How To Connect Emotionally with Your Readers
Creating an emotional connection with your readership is one of keys to blogging success. Without that emotion attachment, you’re going to have a really hard time separating your blog from the other 120+ million blogs in the blogsphere.
Look at all the blogs that you visit everyday. Why do you visit them and not the other blogs in the same niche? Chances are, you go because you have some kind of emotional connection with that blog or blogger. Here’s some tips on how you can create that connection.
State Your Name
When I come across a new blog, the first thing I like to do is find out something about the owner. I’ve lost track on the number of times I’ve come across a blog and the owner is completely anonymous. The posts are made by “Admin” and the About page has nothing on it or worst, there is no About page at all.
Blogging is a personal medium and that mean it’s all about trust. If you’re gong to start a blog then at the very least, you need to let everyone know your name. And I’m talking your real name, not some nickname you use for World of Warcraft.
If you’re willing to give more than your name, like where you live and what you do, that’s even better. Generally, the more information your provide, the higher the trust level and emotional connection you create.
Show Your Face
If you really want your readers to connect with you emotionally, then try showing a picture of yourself. People love putting names to faces and posting a pic shows you’re a real person.
I realize that some people have security concerns about posting their photos online but that shouldn’t be an issue. Chances are there are photos of you online already. You’ll be amazed at how many people don’t know their mug is on someone’s Facebook page.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Showing your face to your readers will greatly enhance your ability to connect with them. If you want to go beyond the picture, then show a video. They’re worth a million words.
Tell Your Story
By now, you’ve probably figured out that the more information you reveal about yourself, the more emotionally connected you’ll be with your readers. This is where telling your story will really make a big impact. I know that the post showing the house where I grew up created a huge emotional response and this is kind of connection that makes my blog stand out from everyone else.
The most common place to tell your story is in your About page. Aside from your blog home page, your About page will be the second most read page. It will also be the page where you can generate the most emotional connection because it will all be about you. If your blog doesn’t have an About page, you need to make one.
You might think your story is boring and that there’s nothing to tell but let your readers decide that. If they’re interested in your blog, it means they are interested in you. So let them know who you are and where you’ve come from.
Interact with Your Readers
When readers are emotionally connected to your blog, they will reach out to you. When they do, it’s very important to reach back and interact with them. If they post a question in your comments, then please go answer it. That will create trust and make the connection stronger.
I go one step further by trying to interact with my readers face to face. I attend many local networking events and will try organize a face to face meet up if I’m in a new city. Believe me, once you meet a reader face to face, you’ll have that reader for life.
Offer Multiple Ways To Connect
Blog are just one way to connect with your readers. With the explosion of social media, you can now connect with readers on dozens of channels. Making yourself available on these other social network will help to increase the connection you have with your readers. In addition to the blog, readers can connect with me via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr, etc. You should definitely use social media to your advantage.
Create a Strong Brand
In the end, what you are trying to do is create a brand for yourself. I’m really big on branding because it really your only advantage. I know there are lots of people who know more about making money online than me. I know there are people who write a lot better than me. But you know what? When people ask what blogs they should read to find out how to make money online, my blog is one of the few names that always pops up. That’s the power of the brand.
By being completely open about yourself, you will connect with your readers on an emotional level. Once you create that kind of connection, your competition will have a hell of a time trying to break it. Get enough readers to connect with your blog emotionally and you’ll become a brand name. And that is a very good place to be.
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Awesome tips John! Keep up the great work!
Ant’s last blog post: How to Add Password Protected Feeds into Google Reader
I seriously need to thanks John personally for this. These are some awesome tips. I need to create a about page asap now.
fas’s last blog post: Do You Workout?
I think your interaction with the readers is the most relevant point about connecting emotionally, but this is only possible if they leave a comment. Getting them to leave a comment depends entirely on each individual post. If your post elicits a comment from your reader then the way you respond top that comment can cement a lasting relationship with the commentator.
Sire’s last blog post: There Is No Way In Hell That A Man Can Please A Woman
The emphasis of commenting and RSS readers is highly overrated. I read John’s blog all the time and I haven’t added him to my RSS yet and I’ve commented probably less than 5 times.
RSS and high number of comments look good on a credibility standpoint but building a relationship is a lot more than just comments. John goes everywhere with his bad English – every dot com pHo to Twitter has the same typos as his blog.
I think I just burned John twice in this one comment but I really am trying to compliment him on his ‘legit’ness.
Case in point – check out all that evilness he does with them lobsters.
Sam’s last blog post: M&M Ear Bud Headphones Unripping & Review
Even though it is your opinion that commenting is overrated, and to substantiate it you use yourself as a prime example, there are many who would beg to differ. I know of many blogs, including my own, where bloggers participate in active commenting to build relationships.
Sire’s last blog post: A Related Post Plugin For WordPress Makes Sense
I agree with you Sire, when I started to commenting in others people blogs, I also started to build a community around my blog. I help them they help me. The blogosphere It is some sort of Brotherhood.
Marketing Business Review’s last blog post: Working From Home Business That Pays You In Your First 24 Hours
Yea, blogging is all about sharing experiences, thoughts and etc. Commenting in others blogs could bring some potential loyal readers to your blog too if your comment is really helpful and relevant. So, commenting is important in building community too.
Good view!
Regards,
Lee
Lee Ka Hoong’s last blog post: 12 Advices In Making Money Online
I’m glad someone agrees with me, I was starting to get a complex
Sire’s last blog post: A Related Post Plugin For WordPress Makes Sense
Sorry if you misunderstood what I am saying. I’m not fully disagreeing with you.
“If your post elicits a comment from your reader then the way you respond top that comment can cement a lasting relationship with the commentator”
I agree with this wholeheartedly. Responses are what make blogging what it is.
The point I was trying to make that I hold reserve about comments being the only way to create emotional ties to your readers.
Sam’s last blog post: The very first #NHLTweetup Hashtagging
I think the discussion that needs to be evaluated in this situation is whether or not there are (obviously) some people out there who use commenting to not engage in discussion, opinion, and relationship, but rather use it as a means to get more hits on their own site..
Particularly the unspecific “great post” commentators..
But it does seem like blogging is a give and take relationship, and that at one point or another interaction is what leads to better trust..
Now, whether or not this is a suitable or perhaps the best way to gain credibility amongst readers–becomes the object of your own opinion..
Melody’s last blog post: Winning the AzoogleAds/Playboy T-shirt Design Contest…
Maybe using video personal video and talk or teach about something can build emotional too, because the reader see the face and watch the website owner.
Well, that’s not the only way. They can also send you emails.
TYCP Entertainment Magazine’s last blog post: Courtney Van Dusen Interview
fantastic tips John. I fully agree with the picture and also the bio part…when I first go to a blog, regardless of its content or how interested I am initially, I go to the bio to see what the person is about. I enjoy reading some of the stories some people have and it really enable me to establish a connection, especially if I can relate with something in their bio (about me) page.
Aman@BullsBattleBears’s last blog post: Freebie Monday #18 – Free Food!! – Wings (USA) / Ice Cream (CANADA)
I definitely agree. Going one step further, you can make sure to try and reply to anyone who tweets @ you
Andrew@jetcomx’s last blog post: Chester French & Clinton Sparks Present Jacques Jams Vol. 1: Endurance
Nice tips! Your story is a good motivation for those who wants to be successful and use your example.
Silvia’s last blog post: Незваные скачать фильм онлайн
Thats why I like blogging, it all comes down to be like friends and be trusted by your readers it is a must for any success within your blog or business.
Marketing Business Review’s last blog post: Working From Home Business That Pays You In Your First 24 Hours
John you’re good in all points stated above, that’s why you can always see us in your blog.
I agree that Face to Face meet up is a very great method to communicate with your reader, of course you have to be friend with them, show your real attitudes (Just be yourself). If they found you interesting and friendly, they’ll be your loyal readers forever.
Regards,
Lee
Lee Ka Hoong’s last blog post: 12 Advices In Making Money Online
Yeah, that’s why I love blogging – meeting new people, making new friends, it’s great
I would say showing your face is the most important of all because that brings your credibility higher.
I think you do a very good job at this John!
Ben Pei’s last blog post: MIKEY Worm Hits Twitter!
Yea, I think so. Especially face on video, it helps a lot more than a face on photo.
I admit that John do a very great job too, I enjoy watching John on video. (Erherm..I’m not g@y..lol!)
Regards,
Lee
Yep, especially if you’re trying to sell products to people.
TYCP Entertainment Magazine’s last blog post: Courtney Van Dusen Interview
@Sire I’d have to agree with you up there buddy, the relationships I’ve built from interactions at your blog and then back at mine really make blogging the fun conversations and relationships that it was intended to be!
The Almost Millionaire’s last blog post: Is a Pizza Franchise a Good Investment?
Too right mate. After all, blogging was never all about money, it was the sharing of ideas and experiences.
Sire’s last blog post: A Related Post Plugin For WordPress Makes Sense
Great advice, John! I too believe you have to have a level of trust and just put yourself out there. Sometimes I wonder what others (people I know) will think of some of the blog posts I write, but then I just shrug it off. If I can help at least one person find meaningful, REAL work from home, or help them find HUGE savings on something that interests them, then my blog has fulfilled its’ mission.
Melissa’s last blog post: Now Get Huge Discounts On Brand Name Products With Reverse Auctions!
Yeah, I think that my next move is to show my face because right now it’s just info.
Make Money Online’s last blog post: Make Money Online With Bear Marketing
Showing your face and telling a little about yourself really helps connect your readers to you. Also, asking and responding to comments helps build a relationship with those readers. When you do these things it connects with your readers on a more human, emotional level and it creates loyal readers because they feel that have a connection to you.
Elizabeth’s last blog post: Crowdsourcing is for lemmings…or how to leverage crowdsourcing in your CRM?
You are one of the ‘blog gurus’ I follow and for good reason – you understand the behavioral motives your readers have. All humans (with the exception of sociopaths) have an inner need to be connected to others. And enlarging the info on your about page and answering comments and tweets is a great way to connect. Speaking of connecting, I will be adding some of your comments to my blog, as a guest blog guru. Would you like to link to mine? As a newbie blogger, I’m sharing info I learn with other newbies. http://Ublog4money.blogspot.com
Hey John! Very interesting post that made me think. I know it is best to show your face and photos, but I am a bit resisstent about it? I don`t know is it just me or is this a common things. My story is a bet with my dad I can make 51 grand online. I believe in my goal, but don`t want to make a fool of myself in public.
What do you say guys?
John – did you share your photo right from the start or after you alreday had a brand?
Again thanks for an interesting point of view.
51 Grand’s last blog post: Twitter World
Another great post John
I think I need to make another “My Story” post sometime soon
I’ve started blogging a month now. With only a trickle of viewers. I read your suggestions and slowly try to incorporate your ideas. Just when I think you can’t possibly come up with more interesting, useful tips -blam- how to emotionally connect with readers. An excellent article, I’lll be be using these along with “Making money Online” a real source of ideas I return to over and over. My blog is about Art and it’s not the most popular topic around. If you get a chance when you return from China, Please give my blog a look. Errol.
Nice post John! I’ve done some of what you told here like stating name, showing face (thru multiply site), telling story, and interaction with readers.
Millionaire Acts’s last blog post: Save Money at the Supermarket
I don’t think this is the only way of rolling. There are successful blogs with relatively anonymous admins/owners/writers on them. Anyone have any idea what Weasel looks like?
needmoney.com’s last blog post: Email Marketing – How to Avoid the Spam Blockers and Filters
Great post as usual! I have been reading your blog for about two years now, and I can say that it’s thanks to you that I started blogging a few days ago.
Benjamin Cip’s last blog post: Free traffic exchange
I really like your insight into how to run and make money on a blog. I read the ebook and plan to bring up my own blog in the near future. Thanks for all the help…
Good tips. thanks John
Edgar’s last blog post: This Friday, April 17th
I would like to tell your readers that whenever i ping you a private IM message for discussing a problem you always rush to me for help. Hat off to you John.
There is only one John Chow who is so generous.
Well last post on my blog also talk about the same.
Shanker Bakshi’s last blog post: Seven Things You Do Not Know About Me
Generosity is a great quality of one’s soul.John is a good example to follow.
Silvia’s last blog post: Прохождение гры Godfather 2 – Крестный отец 2
Really nice post.i like it.but i think face value is much more emotionally to connect with your readers..
Free Movies’s last blog post: Top Ten Highly Anticipated Hollywood Movies of 2009
thanks for tips…for keeping close to reader
Very good advice here.
I try not to get too personal with my readers but it always helps if you get a little bit personal as it helps you stand out from the rest of the blogs in your niche.
Dean Saliba’s last blog post: Snapbomb, More Than A Snappy Name
Many people are a bit hesitant to reveal much about themselves for fear of identity theft. Even so you can be personal without being too personal.
Michael@TheBloggerSource’s last blog post: Friday Mix – No. 4
Absolutely correct. Anyone can throw a cold reading blog up, it takes talent to connect with readers on a personal basis.
paul wk’s last blog post: Ping for more web page hits
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hit every reader that comes to my website emotionally. Some of my posts inspire people to do wild unimaginable things…
I even frustrate some of my readers… it’s a way to keep them coming back!
John owner of Thin and Rich dot com
Sadly, the “STORY” to be told by a lot of bloggers are very fake or just pushing it too much by giving too much information for the reader to have emotional strikes.
-Mike
I still use a nickname. However, it is better than “admin”!
One more thing that can be added to interaction is personal e-mails or Thank You for Commenting mails. They add personal touch!
Mr. I’s last blog post: Five Things That Instantly Destroy An Idea For A Blog Post
This is an awesome post, really great information, thank you john!
Rick Kats’s last blog post: Building A Brand Name That Lasts
This is a great blog!
I agree with you on connecting with your readers emotionally. In order to gain their trust, you must show them who you are. Don’t hide behind a mask.
Although you don’t have to be too personal, a little interaction here and there helps too.
I agree with everything you said. A great way to show your face on posts is to use a Gravatar. I’ve had people tell me that it was nice to put a face to my name.
TYCP Entertainment Magazine’s last blog post: Courtney Van Dusen Interview
I think it’s important to belong to a community and one of the best ways is through blog commenting. Not everyone comment just for the sake of getting backlinks alone. That’s a bonus for joining this community and starting and making new conversations on each other’s blogs ought to be the first reasons.
Peter Lee
Work At Home Blog’s last blog post: Less SEO Tags for More Visitors
I agree with connecting emotionally with readers, but am still not getting many comments on my posts. I hate to overdo the personal information ad nauseum (do you really want to know what’s in my purse?), because I think people will lose interest.
Your thoughts are great. What I like best is your ideas on “sharing your story.” Crafting a well done “About” page is always an great idea for blogs – as you can share photos, your hobbies, activities, credentials, and much more.
Smart Boy Designs’s last blog post: Love Your Blog Topic Like Stephen Hawking Loves Science
Man, I should put my real face on my website. time to go real.
Kent’s last blog post: GFI Released New Build of MailArchiver
I have posted about the necessity and the power of Readerships since I read your “Make Money Online…” ebook that give me so many ideas to my posts
I’m just one of those 120 million other blogs that are trying to be heard above the noise in the blogosphere.
One observation though: no matter how I tried to write valuable posts consistently – and I managed to come up with a good number of them actually – it’s always the About Page and Contact Page that’s a constant on my top 5 most visited pages.
And yes, it has a picture of me and descriptions of what I do and who I think I am.
Your advice on connecting with readers emotionally is simple yet very potent. So simple in fact that many bloggers pay little attention to doing it at all.
Splendid post – love it.
jan_geronimo’s last blog post: The Secret to Earning a Good StumbleUpon Review
I always do relate some serious stuff to my personal experience in order to build the “proximity” with my readers. Great post, I have yet to try other elements.
Exposing SEO Techniques’s last blog post: Listen to Howard Stern Exposing a Screeching Beyonce
Yet another great post! That’s why you are where you are at! Keep it coming and keep it up!
Michael Zhao’s last blog post: End of Second Week.