- Pull Up a Chair
- When I Tried to Sound Smart
- Grandma Never Needed Fancy Words
- Why Readers Keep Reading
- Five Simple Ways to Sound Like Yourself
- Ready to Write?
- ☕ Around My Desk
- Before You Go…
- Continue the Journey
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pull Up a Chair
Have you ever written a text message…
Deleted it…
Rewrote it…
Deleted it again…
Only to end up sending the very first version?
Funny how that works.
The first version usually sounds exactly like us.
The tenth version?
That one sounds like we're applying for a government job.
I used to do the same thing with my blog.
I'd start out sounding like Carla.
Somewhere around paragraph three…
I'd turn into Professor Carla.
Apparently, Professor Carla believed every sentence needed three commas, two words I never actually say out loud, and enough syllables to impress a college English teacher.
Poor Emma.
No wonder she wanted another cup of coffee.
For years, I thought becoming a better blogger meant sounding smarter.
I read article after article from people who seemed to know everything.
Their writing sounded polished.
Professional.
Perfect.
So naturally…
I tried to write like them.
It was exhausting.
And worse than that…
It wasn't me.
Looking back, I don't think I was writing for readers.
I was writing for approval.
Somewhere deep down, I hoped Google would notice me.
I wanted experienced bloggers to think I knew what I was doing.
More than anything, I was terrified someone would discover I was figuring this whole blogging thing out one lesson at a time
Ever felt that way?
Maybe you haven't started your blog because you're afraid someone will think you're not an expert.
Maybe you've written three drafts of the same post because none of them sound “good enough.”
Or maybe you've stared at a blinking cursor wondering…
“Who am I to teach anyone anything?”
Friend…
I've asked myself every one of those questions.
And then something happened that completely changed the way I think about writing.
Grandma Never Needed Fancy Words
When I was little, I don't remember Grandma ever sitting me down and saying,
“Today we're going to have an important life lesson.”
She didn't have to.
Life lessons just seemed to happen while we were doing ordinary things.
Sometimes we were in the kitchen.
Many times we were outside.
Sometimes we were sitting on the porch after a long day while Grandpa talked about the vineyard.
Grandma never used words that sent me reaching for a dictionary.
She never tried to impress anybody.
She simply told stories.
Stories about people.
Some of the stories were about hard work.
Stories about faith.
Stories about making do with what you had.
Years later…
I don't remember every recipe she made.
I don't remember every chore we did.
But I remember her stories.
Why?
Because stories stick.
Facts are helpful.
Stories are unforgettable.
I think that's where I went wrong with blogging.
I spent years trying to sound like someone people would respect.
When all along…
People were simply looking for someone they could relate to.
Emma doesn't need another expert talking over her head.
She needs a friend sitting across the table saying,
“I've been there too.”
That's when I finally understood something.
The best blog posts don't sound like blog posts.
They sound like conversations.
Why Readers Keep Reading
People rarely finish reading an article because every sentence is perfect.
They keep reading because they're curious about what happens next.
Think about your favorite movie.
Your favorite book.
Even your favorite conversation.
You stay because you care.
That's exactly how blogging works.
Search engine optimization might help someone find your article.
Your story is what invites them to stay.
That's why I don't start with keywords anymore.
I start with a memory.
A mistake.
One simple question.
A lesson I learned the hard way.
Then I ask myself…
“What does Emma need today?”
Not next month.
Not next year.
Today.
Because if I can help one person solve one problem, I've done my job.
Everything else is simply icing on Grandma's cake.
Five Simple Ways to Sound Like Yourself
If you're wondering how to write a blog post people actually want to read, don't overcomplicate it.
Here are five simple things that completely changed my writing.
1. Write like you're talking to one friend.
Don't write for “everyone.”
Write for Emma.
If she understands it, someone else probably will too.
2. Tell one story.
Stories make ideas easier to remember.
Even a tiny story from your day can teach a valuable lesson.
3. Read your article out loud.
If it sounds awkward when you say it…
It'll probably feel awkward to read too.
I do this all the time.
If I wouldn't actually say it over coffee…
It doesn't belong in my blog.
4. Stop trying to sound impressive.
Simple isn't boring.
Simple is clear.
And clear helps people.
5. Leave your reader with one next step.
Don't overwhelm people.
Help them move forward.
One idea.
A single lesson.
One action.
That's enough.
Ready to Write?
For a long time, I worried I was forgetting something every time I published a blog post.
Was it clear enough?
Did I answer the question?
Would anyone actually find it?
Eventually, I stopped guessing.
That's why I created Write to Rank: The Searchable Blog Checklist.
Before I hit Publish, I walk through the same simple checklist I wish someone had handed me years ago.
It reminds me to write for one reader.
Answer one question.
Keep my writing simple.
Make my blog easy for readers and search engines to understand.
If you'd like a copy, you can download it free and use it before every blog post you publish.
It has become one of the most valuable tools on my desk.
☕ Around My Desk
Can I let you in on a little secret?
I'm a recovering “shiny object” collector.
If someone promised a tool would make blogging easier, I probably bought it.
Some of them were fantastic.
Others…
Well, let's just say they looked a whole lot better in the sales video than they did after I paid for them. 😄
Eventually, I realized I didn't need more tools.
I needed the right tools.
The ones that actually helped me stay organized, write consistently, and spend more time creating than figuring out technology.
That's exactly why I created The Fast Track to Tools That Work.
It's a free guide filled with the blogging, business, and productivity tools I actually use and recommend. I put it together so you can skip some of the trial and error that cost me time, money, and more than a little frustration.
While you're there, you'll also find a few of my favorite office companions that help make writing these Thursday Stories a little easier.
- 📓 My favorite notebook for capturing blog ideas before they disappear.
- 🖊️ The pen that somehow always ends up in my hand.
- ☕ My insulated coffee tumbler that's usually sitting beside my laptop.
- 💻 The laptop stand that finally convinced my neck to stop complaining.
If you'd like to peek around my desk, download The Fast Track to Tools That Work. You just might discover a new favorite of your own.
Some of the resources inside are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you decide they're right for you. I only recommend tools and products I personally use, trust, or would happily recommend to a friend.
Before You Go…
I hope you'll remember one thing from today's story.
You don't need to sound smarter.
Bigger words definitely aren't needed.
You don't need to impress Google.
Shoot, you don't even need to impress me.
You simply need to sound like you.
Grandma never worried about whether her stories were polished enough.
She cared whether they were helpful.
That's the difference.
People rarely remember perfect writing.
They remember how someone made them feel.
So the next time you're tempted to rewrite the same paragraph for the fifth time…
Pause.
Take a sip of coffee.
Picture Emma sitting across the table.
Then tell her the story the same way you'd tell a friend.
Because somewhere out there…
There's another woman wondering if her voice matters.
It does.
And your story may be exactly the encouragement she needs today.
Continue the Journey
If today's story encouraged you, here are a few more I think you'll enjoy.
- Why Your Blog Is Your Best Affiliate Marketing Asset
- Why Your Blog Gets No Traffic (And How to Fix It)
- How to Start a Blog People Actually Find
- How to Know What to Blog About When You Have Too Many Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a blog post people actually want to read?
Start with one person in mind. Answer one question, tell one story, and give one simple next step. Readers connect with authenticity far more than perfection.
Do I need to be an expert before I start blogging?
No. Readers often relate more to someone who's a few steps ahead than someone who sounds unreachable. Share what you've learned honestly and helpfully.
Should I write the way I talk?
Absolutely. Writing in your natural voice makes your blog easier to read and helps readers feel like they're having a conversation instead of sitting through a lecture.
How long should a blog post be?
Write long enough to completely answer your reader's question. Helpful, well-structured content almost always performs better than short articles that leave readers wanting more.
Why is storytelling important in blogging?
Stories create emotional connection. While SEO helps readers find your blog, storytelling helps them stay, remember your message, and come back for more.