Should You Write for Yourself or Your Audience?

byAlexEvans

11.9K followers

Updated 4 years ago

When it comes to writing blogs, there are many opinions and much advice. The most conflicting piece of information we are given is to write for our audiences as opposed to writing for ourselves.

One thing for sure is always to keep the reader in mind.

Content that is hard to read or understand is the quickest way to send readers running for the hills.

In the beginning, we do not have an audience or even understand who they may be. Early days, we may only have access to open or closed forums to ply our aspiring craft.

Writing in closed environments allows for a lot of freedom; people in these situations tend to have a similar set of interests. The tendency is to be a little more relaxed.

The dividing line

One question we should always address is would we write in a particular style or use click-baiting headlines on a publication that we own. Answering this question, I would think it is the beginning of writing awareness.

When it comes to writing our blogs, should we be writing for ourselves, or should we be writing for our audience? I guess it probably comes down to what our goals are.

In the beginning, writing can be a tough remember back to those first efforts, 300 words were hard then 500 then the 1000 word breakthrough.

Wow, then the 5000-word blockbuster.

The ocean of words has to start somewhere, and writing for ourselves can be satisfying. Just about everyone has been to school and learned how to read and write. For some of us, that writing muscle has long since atrophied. Reconnecting can be a big ask and for many, a bridge too far.

Even for good writers, crafting good web copy can be an evolving process. Just like, IT, folks that come to online marketing each are colliding worlds.

If we aren't putting any pressure on ourselves to please anyone else, our writing can be enjoyable. We can explore what is on our minds, without feeling the reader's watchful eyes are upon us.

There can be something completely rewarding about this process; we can be honest uncompromised by outside influences. Writing for yourself is more natural; let's face it writing without a reader in mind is always going to be more comfortable if you're not thinking about your audience. Or where our posts and articles will fit in the blogosphere.

We don't have to worry about whether anyone is going to like it. Our only goal is to get the words down, what else do we have to worry about.

The main thing about writing for ourselves is that you start to establish structures, and with that freedom, you can begin to exercise your creative thinking, which flows into your writing.

Creativity is the fountain of uniqueness in a world of dismal sameness.

Writing for others.

Writing for others is a skilled process; writing content other people will enjoy takes considerable skill. We have to be dedicated to researching our audience and finding out what they want. The reader will always be at the back of your mind. The flow of the audience will influence the way you write. Writing for others is a learning curve; creating content for an audience doesn't come naturally to many of us.

One thing about writing there is always more to learn.

Sometimes we will get it wrong and completely miss the mark. That is okay; writing for others, creates more possibilities. The words you create are reaching out on your behalf; you are an entertainer and are offering something unique to the world. If you write with a reader in mind, your blog is more likely to become successful.

If we want to create a following and promote our content, we cannot just ignore what the reader wants and expects from us.

Writing without remaining true to ourselves can end up feeling immensely tricky and unrewarding; it can end up sucking the writing life's blood out of us, and therefore our text may end up suffering as a consequence.

The balance

Getting the balance right can be the one thing that catapults the words you create. The balance will invite the reader to share the content you create and become immersed in your world. The ability to do that is where your skill as a writer comes in. If you can do this, then you will not only find the writing process more satisfying, you will also give your content the best chance of reaching those readers you want to share in your words.

So write for ourselves, the cauldron of our creativity. Write for the audience. Find the balance which allows us to all end up on the same page.

Thank you for reading.

What are your thoughts?

Alex Evans