There were a couple of blogs that I loved following early on (one of them Butteryum); that’s what made me decide to start writing one. It’s kind of strange feeling in the beginning — putting your thoughts out there for the whole world to see. Part of you hopes that people magically find you and connect with what you’re saying, but there is also a small part that hopes no one sees it (I’ve gotten over that).
Few of us enjoy the readership of the big name blogs. I think that’s why so many blogs are short lived. Just because you write it doesn’t necessarily mean that readers and revenue will follow. It’s sad to find a blog you’ve cared about hasn’t had a post in ages, but it’s understandable too. Blogging takes time, and as lives change that time can be hard to find.
What makes an influential blog?
I’m here to make the case this morning that a blog can be one of influence and rewarding for the blogger even if you’re not a household name. The question is, “have you said something that someone somewhere needs to hear?”
I had a letter last week from a young Army wife. She and her husband are being transferred to Poland later this year. For the average American (that would have been me back in 2009), this can be unsettleing. We had no idea what to expect, and all kinds of questions crossed our minds back then. Will it be grey and dingy? Will you be able to buy things you’ll want and need? Will anyone speak English? Will our home be freezing in the winter? The letter said that reading about our experience had given them some peace of mind.
It’s always nice to hear from a reader, but to hear that you’ve inproved someone’s outlook or given them confidence about the future, well. . . it touches my heart.
An accountant by trade and a food blogger since 2009, Lois Britton fell in love with Polish cuisine during the years she lived in Poznań, Poland. As the creator of PolishHousewife.com, she loves connecting readers with traditional Polish recipes. Lois has a graduate certificate in Food Writing and Photography from the University of South Florida. She is the author of The Polish Housewife Cookbook, available on Amazon and on her website.
Lori
I don’t know if my blog is “influential” or not. However I started to use Google analytics and discovered I had readers from many other countries. Perhaps that is because mine has a translate widget that is very obvious and people can read in languages other than English. In addition to the United States and Puerto Rico, I have had readers from 114 other countries. And one day the Reunion Islands showed on the list — I had no idea where this was and found it is a French territory and actually part of the EU even though this area is located in the Indian Ocean east of Madgascar. So I try to show once in awhile a slice of my life, say what I think, but be sensitive to how this is all being presented to the rest of the world. And it is always fun to look back at entries from several years ago too. Love your blog whether it’s about Poland or food!
polishhousewife
Thanks, Lori; I agree it is fun to look back. Sometimes I forget all of the fun, interesting things we’ve done! You too!
Julie Kenkel
Lois, you are one of the most creative and kindest people I know. Blogging allows the whole world to experience that goodness that flows from you. I am blessed to be your friend.
polishhousewife
You are my dear friend and biggest cheerleader, Julie. Thanks for everything!
Jean
I’ve really, really enjoyed reading about your experiences in Poland and the travels you and Ed have gone on while you were there. It’s like a European trip without the jet lag.
And I’ve picked up some great cooking tips…like cooking bacon in the oven. So much easier than frying! Hope you keep blogging for a long time.
polishhousewife
Thanks a bunch! x
Chris
Lois- We love your blog. Your smiling spirit, optimism, and sincerity comes out in everything you write.
polishhousewife
Thanks, Chris, it’s so kind of you to say that. I’m really glad our blogs brought us together.