Resurrecting the Personal Blog (aka, the Web Log)
Remember when we used that term – web log? Of course, it was quickly shortened to weblog and then further to simply blog. It didn’t take long for blogging to become a verb. Soon after that, blogging became one of the world’s greatest tools for marketing and corporate communication.
In the beginning, however, blogging was pretty personal in nature. I just finished reading a good article by Patti Stafford about a noticeable trend among “professional” bloggers to give their blogging a more personal touch. I’ve noticed this as well, and I think it’s an indicator that people are drawn to that which is personal.
Many readers of Fuel Your Blogging are here to become more proficient in their trade, whether writing, marketing, or blogging professionally. But one of our goals is to inspire the creative spirit of blogging, and I wanted to offer some advice for those who still enjoy the art of the truly personal blog.
A real personal blog can be a part of a personal brand, but sometimes it’s more about letting sweet Aunt Suzie know what’s happening with the kids this Christmas. Some see the truly personal blog as a thing of the past with the advent of social networking platforms, but I still see huge advantages of owning your own domain and website. It may just be the scrapbook of the future. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for doing it well…
Be Careful, But Be Open and Authentic
Security is a major issue, especially for people who aren’t necessarily blogging in relation to any kind of profession. I see the need for some level of reservation when it comes to posting personal information on the web. At the same time, your personality will drive your blog even more than its design and content, so be yourself.
Use Your Blog to Mark Major Life Events
I have maintained my personal blog since the middle of 2004. Though I now write more for the leadership community at large, I can still look back over five years of blogging and catch a glimpse of what I was feeling in a particular moment of triumph or crisis.
Open a Window to Your World
With all the gadgets available at increasingly inexpensive prices, it’s now pretty easy to find ways to capture life’s neater moments in photography or video. Sharing those adds personality to every inch of your blog.
Be As Internet Savvy As Possible
Sadly, the internet is filled with a million people who would love to find a way to exploit you in some way. When you receive any kind of strange communication or feedback via your blog, filter it carefully and err on the side of caution. Remember that it’s ultimately your blog, so you’re the moderator and have absolute authority over what comments get published and what content gets passed along.
Network With Other Bloggers
One of the greatest advantages to blogging that I’ve experienced is the privilege of meeting interesting people from every walk of life, culture, and continent. As we get to know strangers, they become friends, and friends add something special to our lives, which only enriches the experience of blogging.
Remember, if you blog for the mere personal pleasure, you can do it with increasing excellence. It’s not just a personal blog, for a more personal blog is the goal of even the most professional of bloggers around.
In addition to serving as Editor of Fuel Your Blogging, Brandon is also a Pastor at Saddleback Church and Online Community Coordinator for Pastors.com. He’s also a web designer, blogger, and church communications consultant. Catch him on his own blog or on Twitter.
Nice post Brandon :)
I am thinking of starting a more personal ‘Web Log’ in the future. One where I don’t worry about SEO or getting traffic or anything like that. If people come, they come but it would mainly be a place where I can just write about anything I feel like writing about and also encourage readers participation.
A year or so ago I was told that you should always separate personal with business. I really disagree with this – I think adding a bit of personality with a business brand really helps customers trust you and creates transparency within your business which is sometimes lost.
Chris Brogan is a perfect example, his whole business is based on building trust through being a person. He’s a great influence on my actions online and offline.
Sarge | BeginnerBlogger.com
Go for it! I have a blog on which I post things that are either personal to me, or at least are written out of the overflow of my life offline. It’s a joy!