Do you ever wonder why people read blogs? We all know that I’m snoopy and I always wonder what everyone else is up to. Since I can’t tell you the reasons for anyone else, but here are 5 of mine.
1. I’m always curious about what everyone else is doing, how they’re doing it, and why they’re doing it. I love reading about everyone’s daily occurrences, celebrations, schedules, and all the nitty-gritty details. A part of it is because I like snooping, but a whole other part of it has to do with the fact that I can read about someone else’s life that lives in a different state, country, point of their lives. So when you’re stuck on writing ideas, tell me about your day – even the most common occurrence to you might not be to me!
2. If we have something in common, I’m probably going to follow your blog. I blog about babies, recipes, dogs, family and photography. Anytime that I come across other bloggers that share the same interests, I end up sticking around. Some blogs catch me right off the bet – your baby was born at the same time as mine, you have a Yorkie. Others take a couple of visits to stick. But if we have things in common, I almost always end up becoming a loyal reader.
3. I love the connections. I can’t tell you how many blogs I follow just because they’re loyal readers of my blog. When you take the time to comment on my posts, you can bet that (given time!) I will click and visit your blog. I try my best to visit everyone that comments, but one way to guarantee that I click on your link is to come back and comment consistently.
4. You write the way that you actually talk. Okay, I know there isn’t a way for me to know that things match up, but I guess I just trust my gut. There are a ton of bloggers that I fall almost instantly in love with because when I am reading their posts, I feel like we are just two friends, having a conversation. If you write in your own “voice,” it makes you interesting.
5. Your photos are kinda good. Okay, okay – I am no professional photographer (yet, but I’m working on it) and I’m not looking for you to be one either. But clear, focused photos tend to attract me more than blurry photos taken with your own extended hand (you know what I’m talking about). I’m not saying that you shouldn’t ever post these to prove a point or show us something in the day-to-day happenings, but if all your photos are blurry and messy, they’re probably going to lose my interest.
Why do you read blogs? What attracts you to a new blog? What keeps you coming back?
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{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
I say ditto to that list! Especially the voice part. So many of my favorite blogs make me feel like I’m chatting with my BFF over coffee. That connection is so important to me as a SAHM- which can sometimes be a tad isolating!
Megan {{Millions of Miles}} recently posted..Comings and Goings
I love bloggers who blog the same way I’d imagine them talking, too!!
Same as those, but extending on #2, I know it’s why we started reading each others’….the same name. Literally 1/2 of my readers and those I read are named “Katy”. Pathetic, I know.
Katy @ MonsterProof recently posted..The Lion on the Move
So true!
I’m particularly nosy, so I agree with #1. haha!!
And I thought you read mine to learn all about farming in NW Kansas!! lol
Great list. I haven’t even thought of a topic this week.
Carrie T recently posted..Shoot Me
Obv! hahhahha You could do same as mine – I’d love to hear what makes you read blogs!
I couldn’t have said it better…so so true!!!
JT @ The Faux Foodie Girl recently posted..5 Things Thursday
Good to know…I will work on my photos
I love reading and finding the writer’s voice. And also finding the connections. It’s always fun to see how my “friends” are living.
Also, all of the mommy blogs are good for the future!
Lindsey recently posted..Friday Five- What I’m Thankful for
Great list – I would have to agree with all of them. Mainly because I’m nosy
And as much as I like reading about people who I have something in common with, I also really enjoy reading about people who are different from me, or in a different phase of life than me. There are a lot of mommy-bloggers and even though I’m not ready for kids yet, I love seeing what I have to anticipate in a few years. It’s a great source of knowledge, ideas and inspiration of true-life stories that you just can’t get from the generic internet. The personal aspect, opinions and experiences is what I really love about reading other blogs.
Lisa @ Floating Along… recently posted..Recent Reads
Good point! It’s such an eye opener sometimes!
“Voice” and photography are the top 2 for me. I really can’t stand blurry pics and I want to laugh or be entertained somehow while reading. The more the voice behind the writing is like having a convo with someone in person, the more likely i’m going to stick around.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen recently posted..Spicy rosemary roasted almonds
I should have added that reading friends’ blogs makes me feel like I’m caught up on their lives.
I totally identify with #4. There are a lot of blogs I read that I feel like the writer is my girlfriend, and I come away from reading her blog feeling like we just had a good chat. Which is a little weird…but whatever!
By the way I think this is my first time commenting on your blog. I don’t remember how I found you, but I’ve been following for a month or two and enjoying it!
Sara recently posted..Week in review
Thanks! Love that I could catch your eye
I agree with all of those reasons! I try and give blogs a chance, but if it’s the same thing day in and day out and you never get to really hear their “voice.” I’m out.
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness recently posted..Ugly, but delicious
I love this post! I totally agree with the reasons you follow blogs – especially the parts about connections! The blogging world is a fun way to connect with other people!
Your blog is great! I look forward to reading along with you!
Katie recently posted..My Best Friend’s Wedding {Shower}
I always love to read blogs of parents so that I can get ideas from other moms. Im always amazed at activities that Ive found from other moms and also just common things that I didnt think about that work wonders. I also love to read mommy blogs that have kids older than our daughter to see what to expect in a few months or years.
Amber recently posted..BBBW {week 14, 15}
I agree with every single thing you listed here….. and they’re all EXACTLY why I read your blog =) Plus, you have a Yorkie…which is my all time favorite dog breed
Rebecca @ The Reluctant Housewife recently posted..Fare thee well, my friend… and other stuff
Great list! I also love to read blogs to not feel alone. It’s amazing how reading blogs makes me feel like I have friends!!
JenniferLO recently posted..Friday Five: Children’s Books
I agree with everything you said – it’s just interesting to see what other people are up to, how they spend their days, what ideas they have, etc. Helps me feel a little more normal! I am also picky about the pictures.
Here’s a random question – do you read any blogs that drive you crazy? I do that to myself and it’s torture. I never comment but I read them even if I disagree with 99% of what they say. No idea why.
I agree with all of your reasons! Sounds like the reasons I choose to read the blogs that I do too!
I love love love reading blogs where the blogger talks in a fun, interesting way about the mundane things in life. I mean, I enjoy a good “deep” post, too… but I really like reading about laundry and cooking and how to get the baby to stop crying and what’s the best way to win a fight with your husband.
The voice thing you mentioned is so so key.
And I admit that I prefer blogs that are mostly posts that took some thought. Sure, once in a while I enjoy a post that’s just a picture or a thoughtful quote, but if that’s all the blog is every day, I tend to find myself less interested in clicking through. (And I don’t mean pictures of the blogger or her adorable daughter – if I know the blogger and her family through her blog, then the pictures become part of the narrative.)
Life of a Doctor’s Wife recently posted..Words That Work as Baby Names; Those That Do NOT
I very often read blogs that are my age but in different phases of life. I don’t have babies yet but I like reading blogs written by moms to see how they can juggle life with a baby and working, or those that get to be stay at home wives because that’s just so different from how I was raised. Plus, I get to see really cute pictures of babies like Peanut
Jenn@browneyedandblsd recently posted..Grace
So, do you read my blog because I have a dog named Peanut and you have a baby named Peanut?
Kara recently posted..At loose ends