If you’ve ever found yourself on the receiving end of a dismissive comment about blogging, you’re not alone. (obviously) 🤦🏽♀️
Many people still don’t understand the value and impact of blogging, often brushing it off as silly. But we know better, don’t we?
Blogging is a hugantic (a Sunni word – don’t look it up! 😂) part of the online experience, and it’s important to stand up for it when others don’t see its worth.
So, how do you respond when someone doesn’t “get” blogging?
Here are my newly penned thoughts on handling these situations with confidence and grace.
What Makes the 10 Best Blogs of 2024 Earn Millions
When Someone Doesn’t Get Blogging, Educate, Don’t Argue
First and foremost, remember that not everyone understands blogging, and that’s okay.
Instead of jumping into a heated debate, take the opportunity to educate. Explain what blogging really is—how it’s used to share valuable information, connect with audiences, and even drive business growth.
You might say something like, “I totally get that blogging can seem a little confusing if you’re not familiar with it. But actually, blogs are a key way businesses connect with their customers, provide value, and even rank higher on Google.”
By approaching the conversation from a place of education rather than defensiveness, you open the door for understanding rather than shutting it with an argument.
Share Real-World Examples
People often need to see to believe. Sharing real-world examples of successful blogs and their impact can help others grasp the significance of blogging. Whether it’s a major brand that uses its blog to connect with customers or a small business that grew its audience through consistent blogging, these examples can help illustrate your point.
For instance, you might say, “Did you know that some of the biggest brands, like Starbucks or Apple, use blogs to keep their customers engaged and informed? Or that small businesses often rely on blogs to attract new clients and build their online presence?”
These concrete examples can help shift their perspective from seeing blogs as mere personal diaries to recognizing them as powerful tools in the digital world.
Highlight the Benefits
Take a moment to highlight how blogging can lead to increased visibility, authority, and even revenue for businesses. For personal bloggers, emphasize how it’s a platform to share passions, build communities, and make a difference in others’ lives.
You could explain, “Blogging isn’t just about writing—it’s about reaching people. Whether you’re sharing expert advice, a personal story, or a product review, a blog allows you to connect with readers in a meaningful way. And that connection can lead to real-world benefits, like increased traffic to a website or more loyal customers.”
Keep It Light and Positive
It can be frustrating when someone dismisses something you’re passionate about, but try to keep the tone light and positive. Humor can be a great tool here. You might say, “Well, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but hey, neither is TikTok! Different strokes for different folks, right?”
Keeping the conversation light shows that you’re confident in what you do and that you don’t need everyone’s validation to continue doing it.
Acknowledge Their Perspective
Sometimes, the best way to disarm criticism is to acknowledge it. Let them know you understand where they’re coming from, but also gently point out that there’s more to the story.
For example, “I get why blogging might seem like a strange concept if you’re not familiar with it. But it’s actually a huge part of how people consume content today, even if they don’t realize it. From news articles to how-to guides, so much of what we read online is a form of blogging.”
Acknowledging their perspective can help them feel heard and make them more open to understanding yours.
Invite Them to Explore
If someone seems genuinely curious but skeptical, invite them to explore the blogging world themselves. Share a link to your blog or one of your favorite blogs and encourage them to take a look.
You might say, “Why don’t you check out my blog? I think you’d be surprised at how much value there is in the content. You might even find something that interests you!”
🙌This invitation can turn a critic into a reader, and maybe even a fan.
Know When to Move On
Finally, it’s important to know when to move on. Not everyone will understand or appreciate the value of blogging, and that’s okay. You don’t have to convince everyone. Stay confident in what you do, and remember that the right people will see the value in your work.
If the conversation isn’t going anywhere, you can simply say, “I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree. But I’m glad we could chat about it!”
When Someone Doesn’t Get Blogging? Stand Proud 💪
Blogging is a powerful and important part of today’s digital world, even if not everyone understands it. By responding with grace, educating others, and standing firm in your passion, you not only defend the value of blogging but also contribute to a broader understanding of this incredible platform.
So next time someone doesn’t “get” blogging, take it as an opportunity to spread a little knowledge—and maybe even gain a new supporter. After all, blogging is here to stay, and those of us who do it know just how much it matters.
Oh, and check out these for even more blogging support!