There are more than 1.29 million blogs listed on Technorati alone. In 2010 there were more than 1.5 million regular bloggers. That number must have grown. So, it may be fair to say that every topic has been written about.
But with billions of people in this world, and the web a massively huge field to play on, people are still searching for credible sources and quality content.
So the question then becomes, How do bloggers go determine if they write for beginner or expertor some level in between?
Tight End To Wide Receiver
My blog topics come from:
- Questions posted on my Facebook page.
- Questions tweeted to me on Twitter.
- Inquiries via Email.
- Situations I observe in the real world.
- My own curiosities.
Yes, there are occasions when I find a new social network that I want to know about, or there is an online tool that I want to be more familiar with, and I research and test. Many times, I share that information in a post because I know it will be helpful to my readers.
When a question comes to me, I answer in as much detail as I can in terms my readers would likely understand, linking to new terminology, if available. Any writers goal is to be the credible source, so I will offer details of steps to follow next, or recommended other sources in taking the topic to the next level. Usually, I am fielding the most basic to the intermediate. Perhaps similar to a Tight End on the football field.
Occasionally I will pass off to an expert, for a quote or a guest post and let them carry readers through to a topic touchdown, much like a Wide Receiver.
In my opinion, bloggers should be very audience-centric.
But dont just take my word for it
First And Ten
Heres what Peg Fitzpatrick, a Front Lineswoman for 12 Most has to say:
"I pick topics that interest me and that are fresh. I really like new products and BETA everything so I like to try new things & when I like them I share the wealth. I read a lot of blog posts and check out lots of websites so I am familiar what is out and about. If you have a different slant on a topic, then create it but credit any sources that you use properly. If I have a great idea I go for it! Part of the writing process for me is the planning and I usually have the whole concept laid out prior to writing.
I usually write for beginners focusing on the posts that I wish I had read when I started out. Or alternatively, I try to share something new so everyone is a beginner. It makes me happy when I know that someone learned something from a post I wrote or thought more about a situation more deeply. My goal is to add value when I blog and to my readers.
Touchdown!
Christian Hollingsworth, Quarterback for Smart Boy Designs, advises this:
First, identify the audience you seek to attract to your blog. Do you cater to the expert small business owner? Are you writing posts for folks just stepping into the frigid SEO waters? Once youve identified your intended audience youll have a clear understanding at which level you should be writing posts.
Some blogs want to attract the entire spectrum of knowledge levels within a certain topic. I do. If this is the case then be sure to mix up your blog posts. I know successful bloggers who write a post for beginners on Monday, intermediate on Wednesday and advanced level topics on Friday. Its an effective way to share the coupe with all manner of individuals
When writing a post for a specific skill level I often keep the following questions in mind before, while and after Im writing:
'What information would I have loved to know when first dabbling in SEO? Is there a specific tip or task my fellow contemporaries may not be aware of?
Am I pushing the boundaries of this professions most skilled thinkers?'
In short, be helpful and call those readers of specific skill levels out from the crowd. If you write it they will come.
There seems to be a theme:
First, consider the reader.
Fans In The Stands
Just like football play to the fans! Isnt that why the Super Bowl has a half-time show??
Above are 3 super bowl style strategies to tackle writing blog posts for your readers.
What are your strategies?
Do you play to just one type of fan? Or do you play to all?
Image Credits: NFL Football Player, dascoop. Black Eyed Peas, Celebuzz.
Really good post, thanks. I’ll try to follow your advices
Ann,
Glad you liked the post.
If I can be of help, feel free to reach out.
Good luck in 2012,
~Keri
I always write to “one person” and that one person is my ideal client. I never change. I know exactly what that person wants and I give it to them! LOL
Martha,
I think you’ve nailed a pretty great strategy — A real touchdown!!
Here’s to winning your Super Bowl,
~Keri
I think I’m more the “First-and-Ten” blogger, and I love your analogies!
Sandra,
First And Ten is a great place to be.
Glad you enjoyed,
~Keri
Another great post Keri! I’m never disappointed with your insights, advice, and pointers. As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise!
Knikkolette,
Thank you for your terrific compliments.
You are quite savvy yourself, and I’m excited you found this useful.
Will you be enjoying the Super Bowl?
~Keri
Perhaps for a short while, I like the commercials, but I’m not a big football fan… yes I know… don’t judge! 🙂
Knikkolette,
We probably have more in common than you think.
Lets compare notes on Super Bowl commercials this year. And maybe I’ll share my Super Bowl Confession with you too.
Fondly,
~Keri
I love the unique way you tied this in with the football theme. Excellent! I tweeted it as well. I am always looking for more information on how to write better blogs and get interaction. Thanks
Dawn,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for tweeting the post out to your followers. I’m so honored that this made your tweet stream! 🙂
We can all continue to learn from each other…
~Keri
Keri,
I love the advice about sharing information you wished you would have had when you first started out. I was just getting to that realization myself. There is so much I wished I would have known to make it easier for me starting out. It’s time to start sharing.
Love this post!
Sherrie
Sherrie,
This social space allows for sharing, and for people to learn from others so easily. But we’ll always be saying, “If I knew then what I know now.”
We just need to keep learning! 🙂
Thank you for reading, and for your enthusiasm!
~Keri
Very well written, Keri. I love your analogies to football, it makes it easy to understand. I agree that the best posts are those that you enjoy writing about!
Sherry,
Glad you enjoyed – Thank you for your compliment.
Hope you are enjoying all that you’re working on!
~Keri
You had a great knowledge to this..I really enjoy your post..Hope you continue share more post.Keep up the good work..
Jessica,
Glad you enjoyed reading.
There are many well-written, informative posts on this site. Keep checking back, and you will see more from all the writers! 🙂
Thank you for your comment,
~Keri
Great post, Keri. If we simply blog for ourselves, we tend to use a voice that doesn’t ring out and embrace other readers. And you’re absolutely correct about reaching out and linking out to other bloggers. It builds audience, for both bloggers, and enhances your ability to bring your topic to life.
Mallie,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
For this particular post, the topic was not the challenge, but conveying the points for the probable audience at this time…just a tad.
So, I was reaching out. Hopefully I at least came close to the end zone. 🙂
Great to see you here!
~Keri
I too enjoy your analogies to Super bowls, football, even pornography,to your post topics. That always seems to make a topic easier to understand. My Dad and other memorable speakers have used this method on his sermons and out really works.
Great illustrations, great ideas for a Super Blog strategy.
Joel,
This reply puts a few pieces of a puzzle together. Thank you for stopping by to read!
So you are enjoying — that is important. I appreciate your recalling a recent post. 🙂
The themes are fun, and it makes me smile to know that this style helped you understand my points.
You’ve been making some touchdowns yourself!
~Keri
Keri,
what a timely post…:)
The advice is solid and will help a lot of bloggers. Of the 1.5 million out there, I bet a solid 1.3 million have very little or no idea of who their audience is.
So they miss the mark, drop the ball, and get tackled.
What is needed is an interception, to change the game around.
I hope many, many people read your blog post, intercept, and change up their game to make a touch down and win the game!
🙂
Fondly, Dorien.
Dorien,
Thank you for reading — Always a pleasure to learn your thoughts.
Very stylish response — You’d make the extra point for sure!!
Now, I can’t wait to read your most recent blog post – This one should be good.
Thanks for always being a Super Bowl player,
~Keri
I don’t fully understand the football references in this because I’m English (mind you I don’t understand our football either!) but that didn’t matter as the rest of the post made absolute sense to me and i agree completely!
Will look forward to reading more from you 🙂
Gemma,
It’s okay not to understand the football reference. The rest is what matters! 😉
The Super Bowl has many excited now. Will you be watching for the commercials, even?
Will also look for you…
~Keri
I <3 the Superbowl themed post even though my team did not make it 😉 This year I have vowed to step out from being a wallflower when it comes to blogging and really go for it! Thanks for the great tips 🙂
Alex Marie,
You have so much insight to offer, I can’t imagine you being shy when it comes to blogging!
It’s a Nike thing: Just do it.
So, here’s to making it down the field for a touchdown… 🙂
~Keri
Great post Keri! I love the analogies in particolar the sport ones. The way you describe the blogger style is so rich of sense to me. I should say I’m in between the first and ten and touchdown, since I’m starting from what I feel and then I’ll try to communicate to the ideal one (to use Martha words).
Fabrizio,
A good thing to see you here! 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, and for sharing your thoughts.
I think you continue to grow as a blogger, and I enjoy reading your posts. Lets for the touchdown…
~Keri
Hi Keri,
Timely article without giving away who won. Oh, we know that now!
I like you point about your audience. Whether it’s football for professionals in the superbowl or football for little kids you have to speak at the appropriate level without sounding condescending or too advanced.
I think you’ve done this well!
David,
Thank you for reading, and for your favorable words. You must be a Super Bowl fan! 🙂
The key is indeed in knowing your audience and reaching the reader with content that appeals.
Glad to have made the goal zone this game!
All in good fun,
~Keri
Keri, loved all the football references! Great job.
Kathi,
Thank you for stopping by to read – Glad you enjoyed!
I appreciate your positive words, and look forward to comparing notes on social media and blogging in the future! 🙂
~Keri
Great article Keri, thanks for sharing. I agree, I try to write for my audience and take clues from the questions they ask and comments they leave. Social media certainly provides a great opportunity to really see what your audience wants from you and what they need to know. Like you say, that then helps you attract more of who your ideal reader/client is.
Jennifer,
So glad to see your smile here! 🙂
Social media is surely a groovy tool. If we are not writing for our audience, who will pay attention?
Happy to see we seem to be on the same playing field!
~Keri