The Great Blog Swindle: Personal narratives being hijacked by excessive marketing

Blogging has significantly shifted in recent years, with the focus often shifting from personal stories to marketing and advertising a brand. While this shift can be attributed to several factors, such as the rise of social media and the need to monetise blogs, it has left some readers feeling disconnected and disillusioned.

I feel that personal stories in blogs are being overtaken by zealous undertones of marketing and advertising a brand because of several factors such as:

1.The Need for Monetisation

One of the main reasons why blogs are becoming increasingly commercialised is the need for monetisation. As the number of blogs and bloggers has increased, so has the competition for readership and revenue. Many bloggers rely on advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing to generate income, which can lead to an emphasis on promoting products and brands over personal stories and experiences.

2.Social Media Influence

The rise of social media has also contributed to the shift away from personal storytelling in blogs. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created a culture of instant gratification and visual stimulation, which can make longer-form written content seem less appealing to readers. As a result, many bloggers have shifted towards creating visually-driven content that emphasises promoting products and services.

3.Audience Expectations

Readers now expect a certain level of promotion and marketing from their favourite bloggers. As bloggers have become more influential and famous, their audiences have come to expect them to promote products and services that align with their brand and values. This can pressure bloggers to prioritise marketing and advertising over personal storytelling.

4.SEO and Search Rankings

Search engine optimisation (SEO) has also played a role in shifting towards commercialised blog content. In order to rank higher in search engine results, bloggers often need to create content that is optimised for specific keywords and phrases. This can result in a focus on creating content geared towards promotion and marketing rather than personal stories and experiences.

Balancing promotion with personal experiences can help bloggers maintain a sense of authenticity and bond with their readers while still generating revenue and building their brand.