Sometimes I forget that I’m not just a blogger; I’m a follower too. And I realized the other day that according to Bloglovin’, I’m a follower of hundreds of blogs. My feed is crowded with over 1500Â new unread posts. But let’s be honest. Do I read every post from every blog? I sure don’t!
You see, I’ve probably followed these blogs because at one point there was a really great post up, and I didn’t want to forget that blogger. Or, I made a connection with that person and want to keep up with them.
Some of us follow tons of blogs because we want to enter giveaways. Some of us do it to network. Some of us “follow-for-follow” (I’m not a fan of that, by the way…).
But what makes a blog something that I want to come back to, day after day, week after week? As a blog reader, what draws me to that online space, as opposed to the millions of others I could peruse instead?
1) Quality over quantity. Not all of my favorite bloggers post everyday. In fact, my friend Jessica at Thread and Bones posts about once a week. The priority for me is that, when I open up a new post I want to know that I’ll find something worth reading. This can mean many things, but to name a few: good writing; thoughtful reflections or observations; beautiful photographs; inspired style; something helpful.
2) AÂ writer who cares. You can tell when a blogger genuinely cares about her audience. It comes through in her voice. She asks questions. She’s open to feedback. She wants to bring content that will actually enrich her readers’ experience. When she writes about something, she does the research. She doesn’t just push products or sell things. You get the point.
3) Purpose and direction. Not everyone has to know exactly where their blog is headed; in fact, I think it’s very difficult. But I love reading blogs that have a sense of why they exist. Whether the blogger wants to publish a book one day; or share vegan recipes; or help women develop healthy habits; or write about her beliefs… I love it when a blog has direction.
4) Inspiration. Who doesn’t love being inspired? I adore blogs that teach me something new. A quality “how-to” post is always welcome. A few photographs from an adventure, or a heartfelt reflection are fantastic to read. I’m also a sucker for prayers, stories, musings, and yummy recipes.
5) Authenticity. There’s a difference between authenticity and transparency, and I don’t think bloggers should “bare all”. But, I want to know who it is behind that blog. And I want that person to be consistent. The great thing about reading blogs (vs. reading a book) is that you’re more likely getting the opportunity to engage with the author. Whatever authenticity means to that person, I hope they’ll be willing to connect with their readers through it.
Are these impossibly high standards? Well, I think they’re high (and I certainly have fallen short), but I don’t think they’re impossible. When it comes to genuinely choosing to follow a blog for what it is, I realize that I’m pretty careful of what I choose.
What about you? Let’s talk as readers, rather than bloggers, for a moment. What types of blogs do you like to read? What posts are not as interesting to you? What do you look for in a blog? I’d love to know!
Yes! It’s very easy to tell when someone is struggling to balance the money-making side of blogging and keeping it authentic and genuinely connecting with readers. Thank you for stopping by, Danielle!
Yes, regurgitations are never good… people can definitely be influenced by what’s trending and just end up writing the same thing as others!
Thank you so much, friend! (sorry for the delayed response to this). So funny that we look for the same things– lifestyle blogging is so hard because it basically means anything and everything that interests the blogger! Continuing a certain posture or theme is certainly difficult… but I think once people expect good things from you and are genuinely interested in what you have to say, there’s more flexibility in what we can write about! But yes, good writing and lovely photos = always a win!
Authenticity is the most important factor for me. It’s very clear when someone is just blogging to get free stuff or to make money. I also am turned off by a lot of spelling and/or grammatical errors, since that tells me that the blogger doesn’t care about the quality of their content.
I enjoy a post with an often discussed topic but that has a fresh view. I really hate to think I am getting some new info only to open the page and see very little content, no real introduction or opinion writing from the blogger, and a regurgitation of the same ol’ thing everyone else writes. I know we all do it sometimes, but do it more than once or twice and that blogger loses me.
That’s my hear as well. I could not have said it better myself. I desire to read blogs with depth, breadth, and flare.
I really love this thoughtful piece — you’re so good at articulating ideas that I have but haven’t put into so many words (get out of my brain — j/k ;)). Whether I realize it or not, these are the key factors I’m looking for in a blog. Purpose and direction is something I’ve been working on for my own blog lately — lifestyle is such a broad category! Writing a manifesto of what I will and will not post about, and what thoughts and feelings I want to get across has been helpful to focus my themes and moods.
I don’t think this is impossibly high! There are many blogs on my list I scan that don’t fit all these categories but have pretty pictures, or great writing. But when someone is really on it and hitting all these marks I get so much more excited to see a new post from them, and those are the bloggers I’ve been consistently following for years! It may be more effort, but the rewards are likewise higher =)
Hey Rachel! So nice to hear from you again. I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve not been feeling well. I hope you do continue to recover 🙂
Humility is definitely important in blogging, and can be difficult to achieve. On the one hand, we share lots of advice and life experiences, and it’s easy to don a false humility in our writing voice. But as you said– the willingness to learn, receive criticism and respond graciously is so important!
I’m doing well, Rachel! I have spent the past few days up in NorCal with family and haven’t been on the internet much either. It’s almost Christmas and I want to do more to prepare my heart. 🙂
I’ve missed you these past few days! I’m happy to be catching up on your new posts. I’ve been rather sick, which is why there was the unannounced blogging break. Thankfully though, while I’m still sick, I am recovering now. I love this post! These are five things I look for as well. Humble is something else I like to see. It’s great to see someone who has thoughts and opinions, but doesn’t think they must always be right. Someone who can write with kindness, even when you disagree.
How are you doing?
Thank you Annie!! I love a well-thought-out post too– or at least some content that clearly took some time to put together. And I also really enjoy feeling that I could be friends with the bloggers I read.
Thanks so much Gina!! Absolutely agree about the connecting on a more personal level. Those are the blogs that keep me coming back, when I know/feel I have something in common with that person.
Thank you!!
Thanks for stopping by Belen! I love learning from other blogs 🙂
These are great points and key aspects of building a blog that resonates well with its readership. I really love blogs whose authors are deliberate thinkers. This doesn’t mean all of their posts are serious, and I enjoy reading other content, but I like to know I could sit down with that person at a coffee shop, talk about the hard and deep of life, and be strengthened and encouraged by sharing it and by their feedback.
Amazing post, Daisy!! It’s so important to look at blogs from a reader perspective and truly understand why we like certain blogs. I think it’s all about connecting on a personal level and making sure we’re writing quality content that can be interesting to a variety of people! 🙂
Such a great post btw!
https://donapapayas.wordpress.com/
I like the blogs where I learn, I can relate a lot with all the article, my struggle is as well the direction, you are welcome to visit it an give some feedback if you can =)
https://donapapayas.wordpress.com/
Yes, maintaining direction is hard, especially because we change (and thus our blogs change). But there’s no harm in re-organizing every-so-often to make it fit the purposes you have for it that season.
Thank you Ashley!! I’m so glad you found this helpful. Best of luck!!
Aw thanks girl! Glad to hear it, thank you so much for reading.
Thank you so much Terrence! And yes, I love going back and asking myself what this blog is all about. Our blogs can certainly evolve over time, but when you’re writing about your passions, you’ll most definitely put forward good stuff! Thank you so much for reading 🙂
Thank you so much Jasmine! So glad this resonated with you. Thank you for reading 🙂
Thanks!! Yes– I personally agree. At the very least, I want to enjoy the content… the rest will follow!
Yes, I feel that way too– about genuine friendships! It’s so rewarding. And thank you Amber! So glad it’s almost Friday 😉
Thank you Jessica! Yes, it’s hard to be perfect and my blog is not, but it’s good to think about our blogs from a reader’s perspective! Thank you so much for stopping by 🙂
Thank you Melanie! Yes, keeping up with readers’ blogs is so, so important. It’s also good to make the non-blogging readers feel welcome! 🙂
Hooray! Thank you so, so much Hayley! And haha, I do try to keep up… but I must say that while I love reading posts and leaving comments, I’m the worst person to try to sell stuff to. 😉
Yes, authenticity is great, especially when you know that someone has a unique take on something! And I agree about reinforcing a positive image for women on our blogs… I’m sure there are negative ones out there, and I would stay away as well! so glad you enjoyed this post Sarah 🙂
I definitely struggle with maintaining direction on my blog, it’s just all over the place. I’m thinking about focusing more on blogging tips with just a few life posts rather than all the extra stuff!
Really appreciated this. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m trying to grow my blog readership so this is super helpful. 🙂 (from Peony Project)
These reasons are exactly why I follow your blog and love reading your posts so much!! 🙂
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
I really like the graphic for this blog that goes along with the pin on pinterest. This post is convicting and inspiring. I at first struggled to define the purpose/direction of my blog, but then I remembered what inspired me to start a blog in the first place (before I started reading everyone else’s blogs) and just went with that 😉 keep it simple!
I love this! You touched every point that makes me a follower of other bloggers.
I agree with all your points. Quality is probably the most important to me. I love when bloggers have a good writing style or have great, unique how-to posts.
I agree with all of your points, Daisy, but especially the authenticity and inspiration. I love “getting to know” bloggers through their writing/posts, and feel like I have made genuine friends through my blogging experience. =)
http://www.avecamber.blogspot.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
I definitely agree with all 5 of your points! I’m working towards each of them, and hope that they shines through in my writing or interaction with readers.
http://itsjpei.wordpress.com/
Totally agree! 🙂
I agree completely! I have tried to really focus on my readers and keeping up on their blogs too. They have to have real, good, content though.
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Yes to all of these! I look for these same things and I love that you are not just a blogger, but a true follower! You care about others and I just love that I have found all of those things in YOUR blog! 🙂
I definitely agree with a lot of this! Authenticity is a big one for me. I also really appreciate bloggers who own their style. It may not be something I would wear, but that’s okay – style is part of your personality, everyone should be different, but you should like what YOU like, not what other people say to like. I’m also about positive reenforcement for women… I haven’t come across a blog like this yet, but I’d never follow one that doesn’t promote a positive image for women.
Great post!
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
Yes, the design is important. It doesn’t have to be overly customized– just clean and readable! And I don’t oblige myself to writing the perfect blog; but I do think about these things when I’m trying to come up with a post– better to say nothing than something of low quality!
Thank you Aisha! I’m so glad this resonated with you. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for reading Serli! Blogging with purpose keeps us going; and quality will always win out!
Thank you Brandy! And I think that in order for our blogs to continue to be inspiring spaces for us to hang out, we need to take things at our own pace! 🙂
Thanks girl!
Thank you so much Kerrie! I’m really glad that this resonated with you. It does take time to get the hang of blogging– and even then, our approaches to blogging can change over time. While I’m careful about the blogs I read, I’m okay with my blog not being perfect! 🙂
Thank you!
Thank you so much Sarah! I am really starting to see the value in quality over quantity. I used to think I had to post every single day, but now I’m realizing that as a reader I don’t have to read a blog everyday to love it!
Thank you Lisa! I totally love making blog connections as well as learning a bit more about blogging, small biz and recipes! 🙂 We like some of the same things! Thank you so much for stopping by.
Thank you so much Marlen! Yes, I love keeping up with blog friends, and blogs that teach me something new. It’s a real challenge to be such an on-point blogger, but I think everyone can get there (especially if they choose to emphasize quality over quantity). Glad you enjoyed this 🙂
Thank you so much Ashley! And I agree, there are usually a few blogs I never miss a post from, and certain topics that I’ll always read about (like travel!). Thank you so much for stopping by!
Thank you Elmira! And yes, blogging is not easy and takes time to get used to! I genuinely learned so much from reading lots of blogs, but like you I don’t read as many as I used to. Blogs can change over time, so I’m always switching out old favorites for new ones!
Aw thank you Shannon! That is such a good point about cultivating that feeling of knowing someone. I feel that way with blogs that I read and comment on regularly– it’s so much fun!
Yes, building that relationship with a blogger I like is so much fun. That’s actually why I started sponsoring blogs– I realized it was a good way to show support, get some individual attention and make a friend 😉
Absolutely! 🙂
Thanks Heidi!
Yes– our time is too precious to spend reading crap (did I just say that?)! And good photos are so, so important for the types of blogs that need them! When there aren’t a lot of words in a post, photographs are a must.
Thank you Lee! Yes, consistency is important too.
Thank you Katie!
Yes, being approachable is great– I also like to read blogs that give me something to aspire to 🙂
Oh gosh, yes– I actually started sort of “rebuking” the follow-for-follow people and they’ve stopped coming back. And yes, it’s clear when a blogger sees their readers as just a stat rather than a real person. And the best way to sell someone something is to recognize their humanity!
Thanks so much Summer! Being genuine can be difficult but is so so important.
Thanks so much! Yes, the visual aspect is really important to me. High-quality travel photos are my weakness!
Yes, sincerity is such a good thing to cultivate, and can be a bit of a challenge! I appreciate it when a blogger does it well 🙂
Thank you Zelle! And you’re right, we often get obsessed with quantity and not quality!
We like the same things Nabihah! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes, good points!! And I rarely click on posts that are clearly sponsored, especially by companies that I don’t support (mostly food corporations…).
Oh, I need to purge my blog list too… wayyyyy too many. ugh.
Yes yes yes! interaction is great, I think building an audience and participating in a captive audience are great benefits to blogging 🙂
Thank you Chelsea! Oh and yes, good design is really important. I’d rather something simple and readable than lots of flashy stuff (or too many ads) as well!
Yes, I love blogs that make me laugh. I also like blogs that change my mood (for the better)– always so good to read! 🙂
Cool! I like lists too– good ones, that is! And yes, I’ve not been a huge fan of linkups generally, though sometimes I do click around. It depends. I rarely participate though!
Oh, humor is fantastic!!! I have to say, I have sort of a dark sense of humor (I’m funny when I’m frustrated) so I’ve refrained from cracking jokes here. But that is such a good point Rachel! Your blog is so fun and there’s great humor there– that’s why I love it.
Aw thank you so much Jeannette! That is so, so encouraging!! 🙂 And I agree about blogs that inspire me to be better in any way– I love to learn from people who know better than I do. Your purpose for blogging is so beautiful and inspirational too; I think a lot of people forget that blogging should be about their passions rather than growing and being numerically successful. I hope YOU keep blogging as well, my dear friend!
Thank you, so glad to hear that!
Yes, I love engagement. It definitely adds to the to-do list, but I really appreciate it.
Glad this resonated with you Kristin!
I’m not always sure I’m all of these things, but many points you mentioned I think about before I hit publish. I will admit if a blog isn’t visually pleasing I probably won’t stick around – I can’t handle blog designs that are too flashy! It becomes a distraction.
ashortblonde.com
I love this!! Such good tips! I agree with you when you said you can tell when a writer truly cares about her audience, this is very important, I believe!!
http://www.rootedinsalt.com
I have to admit that I do fall short of some of the things you listed but they’re all good points to keep in mind. I don’t want to be blogging for the sake of blogging; I always hope my readers get something valuable out of my posts! Thanks for this!
xo, Serli
http://www.lesoleilchic.blogspot.com
This is incredible! Here lately I’ve been struggling with the pressure to write constantly. Sometimes out of inspiration and others out of feeling like I’m not “keeping up.” Thanks for the great perspective!
100% agree!
Truly loved this post and could not agree more with you on ALL of these points. Sadly, I too know that I’ve fallen short of my own standards at times (I’ll be overwhelmed by work and post something I’m not 100% happy with just to make sure I get an article out there) but I’m pretty new to all this and slowly but surely beginning to discover what works for me (makes me proud) and my readers (what they enjoy) … I hope!!!!
K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com
Very nice post!
XX
http://www.floortjeloves.com
http://www.facebook.com/floortjeloves
These are so good and tips that are really good to remember! Some of my favorite bloggers don’t blog every day, but I know when they do it will be great & inspiring!
High standards when subscribing is good! There are so many blogs out there, you want to spend your time on the ones that mean something to you! My favorite thing about blogging is making connections, so the blogs I read the most are the ones where I’ve made friends with the writer. I also like to be inspired- be it style, small biz, recipes, design- and the blogs that inspire us will be different for everyone. Yay for so many choices 🙂 Great post!
This whole post was so on point! The blogs I follow I follow for exactly all these reasons. They either are hilarious, very thoughtful, full of beautiful pictures, or inspire me in one way or other. I’ve noticed that over the years, I only start to follow blogs for two reasons: 1) I’ve made a friend out of the blogger and want to support her and keep in touch or 2) they teach me something. Whether it be how to style outfits, take more beautiful pictures, or lead a happier life; if I don’t get something out of the posts then my commitment wanes.
This was very insightful and definitely is going to make me re-evaluate my own blog 🙂
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
These are such great points. I read probably around 100 or so blogs and most of them, I read every post from. Lately, I have been focusing on my blog more and a secret project my husband and I have been working on, so the blog reading has gotten a little out of hand and I have to really be choosy with what I read. But there are a few bloggers, that no matter what they post, I will always read just because I’ve been reading their blog for years and they always have something interesting to say.
Good points Daisy. For me, since the start of my blog, I am more appreciative when I read other blogs because now I know it is not as easy as it looks. You want to open up to get your readers know you but at the same time as you said you don’t want to bare it all. And also for me as a reader, I started reading a lot of blogs in the beginning but I lost my interest for a lot of them as either some they became too business like and you don’t see any creativity or I find nothing in common with the bloggers behind those blogs.
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
I certainly don’t think you have fallen short Daisy! Your blog is always filled with inspiration! I’ve never really thought about the standards I hold for other blogs, but I agree with a lot of these. I love when you feel like you know someone after reading/browsing their blog. I feel like I know some many of the bloggers I follow when in reality I will probably never meet them in person. This community is everything.
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
I agree with your thoughts. Like you I love a great “how to” post. I love when bloggers are relatable as well. I love to walk away feeling a connection with a blog and blogger. I appreciate bloggers that take the time to follow up with their readers and reply to comments as well.
Just like you, Daisy, I skim some of the blogs I follow but practically do cartwheels when my favorites post something! 🙂
Love this! Such great reminders to be authentic and engage with readers.
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
I think it’s important to have high standards on blogs that we read. We only have so much time in the day and why waste it reading blogs that won’t help us in our personal lives? I think good, high quality photos are important as well! Especially if they are a fashion blogger!
xo ClassToCloset
These are very important characteristics! I become a daily reader of a blog when the writer features quality and consistent content. Happy Wednesday, Daisy 🙂
Great list, and So true!!!
Yep, these are definitely great things to have in a blog. Great photos and an approachable voice are important to me. No one wants to read a snobby blog. 🙂
http://www.closet-fashionista.com
I cant tell you how annoyed those follow-for-follow comments make me. For awhile I made excuses for them and was like well ok, maybe they are new bloggers and need help getting started. Now I simply thank them for their time (if they even bothered to read) and leave it at that. I’d say my favorite blogs are ones that are particularly wordy. Dont get me wrong, I love photos and after all a picture is worth a thousand words, but really reading what someone has to say gives me a better sense of who that person is. I really feel that the best blogs are those who connect with their readers rather than advertise to them. Dont get me wrong, I’m pro-advertising, pro-sponsor, and all that jazz. It’s great for someone to have those opportunities. But there should also be balance. They shouldn’t just post when a company sends them something. (:
Loving this, Daisy! I agree with them all! A blogger must be genuine in order for me to keep coming back.
Love this post Daisy! Such great top 5! One of the very first things I look for in a blog is quality of photos and blog design. I’m incredibility visual and love finding blogs that have high visual appeal. I love skimming through beautiful photos.
I look for blogs that are sincere and real- ones where you’re reading their post but really feel like you’re catching up with an old friend. 🙂
lovejoanna.com
Such a great post, Daisy! When blogging, it is so easy to get caught up in the numbers, the followers, and more. But this is such a great reminder to bring it all back to the source and to reflect — that way you’re bringing new and exciting content each and every time you post! Thanks for sharing!
xo Southern Style
I love reading about fashion, beauty and style but I also like other content in a blog – life lessons I can use and inspirational and motivational posts too. I like hearing genuine and strong opinions in a writer, even if I disagree with their point of view, I like to know why they think what they do. I really like reading an article or post that makes me stop, think and question what is going on.
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
I am with you on this matter, Daisy. I love bloggers who give a personal touch to their readers. Someone who actually took time to reply my comments and somehow get to know me a little. I know many stuck up their nose and refuse to read blogs with bad pictures but frankly I don’t mind it as much, especially if it’s a new blog. I mean, we all went through that stage before, not knowing how and what to do. Sense of humour is also another important factor, I love it when the blogger is funny because it shows how fun the person is in real life. I will say the one thing that turns me off is a blog that is filled with sponsored post, I tend to stay away from blogs like that because I will start to doubt ‘how honest’ the blogger’s opinion really is, especially if the reviews are all amazing.
Reflection of Sanity | Smashbox Giveaway
Yes I totally agree with authenticity! I just purged my blog reading list…and a few I merely stopped following because all their posts were giveaways!
If a blog is genuine I will keep coming back.
Humor is also a big thing for me. Maybe not always in the “ha-ha” sense, but definitely in a lighthearted way.
Also, interaction. I don’t want to invest in a blog if I can’t have a relationship with the author. I’m in this thing (blogging) for the community, and that’s what I value.
I love this post! It’s important to keep in mind why you follow certain blogs, because those same qualities will make your blog great as well. Another thing I look for as a reader is a good design. There’s nothing more annoying than busy/distracting backgrounds, flashing ads and weird scrolling situations! 😛
Chelsea
Chowing Down by the Bay
In addition to the things you mentioned above, I love to read blogs that are genuine and make me laugh! I also like blogs that make me re-evaluate myself. Sometimes I need a little shake to get me out of my funk and when I find a blog that does that, I stick around! I love your space here, Daisy! I think you do a fantastic job at posting quality over quantity, caring for your readers, having purpose, inspiring me and being authentic! Also–heading to Thread and Bones right now because I know it will be a good read if you mentioned it! Happy Wednesday, friend!
This is interesting! I agree with your list. I like to read blogs that I can relate to. I like quirky, funny, and unique posts. Stories are good too. I’m also a sucker for lists. I usually skip (but not always) a blog if posts are primarily linkups instead of original ideas. I also skip makeup and hair tutorials. Just not my thing! Although, I do like a good fashion post. 🙂
I think the one thing I’d add to your (very thoughtfully composed!) list is humor, or a talent for funny writing. And that’s definitely me and my personality–not everything has to be funny, but I will be a very loyal follower of a blogger who can put a spin of humor on everyday life! Authenticity is definitely really important, too. Some you tend to feel are trying too hard–in a way they don’t feel real or relateable.
Hello Daisy! Thanks for sharing this sweet post and I just want you to know that I LOVE visiting your blog. You blog is so YOU. In fact, in the short time I have known you, I feel that I know you better as a person than many people closer to me and I thank you for that. I understand we are all different and we have different talents and passions but to me, a blogger that cares about his audience and also channels his/her passion through her blog is one that I look for and will follow dearly. And the thing is that you can sense when that is the case. I personally love blogs that inspire me and help me to be better… in any way! I believe that the purpose for running a blog should not be to become popular or build a lot of followers, the purpose should be to channel our passions in life and share the talents we are given and the rest will come on its own. Keep doing what you are doing my sweet friend because you are planting good seeds in many people’s hearts and at the same time helping this world a better one:-) Love and blessings to you ALWAYS, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Such an amazing post, thank you so much for the great read ! Really instructive, thank you !
http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
These are things i look for as well. To me, a blogger who engages with his/her audience is really important! x
So true! I’ve never really thought about what makes me stop and read a post or just mark it as read.