Are You Writing For Your Commentors Or Readers?
Let me firstly explain the difference between your readers and your commenter’s. People who visit your site and comment of course read your content and as such are your readers, but the people who read your site but do not comment are different.
Quick request, If you have never commented on this site before, then please take the time to share your thoughts.
I read a really useful post over at MikesLife.org today Designing and Producing Your First E-Book, not only did it get me thinking about how I could use that skill in my upcoming products, but it really got me thinking about Nathan Hangen’s latest post.
Let me explain, these guys have been telling me for a while now that I talk to you guys, look I’m doing it again, by you guys I mean the people who comment and to be honest the people who comment account for (on average) about 4% of the total readers. Now the community on this site is an amazing thing, truly amazing. The amount of contacts that have been gained, not just to me but others has been incredible. That said, most of the time I’m talking to 4% of the audience instead of the other 96% or ideally the total crowd.
- So What?
Well initially it may not look like a problem and to be honest talking the way I do on this site is the main reason for creating such a fantastic family, but have we created a clique? I guess my whole point here is focusing on search engine traffic and new readers.
I wonder what the turnover of new readers versus the readers that never return to your site is? Are you appealing to the minority? Are you talking to your clique of friends or the masses?
Mike’s post on producing your first e-book is something people would search for help with, would they search for ‘I Need Help’ Or ‘Who Wants A Guest Post’?
I’m using this site as an example because it’s important for me to acknowledge how I have been operating and how now I think I finally get it, because I think a lot of us are falling into this trap. If you write great content and see your traffic going up then fantastic, but just remember when you start writing content based around your commenting readers you may (not always) end up talking to the minority.
This is a serious lesson to learn and one I haven’t completely learnt yet, but when you write your next piece of content are you talking to the masses or the few? Don’t get me wrong here and I mean this, the community here is the biggest reason why the site is where it is, but the community here could potentially be a family in a crowded shopping mall.
Stop whispering to your friends and grab that loud speaker.
What does everyone think?
Please Comment, even if you have never commented before.
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Filed under: Starting Out • Useful
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Twitter: BuildThatListCo
says:
That is a really good point James! All to often I fall into the trap of writing what I think will generate comments, but those comments always seem to come from the same people.
Tom | Build That List´s last blog ..The Aweber Code….And Why You Need To Promote It!
Twitter: GiveABrick
says:
I learned a great lesson from Dave Doolin about writing from the ‘you’ perspective. I struggle to do it all the time as like many bloggers, I love the sound of my own voice too much
However, the times when I make the effort to write a post using ‘you’ lots and lots rather than ‘I’, the traffic and comments are tops.
Because the community at Give A Brick is still growing, I know I tend to write to everyone rather than just the commentators. It helps that I’ve learned from click thru rates that a lot more people read the posts than take the time to comment.
Ultimately, we’re all learning as we go. We can’t get it right all the time
Eleanor Edwards´s last blog ..1 Minute Motivator: Think of Abraham Lincoln
Twitter: marenkate
says:
I think you write for your true readers, not the people who just skim it in order to leave a comment and get back to their own blog & regardless if people comment or not, you want to write for those who matter most to your blog/brand.
Maren Kate´s last blog ..Entrepreneur Advice: Bite Off More Than You can Chew
Twitter: JazzSalinger
says:
Hi James,
I feel like the amazing group of ‘commenters’ that you have here are like your loyal fan base. They’re going to be behind whatever you say or do 100%.
I thought the goal would be to build and expand on that base and while it may be a small base, it won’t stay that way forever. New readers will come along naturally as word gets around about the incredible results you’re achieving here.
Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Change Your Thinking Change Your Life
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Jazz,
Thanks brother yeah this community here is fantastic I love it, great wealth of knowledge the community has too
Twitter: robertbravery
says:
I Totally agree. My site, according to Google, receives on average 63% new visitors. The tough part is converting those into loyal visitors.
IF you want to only speak to a few selected people who comment on your site, then turn it into a subscription service. Otherwise it is open for the rest of the world to see..
I try to write posts on my site that will help everyone who reads it. Many people come to my site from Google organic search. If I ignore that, then My site will drop about 60% in traffic.
Not everybody comments on your blog, we need to accept that. But I suspect that more people are helped, and gain insight from it than comments.
Example, my most read posts are all technical, about programming SQL, Comparing Joomla and Drupal CMS, etc. If I ignore those type of tutorial.help posts, I will loose a great number of people.
Robert Bravery´s last blog ..10 Rules of blog posts and comments.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Robert, yeah interesting point, you have to stick with what is working so you don’t suffer. Robert you’re doing really well so I think you’ve got the right mix as this site has really, except I am building on my search engine traffic which is getting better by the day
Twitter: TylinaVespart
says:
I think it’s difficult not to write for your commenters up to a point… because they’re the people you get the most feedback from. I would say that you Have been focusing a little too much on us of late though
Maybe balance it with one post aimed at us, and another aimed at readers in general? Since you seem to post twice a day anyway I mean. That’d make us still feel included (I think) and appeal to other readers as well.
Just a thought ^_^
Heather´s last blog ..Review: The Last Hero (Terry Pratchett, expect Bias)
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Heather,
Yeah maybe you’re right I just write abotu things I’d want to read but that’s maybe a good tactic, although to be fair I don’t think anything needs changing here
This was some much needed advice for me. I often wondered why I rarely received comments to my blog posts. I guess if I would just ask for comments I just might get a few. Thanks so much for this post.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Susie,
Anytime, yeah asking for comments, in my opinion is a great kick start to actually getting people involved.
Twitter: paulworswick
says:
James, you’ve raise a very good point here. Readers and commenters; writing for both of them needs careful consideration to ensure you don’t lose one while catering for the other.
The post itself is very informative and it is back up with some very good and differing comments.
Thank you for sharing.
Regards
Paul
Paul´s last blog ..How fussy are you about things in life?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Any time Paul,
If you need anything just give me a shout, on a seperate note, do you want to guest post for me?
Twitter: paulworswick
says:
James,
I’d love to guest post for you. I’ll send you a Twitter DM with email details.
Regards
Paul
Twitter: bloggersmarket
says:
I was reading the other day about how the Rev. Billy Graham takes home about $300,000 dollars a year. I don’t think that is out of line. He’s earned it. He’s brought more souls to Christ than any other I would think. However, I will make no distinction on who plays the more important part in the Kingdom of God; Billy Graham or the derelict street preacher who wins but several souls to the Kingdom his entire life.
I understand, apples to oranges, but mass communication is just that, you are trying to write to the masses so that they will spread your message. So you have to write to and for, both the sinner and saint. Now, who do you have write to or for, to gain someones confidence for them to purchase one of your Blogs products? ………… Well, that would be an angel now wouldn’t it ?
Jeffrey Morgan´s last blog ..Please Donate To My Blog
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Jeffrey,
Interesting analogy, yeah angel would be the ultimate solution for sure. Talking and more importantly have them listen, has got to be the masses really.
I usually write for the intended audience of a particular post. But mentally I invite a good friend to sit at the back row to see how I’m faring. Although she’s a dear friend in real life, I need her presence to keep me honest, conversational and to the point. She’s without doubt a good friend, but she won’t stand for humbug. That’s the reality check I can’t live without. And the spirit of a friend who’s at once loyal and won’t suffer fools gladly – even for a friend – to keep me in check is what I prize most.
jan geronimo´s last blog ..When a Question Is the Answer
Twitter: ralphcarlson
says:
I guess the measure is whether return readers are growing. It is tempting to think that readers who comment are like readers who don’t so if you listen to the comments and growth continues you are ok. I suspect., however that commenting readers are different from non-commenting readers. What I get from James question is that maybe we should follow our own instincts and the numbers rather than get emotionally and editorially involved with comments. Commenting readers are probably more akin to the brown-nosing suckups we all hated in school- unless we were one. We probably don’t want to be guided by them.
Ralph´s last blog ..Do you want to be remarkable?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Ralph,
Interesting point, I agree that you can’t be guided by others that comment but you should listen to them. You have got me thinking though….
Twitter: kruby
says:
I’m glad to be part of the evolution of your blog, James as I think you really are beginning to see the difference and I know how badly you want to build a community and for this site to be around long-term. It’s okay to build your traffic and loyal commenters, but you also have to have a longer-term strategy. I had no idea that only 4% of your readers are commenters.
Writing ‘evergreen’ or ‘pillar’ posts is definitely something to consider if you want to have new (and loyal) readers. You can tell what’s an evergreen article on your site just by lookinig at the headlines of your current most popular topics. They are the most inclusive for your readers and are the most popular for a reason.
No worries. This is all part of the learning curve for most of us, too
Karen
Karen´s last blog ..Invest In Your Most Important Asset – Yourself
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Karen,
Glad to have you part of the evolution or should it be called a revolution? lol I’m here to stay
In terms of evergreen or pillar posts I honestly don’t know which of my content if any is like that, I write hwat I would like to read and hopefully most of it is timeless. Maybe I should look into pillar content more
Twitter: consciousmeblog
says:
Doolin has smart things to say about pillar content on Website In A Weekend. Inspired the hell out of me.
Carlos Velez´s last blog ..The Pre-Writing Challenge Main Page: 9 Crazy Bloggers, 2 Weeks Of Extra Posts, 1 Month Of Magic
Twitter: cadilacjax
says:
Definitely like the feedback on this one. Heather seems to have said it well in finding a balance.
Really though it seems each time I visit this site I see new commenters so I’m not sure how to answer. I think like Eleanor in the ‘you’ and ‘I’ bit. Although I thought it was taken a little different. I guess you have to make sure your not talking at too much with ‘you’ nor talking too much about yourself when using ‘I’. Hmm. now I’m going to have to take a look at some of my post and see. Geez thanks a lot… The using you was too much talking at and the I as in talking too. Interesting post again that gets a body thinking in terms of growth either way.
All in all if somethings working, don’t fix it. If it’s not then find a fix. Has your traffic seemed to level out and not grown lately or what are you suggesting. To me that’s when I think you’d have to look at finding a fix. Otherwise keep on truckin. I’d like to think I’m writing for both but in reality for myself hoping others like it and benefit from it too.
@ralph, your comment reminded me of Robb S. post the other day about the kid who always had his hand up in class…pick me me me me…lol , good point you made.
Lees Shizzle´s last blog ..Today’s Friday Frolicking is called ‘Fridturday Frolicking’
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Brother,
Yeah I agree if it isn’t broke, all good there brother. Traffic is almost leveling out, so I’m stepping it up again to make sure it doesn’t stay level for long, taking it to the next level using the same techniques I have been using.
Twitter: mikestenger
says:
I think it’s important James to reach out to potentially anyone who would read your site, according to your niche. You can target a large group of people instead of just a small group of people. It all starts with how you write and what you say. Speak their language. Raise points they can agree and disagree with. Ask questions that they would have an answer to, things of that nature.
Mike Stenger´s last blog ..Please Quit Social Media
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Mike,
Yeah man good point, I think creating a discussion in the post is a great way to get people involved.
Twitter: consciousmeblog
says:
It’s an impressive feat when you see a website that balances having an established circle of friends/commenters that provide a community-feeling and also is inviting to new readers to become a part of that community.
That’s a post about commenting that needs to be written. How to create an inviting community. Got any ideas? What have you done to create a community that’s as open as the one you have?
Carlos Velez´s last blog ..Coming Clean & Transparent: You Need A Story Of Success In Progress
We all want to talk to the masses. But the problem is that no body would listen to us when we start off new. This is like talking to yourself in a crowded market and no body cares about you. They would probably think you are mad man!
So we work hard to make a few friends and create a community. Now when are group of people are talking it is easier to get the attention of the masses.
So in the early days of your blog, you need to talk first to the community. But as your blog grows you need to start talking to the masses. It is hard to make money by only talking to a community.
Also we need to keep in min that members in our community has their own vested interests as well. They are part of the community for a reason. Once they get what the want from the community they can potentially leave you.
These are few thoughts that came to mind … this topic needs more discussion…. happy to see that you brought it up!
Aaron´s last blog ..The 80 20 rule and your blog
Twitter: cadilacjax
says:
Awesome input. Aaron. It’s pretty much what I have been thinking all along. Since I’ve became a part of a community people may not yet listen, but they’re are some who are getting to know me and visit now. As before I was young, new kid in town so to speak. It has challenged me, as well as helped me make some necessary changes in writing skills and so on. My blog is not a money making blog but the one I’m building will be and most likely the contributors here will not ever by my product but it is teaching me better social interaction skills. i.e talking to the masses eventually vs. the community in your circle.
And in reality, all that aside it’s giving me a whole new perspective of online community of friends and building such. Most friends don’t buy your product unless your selling dope or porn. true, no? Just tellin it like it is. Of course some will buy whatever you sell if your a good used car salesman, but if you can’t sell yourself first , you can’t sell your product in the long term.
Sorry got off on one of my tangents, I just like it when I see someone with some valuable input to a question asking post, instead of just commenting.
Caught in a trap, didn’t Elvis sing a song about this.. sometimes you have to move on even when it’s painful or unpleasant but gets you going. Can be a curvy road with steep cliffs and hairy dropoffs but if you drive safely you’ll always reach your destination with or without our passengers. Ever had someone say let me out……..
Lees Shizzle´s last blog ..Today’s Friday Frolicking is called ‘Fridturday Frolicking’
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Aaron, awesome point brother and I really like that analogy. It’s like the preacher in street, talks to a couple of people first, then before you know it a crowd has gathered and they then talk to the masses!
Hey James,
I’m new to this site, just roaming around trying to pick up tips re: getting more traffic, higher PR, etc. Checked out Blogger Illustrated, which led me here. You really give me hope, as I have just started writing again and would like to see it pay off, if only a little. I’m looking forward to reading your tutorial, for which I just now signed up. Even if I don’t become famous, I must agree with you, this blogging thing is a lot of fun!
Amanda Lacasse´s last blog ..Energy-Saving Bulbs: The Good and the Bad
Twitter: cadilacjax
says:
Thanks for your honesty Amanda. When some are blowing smoke your sending out signals. Stick around and you can learn a lot from this guy James. Off to see your blog now. Need any help feel free to shout out. Don’t know a lot but I will help anywhere anytime I can.
Lee
Lees Shizzle´s last blog ..Walk the Dog or Pet the Putty
Twitter: stevescott1
says:
Haha… don’t really have many comments, so I don’t have to fall into this trap. When I write my posts, I try to picture myself writing to a friend. I ask what value I can give to the unique person who is reading it.
I’m sure if/when my blog gets a little more traffic, I’ll start to be a little more specific about the content I’m creating. For now, I just write whatever pops into my head and what I think is useful to my few readers.
Steve Scott Site´s last blog ..The Six Figure Affiliate Marketing Blueprint Video
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Steve,
Yeah man it’s how I started out, although that was only the other day lol
You need to write for both groups. It’s just like in a classroom. Some kids speak up and most don’t but they all need to get the information. I noticed the comment about creating an eBook. I’ve linked to an interview where Pat Flynn talks about his new FREE eBook on writing eBooks. Check it out if that can help you.
JadeDragon@innovativepassiveincome´s last blog ..By: My Monthly Report – January 2010 | The Smart Passive Income Blog
Twitter: dboguejmatthews
says:
You know reading all of this I am torn. I love the community that is developing here and on my blog as a result of a few people. Without people that I have interacted with through comments on here and only a couple of other places I would have no comments on my blog.
I agree that it is a beginning and a good place to start but soon you will have to extend from the community because they will have gleaned 90% of the knowledge they want and not become customers like you want. The rest of the public will end up looking for something specific and that will be the product you can sell them. But I bet most of the advertising will come from your community base.
I, like you, write things I want out there and would like to read. I hope others will want to read it as well. I hope that my writing can inspire or help someone without being a blogging instruction site or even a lifestyle design site. James and Ben do better than I could with that. (and others I am sure) I just want to put things up that are not “just like (insert hugely successful site here)” and still give value somewhere. always with the goal of being one of the huge successful sites everyone wants to emulate.
I have learned from everything that you need to build your loyal base and branch out from there.
Glad to be along for the ride
Justin
Justin Matthews´s last blog ..Fiction Saturday part 3! Death With a Vengeance 3!
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Justin,
Thanks brother, yeah it’s a difficult thiing, funny thiing is I see Ben and this site completely different, wierd really.
Twitter: travisamorgan
says:
Well, this whole time I thought (maybe assumed?) that I was writing to both, and the people that commented on my posts was just icing on the cake?
How would one go about transitioning from addressing just the commentators, verses the readers?
Great thought provoking stuff bro.
Travis´s last blog ..You Are Your Own Best Material
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Travis,
Yeah man you got me I’ve no idea. The thing I’m focusing more on is better titles, but that’s it really, like said earlier, you have to start with a following that following grows into a crowd.
Twitter: travisamorgan
says:
Haha!! Oh man, I love titles. I think I may be obsessed with the right title. I always try to come up with catchy things for my posts.
Well, that’s good advice. Following to crowd. I’ll take it!!
Travis´s last blog ..You Are Your Own Best Material
Twitter: wgwatsonphoto
says:
This post has brought a new perspective on this for me. And what you wrote, does make alot of sense !!
William
Twitter: wgwatsonphoto
says:
Sorry for the double post
wgwphotos´s last blog ..
Ik betaal maar 0,01 euro per klik met Adwords. Dat kan je niet echt duur noemen, met ongeveer 500 bezoekers tot gevolg.
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
I aim to get more comments. The more comments I get, I know that people are actually interested in what I am writing.
Less comments means I need to put quality content and do some research.
Agent Deepak´s last blog ..My 4 Golden Tips for Google Buzz
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey yeah that’s a good way of judging it, I do the same, did you get my email with your interview answers?
Yes, I am getting the idea that to make money here, one has to have something to sell. My original plan was to edit a book from my oldest blog on cat care, then sell it online through Amazon, etc. Now, I am thinking that maybe an ebook would be better…I’m still researching the whole notion as I’m not quite ready to shut down Cat Chat yet; I’m getting lots of new ideas here, too!
Amanda Lacasse´s last blog ..Energy-Saving Bulbs: The Good and the Bad
Twitter: rwperkinsjr
says:
I guess since I don’t have that many comments I can keep writing the way I want right?
I simply write posts about what comes to mind, not what the hottest trend or highest paying keyword is. I mostly blog to get things off my chest and share things I have learned over the years instead of trying to sell products.
I am sure once my blog has been around a while I will get more readers that like my style or the information I write about. Most importantly I think it is imperative to write what you are comfortable with.
Richard´s last blog ..Save Your Life, Then Save Another Life…
Sure – if you just want to journal write whatever you like. But to make money or get a big following you need to write for an audience.
JadeDragon@innovativepassiveincome´s last blog ..eHow Resources (and tips for other web writing)
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hi Richard,
Brother you are doing it exactly the right way, the same way I do it, write what you would want to read, everything else will fall into place
Twitter: Bigredtomato
says:
I guess the other way of looking at it is the 4% of people who comment are your loyal followers. Many people who visit the site may never visit again. So why would you write for them?
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..So, what’s your problem?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
I would air on the side of caution with this one brother, taking the why bother writing for them attitude is quite limiting and potentially damaging
The people who comment are just a slice of your total readership. You want those search engine hots to come back right?
JadeDragon@innovativepassiveincome´s last blog ..eHow Resources (and tips for other web writing)
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Yeah exactly search engine traffic is where it’s at to be honest.
Twitter: haideralmosawi
says:
Hi James,
I’m new to your site, and when I started reading this blog post I didn’t feel excluded or as though I was eavesdropping on a conversation. I felt you were addressing me.
Having said that, it’s important to write for the people that agree with you, or can potentially agree with you. This is a problem I struggled with for some time. I tried to write for everybody. Whenever I wanted to make a point, I wanted to know how I can convince everyone on the planet, regardless of their convictions.
That never works.
It’s always best to preach to the choir.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
says:
Hey Haider,
Glad you felt included it means I’m doing my job, it is a tricky balance though, good point about preaching to the choir