Targeting an Audience - Blogging

"You can only build something massive by starting with something small!" — Danny Iny, founder of Firepole Marketing.

Have you ever thought about who is reading your posts? Who are you connected with on social media and does your writing resonate within the right community? Does it help people become better, happier, sexier, informed? 

The first thing you should do is identify your targeted audience. Is this audience right for you? Be honest, are they interested in what you are saying. If they are, you'll have an easier time identifying whether you are connecting with them or not, if not then target a new audience. Keep track of key words and use them, this enables you to keep up on trends, conversations, brands, events, etc. within your desired field.

Use Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms and dig deep, to get to the meat and bones and the very essence associated with your own social media community. Know or find out who's who, in your community and build a relationship with them.

You could conduct surveys and ask them directly, what your members thoughts and ideas are. Don't stick with just one but do multiple surveys and ask in-depth questions.

Listen to your audience, and gain their trust by putting out credible information. Hear what they are talking about, then go with the flow. Good content creates strong emotions which enables you to connect.

Provide value, this will distinguish you from the rest, be different and don't worry yourself to death trying to being too original, all you need is to throw in your own twist on an already popular topic. The "untapped niche" is the biggest myth in the blogging community.

Don't worry about being perfect, no one is. Treat your readers as individuals rather than a mass of readers. It's just logical. If someone talks directly to you, you like it, and you listen. So, write as if talking to one person at a time.  

Storytelling offers value. It's your personal connection to your audience, don't lose it! Never, never try to please everyone, your content will suffer.  Use criticism to your advantage, as a tool to correct matters.

Make your audience part of your blog, people love helping other people and they love feeling as if they belong and are eager to share.

Don't dictate, no one cares to listen to, a know-it-all.

Aim high.