Let me say first that I'm as guilty of this as anyone else.Now that I got that out of the way ... I want to share something that Melissa and I have been chewing on lately.
When you feel the urge to write a post about how much money you saved on Kleenex, cream soda, or KY, please resist. No one cares.
Here's why:
What your post says:
"Today I slapped down double coupons on spaghetti sauce and saved 70%. 70%! Can you believe that? My total bill for $140 of groceries was $4.70."What your audience hears:
"I'm so tremendous that I can take a single coupon and double that mother. I'm 70% smarter than you. 70%! If you pay retail price, you're an idiot."What your audience thinks:
"Why would they post that? Do they want some sort of prize? Who cares?"Instead of posting about how much money YOU save (which, again, no one really cares about), consider posting how your READERS can save money, time, etc. (here's a good example). Point to blogs that might aid them in some way.
Though similar, there is a world of difference between the two approaches. The former is a manifestation of pride ("look at me ... I'm a saver!"). The latter is helpful to those who take the time to read your blog. The former gives your readers the impression that your entire day is spent sitting at your kitchen table with your Sunday paper and a scissors. The latter lets your readers know that you care about them and can provide information that is useful to their daily lives.
There. I feel better. Now, back to clipping my coupons.
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5 comments:
Did you change the look of your blog again? I want to change ours too.... once we find a coupon.
Interesting point of view. Since I'm one who writes about my exciting grocery buys, let me give some perspective why I blog about them:
1) Some other frugal friends like to celebrate with me
2) The grocery game is a relationship builder between me and Bryan's aunt. Every time I see her, she mentions how much she enjoys coupons too, and she talks about other frugal family members (who have hence passed away)
3) Sometimes buying Pillsbury Streudals for $1 is a really exciting part of my day (after all, they're normally $2.49!).
When I publish my grocery finds, I usually do this on Wednesday. Wednesday is a long, boring day for me since Bryan doesn't get home until 7:30 or 8pm.
4) I like recording fun grocery finds (such as the Strudel info, above). I can imagine being 60 years old and telling our grandkids "...back in the day, we could by xxx for $xxx."
What's the difference in finding pride about saving money and finding pride in our kids doing cute things? Or taking pride in completing a home project? Swimming a few laps? Making a really delicious meal?
--Ashley
Easy boy, keep it positive.
Marc
Marc,
I'm positive no one wants to know if I saved $0.85 on widgets. They do want to know, though, if I can help them save $0.85 on diapers. We should know our audience and help them. That was the point of this simple tip.
Ashley,
Thanks for the insightful points.
Here are a few thoughts:
If only one or two readers are interested in your grocery savings, perhaps email or Twitter would be a more effective medium. I could see Twitter being a very useful tool for this type of application.
I appreciate the 4th point ... and see the value in using blog posts to record your life as it is lived (including the somewhat mundane events like meals, groceries, etc). It is significantly more helpful when you can show others how to make the meal or how to save their money, too.
As for your last question, I would say that there is a monumental difference between blogging about saving a buck and blogging about people (children, etc.). I'm confident that your blog readers would agree.
Could say more, but will save it for another day.
Thanks again.
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