We bloggers run a business and may not even realize it, right? As a blogger, what I post online becomes my top priority. I need to plan out my content, whether I am considering what to wear as a fashion blogger or what to write for the Global Writing Challenge. My son would call this blog my side hustle so the moment I have an audience, I have customers. I may not necessarily be selling anything, but I feel like winning over a reader’s heart is like a romantic pursuit. Businesses woo their clientele with personalized offers, engaging interactions and attentive service, aiming to foster a lasting bond. And, while I don’t have any personalized offers, I do try to write posts that are engaging and interacting with those of you who comment…I hope those things foster a lasting bond.
A little more…
In the blogging world, I have to think twice about what I do with my audience. I am definitely not running an ecommerce model, but I hope I’m sending unique content onto your screens day after day. But, just as in any love story, there are moments, I know, when affection wanes, and hearts grow distant. Which post, statement, or photo cost me followers in the long term? Let’s look at a few common scenarios where the spark between me and former subscribers could have fizzled out, leaving them feeling neglected and disenchanted. And, quite frankly, left me feeling sad and wondering what happened.
Suffocating affection…
Or, in other words, too many intrusive ads! Picture this: you’re enjoying a cozy evening with your favorite YouTube video when suddenly, an intrusive ad interrupts the moment. I used to be able to just skip most ads, but now I have to watch some of them in their entirety. I watch YouTube as a distraction when I’m getting ready for my day…keeps the hot flashes away! For my readers, excessive ads on social media platforms may feel like an overbearing partner who refuses to give them space. I think about that every time I wear an April Cornell dress. Do I mention my code so you can save some money, or will that read like I’m trying to influence you to spend money? Continuing the analogy with YouTube, my readers, like me, are more likely to remember the brand that keeps interrupting their browsing in a negative light. Some may research to find out how to watch YouTube without ads. But not everyone is willing to invest time and effort in it. And, I know, if I’m constantly promoting things, the charm of my blog quickly fades, and resentment might take its place.
Love’s delay: long shipping times…
Did you know that more and more bloggers are running a little merch shop too? I don’t know of many who do that, and I certainly don’t. Unfortunately, small merch shops can often go wrong. Long shipping times leave customers feeling neglected and undervalued. What began as eager anticipation turns into frustration and disappointment as days stretch into weeks without a sign of their beloved purchase. Talk about a buzz kill. If I know there are going to be long lead times, I’ll reconsider my purchase or factor that into my need. Again, who am I kidding? There’s nothing I need…except to see the solar eclipse again!
Unwanted attachments with automatic email subscriptions…
In the dance of courtship between bloggers and customers, consent is key. Yet, some businesses overstep boundaries by automatically subscribing customers to email lists without their permission. Instead of feeling cherished, customers feel trapped in a one-sided relationship, bombarded with unwanted messages that clutter their inbox and sour their affection. And, that is why you will never be automatically signed up for email subscriptions on my blog. If you comment, and you’re not a follower, I don’t add you to my list. That’s just wrong, in my opinion. I want you to subscribe because you enjoy my content. There are also certain weeks in the month where you may receive several emails from me. That happens because of specific posts/dates like Ageless Style, the Global Writing Challenge, Songful Style, and Final Fridays. If those were not all collaborations with other bloggers, I’d move them around because they all happen within the same couple of weeks! Believe me, I am conscious of those extra emails.
Identity crisis—inconsistent tone online…
Imagine if your partner spoke to you in a different tone every time you interacted, switching between formal, casual, and trendy. Confusion would replace intimacy, and the connection would falter. Similarly, I try to keep a consistent voice across social platforms so that you recognize it’s me! I don’t want you to feel disconnected and uncertain. I mean, you can tell it’s me, right? Please, someone tell me I have a specific voice, and you can tell…please??? Without a cohesive identity, the love affair loses its charm and authenticity, right?
If I had a monetized site…
How do you, then, as a blogger with a monetized site manage your readers relations? Maintaining their affection requires more than just initial charm. You have to put in the effort, show your readers you genuinely care, and commit to understanding and respecting the needs of your readers. By avoiding these pitfalls and nurturing a relationship built on trust, empathy, and consistency, bloggers can ensure that the love between them and their readers continues to flourish, enriching both parties in the journey of digital content and companionship. When I provide links to items on my post, those links are for your convenience. Unless they’re italicized, I’ve paid for the items myself. And, very few of my links provide me with any income! That’s not why I’m blogging.
Why I don’t monetize…
When I started blogging, Nigel and I talked for a bit about the possibilities of making money off of my blog. I’ll be honest. At first, I was all about that. It sounded like easy money to me. But, then Nigel reminded me of the tax implications. And, since he does our taxes, I didn’t want to complicate things. I also like my blog the way it is. I love to write and entertain you, my readers. I hope you feel that way when you read most of my posts. Nigel and I are also lucky to both have pensions as well as a retirement plan.
But, the costs…
Well, here’s the thing. What Nigel doesn’t know won’t hurt him! He has no idea that running a blog has actual financial liabilities. I have to pay for my domain, my hosting service, and for my email service. I don’t even want to think of the number of hours I spend writing a blog.
But, the gains…
The gains far outweigh the losses. I have made so many friends around the world. I know most of them are virtual, but I have hopes of meeting several of them face to face some day. I have found the particular blogging neighborhood I landed in to be friendly and welcoming. When I was starting out, I had so many questions. No one ever said, “Nope, I don’t want to help you succeed.” I really thought I would be seen as a competitor (a very small one, but still). That has never been the case. And, of course, there are my readers who comment or email me. I love to receive emails and respond as soon as I can. Comments make my day…I’m completely serious!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I know this is a strange post, but sometimes, I just write strange posts! I hope you got a little insight into my thinking about my blog. This blog started as a way to exercise my brain. It has grown into a little communication hub between me and you…subscribers, visitors, and friends! So, can we talk? What kinds of blogs do you like? Do you mind longer posts like this one? Do you like posts heavy on words or photos? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond quickly!
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Affiliate links, discount codes and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off any order over $100. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Nice post!
I myself try to blog for me and not for readers. My goal is to write about the things I want to share. And if people wants to read them, I am very glad. If not, I am not going to change my content because they don’t. Luckily I still have readers because, to be true, I of course also really like it that people read my content . But blog for fun and I have the feeling that if I should blog about what I think readers would like to read, I would have fun anymore.
I also don’t want to make money with my blog. I also don’t like blog with a lot of adds and sponsored blog content. In my case blogging doesn’t cost me money (I blog at blogger and that is free), but it does take very much time to write everything, also because I always add a lot of pictures, made by me.
But I have an job and I don’t need the money, for some people it will be different.
And I don’t send emails.
Soit, some random thoughts about your post ;).
Thanks, Mie! I sort of do the same thing. I usually just blather on about things and hope someone likes it! I agree blogging should be fun which is another reason why I don’t monetize. Once you’re depending on it for money, it’s a job, right?
Finding the right balance between promotional content and genuine engagement is key to maintaining a strong connection with your audience. Ultimately, fostering a lasting bond with your readers requires authenticity, respect for their time and preferences, and a genuine desire to provide value through your content.
I think you are right about being authentic with readers as well as writing good content. I try to do both. Thanks, Melody!
I appreciate your honesty and journey on your blogging situation. I prefer shorter blogs because there are so many that I support. And yes, it’s expensive to monetize which I why I chose to only blog about what I love for the most part. You hit it on the head with loving the community in blogging. Having connections thorough writing my blog has brought so much joy. I do love all the unique stories you tell! Keep it going Marsha!
https;//www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your words. They mean so much to me. I love blogging and am so glad I began.
Hi Marsha, I can’t recall exactly how (or when) I found your blog but I am SO glad I did. I really enjoy your personality — it’s fun and honest and whimsical — just like your fashion style! There are blogs I no longer follow because they seemed to be pushing me to buy-buy-buy and frankly that just got boring. You cover so many interesting topics and I enjoy your stories. I can tell you enjoy your blog! Keep on!
I am really glad you found my blog, too, Beth! I love your comment so much, I read it to Nigel! He just laughed. I will keep writing as long as you (and others) keep reading!
Thanks so much, Beth!
You have a distinctive authentic voice – one of a kind! I don’t at all mind seeing your codes for April Cornell and other brands that your readers know you truly love and support; I always see it as “hey, if you’re interested, you can save some money” and not pressure to buy. I think those of us in a position to cover the costs of blogging ourselves without monetizing are in a fortunate position. I definitely can relate to sometimes feeling the draw of the money…because who wouldn’t like more money…but I have also made the calculation that it’s just not worth chasing the money. I am sticking to my day job 😀 For me, not having the pressure to create content that draws the largest possible audience so the monetizing works out is a big relief. I respect those who have made blogging their business because it is a TON of work. I’m happy to stick with it as a hobby instead.
Thank you for those words, Sally! That means so much to me! I struggle sometimes with the low numbers of followers on Instagram and subscribers, but then I remember I’m not in this to make it to the big time. I’m a blogger because I love to write; I love clothes; and, I love to learn. I know those who make money do put in hours and hours of time not only writing a post, but networking, photographing, etc. I like my little blog very much!
I loved this post. I think you articulated the struggle that bloggers have when you are not in it purely for financial gain but more for community, yet the prospect of making a little extra wouldn’t hurt! How much is too much?
I try not to go bananas with links, and I do try to stay consistent I guess across all mediums – and now I am wondering if I do? I like to engage with people on my blog, make friendships, and learn more about different people, different lifestyles, through the blogs I read.
Thanks, Erin! I appreciate the bloggers who can make money doing this. I mean, blogging is hard work, and they put in hours. I give them their flowers! You know, I have absolutely no idea how I found you, but I am so glad I did. Yours is one of those friendships I count as a wonderful one!