Note to Self:
When writing a blog post, who are you writing for? Do you have a specific audience in mind that you are trying to please? How do you know what will attract them to your blog? Forget what you thought you knew about catering your writing. Instead, write for yourself.
Write in the voice you would want to read. So really, you should be writing for yourself. As backwards as that may sound, writing for yourself you will reach the exact audience you are looking for. Chapter 5 of William Zinsser’s “On Writing Well” changed my thinking when it came to writing my blog, “You are writing primary to please yourself, and if you go about it with enjoyment you will also entertain the readers who are worth writing for.” Turns out, you don’t have to cater your writing towards someone else.
You may be asking yourself, “Well, how do I write for myself while also effectively keeping a reader's attention?” There are two main pieces of this puzzle to focus on when writing. Focus on having solid writing principles and expressing yourself through the creativity of your writing.
Author Alexa Martin points out that while you might not always be writing a blog, this thought process can be used in everyday life. We are writing ALL the time. Whether it be a text message, email, or social media post, we are always using our voice and style to write to appeal to an audience or reader. This same concept of writing for yourself can still be used here, and paired with the two main focuses of writing principles and creativity, it is the most effective way to connect with your audience.
So note to self: Gone are the days of writing based on what I thought people wanted to hear. Now starts the new age of writing for myself and knowing that my audience will come flowing in when I decide to use my own style and voice.