BT: Answer me this: Finding a Niche + The Purpose of WP.

Brainstorming questions and ideas

Welcome to the 6th installment of the BLOGGING TIPS!

If you have missed the previous ones, feel free to check out:

JANUARY – rules; an introduction

FEBRUARY – tells you how to get the most comments.

MARCH – gives you tips on how to promote your content.

APRIL – gives great advice to newbies and reminds us of the basics.

MAY – reveals what to do to gain a following and what not to do if you do not want to lose the audience you already have.

I hope you find some things there that will help you make your blogging world a better place.

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May’s question:

What type of content do you read most often? (ex.: lifestyle, book reviews, poetry, etc.)

OUR answers:

What did I learn from the comment section? That I should have come up with better-defined categories prior to asking the above question. It turns out that we all have different ideas when it comes to classifying blog posts. That is why I asked my search engine to tell me what “lifestyle” means.

Lifestyle is expressed in (…) behavior patterns and (…) in activities, attitudes, interests, opinions, values, and allocation of income. It also reflects people’s self-image or self-concept; the way they see themselves and believe they are seen by the others.

Some of the subcategories of “lifestyle” include: blogging, faith, travel, relationships, news, music, self-improvement, technology, writing, beauty, health. As you can see, that is a pretty wide range of topics.

Undeniably, as expected, authentic/ relatable content (i.e. lifestyle/ personal) was the no.1 answer. Below, you can find all the categories mentioned. I tried to sort them by popularity, from the most often read to those read by few.

TOP CATEGORY:

  • lifestyle/ personal blogs (where the author shares their life experiences)

3 RUNNER-UPS:

  • original stories/ poetry
  • blogging/ writing related
  • motivational/ inspirational posts

HONORABLE MENTION:

  • technology

THE REST:

  • entertainment
  • controversial content
  • well-being/ psychology
  • educational posts (research/ history)
  • writing challenges
  • book/ movie reviews
  • travel
  • art
  • beauty and fashion
  • biking (cycling)
  • photography
  • history
  • education
  • news
  • politics
  • cooking
  • religion/ spirituality
  • any- and every- thing

June’s question:

What do you use WordPress (or whichever other blogging platforms) for? (Feel free to copy the below template when answering the question.)

1) Writing (assign percentage):

  • to share expertise (assign percentage)
  • to release your thoughts and feelings (assign percentage)
  • to practice writing (assign percentage)
  • to build a platform for future sales (assign percentage)
  • to find like-minded people (assign percentage)
  • other (please specify and assign percentage)
  • to kill time (assign percentage)

2) Reading (assign percentage):

  • to kill time (assign percentage)
  • to learn new things (assign percentage)
  • to connect/ maintain a relationship with other bloggers (assign percentage)
  • to find inspiration
  • other (please specify and assign percentage)

3) Other (please specify and assign percentage):

 

***

A huge THANK YOU to those who participated last month. You are making this blogging world a better place. Please consider contributing this time around, too.

This time around, special thanks go to Beaton for directly answering the question, and putting his reply in a way that made it easier for me to quantify it.

***

Please feel free to go through my Contact page and share with me what YOU would like investigated and answered by the Community next month.

Stay golden,

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***

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94 thoughts on “BT: Answer me this: Finding a Niche + The Purpose of WP.”

Add yours

  2. I use WordPress for writing
    1. To release my thoughts- 40%
    2. To practise writing- 40%
    3. To find like minded people- 20% ( because finding like minded people is a byproduct of blogging)
    I use WordPress for reading
    1. to learn new things- 20%
    2. to connect/ maintain a relationship with other bloggers- 55%
    3. to find inspiration- 35%

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. 🙂
      Thank you for answering and doing so in this format.
      I don’t know about you, but I had no idea how important and inevitable relationships between bloggers are until I started blogging. Fascinating.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. My pleasure, Goldie! Yes, initially, blogging was a platform for me to present my poetry and writing, and express myself. But now it has also become a platform for me to improve my writing by learning from others and to share my thoughts with them.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  3. First of all, wow, time is flying!! I can’t believe we’re in the the June installment already..I’ve been questioning why I use the tag “life” a lot. Obviously we’re alive if I’m writing and others are reading my writing. But it’s a really popular tag on my blog though. So I can see how lifestyle and personal blogs is the top category.

    1) Writing (60-65%):

    to share expertise (30%)
    to release your thoughts and feelings (30%)
    to practice writing (30%)
    to build a platform for future sales (x)
    to find like-minded people (10%)
    other (x)
    to kill time (x)

    2) Reading (40-35%):

    to kill time (x)
    to learn new things (33%)
    to connect/ maintain a relationship with other bloggers (33%)
    to find inspiration (33%)
    other (x)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. 1) Writing:
    25% to share expertise
    10% to release your thoughts and feelings
    50% to build a platform for future sales
    15% to find like-minded people

    2) Reading:
    20% to kill time
    75% to connect/ maintain a relationship with other bloggers
    5% to find inspiration

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I write with WordPress in order to:
    1. Share my expertise. — 20%
    2. Release my thoughts. — 15%
    3. Practise writing. — 30%
    4. Find like-minded people — 30%
    5. Build a platform for future sales. — 5%

    B) I read with it to:
    1. Learn new things — 40%
    2. Connect with other bloggers — 40%
    3. To find inspiration — 20%

    I’m still freaked out that we’re roughly six months away from 2020. I haven’t wasted this year, but I can’t say that I’ve achieved much, either.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. How would you assign the percentage for writing vs. reading?

      I KNOW! It’s absolutely insane how we’re half way there. It will just get worse. Well, at least for me, because the first half doesn’t have any holidays. Now there will be quite a few, so they year will drag less. Meaning it will run even faster.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

        1. Yea, I’ve noticed that you haven’t been writing too much this year. But I know how busy you are, and I understand. Plus, the quality of your posts is always great, so I wouldn’t like to see you compromise that just to write more often.

          As long as you read my stuff, I’m good. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

          1. My inconsistency isn’t something to be proud of, and I’ve accepted that as far as my blog is concerned, I’ve wasted the first half of this year. But I’ve resolved to make the second half count for something. TBH, I don’t even know if I’ll publish any post this month. Yeah, I’m writing some blog posts, but I think I’ll just schedule them for next month since I’ll be having my exams that time, and I’d have little or no chance to write or blog. I’m using this month to plan a new strategy and brainstorm some ideas for the remaining six months of this year. I want to present a new me and a new blog to the world. I want to be disciplined and consistent. And I want to achieve all the blogging goals that I set at the beginning of this year.

            I’m even considering bringing back my old 9Perspectives series. (Shhh. Don’t tell anyone just yet!)
            I’ve got a large following on FB, but for some reason I don’t understand, I stopped promoting my blog on Facebook last year. [sigh] I have so much work to do this coming months. I’m sorry for ranting… Just wanted to get that out there.

            And I couldn’t stop reading your blog, even if I wanted to! 😂

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply

            1. I completely understand your frustrations. Every now and then I get upset with myself for not putting in more effort into this blogging thing (especially promotion). But then life takes over. I think a big part of it is that I don’t enjoy spending prolonged periods of time on social media and promoting myself. It sounds like work to me. And I cannot work once I’m done with work. It’s too much work and not enough time to enjoy myself.

              I hope that you meet your goals sooner than later.

              Liked by 1 person

              Reply

  6. 1) Writing 50%

    to share expertise 80%
    to release your thoughts and feelings 10%
    to practice writing 1%
    to find like-minded people 9%

    2) Reading 50%

    to learn new things 33%
    to connect/ maintain a relationship with other bloggers 33%
    to find inspiration 33%

    In my Solomonsadvisor, I focus on Leadership. Apparently, that is not even on the radar for most readers. I thought that would be a cool subject…unique and insightful. Ooops!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. The results from last month’s question just confirmed what I’ve already known – there are better and worse niches… The thing is that I have to stay true to myself. While I can grow and expand my horizons, I couldn’t just write about something because I know it’s going to be popular.

      Like

      Reply

  7. I’m sorry, but I can’t quite wrap my mind around the template haha, so you can filter my answers into your categories.

    Why I write– I simply love to write first and foremost, and believe I have stories, inspiration, and advice worth sharing
    Why I read– to get inspiration or knowledge from others, to maintain friendships/blogging connections, and to do for others what I would want them to do for me (i.e. support them)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Writing (74%):
    Expression — 65% (Two words: Teenage. Angst.)
    Connection — 8.99% (Frankly, I’m surprised at every like and comment. Pleasantly surprised; But I’m not often gregarious. When it comes to directly interacting with people, I’m all too aware of my deficiencies, and I often shirk as opposed to making mistakes)
    Practice — 0.01% (…what? 😝)

    Reading (26%):
    Connection — 15%
    Inspiration — 11% (I procrastinate. If I’m stuck in my writing, I’ll go and read. Oftentimes, one thing will lead to another.)

    No idea if that’s 100% (hehe…) accurate, but that’s what I’ve come up with tonight.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Practice!!!! You sound like an introvert. HEHE. Don’t shoot for perfection, shoot for connection. Reply to comments with “Thank you” to start. That way they know you read (and cared about) their comments.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

        1. I think expanding conversations is something that I struggle with sometimes, too. For various reasons. Make sure you understand those and are fine with those. If not, then try and work around them.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

          1. Well, you do pretty good with it. When you say ‘reasons,’ are you talking psychological? Because I would love it if you are. I find psychology fascinating. My grasp of the scholarly is sorely lacking, but I consider psychological insight, especially awareness of one’s own character, of great importance.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply

              1. Right?! I ought to spend more time on that kind of stuff than just the occasional personality test… I’d love to learn more about it. I have discussions with my sister, but I’m not sure if that counts. I mean, I’m still a horrible judge of character.

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply

                    4. Really? That I have a metaphorical pair of rose-colored glasses, or that I don’t have any for real? ‘Cause to the latter, I just don’t wear glasses. Not even sunglasses. It feels unnatural to me. And anyway, my relationship with pink and many of those “girly” colors is rather lukewarm. Ever since post the princess era, I think: the typical turnaround of a child. Though, I suppose it can be a pretty color. Especially in flowers; Some of my favorite flowers are pink. Like roses, and bleeding hearts.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    5. That you do have a metaphorical pair. I don’t think I do. Most of your pieces are rather… dark. And from conversing a bit with you, I figured that if you ever saw rose-colored glasses, you would crush them beneath your feet (metaphorically).

                      Liked by 1 person

                    6. Lol! Well, I can be dark. And I’m not above a little crushing when I’m in the mood. But bear in mind, I’ve spent most of my life in my own little world: a world of fairytales, magic, love, and honor. I never saw anything outside of my ideals. But I’ve gotten a little older, gotten glimpses: the world isn’t really like that. Sometimes it seems downright cold and lifeless. THAT crushes my rose-colored glasses. But I always keep the shards.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    8. Thanks. Though I don’t know if I’d say “better.” There are pros and cons to all ways of looking at the world. And anyway, it’s not my only pair of glasses. It’s just the one I seem to keep closest.

                      By the way, what’s your favorite personality test, and what’s your score, if you don’t mind sharing? I’d love to compare.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    9. I haven’t done those in a while.
                      And the results seem to have changed through the years. I’m not sure why, though. I’m somehow worried about figuring out an answer to that. Maybe I’ve just… evolved. Or maybe it’s something else.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    10. That sounds pretty natural to me. I like the pretty little boxes, but can you really expect to fit neatly into a single one? We’re human beings, with a myriad of very human characteristics that come out to different degrees at different times. I don’t think that’s good or bad, it just… is.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    12. I’ve always found definitive answers to be elusive things. Perhaps because I’m too afraid to ask the right questions. It’s too bad you’ve stopped doing those tests though. They may not hold all the answers, but they can still be a lot of fun.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    13. I usually push until I find the deepest answer. This time around I seem to be too lost to find it.
                      Indeed, if I see one, I like to do it every now and again just to see what silly answer I get.

                      Liked by 1 person

    2. 1. Thank you for replying in such a structured way. I know it can seem limiting to some.
      2. I like how … precise your percetantage estimates are.
      3. I have to admit that my introvert side does come out sometimes in the comment section, too. However, I feel like you’ve been expanding with that recently.
      4. Some people use WP as a way to sharpen their writing skills. They practice so they can write something amazing and publish in a more traditional way. Speaking of, I wonder if that will die at some point (traditional publishing), because it has been certainly headed that way.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. 1. Nonsense! I’m in no way mathematically inclined, but throwing out percentages can be fun. There’s much chaos to my order, you see. Though, I’m 98% sure at least 50% of my percentages *were* correct within an, oh, 20% margin of error?
        2. Oho! Do I sense some sarcasm? 😝
        3. I’ve been a little braver. But it comes and goes. There are still times where I’ll write up a whole comment and then just… Delete it. Why should I inflict my opinions on the poor, unsuspecting world? If I’m posting this, though, then I suppose that’s an improvement.
        4. I haven’t really got any grand aspirations of the writing variety. About publishing, though: I suspect you’re right to wonder. I don’t know much about publishing (anything at all, really), but — the internet. Why involve a third party for something that, nowadays, you can probably do yourself?

        Liked by 1 person

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        1. 1, You made me chickle with the 20% margin.
          2. Not at all. It just made me wonder how one decided that something is worth 0.01%.
          3. I hope you never delete your comments on my page. You’d be depriving the world of words to ponder.
          4. Like you, I don’t know much (if at all) about it, either. However, the traditional publishing still seems to be esteemed more. Anyone can publish independently. Not everyone can be actually chosen to be published by a house.

          Liked by 1 person

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          1. My cohorts and I have self-published 5 books now. They are for sale on Amazon and Lulu and available in one library and one book store in hard copy. Three of the 5 books have been available at the Toastmasters International Convention Book Store and that’s a big deal! There’s something awesome about opening that big box of books with your name emblazoned on them and your picture on the back.

            Liked by 1 person

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          2. 1. I’m sorry… But you made ME chickle. 😂 I get a huge kick out of typos sometimes. Usually my own, but I’ll take what I can get.
            2. Oh, I wasn’t criticizing. Au contraire; I often enjoy a spot of sarcasm. Besides… How DOES one decide something is worth 0.01%? It’s a mystery; one deserving of a certain percentage of sarcasm. I’d say… 0.02%?
            3. Lol! That’s kind. But my words, are a paradox. Sometimes it’s best not to ponder too hard.
            4. True. It’s like movies, I guess: There are a ton out there: some good, some less so. But even if they’re good, it doesn’t mean they’re going to get watched. There are many that get lost in the cracks. But attach something familiar to it — in the case of movies, an actor or director, for example — and it’s that much more likely to get picked up off the floor.

            Liked by 1 person

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              1. 1. Ah, yes. The time-consuming process of rereading something fifteen times before daring to hit post.Sometimes I’m proud of that habit; Sometimes I just need to get things done, and wish I were free of such an inhibition.
                3. Lol! We’ll have to agree to disagree. 😝

                Liked by 1 person

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      1. Lol, ok. Here goes:

        1) Writing (100%):

        Expression/Catharsis (60%)
        Practice (5%)
        Connection (34%)
        To kill time (1%) — I don’t need help killing time. Time is typically already dead the moment I walk into the room.

        2) Reading (100%):

        To kill time (2%) — eh… zombies.
        Education (15%)
        Connection (50%)
        Inspiration (15%)
        Other/Just Plain Enjoyment (18%) — Sometimes, people other than me have this wonderful knack for creating something that matches my own sympathies perfectly… something that plucks at my heartstrings and/or draws me into another world — or is eerily like looking at a mirror back into my own. I love finding those little gems; anything that can so touch my heart, may have it.

        Liked by 1 person

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  9. When it comes to WordPress, this place is the avenue in which I share my thoughts and feelings in the form of words and rhymes. I don’t know of many other outlets to express my words or myself, and I don’t consider myself to be a writer/poet/blogger, or anything of that sort. Moving onto the numbers; I don’t post as often as I used to, although I’m trying to make an effort.

    Writing: 10% if not less.
    To release my thoughts and feelings would make up roughly 80% while practicing would make up the remaining 20%. I’ve got ideas and stories I’d like to write, but haven’t been able to bring myself to start, continue, or complete them, much less actually publish them here or anywhere. I’m struggling on that end. It’s not that I’ve lost interest, or that I’m facing a block, but rather that I cannot bring myself to move and take action in actually doing the writing.

    Reading would account for the remaining 90% because of the ratio of what I publish, to what I read. When it comes to reading, that can be divided up evenly across the board. I read for all the reasons you’ve listed including other (though I can’t think of an example of “other” at the moment).

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you for yet another in-depth comment.
      Why don’t you consider yourself a writer/poet/blogger, or anything of that sort? I actually hear that quite often (and I feel like I am among that group, too, but am trying to break free of those binds) and I’m curious as to what your explanation is.

      I can totally relate to the struggle with starting, continuing, finishing and publishing. I do not have a solution. The only thing that really works for me is just doing it. It’s like with anything else in my life. I tell myself that I’ve gotta do it. That it’s a challenge, and I can conquer it. I MUST. I understand that technique might not be for everyone and that it might be beneficial only in certain situations.

      Let me know if you ever think of that “other”. Like you, I felt like there should be something, but it wouldn’t come to me, so I hoped my readers would fill in the blanks.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  10. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t bring myself to refer to myself as any of those without actual published materials (blogging aside). Until such a time comes where I do have something that has been published, maybe then I can use those titles. After all, I’m still struggling with getting anything completed.

    On that note, the struggle is real. I know it’s mostly myself that’s holding me back – my self-doubt to be more precise. I have the means to put my thoughts and ideas onto paper and on a digital document, but bringing myself to actually do so is where I get stuck. Not so much what to write or how to write it, but rather getting past that wall of, “Is it actually worth writing?” that I ask myself when I start or continue on something. This is a personal issue I’m working on.

    As for being a blogger, I don’t publish content often enough and I still feel new to the whole blogging thing, so it makes me feel awkward to call myself a blogger.

    I think “other” can mean anything and everything that doesn’t fit into the predefined categories, varying with each individual person.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. That’s exactly my train of thought, too. But then I think of painters who never sell their pieces. Are they not artists?

      You are not alone when it comes to those blocks you describe. I hope you get to overcome them sooner or later.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  11. Whoops. Missed this one…

    Writing…
    [1] Sharing knowledge, not necessarily expertise. I’m not even an expert on myself. Heh. 90%
    Thoughts. 10%

    Reading…
    [2] To learn new things. 70%
    Maintain relationships with other bloggers. 30%

    [3] Leaving the mark of my existence, assuming that these records are being backed up somewhere. The web archive still retains pieces of my first blog from eleven years ago. 100%

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
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