One of the main things that I have learned about blogging is that it is absolutely necessary to share what you know.
When I first started writing I felt very proprietary about my techniques, methods, and ideas. This kind of attitude will only go so far in the blogging world. Readers are reading to gain information. They want to learn and try what you are showing & teaching for themselves. This is why they are not taking a class, but reading your blog! You must teach to acquire readers.
You will find out quickly whether or not a blog is successful if the writer teaches. If a blog shows off his/her doghouse or cow pasture or shoe shop or bbq pit (you get the idea) in every post then a reader may tire of the site and not want to read and/or not want to share it with friends. There must be something in it for the reader.
I think a blogger can certainly show what they are working on to inspire others to do something similar in their own lives and show that it is achievable.
There’s a bit of “If I can do it, so can you” attitude.
There are also blogs where the reader may never be able to do what the blogger is doing, say, build a cottage in the mountains, but it is still appealing and enjoyable to witness and read about.
Then there is the type of blog that educates. I think these are the blogs that become the ones that are most talked about and end up with the most readers. I have noticed my readership climb and climb the more I offer techniques & concrete ideas.
Yes, this does mean that you are showing more of your cards to your readers. You are letting people you do not know into your space and into your world. Yes, this can be uncomfortable at moments. It can also be a way to grow your business and readership, however.
If you show your carpet and talk about how much you love it, your readers want to know how much it was and where they can have one just like it. You must get used to sharing information & having your readers engaged enough that they want more.
Certainly, if there are things that you’d rather not talk about you don’t have to. I never reveal the name of my mover or prices that I give to clients. These are things that may hurt me and my business. Otherwise, I try to be open and share honestly so that I can have the blessed position of teacher and writer.
Fiona with my mover’s dog.
There is a freedom in being open and willing to share what you know. You will find that you are not losing anything by doing so. Just as we are all snowflakes everything we product is unique and different from our readers and neighbors.
LOVE this post Christen! When I first started using ASCP, I watched all your YouTube videos to learn how to use it (thank you!). People will ask why I share a tutorial for a sign I sell in my Etsy shop and this is exactly why! The DIY types want to do it themselves and that’s awesome. I sell them for anyone who doesn’t. 🙂 Pinning to share! Have a great day!
Thanks (again) for sharing! Your videos on YouTube made me feel like I was listening to a close friend share her passion for paint. Your blog is the only one I follow, exactly because of what you posted – it feels personal, honest and real. Thanks for doing what you do!
I think I paint a lot more like your little girl than you. I could never paint in a pretty dress or on carpet. My hat’s off to you! Great post.
Gigi @ Old World Patina
It takes true inner confidence to share. I love that you teach and share. It makes me want to follow along with you more because I know that you do your own thing and inspire others to do their own thing. And the next thing you know, we are all trying to help one another and the world just becomes a better place to be. You rock!
Christen, this is such a timely post for me personally. I just lamented to my sis, who btw is a longtime follower of yours, the difficulty in growing readership. I’m a newbie and after spending two years planning the launch of my shop and blog, I’m realizing it will take another two years of hard work creating good content and building relationships before I see followers. (Kinda like allowing nine months to get back into your pre-pregnancy clothes.) Your advice is spot on.
This advice is why readers continue to follow. Giving diy instruction is so helpful and will give you reader/customer loyalty. Thank you!
I love to follow your blog, it inspires me, it is like talking with a friend, love that you share your knowledge with us, THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I am a long time DIY-er and a newbie blogger. I love your blog, your style and your insightful posts.
Your post reminds me of this quote: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
― William Arthur Ward
Thank you Christen for inspiring!
PS Fiona is darling!
I loved this post! Honest and realistic, and great advice for new bloggers like me. Thanks! Can’t wait to read more! 🙂 x