When I’m helping people first start blogging, one of the first objections (fears, concerns) is that no one will be interested in what they have to say. In nearly six years of blogging I have yet to find someone start a blog that didn’t have some kind of audience.
Think about it this way, no matter what your topic, issue, hobby, whatever is there has got to be at least one other person (and most likely more) in the world who shares your feelings/experience/passion. The world is a huge place and we all share so many common experiences that coupled with the global reach of the Internet you are sure to find an audience.
The fact of the matter is that if you write about what you love, from the heart, and with passion readers will connect with you and the post. People like to connect. People like stories and understanding others just a little bit more. There are so many amazing stories out there yet still to be told and I hope and over time, more and more people will contribute their stories to the world-wide library of humanity: The Internet.
Feeling a little anxious about posting something to the world is completely understandable. I still feel that why when I’m writing a post on the edges of (or outside of) my comfort zone. I worry that people will stop reading. I worry that what I write will go over like a lead balloon and there will be just the sound of virtual crickets chirping after I hit “Publish”. If you’re starting a new blog, don’t worry, for the first while you’re writing for yourself. People won’t likely find your blog unless you link to it from Facebook, Twitter, or just plain tell people about it. It’s not that people won’t ever come it’s that they don’t come right away. Consider this your safe time to write and get your feet under you.
Relax. Just write and post and find your voice. People will come, don’t worry.
You might also try using Google Blog Search to find other blogs in your niche. Just go there and search for your hobby or interest. Let’s say you’re really into watching planes and like to know which ones are which. A quick search for plane spotting came up with some great results. Adding your local airport code (for me it’s YVR) gives you local results. Now not only do you have more blogs to read, but you also have a potential audience. Read their blogs, leave comments, link to their posts from yours.
Before you know it not only will people be wanting to read what you’re posting, they’ll be begging you to post more!
Remember, blogging is supposed to be fun and about your passions. The rest will just work itself out.
Tris Hussey is a writer, teacher, blogger, and speaker on all facets of Internet life, WordPress, and social media. He is the author of Create Your Own Blog: 6 Easy Blogging Projects to Start Blogging Like a Pro and Using WordPress.
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Thanks for this. I will keep this in mind while I combine my two blogs and tweak my process for writing them. It’s refreshing to see your welcoming approach & encouragement.
You’re very welcome Susan! There is no doubt that sometimes writing is hard, but when it all comes together…that’s an awesome feeling.
Great stuff. I need to know everything.
Thank you Sylvia. I think you’ve come to the right place then!