In 2008 the biggest blogs in my RSS reader were personal. They had upwards of 20,000 unique visitors each month. Their authors wrote about daily life in the most entertaining or enlightening ways – spinning a night out with friends or a trip to the zoo with the kids into a 1,000 word yarn that had me belly laughing, pondering or weeping by the last sentence.
These blogs got lots of comments too. The conversation stayed on the blog in those pre-Twitter-and-Facebook days. Readers gathered daily around these blogs, not for the content but for the person behind the posts and to talk with other readers.
Today, just five years later, I read blogs as part of my job overseeing Compassion Bloggers. A lot of blogs. Presently, I have 169 blogs in my RSS reader. The top blogs are no longer personal but niche.
Blogs about decorating, cooking, saving money, fashion and homeschooling have the largest audiences today. Tens of thousands of readers gather around these narrowly focussed blogs because of the content – expertise, advice, freebies, how-to’s, recipes, coupons, tips and tricks. I wonder sometimes if it even matters who’s writing these blogs as long as they deliver the information the reader wants, it’s of a consistent quality and it’s posted regularly.
Niche blogs run low on comments – as a percentage of total views – when compared to personal blogs. They generate more revenue than a personal blog but not as much loyalty or engagement. There’s little to no relationship with the author or between readers, often reducing a blog to not much more than a textbook…with lots of ads.
As a learner? I love niche blogs. I want the recipe for that grilled pork chop marinade without the hilarious story about the time it went wrong, please.
But as a marketer? I prefer the personal. Readers have to like the blogger, trust her, be true to her to tolerate a week-long commercial interruption and click on what she’s selling – whether that’s a mixer, a book or a solution to childhood poverty.
What are your favorite blogs right now? Why do you like them?
Southern Gal says:
You are so right. I loved Edie’s posts about her trip with Compassion. I’ve followed other bloggers while they were on their trips and enjoyed seeing it from their viewpoint. Knowing them through the blog before they went made a huge difference in the impact. I think it would be absolutely amazing to go on one of your trips.
Shaun Groves says:
Edie did an amazing job didn’t she? And she’s just as wonderful in-person as she is online. The real deal.
Kari says:
I see many blogs a day, but I only subscribe to a very few because I struggle with blog/internet addiction. The ones I subscribe to are the ones where the writers connect with readers in a personal way. I am always inspired by Ann Voskamp, and I have been provoked to thought, laughter, and tears by Glennon at Momastery, thought I don’t always agree with her. I also love my sister’s beautiful words at Cords of Light http://cordsoflight.wordpress.com/2013/04/15/from-my-journal-april-15-2013/ And lastly, a good friend of mind has an excellent art-for-families blog with lots of great, simple ideas for sharing art (not the same as craft projects) with your kids. She has many devoted readers, largely, I think, because she DOES invite conversation and connection and is very honest with her personal messes. She never gives the impression or makes the claim of being a “wonder-mom.” artfulparent.com
Kris says:
I get this. I’m so tired of the bullet point blogs. I too miss the old days if more personal blogs. What drew me to them was not what they were selling but who they were. I sometimes think I could be “more successful” as a blogger if I sold stuff and had ad space on my blog, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. That’s not who I am, and it’s not how I want people who read me, to think of me.
As far as blogs I’m enjoying these days, I like Shelly Miller at redemptions beauty. Of course I read Ann Voskamp daily, and I like the gang posting at Story Warren (S.D. Smith’s site). I like Emily Freeman…. I’m in need of some new blogs to read, or maybe old ones who still have that personal voice.
Beth says:
I have consistently read many of the same handful of blogs for years. Why do I read them is a good question. Two of them I read regularly because they are good-hearted women who make me laugh- and at the end of a crazy day, it’s good to laugh. And somehow they manage to weave in something of the true, genuine, and lovely into each of their posts. One I read because he challenges me to think differently than I do on issues. I disagree with him often, but I love his heart, and he is passionate and is faithful with his craft- a passion I share. So I read him not just because he challenges me and makes me think, but because I love learning things from him about the craft we both enjoy. The other two I read I regularly both echo things that resonate deep within my heart. I find they speak to the things that are most “me”, and somehow that helps keep some of those things alive and kickin’. And one of them is also ridiculously funny, so that keeps me reading. As I’m writing this, I realize there are three things that most draw me to the blogs I read: 1. They are smart and provoke thought and growth. 2. They are funny and make me laugh and I can always use more laughter in this life. 3. They speak to the things of my heart that are most important to me. Thanks, Shaun- and I read your blog because you challenge me with the Kingdom and I appreciate your heart and take on things.
Shaun Groves says:
Wow, you’ve really given this some though, Beth! And thanks for reading my blog. I honestly struggle – more and more really – with what on earth to even say here from day to day. I’ve certainly been writing less for the last two years – since the adoption. I wonder sometimes why people come here and whether I have much to offer. So as we begin the redesign and refocussing process for this site it sure helps to get positive feedback like this. Thanks, Beth.
kuliejellogg says:
That graphic cracks me up because although I am the whitest white girl you’ve ever met (and you have!), I have been able to throw a renown gang sign since my early days. How I knew this sign as a gradeschooler in rural Oklahoma is beyond me, but still. I’m going to work on my bloggy fingers.
And your question? I came across Shannan Martin at http://flowerpatchfarmgirl.blogspot.com/ in recent months and enjoy reading her thoughts (mostly because she seems to love Jesus in an authentic way and partly because she doesn’t come across as to writer-y, if that makes any sense).
kuliejellogg says:
***renowned
***too
(ugh)
Deborah Raney says:
I second the motion on Shannan Martin at http://flowerpatchfarmgirl.blogspot.com/ She’s the real deal. Down-to-earth, a wonderful writer, living an amazing, authentic life.
his lovely wife says:
My favorites are Jen hatmaker, because she makes me think AND laugh and ones that are personal and real. One of the reasons I’ve never pursued ads on my own blog is because I don’t ever want to have to write for someone else. I want it to be real and reflect my personal struggles, victories and family. Plus I’m too unfiltered. Sponsors wouldn’t like it ๐
I also love honest toddler. Because it actually makes me cry with laughter!
Shaun Groves says:
I think ads and a personal tone can coexist. TheNestingPlace does that very well I think. Niche, monetized, but personal too. They’re not mutually exclusive…I don’t think.
Liz Reeves says:
I have a GIANT blogroll on my blog site. I love all of them. The ones I follow most religiously are the personal ones. I have a tough time when they become “big, fancy” blogs. The ones that need sponsors or that try to sell/give away something every other post bug me. I guess that’s their piece of the internet & they can do with it whatever they want, but I don’t enjoy them as much.
Kit says:
I see what you’re saying. I read fewer blogs now than I used to, you’re right that something has changed. I still have a few favorites, including this one ๐ I also keep reading Kristen Welch’s blog, sometimes Jon Acuff, a Catholic blog called Conversion Diary (Jennifer is hilarious and thought-provoking), and occasionally Sammy Adebiyi’s blog. The rest of the blogs I read are family or friends who just blog to keep in touch about their family’s life, same as my own blog.
Kathleen Caron says:
Not much point in reading blogs you don’t have a personal connection with. I don’t read too many “famous” blogs, this one and Seth Godin and Anita Mathis’ Dreaming Beneath the Spires. I always read three wonderful blogs, because I know and love the authors: http://www.ipaintiwrite.com/, http://mymenandme.wordpress.com/ and http://www.christasterken.com/ They are all straight from the heart, sincere, transparent and wise.
Shaun Groves says:
Wow, did you just call this a “famous blog”? And right alongside Seth Godin?? Beyond flattered…and you need to redefine “famous”. ; )
(Thanks.)
Anita Mathias says:
Wait, did you just call “Dreaming Beneath the Spires,” a famous blog?
Thank you!
Deborah says:
Compassion has already taken all my favorite bloggers on trips – I faithfully read BigMama and BooMama, and I loved Shannon from RocksinmyDryer (her trip introduced me to Compassion and I became a sponsor later). Otherwise, I peek in at Conversion Diary sometimes; I often enjoy Rage at the Minivan, Simple Mom, and I read a lot of blogs about families of kids with special needs. Gillian Marchenko and Ellen Stumbo are both interesting and encouraging.
Rachel S says:
I am so with you on this. I like to be able to look up a recipe on a blog, but I much prefer the personal touch. I like people giving us the reality of their lives.. I think it’s one of the good uses of the internet. We get to hear others’ stories and thoughts on real life situations. Helps to open our eyes to the world around us, not just get what we “need” for our little worlds.
Janene says:
Lemonademakinmama.com because I feel like I know her and her posts are varied and faith is always apparent.
Kelli says:
See I still really prefer the personal blogs over niche blogs. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a hobby? ๐ I don’t really enjoy cooking, redecorating my house is just above torture for me and DIY projects usually end up in disaster. The only time I paint furniture is when I’m battling depression so it’s usually a good thing that I’m not painting something.
I love blogs that tell stories. I want to feel connected to someone. It makes me feel less alone. The story-tellers are the ones I go back to every day.
Shaun Groves says:
What’s hard though – for me – is that I don’t have a story to tell every day. So then what? It’s a struggle for me.
Kelli says:
It’s a huge struggle. I have fewer and fewer stories to tell….at least fewer stories I can tell the world. My kids provide great stories daily but they’d die a thousand terrible deaths if I shared it all online. ๐
I do have a story I could tell about the time this famous, bearded blogger/singer/songwriter came to lunch. But then I’d just sound like a name dropper and nobody really likes a bragger…
Laura says:
Agree. ๐
Melanie @ Only A Breath says:
Exactly!!! I’m honestly getting tired of reading blogs because it feels like a big “popular kid” competition… ๐
I just wrote about this because I feel so frustrated because I am *not* an expert on anything, so where does that leave my blog? Randomness, written by a blond, southern, mom who needs Jesus and is trying to figure out how to walk the path without seeing the whole thingโฆ while cherishing each moment in the short breath of life Iโve been given and loving Jesus through loving others. Something like that.
Melanie @ Only A Breath says:
Oh, and my favorite blogs are WeAreThatFamily.com, Ann Voskamp, Big Mama Blog.
Shaun Groves says:
Not that you’re doing this, Melanie, but there’s a lot of unnecessary disdain for the “popular kids” on the internet. Which is pretty amusing when you consider even the most popular kid is a complete unknown to people who don’t read blogs religiously. ; )
Popular isn’t inherently bad right? Nor is relative obscurity. Plus and minuses to both I think. For instance, no one has ever launched a hate blog to take down a blogger who had ten readers. Ever. *Bonus*
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
My commitment to reading blogs varies SO much. Sometimes I devote a lot of time and am sure to comment and connect with their authors. Other times, I get burnt out and go weeks without reading a single post.
My favorite blogs focus on Compassion International, sponsorship, missions around the world, ways that we can reach out and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
I am not much of a cook. I’m definitely not a fashionista and my decorating skills are more like garage sale chic. But, if I can be challenged or inspired to help someone who needs it, that’s what I want to read.
Kara M says:
Under the Sycamore is by far one of the best blogs out there! Ashley’s sweet spirit radiates in every post. Makes you feel like real friends. Kendi Everyday is the best style blog out there! ๐ Hoping she’s not in your daily blog list though.
Jen Loves Kev is really good too!
RaD says:
I completely agree, I love Under the Sycamore by Ashley Ann Campbell, she is so genuine and sweet!
I also read A Place Called Simplicity a lot. She often challenges me to dig deeper in my relationship with the Lord and shares triumphs in her own life and adoption journey.
redheadkate says:
Oh, the good ol’ day. Sigh…
These days I read Story Warren and the Rabbit Room. Other ones are hit or miss, but I come back to those two, mainly because they have built a beautiful community and I want to be a part.
Rodney Olsen says:
As the writer of a personal blog I know I’ll never reach the same number of people as a niche blog but I’m OK with that. I get to write about everything from the latest news that grabs my attention to spiritual insights and even my support of a range of organisations such as Compassion.
I like the niche blogs when I need information but when I want a ‘conversation’ with a real person, give me personal blogs any time.
Jacque Watkins says:
I too connect with a story and with the person behind the words. So for me, those are the blogs I prefer to read. And as a writer, it is also how I’m trying to learn to write…sharing my stories and a part of myself with each post, and praying when they come to read, they would find community, someone who cares, someone who they can relate to, and that they ultimately leave with more hope than when they came. It just seems so much more connecting when a writer chooses to give a bit of themselves away with every post. Thank you for all you do, Shaun!
Dawn Russell says:
LOVE Ann Voskamp’s blog and I have subscribed to that. I always read that one through tears. Also Angie Smith, Liz Curtis Higgs, Beth Moore’s blog at Living Proof and Margaret Feinberg.
Have fun at Lifest!
Dawn ๐
Denise says:
Well, I read yours of course- that’s pretty obvious ๐ – because I like the way you write, from the heart, with a sense of justice. I like Beth Moore’s blog, I think because of her sense of realness and honesty, and a good, strong Word; True Woman and Ann Wilds’ blogs because of the Truth spoken there, occasionally Ann Voskamp whom I appreciate. I also read Christy Jordan @ Southern Plate, more for her positive, encouraging outlook, the warmth and sweetness of her personality, the integrity that shines through, than for the recipes, though I’m a true Southern “Girl” who loves some of her recipes and sense of Southern familiarity, relatablity- her people sometimes sound like my people. Another food blog I like is Alice Currah’s Savory Sweet Life, just because her recipes look so good! I also read Tammy Marcleain’s In the Grip of Grace, because she is SO real, holds very little back and her heart is so clearly HIS- there is a purity there that I am drawn to- and it all comes across in her writing. Those are the common themes for me, the main being “Truth spoken here” for the majority of them. I love to read peoples’ hearts, especially when they model His.
Amanda says:
I do love niche blogs for content :: sewing/crafting tutorials, recipes, etc. every once in a great while a tutorial will be written with enough of the author’s voice to grab me. But usually, like you said, I’m just there for the info.
I do like a well-crafted story, and appreciate authors that encourage others to tell their own stories too.
Also? I notice I connect to various blogs depending on my circumstances, like when my husband deployed & when we were in the “discovery” phase of adoption.
Current favs :: chatting at the sky, farm patch flower girl, Ann V, Lisa Jo Baker, and love the variety at the in courage blog.
melissa stover says:
i still read most of the same blogs i read in 2008, but those people went from writing about more personal stuff to finding their niche and doing a great job with it. i wonder if i would have gotten to know them as well if i hadn’t been with them from the start.
Laura says:
Many of my favorite {story of life} blogs {yes, they are still out there!} don’t have huge readership. Is it possible that they are sometimes mutually exclusive? I think small number bloggers have just as much fire in their bones and ability to put words together as those with 10,000 readers.
Anna says:
I totally agree! sometimes I see blogs with thousands of readers, and some blogs with a few readers, and the few-er readers are sometimes SUCH better writers! I wonder sometimes HOW the big blogs became “big”.?
Lyli @ 3-D Lessons for Life says:
My favorite blogs are about faith lived out in ordinary life. Current favorites: Jennifer Dukes Lee and Michelle DeRusha. My “go to” pick me up every morning is (in) courage. And, I love the voice of Tricia Lott Williford.
Brad says:
Yours is about the only blog I check regularly. Your willingness to be transparent and your creative writing about the things you are passionate about have challenged me, and some days carried me. Lest your head get too big, there are times when I think you’re a hopeless dork too…but only in the best of ways. :^) Thanks for staying faithful at what God’s put in front of you.
Matthew W says:
I only really follow two blogs now: yours and Carlos Whitaker’s. I also check in on Aaron Armostrong’s Blogging Theologically from time to time. The reason why I’ve only kept up with you and Carlos is exactly what you said: it’s a personal thing. When I bought Carlos’s CD, and your CD, it wasn’t because I thought I would like the music–I really didn’t know if I would or not–it was because I wanted to support you guys. The music was just a side benefit. Blogs like yours create a personal connection that’s often very much lost on the internet.
Lindley says:
Well, even when I’m out of town and don’t have a way to blog, but can still check some blogs, I’m checking yours, Ann Voskamp, Liz at Larkandbloom, and Kat’s blog, along with my personal friend’s blogs! All of you keep it real and speak from the heart! Good to hear feedback from your question!
Donna says:
I prefer personal blogs. I don’t need another commercial for a product, I need the truth about life so I can live it honestly too.
Anna says:
I read Moments with Love regularly. There’s a few friends’ blogs I follow, but beyond that, nothing regularly! just pop in from time to time.
Miranda says:
I don’t currently read many blogs, but yours is one I come back to regularly. I also read Blogging from the Boonies and some other Compassion blogs as well. I appreciate the personal touch, and I am not one for decorating, ETC. As a blogger myself, I tried to write a personal blog for a few years and didn’t feel my blog was making a difference. My husband and I do not have any children, so our Compassion children are the children God has blessed us to care for right now. Our Compassion blog is our way to share from our hearts about sponsorship, poverty, and the ministry of Compassion. I am the one to write most often, and I truly try to keep it personal and not commercial in nature by any means. It is my hope that my words flow authenticly and that those who read are called to care for the least of these in whatever way God sees fit. So, while in a way we have a niche blog in sharing our passion for Compassion, we try to give it a personal and authentic touch as well.