One of the tell-tale signs of a non-focused, newbie blogger is that they decide to blog about everything, instead of blogging about the few things that make that blogger standout and unique and make them a leader with a point instead of a busy blogger with no point.
In addition, not everything is applicable to blogging directly and you shouldn’t try to force a “lesson” or “takeaway” from some experience into blogging all the time – I’m tired of seeing blog post titles that really stretch that relationship, like:
- 10 Ways How Blogging is Like Eating Candy!
- 100 Reasons Why Painting by Color is Like Blogging!
- Why You Should Always Blog Like You Drive Your Car!
- How Your Shoe Size Equals the Number of Categories on Your Blog!
Wait, wah?! Really? Shoe size equals # of categories? … … … … I had no idea…!
The point is that not everything is blog-able or should be on your blog – you need to focus, focus, focus your content and make sure you really don’t stray as much as you possibly can.
And believe me, I struggle with this as much as you do and I know what it’s like – you’re sitting in front of your computer, committed to writing and publishing today and nothing is firing, nothing is working out, and you’re not coming up with anything.
You’re frustrated, you’re depressed, you’re angry, and you feel tempted to make a loose correlation between your blog content and some inane object – don’t do it! Just relax and know that you’re not alone and that it’s not worth it to break your content’s stride.
Stand up, take a break, and it’s totally ok if you don’t publish today. Seriously. It’s ok. Trust me. It’s ok.
[Image via Creative Commons, sbh.]
Excellent points John, I tend not to compare too blogging but I’m all too guilty of this in other formats. So what are some good brainstorming suggestions?
i can’t tell you that…! it all happens somewhat organically…
Well. If you say so …
lol.
Greatpost John, I’m going to take a break now
haha!
Thank you for writing this post. I learn so much from you. This is really helpful for a novice at blogging like me. For the most part I am a book blogger. I blog on occasion when I am inspired. But in all honesty I like writing about something I read as opposed with just coming up with original content.
sure pilar, i appreciate that!
I guess the other extreme is to blog about nothing. (which really is blogging about everything)
Of course this really worked out well for Seinfeld.
and it did…!
100% agree that making too much blogs or targeting too much categories on single blog is always bad !! Because when you are not concentrating on any single thing then soon you will be frustrated as well as feel tired !!
I my self running three blog and its really very tough to manage them, so thinking to sale two of them and working on single only..
… yes! time to get rid of the baggage.
So true, and good to remember. Thanks for the reminder
sure thing kristin!
The attitude of needing to blog about everything is a form of pride. I think you are creating a great conversation and environment through previous blog posts that deals with the issue of pride in blogging.
i think some people create too much personal pressure to publish. it’s ok if you don’t!
So true! I need to streamline my blog a little bit more. I am wondering to myself if someone first visits my blog, what will be their first thought of what I do or what my blog is about. That is the focus I will take. They need to absolutely know what I blog about and either like it and comment and come back or don’t and know its not for them. Light Bulb Moment!!
Great points, John, made me laugh too! I agree completely, some people just think more content = more traffic and will post anything! Its just like when bands only have a few good tracks so put a load of substandard ‘filler’ songs on their album.
Cartoons + Ministry + Observation + Childhood = my blog site.
YAY For Focus!
LOL! great start.
Haha so true John! Potential clients have asked me “Hey Paul, nice information on your site but how come you haven’t blogged in ages”
To which I politely reply I don’t get paid to blog! I get paid to link build, and if I’m blogging away every day then I’m not working for you.
Now I wish I had more time to blog every once in a while, but I don’t get how some people have the time to blog about EVERYTHING, EVERY SINGLE DAY!
scheduling… it works.
I would agree with you except that lifestyle bloggers and bloggers who tend to write on family and home life topics have the ability to write about everything, from fun and education to budgeting and food. So while I agree that if your blog is primarily about monkeys then yes, you wouldn’t want to blog about recipes; unless of course you’ve got a great recipe for monkey chow – then I’d say go for it.
nikki,
you’re right. this doesn’t universally apply to everyone and in every situation. sometimes that’s what you do as a blogger!