More clarity, more readers. Why your purpose could work wonders
Have you ever stopped to think what the deeper purpose of your blog is?
When we ask bloggers, some simply say to share their thoughts and attract readers. Others know they want to be seen as experts in their specific field. And then there are those who just want a creative outlet or develop their writing skills. These are all good and valid reasons why you might write a blog.
Except readers don’t care about any of that, especially when they first find you. They will only pay attention if there is something that resonates deeply with them.
Purpose – the authentic way to connect with more readers
Many writers have never thought beyond the obvious reasons. But it’s always worth going a bit deeper.
Let’s imagine a charity without a specific purpose. Would it not be a rather aimless endeavour? A volunteer is unlikely to give up their precious time without knowing why.
A blog is not so different. You invest much time and effort into your writing, but today’s online space is crowded. Why should a busy reader want to read what you have to say?
On the surface, many blog writers just want to write and get noticed more by the right readers. It is easy to forget that there is more to a good blog than the individual posts you write.
In our book “Distinctive Voice” we discuss the importance of authenticity and being different. By that, we mean embracing your uniqueness, rather than creating a brand just for appearances. A successful blog should naturally reflect everything that makes you special. And ideally this should resonate with your ideal reader’s needs and expectations. I like to think of it as a puzzle where all the different pieces fit together uniquely.
A purpose that inspires your ideal reader is really just a key piece in the puzzle.
Your readers may not be aware of it consciously as they read online. Perhaps they only want to be informed or inspired by what they read. That said, they may wonder “what’s in it for them”, before they follow your blog!
So here is your chance. A blog that shows the deeper reasons why you want to make a difference has a far greater chance of turning the right readers into followers than a blog without. You and your purpose are a vital part of your blog. Without it, your blog could just be like millions of others.
The far reaching value of purpose
Understanding your purpose can lead to several powerful outcomes:
- You will have a crystal-clear aim for your blog, which can attract more readers, help you to understand them better and keep them as well.
- Chances are, you will feel more motivated. You’ll invest more time and energy into your blog and be consistent.
- You’re less likely to stop blogging during setbacks. A strong purpose inspires when the going gets tough. Or there are competing priorities.
- You will rarely be short of ideas (which could mean no writer’s block!)
- You will subconsciously (and sometimes consciously) bring more of yourself to your writing. And write with a passion that makes your content shine.
- You believe that what you do matters in big or small ways.
- The right readers will not only relate to you better but trust you more. This makes them more likely to invest in you. (The wrong readers will click away, but you don’t want them anyway.)
Your blog purpose can be expressed in different places
It can be a mission statement on your site, a story on your About page or a short elevator speech in your bio. You can also include it directly or indirectly in your stories – indirectly because stories can highlight important information like personal values and unique strengths. It will contribute to building trust between you and your reader.
We included our purpose in our book too and use it whenever we network with others.
If you have been following us for a while, then you know the deeper reason why we write this blog: To inspire and empower thinking women everywhere who are not in the first flush of youth and are not used to putting themselves first to feel comfortable claiming their space online, embrace and honour who they truly are and speak up when it matters. And, naturally, find their purpose when it isn’t obvious.
Our purpose underpins everything we do at Attract Readers – it keeps our topics aligned, our writing on track, and connects with the right readers. As they lead busy lives they rarely comment here but tend to follow us in different places and often message us on social media.
How to start harnessing the power of your unique purpose
It’s over to you now:
- Why do you write your blog?
- Who is it for?
- What is really important to you? And why?
- Why do you do what you do in other areas of your life? And your work? (You may find some similarities which could be important!)
Next, you can summarise your reasons as:
“The deeper purpose of my blog is to……….and……,…..who………….because………. so they are able to ……..
And then mention this somewhere where readers can see it!
Readers often feel overwhelmed by too much information But now you have a good way to show your ideal reader what is right for them.
Happy thinking.
PS. The above photos are all my own
