5 Reasons I Read Your Blog

5 Reasons I Read Your Blog: what makes a reader return to your blog again and again? Here’s one blogger and blog reader’s take.

I read a great post a while back from Chelsie at Hey There, Chelsie. She was pondering the negativity among bloggers, particularly the proliferation of “This is What You’re Doing Wrong” posts. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but agree; I’m over negativity as a whole, not just in the blogging world. A lot of my time is spent wondering, Why can’t we all just get along?

I do think those posts can be helpful (full disclosure: I even wrote one myself a while back), but only if they’re accompanied with practical ways to fix the perceived wrongs, and if they aren’t written as a personal attack.

Chelsie’s post got me thinking about the flip side of things, though. Why don’t we write posts about the things we do like? Why don’t we call out the bloggers who are killing it with authenticity? Blogging doesn’t have to be a repeat of high school, with the cattiness and the backstabbing.

With that in mind, I decided to compile my list of reasons I choose to read a blog. These are my own personal reasons, and I promise you can not do a single one of these things and still have a dedicated readership. Really, I’m just one person. What do I know?

5 Reasons I Read Your Blog

You’re Real (and Imperfect)

I understand that there really are people who have it all together: cute clothes, perfect makeup, adorably dressed kids, Pinterest-worthy home decor. And that’s cool, it’s just that I can’t relate. What I relate to is messy and imperfect and learning.

If that’s what you put out there on your blog, I’m going to recognize that and be drawn to it. I do love beautifully-executed photos and successful recipes, but I also have a deep appreciation for Pinterest fails, parenting mishaps, and raw honesty.

You Share Useful Information

This one is kind of obvious, right? If I glean useful information from your posts, I’ll keep coming back for more useful information. But here’s where I’m a little different from a lot of readers: I prefer posts with some meat to them. I love recipes, tips, step-by-step tutorials, that kind of thing. I enjoy glimpses into your personal life, too, but overall I read to get information.

You Have Amazing Photos

First, let me say there are tons of blogs I enjoy reading that aren’t likely to win any photo awards. Additionally, my own own photos could use a lot of work. Maybe that’s why I so love checking out blogs with top-notch pictures. I love to look at the backdrops and the props and the lighting. Blogs with great photos inspire me to work harder on my own photographs. Plus, they’re just pretty to look at.

I Can Relate to You

I’ve been saying for a long time that I think there’s room for everyone in the world of blogging. Every blogger has a unique perspective to share, a perspective that won’t be precisely shared by any other writer. Since so many readers seek out blogs and posts about things they’re experiencing, there’s always going to be demand for all those different viewpoints.

I like to read blogs that I can relate to. Right now, that includes reading about topics like teaching, parenting toddlers, cooking easy meals, and pregnancy. My interests will probably be different five years from now, and I know they were certainly different five years ago. If you write what you know, there will always be someone who’s looking for that.

You’re Funny

I think we all have a Facebook feed that, at least at times, seems dominated by depressing news stories and dramatic status updates. Life can stressful. One of my favorite ways to relieve that stress is through laughter. The ability to convey humor through a computer screen is a talent that I appreciate immensely. If your blog makes me laugh, I’ll definitely be back for more.

This is a list of my 5 reasons I read your blog. What are your reasons?

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