Writing For Yourself Vs. Writing For The Algorithm

In the age of digital media, content creation has become a powerful tool for communication, self-expression, and even income generation. As writers on this platform, we all write, experiment, and ponder what kind of topics to write about. However, we all grapple with a fundamental question:

Should you write for yourself or write for the algorithm?

When it comes to intents and purposes of writing, there are always two sides in this debate. When we write for personal fulfillment it is meant to be a journey of self-discovery, on the other hand, writing for an algorithm maximizes your visibility, engagement, and recognition.

So in this article, we will go in-depth about the nuances of this debate, exploring both approaches and ultimately seeking a balance that allows writers to thrive in the digital landscape.

Writing For Yourself: The Authentic Voice

Writing for oneself is often referred to as writing from the heart. It is a approach that emphasizes your authenticity and personal expression which gives your writing a unique voice that is yours and yours alone. When you write for yourself, you prioritize your passion, creativity, and the intrinsic joy of crafting words.

Writing from the heart allows you to express your true thoughts and emotions. Your content becomes a reflection of your unique perspective, making it more relatable and can even resonant with your audience who are going through something similar.

When you write for yourself, you’re free from the constraints of popular trends and algorithmic demands. This freedom fosters innovation and encourages experimentation with different writing styles and formats, making you stand out from the crowd.

By simply standing out and writing content that is true to yourself, your authenticity can lead to a loyal and engaged audience who values your voice. Over time, this can translate into a sustainable career path and develop an enduring online presence.

However, there are potential downsides to prioritizing personal expression. One of the biggest cons primarily writing solely for yourself is that it limits your reach, especially if your content doesn’t align with current trends or if it isn’t optimized for search engines and social media algorithms.

To add onto that, if you are looking to build an audience purely through personal expression, then you are going to immediately find out that it is going to be a gradual process. Trying to build an online presence naturally requires a lot of time, patience, and perseverance and often times people are discouraged by that.

Considering that if your primary goal is to monetize your content, a pure “writing for yourself” approach may not yield immediate financial rewards and can critically hurt your motivation to continually producing self-fulfilling content.

Writing For The Algorithm: The Strategic Approach

Writing for the algorithm, also known as SEO (Search Engine Optimization) writing or content optimization, involves tailoring your content to meet the demands of search engines and social media algorithms. It is based on science of trying to figure out what people are searching for and finding opportunities to capitalize on. This approach aims to maximize visibility, engagement, and potentially, income.

Writing for the algorithm allows you to target specific keywords and demographics, attracting a niche audience interested in your content. By writing content that is specifically tailored to a niche or interest, then your chances of getting noticed increases tenfold.

When you are creating and curating optimized content, it is more likely to rank higher in search engine results and appear in users’ social media feeds, leading to greater exposure. By writing content that is on the first page of search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. you are not only getting traction to spread your content, you are also establishing yourself as a credible source of information and entertainment.

By consistently producing high-traffic content that the search engines recognizes, it can lead to opportunities to generate revenue and this can come in the form of affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and general advertising. Depending on how successful you are at building an online presence you can generate loads of passive income from the comfort of your own home.

However, writing solely for the algorithm has its own set of challenges. One of the biggest cons downsides of writing based on the algorithm is that you become restricted writing content based on keyword and algorithmic demands. This can eventually make your content feel forced or inauthentic, alienating your audience.

For those who have been on Vocal Media for a while, I’m sure you have noticed tons of seemingly random articles in each of your respective communities, the obvious clickbait, and plethora of creative and fictional pieces. The algorithm tells its authors that this kind of content is what gets noticed and that reasoning is what entices writers to produce this kind of content, no matter how low grade or unpolished it is.

In relation to that, algorithm-driven content may yield quicker results, but its place as a long-lasting piece with impact will vary depending on the content. If it is something that lacks an emotional connection or is just a timely piece of content then chances are the article will eventually fizz out.

Arguably, the biggest con from developing and writing algorithm-based content is the emotional burnout you might get from constantly chasing trends. This can be mentally exhausting on its own and it can lead to creative burnout, especially if the content you are working on is something that you absolutely despise.

Finding Balance: The Middle Ground

In the ongoing debate of writing for oneself vs. writing for the algorithm, finding a balance is key. While some people may argue the efficiency of that balance, it does exist out there.

The best way to find this balance is by learning the basics of SEO and finding out how to optimize your content without compromising your voice. Once you understand the basics of SEO keywords, you can research what content tends to do well from an algorithmic perspective and write content that genuinely interests and inspires you.

In addition, it is recommended to create a content strategy plan that is consistent and manageable to your personal schedule. Whether if you are posting one article a day or three in a week, consistency is what helps build both audience loyalty and algorithmic visibility.

It is also important to mention that you should regularly analyze your content’s performance. By simply paying attention to what resonates with your audience and adapt your approach accordingly.

TL;DR

The choice between writing for yourself and writing for the algorithm is not an either-or proposition. Writers in the digital age must navigate a complex landscape that demands a blend of personal authenticity and strategic optimization.

By striking a balance between these two approaches, you can foster both personal fulfillment and success in the digital realm. Ultimately, the best content is that which resonates with your audience, regardless of the path you take to create it. So, write with your heart, but don’t forget to listen to the algorithms whispering in the background.

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