How to Be Yourself and Blog
Can you tell when someone is writing from their own voice?
Last week, one of our readers made a great point that I had to share, highlight and shout from the roof tops. Mallie said,
Writing definitely comes easier to some than others, but the main key to blogging successfully – IMHO, is being true to your own tone and style. Trying to write in a style not your own will sound stilted and possibly even jaded.” (emphasis mine)
I could not agree more. But how do we do it? How do we keep true to our own voice and style while creating content that is attractive to our readers? How can we be our self and blog?
Here are 5 ways to blog and be yourself that we thought we would share:
- Find Your Voice
The first step is to know your voice. What are you trying to accomplish with this blog, what is your niche and what do want to communicate? This may be the hardest part. But once you find your voice, blogging will come easier to you and you may even like it more. - Your Own Content
In a recent article published by Social Media Examiner, they explain that one of the best ways to be yourself while writing blog articles is to create your very own content. While content curation is helpful and a great way to get information out there, when you are the creator of your own content your voice and personality shine through. - Personal Stories
Add a personal touch with a story from your life. This will allow your readers to feel as though they know you. It can feel intimating to put so much of your personal life out there. So when you do, make sure that it is information you don’t mind anyone knowing and the story is an illustration of your main point. - Be Relative
We know we need to be relative to our audience, but we also need to be relative to ourselves. Find a niche or your own flavor to each article you write. - Write Like You Talk
This is my personal favorite. While keeping it professional, try to write like you talk. These days, blog readers are looking for real life people, someone they can relate to and even imagine drinking their morning coffee with.
So, how do you do it? How do you maintain your voice and personality in this blogging world? I would love to hear your comments.
I agree with all of these tips. I think writing like you speak is the easiest way to get started and to find your voice. Telling relevant stories is a tough one for me as I am not always sure I want to share with just anyone 🙂
Jen, I think caution is good when it comes to what personal information you share. Thanks so much for commenting.
A topic near and dear to my heart. Geniuneness is a key factor in social media success.
Kerry, thank you for your comment and what a great word to describe being yourself.
All very good points! Sometimes I try to get all “proper” when I’m writing and then I remember that it’s best to just try and write like I’m talking with everyone. 🙂
And being relative is a good one, too. More people need to get on board with that one.
Brooke, writing like you talk can take the edge off of blogging and gives it such a personal touch. Thanks so much for commenting.
Christine,
Great blog. I, too, really like the tip to write like you talk. I get so hung up on what I should write about because I am constantly worrying about writing as well as other bloggers. I think just being honest and writing as if I was talking to someone over coffee is the best way to go. I also like adding personal stories. They humanize the blog and make it fun to read.
Heather, it is so easy to compare ourselves isn’t it? But our blog articles are at their best when they come for who we. Thank you so much for commenting!
Great post. I love when I hear a unique and vibrant voice. We simply can’t do that when we’re just rewrite other content or trying to be something we’re not. Blogs are a place to get personal, to sit in front of the fire and share stories and ideas, the virtual parlor! Don’t be afraid to communicate authentically. People will love you for it!
Kristin, You are right on! The more personal you can be the better. Thank you so much for your comment.
Christine, I’m always grateful for blogging advice; it doesn’t come easy for me. Appreciate your tips, they are all great points to keep in mind.
Nancy, Thank you so much for commenting! I’m so glad you find these tips helpful.
Nice tips, Christine!
I always advise fledgling bloggers to “mix it up” a bit when they’re hitting the big publish button on their blog.
Show not only what’s quirky, funny, sincere, meaningful, witty, wise, unique, etc., about you but also …
What’s “well-rounded” about you. Offering your loyal readership different kinds of content will be a treat for them and will help you to find your blogging voice. Consider doing some video blogging, lists posts, analogy posts, poetic posts (one of my personal favorites), tell a story, write a “Dear … ” letter post, start with an inspirational/motivational quote and give your “take” on it, and so on.
Terrific topic! 🙂
Melanie, these are all great tips, thanks for commenting.
All great points! My favorite? Write like you talk. Sometimes, I think my readers can even hear my southern accent! LOL
Martha, I’m sure they can! thanks so much for commenting.
These are all such great tips! I do not blog yet, but I am sure that at some point down the road I will have to. Between these tips and taking lessons from Brooke, who I think has a strong grasp on showing herself through her blog posts, I will have it down! Thank you!
LOL! I got a shout out and was not informed! Ha ha! Great article, Christine. Writing is difficult enough when we feel the pressure of a deadline. Trying to write out of style, out of tone, only adds to any stress already involved in the writing process.