by xDrove
24 replies
Hello, I am working on establishing an authority website where people can come to read information and other things and I have a question. Today I will be publishing my first post and I dont know how to act on the blog. Should I be writing in the style of I or we?

Example:

For the first post I wanted to write: "on this blog (I / we) will be writhing about this and that...
  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    If you are the only contributor - that would using the "royal" 'we'.

    J/k but use what is comfortable for you.

    Most important is that "YOU" is the focus of your blog - and not "I" or "we". Write for the people who are reading what you write.

    If you are totally new to blogging - pretend you are talking to a friend and try to write in that same style. Create conversations - not lectures. Address the interests and needs of the site visitors rather than focusing on talking about yourself only.

    The more you write - the better you'll be.
    Signature
    Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264026].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author erob
    If you are the authority you are the expert put the focus on yourself.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264044].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Well, you should really write what comes natural to you.

      Either way is fine. But if you have to strain using one way... then it would behoove you to do the other one ;-)


      - Robert Andrew
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264056].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author C. Sierra Love
    Originally Posted by xDrove View Post

    Hello, I am working on establishing an authority website where people can come to read information and other things and I have a question. Today I will be publishing my first post and I dont know how to act on the blog. Should I be writing in the style of I or we?

    Example:

    For the first post I wanted to write: "on this blog (I / we) will be writhing about this and that...

    Neither. Focus on YOU - as in your customer.

    Seriously.

    Example: Instead of "on this blog I/we will be writing about this and that... Try: "On this blog, YOU will discover how to..."

    Always come from the YOU angle, then it won't matter if you choose I/we when you're referring to yourself because all the reader cares about is how YOU are going to help them.

    Rain
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264100].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author stackman
    If you are trying to establish yourself, personally, as an expert or authority or primary source, then "I" is more appropriate. However, if you are trying to establish your web site or company or even a blog as an authority or source, I've always considered "we" to be more appropriate. So, in the future when your web site becomes wildly successful, do you want people to recognize ("brand") you personally, or your web site or company?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264137].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kk075
    Originally Posted by xDrove View Post

    Should I be writing in the style of I or we?
    If you are branding the site as an individual, then use "I". If you're branding it as a business with multiple employees, then go with "we". There's really not a right or wrong answer here, it just all depends on the image you're trying to create.
    Signature

    Learn to sell like a pro through Web Synergy's marketing blog.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264144].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rachelamitsharan
    I agree with the suggestions that I is more appropriate for individual and we for businesses. I have one more suggestion. If you're starting out, I think it is better to use 'I'. This would present you as an individual and help your readers connect with you. "We" brings in the feel of a company company or group talking to the individual. Nothing wrong in that,but that is more appropriate once you've established your company as an authority. But starting out, I would go with "I". Hope that helps. All the best!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264166].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Unless you have a mouse in your pocket, using "I" in your solo business and speaking in the first person is being honest about what your business is and it's being open with your customers. You can talk with them like you're talking with a valued friend.

      If you use "we" and you are not "we" there is a good chance you will revert back to saying "I" at some point and that will be confusing to those who follow you. It's fine to develop a persona and stick with it, but what you want to avoid is confusing your audience.

      Since you said you're developing an authority site, using the term "I" will help to reinforce your personal brand . . . that you are the expert in the niche, you will be providing authoritative information, and that your customers should listen to you for your recommendations to make a purchase.

      Good luck on your new venture,

      Steve
      Signature

      Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
      SteveBrowneDirect

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264327].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nmwf
    I used to belong to a software developer group (online), and one member insisted on using "we" in place of "I" on his website. Despite being called out on it numerous times, he wouldn't change it, and he became the laughing stock of the group as a result. After word got out (onto forums, newsgroups, etc.) that he actually was an "I" and not a "we," he had to defend his usage on his own website.

    So not only did his own associates know he misrepresented himself; every single person who visited his website found out the same whether they cared or not. And immediately, he was portrayed as someone who was a little less than honest.

    That's not the way you want to gain trust online. Most people don't intentionally buy from liars.

    I don't know what happened to that guy because I left the group before he did. But if he managed to weather that storm, kudos to him. Personally, it's a storm I'd rather not face.
    Signature
    Write comprehensible articles on *any* topic in seconds with First Draft...
    First Draft's: Download | Add-Ons | Templates | Purchase | Support | Affiliates
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264359].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ghoster
    If you're a known authority in your niche, use "I" and, and of course use your own by-line.

    If you aren't, you can use the editorial "we."

    Example: Instead of "on this blog I/we will be writing about this and that... Try: "On this blog, YOU will discover how to..."
    Either style is fine, really. The second example has more of a salesy slant to it.

    Whatever you choose, just be consistent.
    Signature

    On the whole, you get what you pay for.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264562].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    "on this blog (I / we) will be writhing about this and that...I am scared if I read that you are writhing around instead of writing.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264566].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author @tjr
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      "on this blog (I / we) will be writhing about this and that...I am scared if I read that you are writhing around instead of writing.
      Depending on the context...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10268075].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
    There have been good arguments here, for either.

    Originally Posted by xDrove View Post

    Today I will be publishing my first post and I dont know how to act on the blog. Should I be writing in the style of I or we?

    Example:

    For the first post I wanted to write: "on this blog (I / we) will be writhing about this and that...
    But...
    Might I suggest that you trash that first post altogether - or, at the very least... relegate it to your "About Me/Us" page.

    First, it focuses on you rather than your readers. For the very few (more on that in a moment) who first find your site via the home page... it is even more important that you deliver what they came there to find - not a "mission statement". They will determine on their own whether your site fits their need, and that analysis will be based on what you deliver - not on a statement about what you intend to deliver.

    Site visitors are too easily lost. Very few readers will suffer through such an introduction and then go on to click through to a more pertinent post.

    A secondary benefit to posting something like that on your "About Me" page, is that in the future you will only have one place that needs to have any references to "I", changed to "we" - or vice versa.

    Secondly, in the long run very few of your readers will find your site via the home page. They will, instead, find specific articles that are narrowly focused on one particular topic. Make your first post thoroughly address one of those topics.
    Signature

    Sid Hale
    Coming Soon... Rapid Action Profits (Pro)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264644].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ServersSoft
    We would be more professional and it will make people see you as an organization and not as an individual.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264656].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rajbir1994
    If you're single you should write i and if you're individual should write we.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264660].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author andorod77
    It would make sense to use "I" if you are the authority of the blog and not working as a multitude, but it would be a better option to involve your readers into the post by using second person writing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10264671].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author xDrove
    Wow, very good suggestions. I am so happy I asked here as I learnt many new things
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10265380].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author michealkolince01
    It is not serious matter. If you use "we" it may better than "I". "I" is the singular person while the "We" is the plural. So I support the "we" more & more.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10265993].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Use both, as appropriate.

      If you are posting your own experience, use "I" and if it's a group or team endeavor, then "we" is appropriate.

      I scan a lot of multi-author blogs, and this works for them.

      Don't force it, just use what makes sense.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10266066].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author itos
    I like the conversational tone of including phrases like: "you will learn..." because you are starting a conversation for the reader. Instead of writing an academic essay.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10266228].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Use "I". It's what i use. And more than likely, if you do your marketing right anyway... you'll still make money either way it go.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10266378].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author iVlog
    That depends ... are you a "I", or a "We"? Are you a company, or an entrepreneur?
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10266398].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi S,

    It depends on your branding

    I love "I" because my brand is built on my story of retiring to the tropics through smart blogging. Folks dig my selfies. Folks visualize themselves in my place. I have built a bigger community by branding myself. Here's the kicker: make sure to include plenty of "you's" too. Folks love to be addressed - in a kind, fun, way of course - because your readers want to be in the community. "We" works well but making a reader an individual, and bringing intimacy into the equation with "you" seems to create stronger bonds. Folks feel special when you speak directly to them

    Congrats on your blog!

    Ryan
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10266404].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AuthorityBuilder
    Originally Posted by xDrove View Post

    Hello, I am working on establishing an authority website where people can come to read information and other things and I have a question. Today I will be publishing my first post and I dont know how to act on the blog. Should I be writing in the style of I or we?

    Example:

    For the first post I wanted to write: "on this blog (I / we) will be writhing about this and that...
    Not "I", not "we". It will be "YOU". Only then, you can connect with the readers.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10267657].message }}

Trending Topics