The Content of Your Character is King
Content is King.
It has been said ad infinitum and it echoes in our minds. We think that it means that beautiful writing, fresh ideas, a unique perspective, consistent quality and regular posting will be rewarded. And it does.
Sort of.
What many personal bloggers don’t realise is that “Content is King” is about Search Engine Optimisation: The Golden Rule of SEO. It’s about copywriting and keyword research, building keyword density and attracting links. It’s about getting your content indexed and increasing its rank. There is no doubt that this is a valid approach to getting a blog seen, even a personal blog, but it isn’t everything.
“Something else is necessary“.
Writing good content is not enough. You need to put yourself out there - commenting on other blogs and using social media - the same way you need to in real life if you want to make friends.
But this post isn’t about how people will find your personal blog: It’s about why people will return.
Your personality is present in every aspect of your blog, from your design to your writing style to the subjects of your posts. And it should be. That’s what a personal blog is for. Writing “good copy” would be counter-productive. That’s not to say that you should ignore the tenets of good writing but if you want a maxim to blog by, this is it:
The content of your character is king.
Finding a personal blog you want to read is the same as meeting a person who interests you. Whether you are attracted because their character is similar to yours, or different, or nice, or challenging, it is their personality which will draw you in. Just as it is personality that repels.
While not everybody is going to like you and your blog, there is one thing almost guaranteed to turn people off. Fakeness.
Photo Credit: .Tatiana.
Whether you try to reveal the fullness of your personality in your blog or explore just an aspect, if you aren’t genuine it isn’t going to work. People can sniff out a poser a mile away and they don’t like them.
If you want to appeal to the broadest audience possible, if you want to satisfy your readers, and if you want comments and connections and community, Shakespeare’s version is better than mine. Even if it isn’t as search engine friendly.
To thine own self be true.
Perhaps that seems schmaltzy and idealistic but I really do think it’s one of the keys to creating a successful blog, however you define that. And not just for personal bloggers.
Feel free to disagree with me.
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8 Responses to “The Content of Your Character is King”
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Not schmaltzy at all. I agree this is the key to personal blogging.
Thanks Lani for some great advice. And Shakespeare does say it so well.
I think you are spot on… When I think about the personal blogs that I go back to read again and again it is not always people who I agree with 100% it is always the people who feel ‘real’.
Absolutely right! And - thinking of your “blogging is art” thesis - it’s the same with any art form. The writer / artist can’t help but show through.
[…] The Content of Your Character is King - Great article on characteristics of the blogger being important. […]
Right on! Hubby has asked me in the past “are you sure you should say that?” And I say… why not? It’s who I am. It’s how I feel. It’s what I believe. If someone doesn’t like it they don’t have to read it and if it loses me a customer then that’s just life. I am who I am.
@ castocreations - I think that’s a great attitude to have. Even more so, because your personal blog is combined with your business. Just as I’d rather read genuine blogs, I’d rather deal with ‘genuine’ businesses rather than those who try to sell me an image along with a product. Sometimes you need a thick skin for it though.
I sometimes say outrageous things and make lots of jokes. I quite often wonder if it will be read the wrong way and sometimes it is. But it is me writing and I am writing for me. I cannot make people appreciate my humour, but I can try.