The Big-Time Blogging Mistake That Will Make Readers Forget You

Your reader? She's busy, busy, busy.

She started her day with a to-do list longer than War and Peace. Then her boss dumped a new project on her desk this morning that's due at the same time she needs to duck out of the office. Not that she can afford to duck out of the office, but it's the only time she has free to pick up cupcakes from Costco to drop off at her kid's classroom Valentine's Day party. There she is, waiting in line at Costco and scrolling Facebook when she happens upon your post. And because you have a grabby headline, she clicks.

Here's the problem.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

Smart lady.

Because it's true. If you don't connect with your reader on an emotional level, she will forget you. It'll be her turn to check out at Costco, so she'll stop reading halfway through your post and never come back.

Bonus: Get this free printable cheat sheet of the best emotions to evoke in your reader.

The Blogging Mistake That's Driving Your Readers Away

Lack of connection is the number one blogging mistake that will make your reader forget you.

But if you touch her heart? If you make her mad, or surprise her. If she cries, or smiles, or laughs. If she feels inspired or ashamed. That, she will remember.

In fact, that's the crux of the Sticky Blogging approach: How you make your reader feel.

If you don't make your reader feel something, she certainly won't share your post or leave a comment or join your mailing list. She might not even finish reading your post in the first place.

After you finish your next draft – or even before you start writing – ask yourself: How do I want the reader to feel?

• Angry
• Sad
• Happy
• Empowered or inspired
• Shocked
• Afraid
• Ashamed or guilty

You don’t have to pick just one. Maybe you want to start out making her feel angry, but you want to lead her to a place of empowerment at the end. Or maybe you have a sad story with a happy ending.

But do make her feel something. Without that, you will most definitely not convert her to a fan who keeps coming back for more.

Get Your Free Printable

To help you during your writing process, I made a handy chart of emotions. But to be clear, this isn't just some boring chart listing 72 random human emotions. It is a beefy list, but the real value comes from the fact that I highlighted the emotions that are most likely to bring you more social media shares.

Here's a preview:

For every post, you should be able to look at this chart and pick an emotion to match what you're trying to make your reader feel.

1. Download the chart. You'll get the printable, plus get my free 5-day email series on how to get more traffic with fewer posts. Just click here to download.
2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be nice and sturdy.
3. Hang the chart. Hang it by your desk, on the fridge, or wherever is most likely to remind you while you're writing.
4. For each post, pick an emotion. Ask yourself: How do I want the reader to feel? Then as you're writing and editing, let that emotion shine through to the reader. Bonus points if you can evoke a dark green emotion because those are most likely to bring you social media shares.

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Tell Me

What's the last thing you read that made you feel something? Books, blog posts, or the backs of cereal boxes all count. Leave a comment and let me know!