Bloggers need to not only have interesting content, but they have to engage their audience.
Communicating with your audience can help you build a rapport with them — and a loyal fan base.
It’s no secret that you need to have an engaged email list to make money online, but you’d be amazed at just how many people try to sell before making that initial connection.
Whether that connection happens on a blog post, in an email, or through a Facebook ad, you want to warm people up to who you are before trying to make money.
Let’s explore how to connect with your blog readers more!
5 Considerations When Connecting With Your Blog Readers
When it comes to interacting with your readers, here are a few things that you may want to consider:
- Don’t assume
- Your readers are your customers
- Make it social
- Personalize content
- Be vulnerable
Let’s dive a little deeper!
1. Don’t Assume
Whether you’re referencing something or recalling your own backstory, remember that your readers may not know this information.
Never assume that they do.
If you’re talking past them or over their heads, you could end up making them feel dumb.
This is actually something I struggle with a lot! I try to balance corporate concepts in a way where bloggers can understand them, but sometimes, I completely miss the mark.
Admitting you’ve screwed up can also be helpful in connecting with your audience, but don’t do it too frequently or you won’t be viewed as credible.
If you’re using an acronym such as SEO (search engine optimization), clearly put the entire phrase into parentheses upon its first appearance, just as you see it done here.
You don’t need to be repetitive when providing information to new readers; simply refer them to earlier articles or links that explain and clarify your point.
2. Your Readers Are Your Customers
A strong customer base is important for business growth.
With proper understanding, communication, and quality, you’ll be able to manage your customer interactions effectively.
If someone disagrees with you or is even rude, take it in stride.
Typically, the customer has justification for their remark or online review and you don’t have a business without customers.
It’s interesting because I grew up in the hospitality industry and I mostly agree with the sentiment that “The customer is always right.” But, I find it way too subjective.
Instead, it should be “The customer’s perception is always right.”
We may very well disagree, but you have to honor how your audience thinks if you value their connection.
This is not to say that their opinion will necessarily be correct or even entirely coherent, but it does mean you should refrain from arguing with them.
A common mistake that some bloggers make is to become adversarial with their audience.
They forget that, at the end of the day, this is still a business and businesses don’t exist without customers.
3. Make it Social
Regardless of the social media platform you’re currently using, you should always take the opportunity to promote your other social media outlets as well.
This can help to significantly increase your following and brand exposure since your readers’ followers will be able to see them engaging in your posts.
One way that you can get your readers over to your social media is by linking to a video that redirects them there.
After watching the initial video, they will be more likely to scroll through and view your other content as well.
Your social media accounts can be a great way to communicate with your readers, and you should use all the tools in your box.
4. Personalize Content
When I first started my advanced blogging Facebook group, I wanted to provide value upfront.
People asked questions.
So, instead of responding with text, I recorded a quick Loom video and provided personalized content. It was well-received and I got many more requests for videos like that.
Another way I like to personalize content is through using first names in email broadcasts. I use ConvertKit, which makes this process super simple.
You could even take that a step further and use conditional content in your emails to make sure that the content your audience receives is super relevant to them at their stage of the customer journey.
5. Be Vulnerable
I’m kind of known for writing long, 500+ word emails. Sometimes, they’re closer to 1,000 words.
But, what I will say is that I focus on being vulnerable and telling a story. I think the feedback speaks for itself 🙂
When you’re vulnerable in your blog posts and emails, you’re relating to your audience in a way they can understand.
We know beyond the Instagram filters and dreamy Facebook ads that there are a whole slew of bloggers just trying to scrape by and that authenticity can be SO refreshing.
Live in the perfectly imperfect and communicate that.
Some of my favorite emails are from my blogging friends that do just that.
Seeing 6-figure bloggers flub an email or forget about an upcoming promotion reminds me that success isn’t tied to always being perfect.
If you approach emails from a position of generosity, genuineness, and authenticity, you’ll do just fine.
Conclusion
When dealing with your readers, remember that they are your customers. Communicate clearly, don’t make assumptions about what they know, and always treat them with respect.
Keep your communication positive, friendly, and professional — no matter what.
Remember these helpful tips for connecting with your blog readers:
- Don’t assume
- Your readers are your customers
- Make it social
- Personalize content
- Be vulnerable
Ready to take your blogging business to the next level? I offer one-on-one coaching services.
Cheers to your business success!
