even if they don’t quite know it yet)…that’s gold! Visiting from #TuesTalk
Marva | sunSPARKLEshine says
These are some great points, Morgan. I’m always trying to strike that happy balance and these tips will definitely help. Thank you!
the frenchie mummy says
Could not agree more. I like making it a bit funny. I hate reading posts where people describe what they did at the weekend. #happynowlinkup
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project says
Helpful post. I think so many of us who are just starting out struggle with this. You want people to read your blog but you also want to be creative and have fun. Personally, I find it a difficult balance to strike. Thank you for the tips.
Jenny @ Unremarkable Files says
Great post. I love the honesty. I agree with all your points: no matter how cute you think your kids are, I guarantee you that your readers think that theirs are cuter! So whenever I talk about personal stuff I always try to ask myself, “So what? Why would someone who doesn’t know me personally care about this?” I usually try to make them laugh. Unfortunately, there is a lot about our everyday life to laugh at.
#happynowlinkup
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Very good tips! I’m not a mom blogger but your points can still be applied in any genre. The point about adding value and asking yourself why someone would be interested in the topic is a good reminder that it’s all about the audience (something I’m still trying to figure out!)
Jen says
Ouch, but this is all true and important lessons that every blogger needs to learn along the way. Better to not have to learn it for ourselves.
Thanks for sharing this at the Happy Now Link Up. I think bloggers everywhere should read this!
Runwright says
Great post. I think every blogger is looking for high traffic, unless it’s a personal, private, blog. But we struggle because there are indeed several personal blogs that are hugely popular but for most of us, readers come because they want something from us.
Thanks of saying it. I know it but I needed to hear it again today because I’m on a quest to boost my blog. I’ve been neglecting it and this is absolutely useful advice.
I’m following you now.
Michelle says
Personally, I can only take so much of personal stories or endless pictures of kids, family, vacation photos, etc. Once in awhile it is okay, but I come across blogs that really are a scrapebook of their family life. I come away with nothing. If I’m going to take the time to read a blog, I have to come away with something. Anything. That’s just me though. Those are the ones I will follow for the long haul. Sounds harsh, but again, for me it is what I look for. Thanks for such great tips.
Margaret says
Spot on. I’ve been inhaling information about what makes a successful blog. One thing this post reminds me of, is WIIFM. The acronym stands for “what’s in it for me”. Write from your readers perspective of, what can they take away from this post. And why do they care what you’re writing?
I’m still narrowing down my niche. Still trying to figure out what people want to read from me 🙂
Bronwyn says
This is so helpful, I get about 10- 60 readers a day , i started it out as a personal blog but through networking with other moms I have been inspired to make it more…..
Gabrielle Tyler says
Thanks for this post Morgan! I always enjoy your posts. 😉
April J Harris says
These are great tips for anyone struggling to build their readership, Morgan. Pinned! Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop.
Jennifer says
These are some great tips. I am looking too get more traffic to my site also. I really don’t do a lot of personal posts, but I have a habit of trying to fit too much into a post. I end up trying to pack too much motherly wisdom into one post, then I tap myself out. I need to spread out the wisdom into a series and more to incorporate more products. This is easier for some type of posts than others. Pinned.
Sierra says
Great post , Morgan! There is always something to learn and different ways to try things. A balancing act between providing value and also sharing personal events or stories is what’s really worked for me. Sometimes I skim past a lot of posts because I can’t read another 5 ways to feel happy but would rather see how a mom styled a great outfit that worked for her to run around with the kiddos at the park. I guess it’s personal preference as well. You definitely shared some great insight.
Beautifully Candid
Emily says
This is such a great post! Thank you for consistently delivering excellent content. I’m bookmarking this and will be referencing it in the future! 🙂