Do people still read blogs? How to get yours found

I have been a paid writer since 2007. I moved to web-based writing, aka blogging, somewhere around 2009. I’m one of the lucky few who was monetized pretty much from day one, since I was getting paid to blog for news stations and newspaper-backed sites. I went completely full time as a professional blogger in 2014, using a combination of ghostwriting and continuing to work towards becoming famous on the internet with my own name. Needless to say, in my 15 years as a paid blogger, I’ve seen my fair share of the ups and downs of the blogging industry.

In fact, it seems like a semi-annual thing now to see an article asking if blogging is dead, with headlines that read: “Do people still read blogs?” or “Is there any point to being a blogger these days?” 

These questions became more prevalent after the 2022 Google Helpful Content update rolled out - an “update” that caused many folks I know to lose thousands —  if not hundreds of thousands — of dollars in revenue overnight. As far as most of the people I know and/or follow are concerned, the “HCU” as it’s commonly called was anything but helpful to small bloggers.

So, do people still read blogs? Well, the answer, as I’m sure you can imagine, is complicated. The short of it is. no, blogging is not dead, but it has evolved quite a bit. And, if you want to get eyeballs on your words in 2024 and beyond, I’ll be the first to tell you it’s not as easy as it was 15 years ago. 

That said, if you still want to be a blogger getting paid for what you have to share, I want to help you get your blog found. If this sounds good to you, keep reading.

Current state of blog readership

Recent data paints an encouraging picture for bloggers. Let’s dive into the numbers:

• 77% of internet users read blogs regularly (Source: Ahrefs)
• Blog posts still reign supreme in the top types of media used in content strategies (Source: HubSpot)
• 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages each month on WordPress alone (Source: OptinMonster)

These figures clearly demonstrate that blog readership is not just alive, but thriving in the current digital ecosystem.

Demographic insights: Who reads blogs today?

Understanding who reads blogs might be able to help you tailor your content and marketing strategies. Admittedly, what matters more demographically is the ideal audience for your niche. Still, here’s a breakdown of blog readership demographics:

• Age: 37% of blog readers are 41-60 years old, while 30% are 31-40 years old (Source: FinancesOnline)
• Gender: The gender split is relatively even, with 55% of readers being male and 45% female (Source: Master Blogging)
• Language: 71% of WordPress blogs are written in English, and WordPress dominates the market share in the blogging world at 63.3%

While the education and location of blog readers are a little harder to determine, these statistics show that blog readers span a wide range of ages and backgrounds, offering opportunities for diverse content creation.

Popularity of niches

Not all blog niches are created equal when it comes to attracting readers. Some topics consistently draw larger audiences. For example, based on looking at dozens of websites, YouTube videos, and various reports, I have found that the most popular niches in blogging are:

1. Food and recipe blogs
2. Travel blogs
3. Health and fitness blogs
4. Personal finance blogs
5. Lifestyle blogs

Of course, these are not the only niches, and there are several emerging trends in blogging content. Here’s a handful of the niches trending right now:

• Sustainability and eco-friendly living
• Mental health and wellness
• Remote work and digital nomadism
• Artificial Intelligence and its applications
• Personal development and productivity

Reader engagement

Understanding how readers interact with blogs is crucial for content creators. Here are some key engagement metrics:

• Average time spent on reading a blog post: 52 seconds (Source: OptinMonster)
• 43% of readers skim blog posts (Source: HubSpot)
• Blog posts that include images get 94% more views (Source: Jeff Bullas)

These statistics highlight the importance of creating engaging, skimmable content that captures readers’ attention quickly. Let's take a quick moment to dive deeper into why this matters if you want to start a new blog, or revive an older one.

People have shorter attention spans!

With an average reading time of just 52 seconds, it's clear that most readers aren't thoroughly digesting every word. This brief window means you need to frontload your most important information and make every single second they are consuming your precious content (that you likely spent up to six hours writing!) count.

When it comes to skimming behavior, you have to write, well, for the skimmer.

This means using tactics like:

• Descriptive headings and subheadings
• Bullet points and numbered lists
• Short paragraphs
• Bold text for key points
• Pull quotes for important information

If you look closely at the blog post you’re reading right now, I’ve tried to do many of these things! 

I want you to get the highlights and the gist of my words…even if you don’t read the entire thing that took me a long time to research and write.

Appeal to the visual content consumer, too.

The dramatic increase in views for posts with images (94% more) emphasizes the power of visual content. Images break up text, making content more digestible and appealing at first glance.

We also can’t forget about mobile optimization.

With many readers accessing blogs on mobile devices — you might be doing this right now! — skimmable content becomes even more crucial. Long paragraphs of text can be daunting on a small screen, whereas well-structured, visually broken-up content is much more inviting.

Ironically, skimmable content can lead to better information retention and reader satisfaction. When key points are easily identifiable, readers are more likely to remember them, even if they don't read every word.

And, content that's easy to navigate and quickly comprehend leads to higher reader satisfaction. This can result in longer time on page for interested readers, lower bounce rates, and higher likelihood of return visits.

Why people still read blogs

Despite the rise of social media and other content formats, blogs still continue to attract readers. Below are several compelling reasons.

Depth of information

One of the primary reasons people turn to blogs is for in-depth information and analysis. Unlike social media posts limited by character counts or quick video snippets, blogs offer space for a comprehensive exploration of topics. This depth allows readers to:

• Gain a thorough understanding of complex subjects
• Access expert insights and analysis
• Find detailed how-to guides and tutorials

Quality content and expertise shine in the blogging format. Readers seeking authoritative information on specific topics often find blogs to be more reliable and informative than shorter content forms.

Personal connection

Blogs foster a sense of community and personal connection that’s often lacking in other digital media. How do they do this though?

Building communities: Many successful blogs have vibrant comment sections and forums where readers can interact with each other and the author.

Personal stories and relatability: Bloggers often share personal experiences, creating a sense of authenticity and relatability that resonates with readers.

Direct interaction: Readers can engage directly with blog authors through comments or social media, fostering a sense of connection.

The personal touches in a blog are what keeps readers coming back. It also helps build a loyal following to boot.

Search engines brought users to the blog

Okay — we have to talk about SEO even now. Sure, Google killed a lot of blogs in the last several years - even ones that did everything Google told them to do. But, some creators like Polly Clover, Outlandish, and This Splendid Shambles believe that things are on the mend as 2024 comes to a close.

The truth is that search engines still love blogs, and this benefits both readers and content creators.

Search algorithms favor in-depth, high-quality content that thoroughly addresses user queries. You need to be thinking about user intent with everything you write.

Case in point, I was thinking about writing a blog post for a company about using podcasts to create an audio time capsule. But, as my brilliant SEO pal Brian Jensen from Congruent Digital pointed out, when people search for “how to make your own time capsule,” they are likely not looking for “how to start a podcast.”

So, if I had written the post, it likely would have been really low in the search results because it didn’t match up with the user intent.

Another thing that Google and other search engines love is regular updates. Blogs that post consistently signal to search engines that the site is active and relevant. And, when bloggers update older posts, it signals that they are keeping older content refreshed so it should still show up in search results.

It’s also important to note that well-written, evergreen blog posts can continue to attract readers and rank in search results for years.

Strategies to get your blog found

Alright, we’ve established that people do indeed still read blogs. And, we’ve touched on a few things you should consider to increase your blog’s visibility and attract more readers. If you’re still with me, let’s go even deeper, shall we?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

As I mentioned above, having an SEO strategy is crucial for getting your blog found in search engine results. Here are some key tactics to keep in mind with everything you produce:

Keyword research and implementation

You can start by using tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to brainstorm and identify relevant keywords. Again, remember the user's intent before you start writing!

The goal of your content should be to incorporate these keywords naturally into your body copy, headers, and meta descriptions.

On-page SEO best practices:

• Write compelling meta titles and descriptions for each post
• Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content (and again - this is great for skimmers!)
• Implement internal linking to connect related posts on your blog
• Include external links to authoritative sources to boost credibility

Technical SEO

It’s important to improve site speed for your blog. The reason? You don’t want your bounce rate to go up, and few things cause a user to abandon your blog quite like a slow loading time. 

Remember, we have short attention spans! Keep your loading time as fast as possible. You can do this by optimizing images and using caching plugins.

Another thing you have to do is ensure your blog is mobile-friendly. Mobile web traffic now accounts for over 50% of web traffic. So if you want to get found, make sure your blog looks good on mobile too.

Finally, it’s critical that you use SSL encryption to secure your site (HTTPS).

Content quality and consistency

High-quality, consistent content is the backbone of any successful blog. How can you maintain it?

Begin with creating valuable, high-quality content.

• Address your audience’s pain points and questions
• Provide unique insights or perspectives on your chosen topics
• Use data, case studies, and examples to support your points

Next, maintain a regular posting schedule.

• Consistency helps build audience expectations and improves SEO
• Aim for at least one high-quality post per week, if possible

Then, consider guest blogging and collaborations to drive more traffic to your website.

• Write guest posts for other blogs in your niche to expand your reach
• Collaborate with other bloggers or influencers on joint content projects

Don’t sleep on social media

Social media can still be a powerful tool for promoting your blog and engaging with readers. The kicker is you have to go about it the right way. 

One key strategy that many successful bloggers employ is focusing on just one or two social media platforms as their primary promotion method. Here's why this approach works and how to implement it effectively:

Why focus on only one or two social platforms?

Quality over quantity: Concentrating your efforts on fewer platforms allows you to create higher-quality content and engage more meaningfully with your audience.

Platform expertise: Each social media platform has its own quirks, best practices, and algorithm nuances. Focusing on fewer platforms allows you to become an expert in those specific ecosystems.

Audience alignment: Different demographics tend to prefer different social platforms. Choose the platforms where your target audience is most active - this way you can maximize your reach and engagement.

Time management: I don’t know about you, but managing multiple social media accounts can be incredibly time-consuming. 

I write social media updates for many of my clients and can easily spend a whole day per client trying to keep them on multiple platforms - and this doesn’t even factor in the time required to change the content type (i.e. videos for TikTok and IG Reels and thoughtful posts with eye catching images for the Instagram and Facebook feeds).

Limiting your focus helps you free up more time for actually creating your great blog content.

Consistent branding: It's easier to maintain a consistent brand voice and image across fewer platforms.

How to choose your primary platforms in three easy steps

1. Identify where your target audience spends their time online.
2. Consider which platforms best suit your content type (e.g., Instagram for visual content, X.com for quick updates).
3. Experiment with different platforms and track your engagement and traffic from each.

Email marketing — the audience you actually own

I admit I am the worst at email marketing, but I will say this — it’s the only audience you actually own. I fully acknowledge that if I lost my social media accounts tomorrow, it would be so much harder to connect with the audience I do have.

Email remains one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience. It is so important to build and nurture an email list. Here are just a few ideas to start yours:

• Offer a valuable lead magnet (e.g., an ebook or exclusive content) in exchange for email signups
• Place signup forms strategically throughout your blog
• Host a giveaway

Once you launch an email list, create newsletters and exclusive content offers. Send regular newsletters with your latest posts and exclusive content.

Pro Tip: Segment your list to provide more personalized content to different subscriber groups.

Networking and outreach

Building relationships within your niche can significantly boost your blog’s visibility. Two strategies I recommend are connecting with people in your industry and participating in relevant communities.

Connect with other bloggers and influencers

• Comment on and share their content
• Reach out for potential collaborations or guest posting opportunities

Participate in relevant online communities and forums

• Share your expertise in places like Reddit, Quora, or niche-specific forums
• Always provide value first before promoting your blog

3 alternative methods to consider for promoting your blog

Let’s face it: in 2024, being “just” a blogger doesn’t cut it anymore. The world wide web is a bustling metropolis of content and your blog? Well, it’s just one apartment in a skyline of skyscrapers. To really make it, you’ve got to be more. Much more.

Think of yourself as a content creator extraordinaire with one simple goal — to pull traffic from every nook and cranny of the interwebs. It’s not about being everywhere at once; that’s a recipe for burnout. Instead, it’s about strategically expanding your presence in ways that complement your blog and resonate with your audience.

Three powerhouse platforms that can turbocharge your blog’s visibility are: YouTube, Pinterest, and podcasting. Each offers a unique flavor to your content buffet, and when done right, they can transform your blog from a quiet corner of the internet into a bustling hub of engagement.

YouTube: where your words come to life

YouTube isn’t just for cat videos and makeup tutorials. It’s a goldmine for bloggers looking to expand their reach. Here’s the scoop:

• Turn your blog posts into video gold. Summarize, visualize, animate – make those words dance on screen
• Start a YouTube series. Regular content keeps ’em coming back for more
• Get personal with behind-the-scenes peeks. Let your audience see the wizard behind the curtain
• Play nice with others. Collaborations can skyrocket your visibility
• Master YouTube SEO. It’s a different beast from blog SEO, but oh so important

And remember, always, always, always link back to your blog. Sprinkle those links like confetti – in descriptions, in video overlays, in your outro. Make it rain links!

Pinterest: a blog’s visual cheerleader

Pinterest is part social media, part search engine, and all opportunity. Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Create pins that pop. Think eye-candy with a purpose.
• Write descriptions that sell. SEO meets storytelling in 500 characters or less.
• Pin like it’s your job. Consistency is key, but don’t spam. Nobody likes a spammer.
• Join the cool kids’ table. Group boards can amplify your reach exponentially.
• Get rich… with Rich Pins. They’re like steroids for your regular pins.

A blogger friend of mine in the uber competitive health and wellness niche enjoyed a healthy resurgence in blog traffic amidst the Google HCU. She’s landing upwards of 70,000 page views a month, and making a pretty penny each month off ad revenue as a result of her Pinterest efforts.

The best part about Pinterest? A pin can drive traffic to your blog months, even years after you first post it. One of the posts I wrote in 2015 still gets 89% of its traffic from Pinterest! Now that’s what I call evergreen content!

Podcasting: giving voice to your blog

Podcasting is intimate, it’s portable, and it’s a fantastic way to build a loyal community. Here’s the lowdown:

• Start a podcast that complements your blog. Think of it as your blog’s cool audio cousin
• Write show notes that double as blog posts. Two birds, one stone – efficiency at its finest
• Tease your blog content in your podcast. Create a feedback loop between your blog and your show
• Be a podcast guest star. Strut your stuff on other shows and watch your blog traffic soar
• Repurpose, repurpose, repurpose. Your blog posts can be podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and so much more

Podcasting lets you whisper sweet nothings (of valuable content!) directly into your audience’s ears.

Now, you might be thinking, “This sounds like a lot of work.” And you’re right, it is. But here’s the thing: in 2024 and beyond, it’s not just about working harder – it’s about working smarter.

Being a well-rounded content creator isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a must if you want to be successful. 

It’s your secret weapon in a world where attention is the most valuable currency.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small. Pick one new platform that excites you and aligns with your strengths. Master it. Then, when you’re ready, expand your empire.

When it comes to content creation, your blog is your home base, but these other platforms? They’re your satellite offices, your embassies in far-flung corners of the internet. They work together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Tools and resources for bloggers

To implement the strategies above effectively, consider using these tools:

SEO tools

• Google Analytics: Free tool for tracking website traffic and user behavior.
• SEMrush: Comprehensive SEO toolkit for keyword research, competitor analysis, and more.
• Ahrefs: Powerful SEO tool for backlink analysis and keyword research.
• WriterZen: Does a lot of the same things SEMrush and Ahrefs does for a fraction of the cost. It’s the tool I use the most.

Content management systems

• WordPress: The most popular blogging platform, offering flexibility and numerous plugins.
• Blogger: A free, user-friendly platform owned by Google. But, be careful using it because, in my experience, it’s not as secure as WordPress.

Social media scheduling tools

• Hootsuite: Manage multiple social media accounts and schedule posts in advance
• Buffer: Simple and intuitive tool for scheduling social media posts
• Tailwind: Great for scheduling pins. Alternatively, you can schedule two weeks of pins natively within Pinterest if you have a Pinterest business account - and you totally should!

Email marketing platforms

• Mailchimp: User-friendly email marketing platform with a generous free tier.
• ConvertKit: Designed specifically for creators and bloggers, with powerful automation features.

So, do people still read blogs? You bet your keyboard they do!

Just because blogging has evolved, doesn’t mean it’s dead or even on the verge of extinction. If anything, it's thriving in new and exciting ways. 

Whether you're dusting off an old blog or diving headfirst into the blogging world, there's never been a better time to start. The key is to adapt, diversify, and create content that truly resonates with your audience.

Remember, your blog isn't just an element of your website – it's the launchpad for your content empire. So my future bloggy friends, I think it’s high time you flex those writing muscles, embrace new platforms, and show the world what you've got. Your readers are out there, eagerly waiting for your unique voice.

What are you waiting for? Your next post could be the one that changes everything.

Not quite ready? Here’s some additional recommended reading:

• How to start a blog in 7 steps
• How to add a blog to your website with WordPress in 7 easy steps
• How to write a blog post properly using AI
• How to blog productively: The 3 secrets of efficient blogging
• Getting started with GoDaddy’s AI prompt library

Disclaimer: Opinions belong to the author alone and do not necessarily represent the views of GoDaddy. All trademark rights belong to their respective owners. Third-party trademarks are used here for demonstrative and educational purposes only; use does not represent affiliation or endorsement.

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