Why Blog—Defining the Purpose of Your Blog

I promised we’d dig into the murky subject of blogging and today we’ll start with the rock bottom foundation of any good blog.

The Purpose
For years there has been an unwritten—oft repeated—rule of speaking.

• Tell the audience what you’re going to say
• Say it
• Tell the audience what you just said

Even though this formula is a cliché of epic proportions there is a foundational truth of communication found within it. It’s vital that your audience to know what to expect before they’ll invest time in reading what you have to share. People are busy and they have to make choices about where they’ll spend their time. It’s your first job to give them the information they need to make that choice.

So how do you find a purpose for your blog?
Ask yourself what you want to accomplish from it.

• If you want to share your passion start with that.
• Do you want to make a difference in the world? Ask yourself what you think would make the world a better place.
• Is your purpose just to build a platform? Then do some research and decide who will be interested in your platform and go after those viewers.

Focus is paramount importance when it comes to blogging.

• An unfocused blog is an unvisited blog

Refine It
Once you have your primary purpose it’s time to refine it.
Think out of the box and find a niche or a unique perspective that hasn’t been explored to death yet.

I’ll use my blog as an example. I knew I wanted to provide a blog to teach and empower writers. Most writing sites also incorporate book reviews. How could I tweak that to be original and fresh? I review books and tools for writers.

Most of all, keep refining, even after your blog is live. That’s one of the advantages of blogging—you can respond to changes in what your readers want and how the market is changing.

Now it’s your turn, how have you made your blog unique? Do you have any questions on how to further refine an idea? Don’t be afraid to give away an idea—that’s the great thing about writers—we all already have more ideas than we know what do to with. Let us help you take your concept to the next level!

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains ChristianWriters Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for SouthernWriters Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Don't miss her new book from Worthy Inspired, WHILE MY SOLDIER SERVES.