People ask me constantly what kind of blogger I am. Are you a beauty blogger? Fitness blogger? Food blogger? etc. I always say I am a lifestyle blogger with a focus on beauty and fitness. Those are the two things I like to talk about the most. I get why people wonder does your blog need a focus? But my answer is yes and no. I will explain myself…
I think there are pros and cons to having a main focus on your blog. For a fashion blogger, it may be that you can make a lot of money through affiliate links because people see you wearing the clothes, they love them and they buy them. This also means a lot of partnerships and opportunities to work with fashion brands. For a fitness blogger this may be being sponsored to run races, working with companies such as Nike and Brooks. But can this limit you? In a way I feel as though it can. Being a Lifestyle blogger (how I describe myself or my niche rather) I feel as though I can potentially work with lots of different brands on a lot of various topics.
I do not think your blog needs a specific focus but I do think you should have a few general topics you regularly talk about. I tend to focus on blogging advice, beauty, and fitness. I do mix other types of posts in from time to time like fashion, real life posts, inspiration, organizing, and the occasional DIY and recipe. But I think regularly talking about a 2-3 things on your blog is very helpful. This advice was given to me by someone pretty high up in decision making for a company that connects brands with bloggers.
So the question I originally posed was “does your blog need a focus?” To answer that question yes your blog should have a few focuses but that does not mean you have to stick ONLY to those things. I love when I see fitness bloggers share their favorite fashions or fashion bloggers share a recipe. You don’t have to call yourself a ” ______ blogger” but having a focus will help you in the long run.
This is not gospel. This is purely my opinion and experience and you do not have to change something about your blog because of anything I said. I just know what works for me!
I agree whole-heartedly! Last year, I was trying to make myself into a tighter niche than I am and it was very stressful and not beneficial to me. Now I am learning to focus on 2-3 things and then share other things occasionally. Much more freeing!
I completely agree. When I started blogging again, all I kept seeing is niche this and niche that. But MY favorite blogs didn’t focus entirely on one thing. I decided to just call myself a lifestyle blogger and blog about a few different topics instead of just one. I’m glad I’m not alone!
I’m totally lacking in the focus department, and that’s because I have too many interests! That personality trait, jack-of-all-trades, might be the death of me.
For me, having a focus really helps and I try to keep it. I may add some ‘off-brand’ content as time goes on, but I have cooking blog and I already find there is so much I want to post just in my own niche. Thanks for the great post!
I agree with you! For me, I would say I’m a lifestyle blogger that specializes in household management and vegan/vegetarian lifestyle. Though, I can’t help but touch on other things because it’s like having a great talk with your girlfriends over things that you like. I don’t like to be boxed in, but usually gravitate in one direction and have the same voice in the process. I think people know what to expect?
I definitely did not know where I was going when I started my blog. I ran a strictly fashion blog in college but decided I didn’t want to be so restricted. I definitely found by having a “lifestyle” blog with a emphasis on certain categories opened more doors!
I absolutely agree – I always say that I am a lifestyle blogger as well, but then again blog pretty much about anything that comes to my mind and moves me. I don’t think you really need a certain focus, it’s just that some readers need it as a little help to guide them in their reading behaviour.
I just recently figured out what I really wanted to write about and it has been so good! I have 2 main areas of focus but sometimes mix it up and it’s been going well.
I have struggled with this for very long, being a “lifestyle” blog. I blog mainly about travel, style and self-help. I was starting to get worried; maybe I should narrow it? But all of these aspects make up who I am. Ultimately, I have decided that since my blog is called Inspiration Indulgence, my aim is to inspire, and I can write about whatever I want, as long as it fits in with my mission to inspire. 🙂
I think the answer to this question has a lot to do with what you are trying to get out of your blog. If you’re looking to make money and have a business, and a loyal group of followers, I would argue yes that a focus helps. But if you’re just looking to express yourself and share things you love it’s not as important. I write about Disney and I know that’s what my readers are interested in. I also do theater as a hobby but I don’t usually write about that – there’s a good chance my readers have no interest in it and I wouldn’t want to lose them.
I definitely agree that if your blog is too focused it can limit you, but I also see the value in having some focus. This is something I definitely need to work on and try to incorporate more in my writing and posts!
I agree with you completely. I am a family blogger, but I think it doesn’t mean I can write just about my family… there are so many things which are related to this theme I mean to family and kids.
This is something I’ve been struggling with lately because I love to talk about many things but figured I should probably focus on something. I kind of hate the term lifestyle blogger because it sounds like one doesn’t have a niche or doesn’t have anything they really specialize in. When I think of lifestyle blogs I think of like, random posts about what coffee to drink…which isn’t bad but I remember reading something where a blogger suggested a niche because people were more likely to search for a specific subject than to read one with a bunch of different subjects. I don’t know, this is kind of stream of consciousness haha but anyways, thank you for sharing!
I can see why this is so helpful! I have no specific niche or topic that I blog about but I understand why it would be helpful. I write sporadically and about whatever I feel so for people reading, they would have to maybe just really like me to come back!!:)
I really like the idea of narrowing things down to a few good topics! That is great advice. 🙂
I struggle with this a lot, especially lately. I consider myself a lifestyle blogger as well but with a focus on fashion, fitness and food. But that encompasses so much, that I wonder if this is too much to try and fit into one blog. For awhile I thought about spinning off and doing three different blogs – one on fitness, one on fashion/beauty, and one on food. But I knew there was no way I could maintain three different blogs and give them equal time and effort. – Katy
I really couldn’t agree more! I consider myself a lifestyle blogger with a focus on parenthood. I love sharing my stories and unique things every once in awhile, but it is important for your readers to basically know what to expect. I also don’t ever really want to pigeonhole myself into a certain category and then need a change a few years down the road. It’s nice to diversify yourself. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I totally agree with this! While it’s good to have topics you talk about more often than not- I don’t think you need to dig yourself deep into one particular niche. I consider myself a lifestyle blogger because it covers everything I write about. From faith to beauty to parenting and marriage!
I love the freedom that being a lifestyle blogger brings as well! I feel like there are so many strands that go into who I am and I love incorporating the most important ones into my blog. My readers have complex lives too so I feel like eventually it all fits together! 🙂
I completely agree with this!
I blog about 3 different topics usually as well but also throw other topics into the mix when I want!
I would hate being tied down to just fashion blogger, beauty blogger, or anything like that.
Considering myself a lifestyle blogger has been the best fit.
This is very helpful brain fodder for me right now, thank you! In fact, I think you just gave me the fuel I needed to get over this speedbump problem that’s been plaguing me.
Great advice! When I first started blogging, I literally blogged about EVERYTHING. I felt that I needed to be able to cater to absolutely everyone. I wanted as many readers as I could get. Over the last year or so, I’ve really narrowed it down to a few main topics (with some subcategories for each) and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my page views. It’s so much easier to cater to one specific group rather than the whole world. Plus I’m now focused on topics I truly enjoy writing about 🙂
I think this is so true. I would definitely classify myself as a lifestyle blogger. My main focuses would be fashion, home decor and currently blogging tips.
Yes! I so agree! My blog focuses on my life as a wife and as a mother with a few DIY posts thrown in there, but I still have a focus that works best for me. It took me a while to find exactly what I wanted to write about though.
I agree whole-heartedly! Last year, I was trying to make myself into a tighter niche than I am and it was very stressful and not beneficial to me. Now I am learning to focus on 2-3 things and then share other things occasionally. Much more freeing!
I definitely agree! I feel like having a designated demographic to which you write for is more important than defining a specific niche
I agree! I’m trying not to be a thousand things on my blog but have a few simple focuses! =)
I definitely agree although I haven#t always practiced this in the past which has taken me a lot of time at a later stage sorting that out.
I completely agree. When I started blogging again, all I kept seeing is niche this and niche that. But MY favorite blogs didn’t focus entirely on one thing. I decided to just call myself a lifestyle blogger and blog about a few different topics instead of just one. I’m glad I’m not alone!
I’m totally lacking in the focus department, and that’s because I have too many interests! That personality trait, jack-of-all-trades, might be the death of me.
For me, having a focus really helps and I try to keep it. I may add some ‘off-brand’ content as time goes on, but I have cooking blog and I already find there is so much I want to post just in my own niche. Thanks for the great post!
I agree with you! For me, I would say I’m a lifestyle blogger that specializes in household management and vegan/vegetarian lifestyle. Though, I can’t help but touch on other things because it’s like having a great talk with your girlfriends over things that you like. I don’t like to be boxed in, but usually gravitate in one direction and have the same voice in the process. I think people know what to expect?
I definitely did not know where I was going when I started my blog. I ran a strictly fashion blog in college but decided I didn’t want to be so restricted. I definitely found by having a “lifestyle” blog with a emphasis on certain categories opened more doors!
I absolutely agree – I always say that I am a lifestyle blogger as well, but then again blog pretty much about anything that comes to my mind and moves me. I don’t think you really need a certain focus, it’s just that some readers need it as a little help to guide them in their reading behaviour.
Love this my blog has a few areas of focus… DIY, Food, Fashion & Fun. Laci
I just recently figured out what I really wanted to write about and it has been so good! I have 2 main areas of focus but sometimes mix it up and it’s been going well.
I have struggled with this for very long, being a “lifestyle” blog. I blog mainly about travel, style and self-help. I was starting to get worried; maybe I should narrow it? But all of these aspects make up who I am. Ultimately, I have decided that since my blog is called Inspiration Indulgence, my aim is to inspire, and I can write about whatever I want, as long as it fits in with my mission to inspire. 🙂
Thanks for the advice! I also believe that we shouldn’t limit ourselves but define with adding other great topics along the way. Thanks for sharing!!!
I think the answer to this question has a lot to do with what you are trying to get out of your blog. If you’re looking to make money and have a business, and a loyal group of followers, I would argue yes that a focus helps. But if you’re just looking to express yourself and share things you love it’s not as important. I write about Disney and I know that’s what my readers are interested in. I also do theater as a hobby but I don’t usually write about that – there’s a good chance my readers have no interest in it and I wouldn’t want to lose them.
I definitely agree that if your blog is too focused it can limit you, but I also see the value in having some focus. This is something I definitely need to work on and try to incorporate more in my writing and posts!
I agree with you completely. I am a family blogger, but I think it doesn’t mean I can write just about my family… there are so many things which are related to this theme I mean to family and kids.
This is something I’ve been struggling with lately because I love to talk about many things but figured I should probably focus on something. I kind of hate the term lifestyle blogger because it sounds like one doesn’t have a niche or doesn’t have anything they really specialize in. When I think of lifestyle blogs I think of like, random posts about what coffee to drink…which isn’t bad but I remember reading something where a blogger suggested a niche because people were more likely to search for a specific subject than to read one with a bunch of different subjects. I don’t know, this is kind of stream of consciousness haha but anyways, thank you for sharing!
coffeeslag
COFFEESLAG Current Healthy Habits
I can see why this is so helpful! I have no specific niche or topic that I blog about but I understand why it would be helpful. I write sporadically and about whatever I feel so for people reading, they would have to maybe just really like me to come back!!:)
I really like the idea of narrowing things down to a few good topics! That is great advice. 🙂
I struggle with this a lot, especially lately. I consider myself a lifestyle blogger as well but with a focus on fashion, fitness and food. But that encompasses so much, that I wonder if this is too much to try and fit into one blog. For awhile I thought about spinning off and doing three different blogs – one on fitness, one on fashion/beauty, and one on food. But I knew there was no way I could maintain three different blogs and give them equal time and effort. – Katy
I really couldn’t agree more! I consider myself a lifestyle blogger with a focus on parenthood. I love sharing my stories and unique things every once in awhile, but it is important for your readers to basically know what to expect. I also don’t ever really want to pigeonhole myself into a certain category and then need a change a few years down the road. It’s nice to diversify yourself. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
So what if you just focus on life and your life is a mess of everything? LOL I am pretty sure I failed focus class. But I get what you are saying!
I totally agree with this! While it’s good to have topics you talk about more often than not- I don’t think you need to dig yourself deep into one particular niche. I consider myself a lifestyle blogger because it covers everything I write about. From faith to beauty to parenting and marriage!
I cant wait to read this post – pinning!!
I love the freedom that being a lifestyle blogger brings as well! I feel like there are so many strands that go into who I am and I love incorporating the most important ones into my blog. My readers have complex lives too so I feel like eventually it all fits together! 🙂
I completely agree with this!
I blog about 3 different topics usually as well but also throw other topics into the mix when I want!
I would hate being tied down to just fashion blogger, beauty blogger, or anything like that.
Considering myself a lifestyle blogger has been the best fit.
xoxo, Jenny
This is very helpful brain fodder for me right now, thank you! In fact, I think you just gave me the fuel I needed to get over this speedbump problem that’s been plaguing me.
Great advice! When I first started blogging, I literally blogged about EVERYTHING. I felt that I needed to be able to cater to absolutely everyone. I wanted as many readers as I could get. Over the last year or so, I’ve really narrowed it down to a few main topics (with some subcategories for each) and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my page views. It’s so much easier to cater to one specific group rather than the whole world. Plus I’m now focused on topics I truly enjoy writing about 🙂
Thank you, I needed this!! Definitely working on my focus
I think this is so true. I would definitely classify myself as a lifestyle blogger. My main focuses would be fashion, home decor and currently blogging tips.
I literally just had this entire conversation with myself in my head- should o streamline- do I need more focus- etc etc etc.
Yes!! I was really struggling to put myself in one category when in reality my life just isn’t one thing! It’s so many things!
Yes! I so agree! My blog focuses on my life as a wife and as a mother with a few DIY posts thrown in there, but I still have a focus that works best for me. It took me a while to find exactly what I wanted to write about though.
liz @ j for joiner