How Are Dating And Blogging Alike?

Our host today is Andrew Rondeau. If you're interested in getting in front of the readers of Site Sketch 101, check out our guest posting invitation here.

Dating is never easy, and all of us have to kiss a few frogs before we find a prince or princess. It’s hard work!

Sometimes that special someone who caught your eye and asked you if you’d like to go for a coffee, turns out to be really boring. Maybe you have absolutely nothing in common; the spark is just not there.

The worst match I ever heard was a young lady who was vegan, dating a man who ran an abattoir. Sometimes you have to accept that it’s just not going to work out well.

You may think the world of dating and running a business online have nothing in common, but I’m going to show you just how similar they really are…

Start with the basics – you need information.

I’m not saying opposites can’t attract, but if the basics aren’t there then the whole relationship could end up being a fight to the death. The same can be said for your blog. You have to write about a subject you are interested in, something you can actually write about with conviction. If you write on a subject you know nothing about, it soon becomes very obvious to your readers, and no one will even make an effort to get to the end of your first post.

A little bit of effort goes a long way.

Like a new relationship, we bloggers have to put the time in to get to know each other. Let’s say you have met someone and got over the hurdle of the first few dates; you know you like each other, you have things in common and are both interested in spending more time together.

Now’s the time to put in the effort to keep the relationship growing and flourishing, and the same can be said about you and the readers of your blog. They like what you have to say and want more, they want to find out what else you have to offer. You need to spend time with your blog to make it work for your readers.

You never get a second chance at a first impression.

Looking after yourself and making a good impression are really important when it comes to making a relationship work. You wouldn’t turn up to a date wearing your favourite PJ’s and comfy slippers, and some good old-fashioned window dressing to catch the eye can’t hurt.

You need to dress up what you present on the web. It’s no good just writing a big piece of text and expecting it to hold someone’s attention.

Making the whole package attractive will draw people in and encourage them to stay around for long enough to learn what you have to say.

Everyone likes to feel special.

Always make the time to reply to any comments you get and show your readers you care about what they think. We don’t ignore someone we want to spend time with, and the same could be said for anyone who takes the time to make a comment. You want them to stay with you, make them know you value them, and that their opinion makes a difference to your writing. Just a simple ‘thank you for your comment’ will make all the difference.

Remember manners don’t cost anything, but you will be remembered for using them.

Confidence is the key.

Most of all, and this goes for both dating and blogging, you need to be confident. If you don’t feel comfortable with your blog, or your date, then it will show. Be at ease with your online business, and you will come across as confident, articulate and knowledgeable. Choose a design with a layout that works for you, just as you would dress up for a night at the theatre with someone you care about.

If you’re not convinced that blogging and dating are similar, I have one more thing to persuade you. Dates can be frustrating, hopeless and expensive, just like blogging at times. But they can also lead to that incredible moment when you realize you are at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing… just like when I took my wife out for dinner for the first time.