Does blogging anonymously work? It’s a question I’ve seen asked a lot over the last year, and it’s one that doesn’t seem to have any one answer. Some say yes, some say no, some say it can if you take certain things into account, some say it can as a hobby but not a business.
So what is the answer? I really think it can work as well as any other way – if you put the time and effort in, why wouldn’t it work?
A lot of people much more clued up than me insist you need a photograph of yourself – at the very least on your about me page, and ideally in your side bar too. Plus on all you social media accounts.
It took me ages to put a photo of me on any of these.
I am the most un-photogenic person ever to walk the earth. I am always the one who looks miserable/insane/fake/half asleep, often more than one at a time.
I am always blinking, or looking away, or biting my lip or something. For that reason, I avoid being in photos at all costs.
The thought of having to look at a photograph of myself every time I write/edit a post, respond to comments or post in social media fills me with horror.
I remember one time, I unwittingly got caught on a photo. It wasn’t too bad. Because I didn’t know it was happening, I looked more natural and I was even laughing without looking deranged.
In a cruel twist of fate, some very bad lighting made it look like I had a huge bald patch at the front of my head. I swear the universe laughed.
Back when I used my logo as a profile picture, my blog still go traffic. I still had social media followers, and I still worked with brands.
Lots of anonymous bloggers still put personality into their writing, it still feels like them, and most have some sort of nickname so you have something to call them.
When I first started my blog, I started it anonymously. Looking back, I can’t even think why, but there must have been a reason. It didn’t take long before I started using my first name, it just felt friendlier signing off things as Debbie rather than Random Musings.
Then I began joining Facebook threads in blogger groups. I use my real profile which is obviously in my real name so that was it. I wasn’t anonymous anymore.
There was no huge spike in traffic. My traffic has grown, but I suspect the growth rate would have been the same without my real name. I didn’t suddenly get offered a Caribbean cruise, or thousands of pounds. In fact, the world kept turning at the same rate and no one seemed to care either way.
I think the key to growing your blog, anonymously or not is good content. If people like your writing, they will come back.
Some of my favourite bloggers go by their full name and have photos of themselves. Some of them go by nicknames and I have no idea what they look like. The one thing they have in common is that they sure can write, and surely that’s what matters.
So the sort answer is yes, I do think blogging anonymously can work.
Have you ever tried blogging anonymously, or do you still blog anonymously? Do you think blogging anonymously can work or do you think it holds blog’s back? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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I agree. I haven’t put an obvious picture of myself on the blog for the same reasons as you. When I had a guest blog with my photo it didn’t lead to a spike in traffic.
It holds me back in the sense of having a facebook page as it doesn’t allow a ‘company’ page without being linked to a real account.
It’s odd that I am open with strangers but more guarded with sharing on a platform where my friends and family congregate.
Given the super niche nature of what I write it can be hugely distressing for family to read (they will be dealing with their own grief too) and as cryptic as I am, some of it is about family dynamics.
With regards to Facebook, when you set up a page through your personal account, no-one liking the page can see your real name. I can totally see why you choose to remain anonymous, as you say your family are dealing with grief their own way and might not want to read about it.
I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work. There have been a couple times I’ve had discussions with other guys about starting a site specifically for people to add posts that they feel are too personal or don’t fit in with the theme of their own blog, but nothing has ever come of it
That sounds like a really good idea, I think it would do well!
I used to blog under my real name on a different blog… It was kind of a right of passage for me to share some things that I was going through and doing it boldly without fear of repercussions. That blog is still out there although I don’t post regularly to it anymore…now I have begun a new blog, just launched a few weeks ago and I’m sold on anonymity for now. I feel free to discuss things that I just don’t feel free to share any other way at the moment. I’m creating a brand with that anonymity still…even without my picture or name and I do think that’s ok! I agree that it can work and I’m going to do my best to see to it. Of coarse…I could change my position at a later time, but right now this is what works for me and hopefully it will work for my audience and potential financial opportunities as well. Great post!
It’s interesting that you’ve done it both ways. I agree when you are anonymous, sharing really personal things can actually be easier. I think if your writing has personality and you share details about your life (but not identifying details) readers can still feel connected to you. Thank you 🙂
I honestly never even considered you not having a picture as a reason to either read or not read your blog. I come here because I like your content and that is what draws me to other blogs as well. I’m all about the content. If it interests me, I will read it. I am not anonymous and it hasn’t done anything to bring more traffic to my blog one way or the other so I think an anonymous blog can be just as successful as any other. Success is all about what that person views as success. What’s successful for one person may not be for someone else. This is great food for thought though Debbie, which is why I keep coming back to your blog:) Popping over from #momsterlink
Same here, I read blogs because I like the content, not because they do or don’t have a photo of the blogger. Thank you 🙂
That’s what I focus on in my own blog because I just can’t do it any other way. I write because I love it and because I have something to say. Popping back over from #anythinggoes
Same here, I couldn’t imagine not writing and I also couldn’t imagine writing any way other than how I do! Thanks for popping back 🙂
I don’t have a picture of me as a profile picture on my personal facebook let alone anywhere else. There are photos of me on my blogs, but only one or two. It’s about my words, not my face.
I love that way of thinking of it, it’s so true 🙂
I think it depends on you and your blog. I have a few pictures of us on the blog, but not loads. Whatever you feel comfortable with I think
Yes, I think it’s down to personal preference, but I think either way can work 🙂
Before I started my blog I debated over whether to do it anonymously or not. I decided against it in the end but agree it can work either way. There are certainly things I would be more likely to post if it was anonymous 🙂 ! x #momsterslink
Popping back again with #anythinggoes. Have a great week 🙂 X
Thank you, you have a great week too 🙂 x
I went into blogging with literally no idea of what I was doing, so I had no way of knowing which would work better for me, that’s probably why I kind of opened up a bit as it went on. I think it’s about deciding what you are comfortable with. I honestly don’t think what I posted would change if I was totally anonymous, although maybe I would cringe less at some of the posts going out! x
A great post, I found i very interesting reading this and the other comments also. I started of completely anonymous no photos of me etc. I then did a guest post and included an image in that. I have been blogging since November 2014 and only last month revealed that I blog under a pseudonym. I also revealed that I have given my children different names too. I was worried that people may stop reading my blog if I told them the truth. Would they judge me? Would they feel I betrayed them? I received very supportive comments and was so happy that people understood. I write very honestly and from the heart and I now regularly show images of myself and my family. I have become more comfortable with revealing myself. The reason I didn’t go with my real name was due to the fact that I was stalked for over 6 years by a violent man. I think when you write and say you are being anonymous people understand that we all have our reasons and have to do what we are comfortable with. Like you say ‘Great Content’ is what matters and being able to relate. Great post! #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 I think it is more deceitful if your writing isn’t your true thoughts/experiences etc. That would make me feel let down if a blogger I loved came out after a year and said it was all made up. A name, not at all, I don’t think it’s important. It’s nice to have something to refer to someone as, it makes it feel more personal, but a nickname or pseudonym does that job just as well in my opinion. In your situation, I don’t think anyone could blame you for not putting your real name!
It took some time to decide whether I wanted to place photos of myself on my blog. Ultimately, I decided to put myself out there, but I don’t think that doing so has brought me extra page views or makes much of a difference in any way. It’s all in what you’re comfortable with! As long as the content and voice are there, you will gain a loyal following. 🙂 #AnythingGoes
I totally agree that you should do whatever you’re comfortable with – if you want pics great, if you don’t also great! I do believe it’s more about the writing and voice though, regardless of whether you have a pic or not, people have to be interested in what you have to say.
I think you can blog anonymously and be successful (personally and financially). People have done it. It takes work and careful planning, but it can be done. This is an excellent question and great exploration, Debbie! Thank you for sharing it!
I was delighted to see your photo on your media kit 😉 You are a lovely looking lady! You should put the photos up if you want & if you don’t want to then carry on. Your blog is doing amazing & there’s no feeling that it is lacking. I don’t feel like you are anonymous at all! #momsterlink x
I’m back with #AnythingGoes! 🙂 xx
Thanks for popping back 🙂 x
Thank you, what a nice comment 🙂 I’m glad you like the blog. A few people have commented that they don’t feel like I’m anonymous, I think it’s because I’m so gobby haha! x
I never considered you as being anon and never really thought that your blog lacked a photo. I used to sue an avatar and after reading a post from a pro added a photo. I don’t think it made much difference. I don’t use my surname although comment on facebook from my real profile sometimes so people could easily find it out I suppose. But I do not use my kids real names. I suppose it is a personal choice. I agree that good content is what really matters.
A few people have said that and I think that’s sort of my point. When people think of an anonymous blogger (myself included until I realised I was one!) they tend to think of a keyboard warrior hell bent on causing trouble rather than a real blog with no photo. I think a lot of people are less likely to use their kids’ real names. As you say, it’s a personal choice and I say go with whatever you are comfortable with.
Really interesting. I blog sort of anonymously. I don’t use my real name or photo, but I do occasionally share pictures of my children and I think people who know me would be able to work out it’s me from things I’ve said. I’m not a huge, well known blogger, but I think I do OK, and I can probably get away with saying things I wouldn’t dare mention if I was using my real name!
#AnythingGoes
Thank you 🙂 It sounds like you’ve found the right balance for you. I’m not sure if someone who knew me found the blog they would know it was me, but I do think if I told them it was, they would recognise it as the real me, warts and all 🙂
Like you say – if you’re producing great content I don’t think it matters. Saying that, I think people do like to know there’s a real person behind a blog post too. I’ve always posted as myself, even if my photos aren’t great either!! #AnythingGoes
I promise I’m a real person – if I was a robot, my grammar would be way better lol!
A great post, I thought about blogging anonymously I think more out of fear – I wanted my voice heard but was almost too scared to put it out there. I still have this battle as I am new to this blogging but I like what you said that you are still successful without a picture – we shouldn’t need a picture to be successful. I put one up (just last week) as was advised to – no spike in traffic, no offers for caribbean cruises – Yet lol. Lovely post xx #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 Now I think about it, it was probably a bit of fear of failing that stopped me using my name etc in the beginning – failing isn’t so bad if no one knows it was you! If you do get offered a cruise let me know and then I will definitely add a picture lol 🙂 x
This was a very interesting read and not something I’ve really thought about before. I love your blog and lots of others where the bloggers don’t use a picture and sometimes not even a name. It is nice to see the person being the blog but it’s definitely not the be all and end all. I definitely think if it’s what you want to do and your content is good then blogging anonymously can definition work xx #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 I read anonymous blogs and blogs where they have pictures etc and I find time and again I go back for the writing style. That’s how I feel like I know someone rather than seeing their face. Although it is nice to put a face to the name, like you sat it’s not the be all and end all x
I think as you’ve said it ultimately comes down to content. People will want to keep coming back to your blog if they like what you read. I’ve never really been bothered about seeing what people look like or the photo behind the blog, I’m more interested in what is being written. Having said that, a friend of mine was trying to persuade me to set up an anonymous blog. The idea being that it would be a lot more vocal or opinionated about certain matters rather than perhaps sitting on the fence. Interesting thinking! Thanks for hosting #AnythingGoes
I’m the same, if I like their writing I’ll come back with or without a photo. That’s a good point your friend made about how anonymity allows you to perhaps be more open about some things – although I tend to say what I think anyway because I do that in real life too – it’s a great technique for anyone a bit shy to get their opinions out there.
If you had asked me prior to this I would probably have said that I would be more likely to read a blog that I can relate to the writer, where I have seen photos and can image their face as I read. But then I have never noticed that you haven’t shared photos of yourself and so in that way, it clearly makes no difference to me as a reader!! Very interesting post, thanks for hosting! #anythinggoes
I think when you read a blog with no photo of the blogger, you decide how they look in your head and that image sticks with you as much as one from a photo would (or maybe that’s just me with a weird imagination lol). Thank you and thanks for linking up 🙂
I agree, you can blog anonymously and it can work. Some people aren’t comfortable sharing everything online. I can understand why people would want to know who they are talking to as well, so you argue a very good case.
I think the most important thing, especially, in the beginning, is to do what you are comfortable with. Great post! #AnythingGoes
Janet 🙂
Yes, I think you can find a balance where people feel they know your personality but necessarily any identifying details. And being comfortable with what you do share is the most important thing. Thank you 🙂
Always been a dilemma to me! I wanted to be (and was) totally anonymous. But then I got offered Huff Post and they won’t let you be anonymous, and I decided it was worth giving it up a bit for. & as I had done that, thought I might as well set up a facebook page then. But I still prefer to be as anonymous as possible, and for the kids to be, so I don’t go out of my way to reveal the link or to use my real name – I use blog name when I can. & I am not caving on pictures. I don’t put my kids online on my personal SM either. But people do say that it reduces your potential as a blogger as people want the personal info and the pictures. That may well be true. But I wouldn’t be comfortable with it, so have to stick with the compromise I have! #anythinggoes
I can honestly say your blog is one of my favourite blogs. You are the proof that being anonymous can work – your humour and personality shine through in every post and I have a definite picture in my mind of how the Toddler and the Baby look (they are probably way off but it doesn’t matter because it still feels personal). You have to do what you are comfortable with.
I actually do have an anonymous blog. Although it doesn’t get written on much but when I really need to vent about something that I don’t need everyone I personally know reading it, it’s a great outlet. It barely gets any views but I really don’t care as its just a venting gateway for me. And the thought that some people do read it makes it worth it. Thanks for linking up with #momsterslink!
That’s a great idea to have one of each! I really want to know what it is so I can read it but I guess telling me would defeat the object lol 🙂 Thanks for hosting
I used to blog anonymously without a photo anywhere, just my logo. I’ve since added an about me section on every page with photo. I do still use my pen name (mainly because I like the ‘ring’ of it!). But yes blogging anon can clearly work. And so it should! Thanks for hosting #AnythingGoes ‘Debbie’ 😉
I love your pen name, it definitely does have a good ring to it! Thank you and thanks for linking up 🙂
Visiting this time around from #AnythingGoes in a very late fashion. Story of my life. I will think about giving you the name of my “anonymous” blog. 😉
Lol, thanks for popping back! And please do I am so intrigued!
You’re absolutely right, Random Musings, or should I call you Debbie? 🌝 anonymous blog or not, it ultimately boils down to the quality of writing and also why we started blogging in the first place. Focus on that and don’t worry about the rest. I have personally had the itch to write for myself for over a decade. I was always afraid of what people might think (surprise, surprise). I am still a bit paranoid. So now I finally blog without any frills to my blog. This makes it manage-able. Don’t go out to change the world, it’s not going to happen. Do what you need to do for yourself and rest will follow 🪁
I love that you are in a place where you blog for you and you’re right – when you do that, the rest follows