I’m sure you’re all familiar with the term “target” audience? While I was reading Walter Isaacson’s Biography of Steve Jobs – I realized – in a moment of stillness, that targeting is no longer a word that suits the social web. Why?

Years ago, Seth Godin wrote his famous marketing book “Purple Cow” defining the ingredients for successful marketing. One of them being: “Be Remarkable” – which equals “Make something that people can make a remark about“. So, what does this have to do with “target” audience and blogging? Well – everything. No, really, just think about how the mobile and social web has opened up the world of total freedom – freedom of speech, thought and belonging. We no longer have to obey to the mass marketing messages of the BIG guys – PUSH marketing is like pushing a dead purple cow. You get tired – but nothing moves!

So – to get to my point: forget about “targeting the right audience” for your blog for a moment! Which doesn’t mean you should not care or focus on a specific audience! It’s merely – the realization that “targeting” on the social web is like shooting arrows in the water. They do not stick!

If you want to have readers for your blog – write about the things that motivate you everyday, make you jump out of bed – things you would stand up for – call it drive – passion – motivation. This is not something you have to think hard about – just enter the stillness and the right words will come up – and as “we are all weird” there will be some weird people out there that get you! Here’s to weird blogging

@glengorham exactly! – Well, there are a lot of business models to implement once the blog takes off – but it should not be the starting point. At least, IMO you write the best stuff when you really care about every word you share with your readers. Just, to name one person I highly admire – Seth Godin. He blogs almost everyday without ever getting paid for it! That’s a clear sign he really cares about sharing his views with his readership. Not for the sake of targeting specific groups, but to craft ideas that can change someone’s life. 

@markoetjens – thanks Mark I love the way you rephrase my words to hit the nail on the head!

@Kristi-hines thanks, great advice! I guess starting a successful blog begins with finding your passion first – write about it – build up an audience and get to know them really well. Which reminds me of Steve Jobs famous words “Do what you love!” Sounds easy, but it takes a lot of courage to follow your heart – even when no or little money is coming in. But, to stick to my own words: just writing for money will not generate great content – certainly not if there’s no passion. 

@samanthagentile thanks Samantha – I’m glad you like this