For over two years, KludgyMom has been a place for me to write about lots of different things – mostly humor stuff, whether it’s about my kids or something pop culture-related, I try to put a funny twist on most of the posts I write here. The remainder of my posts are introspective pieces on parenting or life, and then of course, there are sponsored posts and posts on blogging.
While I am no longer at a point where I obsess over stats (because frankly, I hit a plateau long ago, the ceiling of which I seem unable to penetrate; and also because I stopped having time to care), I do look at my numbers once a month.
And the numbers read loud and clear to me, month after month after month.
People want me to write about blogging.
A lot.
I’ve actually done a bit of unscientific testing on my readership and what they respond to. One week not long ago, I wrote a really solid post about blogging. I scheduled it to go live on a weeknight evening around 8 PST. Within two hours, I had multiple retweets. By the end of the next day, I had over 20 retweets and close to 100 comments.
I followed up that post with an incredibly heartfelt and poignant parenting piece the very next day. Crickets. 3 or 4 comments; almost no retweets.
This little experiment has borne itself out over and over again over the last year in particular.
I love writing about blogging – truly I do. The problem is that I don’t want to do it all the time. That’s not what this blog is supposed to be about. If it was, I’d call it BloggingMom, not KludgyMom.
I’m feeling a little boxed in by my blog.
So this state of affairs begs the question that I’ve been struggling to answer:
What do you do when your readers want one thing and you want something else?
My posts about blogging are extremely successful in terms of traffic, so if I want this blog to continue to grow, I should keep writing about blogging.
Don’t get me wrong – I am all about growing my blog – but not at the expense of giving up the opportunity for this to be an open writing space. My blog is purposefully nicheless. It allows me to explore the different areas of my life, and different interests, freely.
I wonder about heavily-niched bloggers who have carved out a space for themselves that is so dialed in to one topic area. How are they able to branch out without losing reader interest? Because I’ve seen many do it successfully.
And so I have to ask myself each day: should I cater to what my readers want?
If I stopped blogging about blogging, what would happen?
I strive to provide good content – but if that content is not what people are looking for, is there any point in writing it?
Is community more important than self-expression?
I haven’t really answered these questions yet.
I want to hear from you: do you ever feel boxed in by your blog?
About the Author Gigi Ross
I'm a blogger, social media geek, mom and wife, foodie, reality TV addict and Jason Mraz fangirl. Not in that order. I write here about parenting, blogging, technology, social media and pop culture.
{ 43 comments }
All very good questions. I’ve lost a ton of traffic this summer since I’m focused on family/surgical recovery and not on recipe posts with pretty pictures, weight loss challenges, and the like.
I’m going to keep writing what I want anyway. Some day that might change and I’ll write for the masses again ….or start a spinoff blog focused on just those popular topics and leave The Bold Blend alone as my piece of the internet where I write exactly what I want. Deep thoughts.
Barbara´s last [type] ..General Random Stuff For Which There Is No Catchy Title
I don’t even know if you’re a hugger, but I really just want to hug you right now! I *so* feel you on this, I really do!
So, my 2 cents…
Should I cater to what my readers want?: I’m not a fan of this. I write what I write, they read what they want. My blog is like my life: I take what people are able to emotionally give, and hope they can do the same in return.
If I stopped blogging about blogging, what would happen? I’m not sure, but I’d love to see!
I strive to provide good content – but if that content is not what people are looking for, is there any point in writing it? YES. YES. and YES. If it matters to you, it matters.
Is community more important than self-expression? No. Which is not to say they’re not important, but in my mind, they’re not *more* important. We use the words “follow” when we talk about Facebook, Twitter, blog feeds. Your community is in essence “following” YOU. If YOU don’t lead with what matters to you, how will they continue to follow and be part of your community? (hope that makes sense)
Do you ever feel boxed in by your blog? Absolutely. Which is why I recently decided to follow a natural evolutionary shift in my blog, and why I am hugely grateful to now have a full-time job – still in social media – that takes these many questions and this kind of pressure off the plate for me as an individual blogger.
I wish only the best for you as you sort these things out for yourself! You are truly awesome!!
Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig´s last [type] ..Take That Trip You “Can’t Afford”
As always, you’re in my brain.
Like you, having full time work has helped me not obsess too hard over stuff like this, but it is a nagging question that still lingers there. I have to learn to recognize that there is a place – and readers – f or all the topics I write on. Some may have more readers than others, but they’re there. And if not, I have to be okay just writing for me.
Thanks for the encouragement, Stacey! xoxo
(and I know I congratulated you on Facebook, but so happy for your new position!)
I think this is a hard thing. I don’t have the best traffic, so I have a little flexibility in playing around with what I write, but I can absolutely see how it could be a problem.
I don’t have answers, but I definitely wanted to let you know that you’re not the only one who feels a push/pull sometimes.
I think your “core” readers probably love to read your more personal posts, but I understand that growing means gaining readership and not just keeping that core group.
xo
angela´s last [type] ..Maybe I Need a Camp
I think it’s even more than just a question of growing my readership. One has to factor in sponsorships and brands (at least I do) – if I only write about blogging, then my blog isn’t of interest to the types of brands that I like to work with. So not only do I give up the ability to write about more personal stuff, I risk losing those other types of paid opportunities that are my hair and makeup money
Actually, you having made the comment you did made me realize that it is more than just readership growth that I’d be giving up – something I hadn’t thought of before. Thank you for helping me see another dimension to the question!
yes, people have a way of letting a blogger know what they come to you for, and what they will or will not read and promote. I am one of the people who love what you write about when it’s about blogging, so maybe you should think about a separate blog for that. One for mom stuff for people with kids and one for blog business stuff. I know I couldn’t do it because one blog is almost too much for me! Good luck!
Jill´s last [type] ..The Mudroom Reveal
I’ve considered a separate blog for blogging tips many times, but as you put so well, one is almost too much sometimes!!! I’m glad you enjoy my posts on blogging – I truly do love writing them!
On my previous blog I absolutely did feel this way. It was a very niche specific foster care/adoption blog and over time I wanted to branch out into more of a family blog. I started to incorporate more and more family posts and my readers responded well. Unfortunately it became difficult for me to maintain confidentiality and be open at the same time. I ended up starting a brand new blog in Jan of this year. It’s a parenting & lifestyle blog with everything from mom posts to recipes to humor. I’m SO much happier. Blogging is fun again. I think you should follow your heart. Your writing is fantastic and inspiring no matter what the subject. I’d still read your blog if all you decide to do is talk about how pretty the sky is each day
Delilah´s last [type] ..You Know You’re Outnumbered as a Mom when…
Aw, you’re very sweet and I’m humbled by your kind words. I do think following your heart is so important when it comes to blogging. I’m not sure what my heart says yet, but I’m listening.
And I thank YOU for reading!
I have (& still do) feel boxed in totally. I went one route and started another blog (also, for the community) to write about one aspect of my life that never really resonated with the readers, yet i NEED to write about. It is hard to manage both.
Even now, i write about so many different topics, but like you say — it’s my space and who i am is made up of a lot of things. I have noticed for sure that certain aspects get a lot more attention than others .
I don’t think there is anything wrong with writing both here on kludgymom. We want to hear your personal stories because that helps us trust your advice in blogging above someone else we have no idea about.
Devan McGuinness´s last [type] ..Fostering a Budding Artist & Embracing the Mess That Comes Too
I’ll say that it’s not as straightforward as what I’m about type here. I know that, so please don’t think that I’m blind to the complexities. But after a lot of ups and downs, wondering why I blog, should I blog, I’ve landed here: when I’m worried about numbers, or comments, or tweets or any of that stuff (all of which I love, and appreciate), my content suffers. That’s not to say the content itself is all that bad (although I’m certain that sometimes it is); rather, I dislike my content and feel this bizarre pressure to write stuff I don’t care about.
So I may have oversimplified, but I decided that, much like you did, I’d be deliberately niche-less. I will write what’s on my mind, when it’s on my mind. The end.
Two things that I’ve learned in the process:
1. When I write this way, I’m more satisfied and have little to no stress or anxiety related to my blog, and
2. My stats suck.
This is all fine for me, but I realize it might not work for you. My blog is merely another writing outlet for me, so I have some flexibility. Should I decide to go after sponsorship or advertising, or even gain more work as a direct result of my blog, I’d probably have to change things…
More important than what I do on my blog, though, is that I love your blog. Always have. And I especially love that it’s not all the same, all the time. For what it’s worth, I don’t think you should cave to stats, readers, anything. Keep being funny, smart you!
Missy´s last [type] ..How Summer Started, Or Didn’t, Or Something
THanks, Missy. Interestingly, I never feel a pressure to write about a certain thing or in a certain way. It’s more me looking at data and trying to find the right balance between how I monetize, and what I want to write, and truly wanting to respond to reader interest. it’s not about getting more readers or hits or whatnot…it’s about letting everything be able to coexist in a way that everybody wins. I’m not sure there’s an elegant way to accomplish all of those things in harmony, and that’s the source of my frustration. But writing about it actually helped a ton…as did reading all of the comments. Readers always bring a new dimension to these dilemmas for me, and it’s so very helpful!!!
I appreciate your kind words and advice!!!
Unfortunately for you, you are brilliant, so if you even mention the word “blog” I run right over to see what you have to say. (See how you put the word “blog” in your title and here I am??) But I get what you’re saying. I once did a reader poll and discovered that what many readers wanted to see more of, other readers were hoping to see less of. Tricky!
Heidi´s last [type] ..4th of July Events in Austin and Beyond
thank you Heidi. You are correct. When I put “blog” in the title of my post people run over
it’s a surefire way for me to boost views if that’s what my goal was. One thing is certain: none of us can ever satisfy everybody who reads us 
I do feel boxed in, but it’s more by me than my readers. I don’t know where I want the blog to go (does it need a focus? Do I have to have a niche?) and I get so bogged down sometimes with wanting more readers, more likes, more followers, more traffic, more retweets WHATEVER. I have looked at my stats to see what people are reading the most but because I’m all over the place, many rank so similarly that I can’t tell. For now, I’m going to just continue to go by instinct. Instinct is telling me that unless I do something drastically different I’ll still retain my core readers even if I never hone in on one particular thing, one “this blog is about this” thing.
And you’re right. Working full time doesn’t afford me the ability to really obsess over it. I can’t even access my blog at work and my cell doesn’t work inside the building except on one floor (on which I do not work). So, most of my blogging is relegated to weekends and evenings and I’m so tired half the time that I can’t even muster up the energy to really spend the time I need to. Do I want the blog to continue to grow? You bet your sweet ass I do. Do I know how to do that, how to determine a niche/no niche, how to remain comfortably me but still giving the readers what they want? Nope.
Arnebya´s last [type] ..Sometimes I Win
My suggestion would be to identify WHY you want more readers. Do you want validation for your writing? Do you want the interaction? Do you want to monetize?
I just realized today – after more than two years of doing this – that there can be more than one reason to want readers. And it’s ok to want them. But knowing why you want them might help you decide what direction to take your blog. That’s the revelation I had today. By asking this question, and with the help of the people who’ve commented on this post, I’ve gotten one step closer to answering stuff for myself. Good luck!
I think it comes down to why you blog. Do you just blog for hits and what your readers want, or do you blog as outlet for yourself? I would LOVE to have more hits (because wouldn’t we all), but not at the expense of changing what I write about. I pick topics that appeal to me. If other people like them, than fantastic. Do I wish more people did? Of course.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..You know you’re a mom when
I don’t blog for hits or what my readers want. But I also don’t blog ‘for myself’ interestingly enough. I don’t keep this as a personal journal or a memento for my kids. I write because I like to have an impact – something I never actually realized until i started responding to comments on this post (so thank you!). whether it’s making somebody laugh or asking a hard question or bettering someone’s blog…I like knowing that what I do impacts somebody else.
not sure where that leaves me, but at least I know that now, thanks in part to you and some other commenters asking the question!
Interesting question. Write what YOU want to write about. What makes you happy. If writing about blogging enters the mix, great, if not, you are writing for YOU. I think all of us would like tons of readers, hits, comments, but in the end, we write for ourselves. Good luck!
Carolina´s last [type] ..Learn as I Blog…Time Management
Thanks, Carolina!
Personally, I always enjoyed your posts that WEREN’T about blogging. That is what drew me to you to begin with. Your open letter about birthday gifts. I’ll never forget that post. I never considered finding a niche for my blog. It’s my blog and I’ll write what I want. People can follow, or not. You know? While I’ve been “away” for a while, I still enjoy your blog when I remember to get on and read it! And it’s always the other posts. Not the ones about blogging. I don’t connect with you as a blogger. I connect with you as a woman and mother.
Jamie Bishop´s last [type] ..Process
Thanks, Jamie! It’s interesting to hear from someone who likes “the other” posts, and not the ones about blogging. One thing all of us who don’t really have a niche need to keep in mind is that posts about parenting, life, etc. “compete” with so much other content of that same type that maybe it’s not even fair for me to expect the same level of interaction on those types of posts as i get on blogging tips.
Ah, blogging. It’s a nut one never fully cracks!!!
No. Mainly because I want to write what I want to write and I don’t really care what the readers want. While it is GREAT to connect with people and have an audience, I’m all about being authentic. I’m not going to write about something just because it’ll get me more readers. I write for me first. If anyone else enjoys it, that’s a bonus.
It’s great that you have your philosophy and you’re able to stick to it!!!
Hi,
This is the nature’s rule when we are expecting one thing then we are getting something else but if we have good understanding with our work then i don’t think so we’ll have any problem to complete work with own decisions.
Goa trip´s last [type] ..Goa Holiday Packages
Gigi: I don’t see this as a problem at all. It is truly a wonderful opportunity! So you like to write about blogging, but not all the time. Perfect! Pick one say if the month – like the first Wednesday of each month – and that’s Writerly Wednesday. Or something. Then, people interested in those posts will be in love with you, and nothing should be threatened if you do it once a month. I have to say, this is why Kristen Lamb (and others) warn about calling your blog a cutesy name. There are so many mom blogs. I think people have become super-saturated hearing the same topics covered again and again. I know you have worked hard to “brand” KludgyMom, but it’s probably better long-term to brand Gigi Ross. Then you can do everything. Parenting, Writing about Writing, writing about technology, and still keep those paid sponsorships. Maybe even fain more. We’ll still keep reading. No one who loves your writing style is going to leave you. But if you let readers know that they can tune in on that day to read about blogging, you might capture some new folks. Amazing how our blogs have to change and grow, just like us.
Renee Schuls-Jacobson´s last [type] ..For The Slow Readers Out There: A #LessonLearned by Christine Wolf
We’ll have to agree to disagree. It *is* a problem for me because the more I write about the things people aren’t that interested in, the less people come by, which means the less opportunity I have to a) feel like I’m having an impact (important to me) and b) monetize (also important to me).
I guess I’m just feeling like I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I want to change things up, but I’m truly not sure my blog can survive the changes. I agree that at some point, KludgyMom the name will go away. I have other ideas outside of just my name. I don’t like having my name THAT out there in that way to use it as a brand. Not that I’m some celebrity, but it just makes me twitchy.
Thanks for your encouragement and words, Renee!!!
I don’t see it that way, Gigi.
I see the increase in readership/commenting on blog content days because bloggers love to read about blogging.
The response on other type of content is more of what other blogs see: the jump just comes b/c blogging stuff?
I love reading about tricks and tools of the trade.
I don’t think you’re boxed in…I just think those types of posts generate more interest.
Like when I blog about depression…I get triple the visits and comments.
It’s what people want to see…what they’re interested in.
But that’s my whole point, Alexandra.
People are generally not interested in the rest of what I write about if the subject is not blogging.
People want to see posts about blogging. That is a huge problem for me because this blog is monetized as a parenting/humor blog – not a “blog tips” blog.
I could say, “I’m going to write for myself and not care about that.” But I do care. I don’t blog to have a personal journal like some. I blog because I have a need to share and to help people with my stories – whether it’s to make them laugh or have them identify with what I might be going through or to help them better their blog. So if my posts aren’t resonating with people or helping them in some way, or inspiring them to ask a hard question of themselves…then why write it? That’s the crux of the problem I face.
Gigi,
I have sort-of the same issue. I started blogging about food (specifically cake) and have since branched out to write about all of the things I am interested in–food, recipes, travel, kids, health and fitness, weight loss, green living, whatever. BUT, I always wonder if my traffic would be better if I focused on ONE thing.
Some days, I feel that my blog name turns people off–FortyCakes….don’t you think I would be writing only about cake? The readers that come looking for cake stuff will be sorely disappointed and others may not even show up because they aren’t interested in cakes. (Although I write about tons more.)
In the end, I think about why I like blogging. I can write what I want, when I want, hit publish and see my words out in the world. I keep needing to reassure myself to just be “authentic” and write what I want—if readers like me, they do. If they don’t, they don’t.
Karla´s last [type] ..Restaurant Review: The Breakfast House
Your point about your name is why I’m considering changing the name of this blog…it no longer reflects what I write about. On the other hand, I’ve worked so hard to establish *this* brand, that I hate to almost start over.
I think all bloggers who don’t have a super specific niche, or have evolved from one into something broader, such as yourself, struggle with these questions. I’d like to think it doesn’t matter if people don’t read the stuff that I write…but that would be a lie
OH I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!! Very frustrating indeed!! Readers want, what THEY want…if its not there…they don’t show up. For my blog, it is about photography! But if I try to sway from that and go to my other love which is design…no followers or comments that day:( Case in point 2 days this week, I had photograpy, lots of comments…2 days with design posters…no comments on those posts this week. The one poster was on saving money! Who doesn’t want to do that? You know there are thousands of finance blogs that are swelling…so why doesn’t the reader let me post on this subject without leaving???? I have only been a blogger since the beginning of the year….so I wish I had answers for the both of us!
Laurie
Laurie at Pride in Photos´s last [type] ..Celebrate Life…
I’m with you totally. I have done some posts on parenting or tutorials for around the home that I thought would be of great interest to a lot of readers and they got nothing. I know people are still reading, and maybe certain types of posts don’t lend themselves to interaction as much as posts on blogging – I need to remember that – but it’s still discouraging to have such wide swings in the interaction.
Yes, community is more important than self-expression. Now suck it up and go write a blog that tells us how to successfully transition from one niche to another. You’re welcome.
Sandra´s last [type] ..The Crappy Mothers Club
ha! You always put it so bluntly, yet spot on
I totally get it. When I blog about Twitter the stats are insane. In general when I go with the “tell it like it is” tone the posts do well. But sometimes I don’t want to be the self-proclaimed expert. Sometimes I want a softer approach.
As for blogging about blogging . . . it’s great and helpful but I can see why it makes you feel boxed in. (Like I’ve felt Re: my twitter posts). It can feel a little “meta”.
Nina´s last [type] ..An Online Fairytale Friendship
I would read any darn thing you write.
And I love love love your thoughtful, poignant posts. I do.
In fact I worry sometimes about missing that type of post from prolific bloggers whom I love because I can’t necessarily read four or more posts a week…so I pick and choose a post or two a week then wonder if I missed their BEST, you know?
Is it weird that I worry about that?
Because I do.
But I can’t be at every blog every day.
So if a blogger posts very often, I sometimes have to let some of their words go by….
But you? I always read.
Even when you’re writing about soap.
Yep. I love it all from you.
I’m still striving to increase traffic on my blog at this stage. However I’m certainly not going to go niche and focus only on one topic area and continuing blogging what I like + give the readers what they want. They have the option to read the post which they like and skip what they don’t want to read anyway.
Dominique @Dominique’s DEsk´s last [type] ..SOC: Words, Numbers and Alphabets
Sometimes I do, but not to that extent. Every once in a while I think about writing something totally different than what I usually write (for example, about blogging) but that’s not my audience. So I don’t.
I can see the frustration in your situation. I do love your blogging posts but I like the variety. I read one (individual) blog regularly that’s about blogging, but I read yours because there’s more on here.
I was going to suggest a 2nd blog too, but I can see how that might not work. And it might actually box you in further if your blog about blogging is way more successful than your personal one – it would be sad to feel as though the personal stuff got left behind.
Robin | Farewell, Stranger´s last [type] ..Grace in Small Things: #4
I think you have been attracting readers who are interested in the blogging aspect. Now if you start blogging about mommyhood (or whatever), you’ll start attracting readers who want to talk about that too. I think you should just start blogging about motherhood and the readers who enjoy that will find you too! And I don’t think your blog loving buddies will go anywhere!
Motherhood on the Rocks´s last [type] ..SUMMER FLASHBACK: FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TV SHOW
My blog was always meant to be a personal journey, so in that sense, no I don’t feel boxed in.
That being said.
I know that the times I write about the behind the scenes of publishing, my stats go up. When I write about the behind the scenes of marketing, my stats go up. What that usually does is make me spend a few weeks/months trying to write more of that kind of content…only to ultimately get frustrated and fed up with how neurotic it makes me about stats. And feel stifled, because I’m writing for a mythical “them” instead of for me.
But the caveat there is, I DO like writing those business like posts–when I *want* to write them. When I have something to say. So, in your case I would ask the question: do you feel like you’re grasping at straws for content of one “type” or another more than the others? Or when do you still feel connected to your content even when it’s what your readers want? If you still feel that connection, maybe you’re not as boxed in as you think. And if not, well, that’s one of those things that can, over time, drain you, and that’s something you need to think on more.
Some final thoughts, all of which you probably know (as if this isn’t long enough): 1)Stats tend to suck in summer. They just do (and I see this in the 5 websites & 3 blogs I manage for work too). I’d suggest holding any BIG decisions for a few months until things swing back into gear in the fall–you could have a more accurate look at the true trends. 2)Bloggers love to read stuff about blogging–but non-bloggers don’t generally. Just something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about who your readership and where to grow. 3)Some of us love the mix (like me), but it tends to be easier to click over from reader to comment on posts like this than the personal posts. Personal posts don’t always have a comment beyond “me too” or “so beautiful” which lots of people don’t like to leave. (at least, that’s what I tell myself about my blog ;-P)
Ginger´s last [type] ..And Yet
First let me say, I love your blog! My blog is nicheless too. Some posts are going to be more popular than others and that is to be expected, but I never wanted to be boxed in. Sometimes I write about parenting or food or fashion, and that’s ok. Maybe gradually start adding different types of posts and you’ll start building a following there too. Continually surprise your readers with good content (and the occasional blogging tips- so you don’t lose those guys, either). It’s all about letting your blog grow as you do.
I’m typing on my phone, so this will be short– but I wanted to encourage you to do what your heart prompts- that inner inspiration is gold- nurture it. It’s not all about numbers. Good luck!!
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