One of the basics of starting a blog is determining what your blog should be about, which would also relate to choosing your target audience or readers. However, you should also consider how you would present your blog to them—how you would deliver your “message” to your readers—and by this, I meant choosing the language for your blog. Of course, you’ll have to consider the pros and cons of using different languages than using one protocol for all to understand.
The more, the merrier
If you want to have a greater number of readers, and I think most of you (if not all) would agree, you might want to use English as your blog’s language, because we all know English is (currently) the universal language. This would be beneficial if you’re putting up a blog where you’re planning on getting high traffic from and better revenue from your ads. Using a native tongue for your blog limits your readers to those who can only understand the language.
Content
Personal blogs are most suitable having the blog owner’s native tongue as its language, that is, if the owner intends to limit its readers to his/her network of friends (and probably some stalkers). Using your native language somewhat shuns other readers (who doesn’t understand the language), thus, in a way, making you oblivious to them. You might also want to consider using your native language in posting about local stuff, like local news or gossips about your favorite local celebrity.
Go with the flow?
Even though the world wide web offers a cornucopia of topics for your blog to use, there’s a big possibility that someone on the other side of the world is using the same topic as you. Using English as your language means you’re accepting the challenge of competing with other bloggers around the world. On the other hand, using your native language means you want to “stay under the radar”, but have less readers on your side.
It’s really your choice on what language to use on your blog. Your blog is your tool for communicating with others, sharing and giving information to your readers. Just make sure you check your grammar first before you click that “Publish” button (well, I’m using WordPress). There’s nothing more disappointing than a blog that emanates awkwardness through its language.
Originally posted on June 10, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
