It doesn't matter what kind of web site you have you must
understand your target audience and know what it is that
they want. Please notice that I used the word want and not
the word need. There is a world of difference between wants
and needs. For example you might need a means of getting
from A to B and almost any vehicle would fulfil that need;
but what you really want is a top of the range BMW!
I write my blog with just one person in mind. In my minds
eye I have come to know that person intimately, I understand
his goals, his dreams and his aspirations and I know the
things that really interests him. He is my ideal reader, he
soaks up every word and he clicks every link I include in
each blog post.
Clearly, you can't please all the people all of the time.
So, the best strategy is to focus on pleasing the people you
can influence. You don't want passive readers, you want
people who will take action. Readers who will click a link
because you have recommended a new eBook or a new software
product. Readers who will click the "Buy Now" button and
earn you an affiliate commission.
So, what do you need to know about your target audience?
You will get two types of people coming to your site...
People with whom you have built up a relationship and who
like to read your blog. People who have come to your site
for the very first time. You have two jobs to do. You have
to keep the first type of people coming back and you have to
grab the second type of people's attention, persuade them to
stay long enough to engage their interest and to convert
them to loyal readers.
Just think - when you are online what is it that you want to
achieve? The majority of people online are looking for
something. It's unlikely that they are just surfing in a
random fashion, although some people will do that. When
online people are usually looking for specific information
or seeking the solution to a problem.
Your job as a blogger is to make that information, and those
solutions, available so that they can be found. In other
words your content must closely match the wants of your
target audience.
Make sure that your blog has a well defined theme and try to
stick to making posts that stay on topic. Keep up to data
with the news within the theme of your blog and provide your
readers with your opinions on relevant and interesting
items. Encourage feedback and always respond to questions
from your readers.
Use a blog script or service that allows the easy addition
of RSS feeds so that your blog site has fresh new content as
soon as it is available.
Above all remember that each and every visitor to your site
is a real person with feelings and emotions and be prepared
to reveal something yourself in your posts. Your readers are
much more likely to trust you if you allow them to get to
know you.
About the Author
John Taylor is a prolific writer, he is the author of several
Internet Marketing related eBooks, including "Testing
