When was the last time you made your readers uncomfortable?
I don't mean a little squeamish but actually pushed them to the point where they had to actively choose to continue reading your blog.
It's a scary thought isn't it? You see, we work so hard to get readers that we can't bear the thought of pushing one of them away.
However, taking your game to another level may be exactly what you need to do.
How Good Blogs Go Bad
I've found that most blogs start out edgy, clean and precise. The writer's mission is crystal clear. They dare their readers to disagree and hunt for opportunities to stand-out like a high-schooler on prom night. But over time, the blogger gets "respectable."
They start "choosing their battles", a civilized way to chicken out of making a stand.
They begin softening their posts to not offend the thin-skinned.
They change their voice to be stately, civilized, and measured.
In no time at all, their blog sinks into the quicksand of mediocrity.
I have a role model that I look up to and periodically beg to read and mention my posts. He's a wonderful guy who has supported Pushing Social from the start. He's wicked smart and probably rich as hell too. But what I love about him is that he's never sold out. His blog pushes boundaries and he has no problem firing readers that fu*k with his mojo.
I challenge you to do the same. Consider raising Cain by:
- Stop trying to be the grown-up: Be sassy. Be sarcastic. Give as good as you get.
- Fire Readers: Some readers won't get you or what your trying to do. They will insist that you change your blog, your logo, your pop-up, your email newsletter to match their needs. Look these time-sucks straight in the eye and tell them to get the hell out of your house. These readers will not make you better; they'll just kill your blog a little day-by-day.
- Trust Your Instincts: After writing hundreds of posts I've learned that my gut is the best editor. If I feel that a post is wussing out then I can be sure that 100% of my die-hard readers feel the same way. Your instincts are your subliminal compass that reminds you to be true to your voice. Listen to it.
- Push It: Find the line in your industry and edge right up to it. Now take a deep breath and blow right past the line. Leaders scoff at lines, rub them out and dare the world not to follow. Here's reality: anyone can blog. Many people can blog competently. You, my friend, can't get away with being nice and non-threatening.
One more thought for you to chew on...
You can take the easy way out and hope that you can thrash it out in the middle of your niche. I would rather you get out on front, inspire, and lead.
Tell me what's on your mind. Have you been playing it safe?