Fandango, a blogger I’ve been following for a bit, posted a reply to Salted Caramel’s blogging insights prompt from Monday of last week.
As I’ve been blogging since 2005, both personally and professionally, I think I have something to add. Let’s explore, shall we?
First, let’s look at Salted Caramel’s caveats.
- It is also fine for your “quaint passions” to change over time.
- This quote applies only to personal/hobby blogging
For point 1, I actually think they should change over time. Especially for a personal blog, you want to show your evolution. Changing interests point to explorations and make for a more interesting read over time.
Point 2: I agree somewhat. Depends, ultimately, on the professional blog’s focus. If it’s for a company, sure. But if you’re a sole proprietor (say, freelancer, or real estate agent) there’s value in having a broader sampling into the person you are. My professional blogging was, mostly, focused on real estate. Real estate industry centered blogs can get…boring. I find it valuable to write about the bigger you, and the bigger community around you.
- Why do you live where you do?
- What do you love about it?
- What are the challenges?
So, more than just “housing starts are up, prices are, too…”. In these cases, the client is hiring you. Why should they be interested in you?
Anyway, that’s my fast two-cents. What do you think?
I would guess, never being a professional blogger, that it would depend on the nature of your profession and the purpose/intent of the blog how much personal information one might include about the blogger versus focusing exclusively on the product/service being promoted. I agree that being a real estate agent, it makes sense to add personal information. Of course, we all have “about me” pages.
I very much agree with you. Like you said, personal blogs should change over time because as a person we also change over time and if you’re being honest with your audience that change should show in your posts. I know I change like every 3-5 business days lol. I also think it keeps your blog interesting to change things every now and then and share new interests etc.
I’m a freelancer and my blog is what gets me my clients. However, if I just blogged about my services that would be very boring and I am sure I would end up losing followers. I think broader topics definitely do help a lot instead of focusing on very specific posts.