Blogging has evolved a lot over the years, much more in the past year alone due to the changes that have had a worldwide effect on the way content is both created and consumed. Because of this, blogging trends are constantly changing and evolving every year.
Many people have asked the questions “Is blogging dead?” or “Is blogging a dying trend?” and the answer to this is a big NO. Blogging is here to stay. It is only evolving and is by no means going extinct.
In fact, according to these blogging statistics, 77% of internet users read blogs and approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages per month.
Think about how many search queries are made per minute on Google, and how a great proportion of those results are blog posts answering people’s questions. That gives a better idea of how important blogging and content creation are.
If anything, it has grown in popularity over the years and will only continue to grow even more.
Here are some of the changes we can expect to see happen in the blogging world and trends that we will see more content creators adapting to.
Table of Contents
1. Visual content
It’s not a secret that our world is becoming more and more visual when it comes to consuming content on the internet. This is what has made visual driven platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok gain more popularity and see tremendous success in the most recent years.
With the rise of a generation that is less inclined to sit down and read and that would much rather watch or look at something, there is going to be a growing trend of more visual content in the coming year and years after that in-order to meet this demand.
There are many forms of visual content in the internet including pictures, videos (long and short form), memes, diagrams, infographics and any other image based content.
A huge part of this type of Content is not just the content itself but its quality too. In recent years there has been less tolerance of low quality imagery, videos and other forms of visual content by content consumers. And this trend is going to be much greater in the year to come.
2. Diverse forms of content
There are many types of content consumers on the internet. Some prefer to read words, others prefer to watch videos while others like to see a infographics summarizing the main points.
Content diversification is becoming increasingly popular in the blogging world and is a trend we will see growing in 2021. More and more bloggers are taking one piece of content and translating into many forms and sharing it on different platforms inorder to serve a wider audience.
For example this post can be turned into a video showing different slides of the main point, it can be turned into a short Tiktok video, a carousel for Instagram or an infographic for Pinterest. These are many of taking one form of content and turning it into different forms for different platforms and different consumers.
3. Solution based blogging (aka problem solving content)
With everything that has been happening due to COVID19, there has been a greater demand and rise in interest for content that solves real life problems and issues and makes life easier for people, you know the DIY and how-to tutorial kind of content.
With people not being able to hire outsiders for things they could outsource before like fixing a blocked sink, doing hair and nails or painting a house, there has been an increased interest in content that solves real life issues, and this kind of problem solving and practical content will be a growing trend in 2021.
4. Influencer marketing
Popular social media personalities like Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner, Arianna Grande, and Dwayne Johnson make six figure checks per sponsored Instagram post with some nearing a million dollars per brand collaboration.
This form of advertising is growing more popular as more brands are adjusting their marketing strategies from only having traditional forms of marketing like billboards and newspapers, to social media and influencer marketing.
5. Cross networking
In an industry where influence and reach are the key performance indicators of success, cross networking or collaboration will gain popularity in 2021. This is one of the unique things about the blogging industry.
Collaboration between influencers, bloggers and content creators is a great tool to increase influence and reach a new a new audience. One blogger promoting another blogger fortunately does not take away from that blogger as would be the case with a traditional business promoting its competitors.
6. Social relevance
Last but not least, is a trend that we have seen grow tremendously in the recent two years, and that we will see continue to grow in coming year, and that is social relevance. 2020 taught blogging world the important of being appropriate in relation to what is happening in society.
From COVID19 and people losing loved ones, learning to appreciate life and the simple things we have always taken for granted, to #BlackLivesMatter and the world becoming more aware of the issues being faced by minority groups, there has been a greater sense of social responsibility in the world and has called for greater need for bloggers, content creators and influencers across the board to be more socially aware and relevant. A trend that we will perhaps see more of in the coming year.
It’s become increasingly important to be socially relevant and produce content that is sensitive to the needs of society and matters to it, whatever niche you are in.
7. Adaptive content
2020 was a very interesting year for the world at large. One main thing it has shown us we need to all embrace inorder to be successful is being adaptive. Many businesses were negatively affected when everything shut down during the pandemic, but on the other hand, there are other businesses that quickly adapted to the changes the world was going through and managed to leverage success during a time that most were struggling.
This taught us a thing or two that as the blogging world we can learn from about adaptivity. The needs to have a flexible plan for your blog that can adapt to the changes happening around the world, is greater now than ever.
One of the “laws of blogging” that we have preached for many years is to focus on a specific niche and narrow down. For many years some blogging niches like travel have been generally popular and successfu, but with travel being suspended for large portion of 2020 and people being more cautious about travel, this blogging niche has been negatively affected and bloggers in this niche area have had to resort to a niche change and think outside the box to keep their blogging business afloat.
So being able to adjust and adapt content to what’s happening in society and in the world at large is a trend we will be seeing in the blogging and content creation space in this new year.
8. Relatable content
At a time when most in person interaction has been halted, there’s a need for content that is interactive. People are turning to online content creators to provide a place and community where they can interact and divert their need for social interaction.
Being a relatable content creator and having a platform and content that is relatable is what will be trending in the year to come as people search for content creators that they can relate to and not just look up to. This will require being real, authentic and humanly. And this is a change that the blogging world is having to shift more towards.
9. Authenticity of content and content creators
Inorder for people to find your content relatable, there is a need to be authentic and real. Today more than ever people are looking for authentic bloggers and content creators. People who are, simply put “human” and whose content they can connect with.
Whether you’re a blogger, Youtuber or influencer, when you put out content that is authentic, people are most likely going to relate and engage with your content.
In an industry where to many people are faking their lifestyles for likes and popularity, more people are being drawn to those that are remaining true to who they are and simply being authentic in the content they put out.
This is only going to grow in the coming years as more people look for people who they see authenticity in and relate to.
10. Interactive content
With relatability and authenticity comes interaction. Content that sparks conversations, and starts discussion is increasing in popularity and will be a growing trend in the coming years.
People like to feel like they are part of a community and when bloggers produce content that allows people to interact and feel some sense of blogging to a community through their contribution, the chances of them becoming loyal to that blogger are very high.
What are your thoughts on these trends? Which of them do you think we will see more of? Let me know in the comments below!
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This was such an informtive piece, thanks. 2020 has been the year that almost all lagging industries have been pushed to do part or all of their operations and transactions online. This shift has created a greater platform for more content creation around businesses that were traditionally less inclined to having a digital footprint. Smaller businesses suffered the worst wrath of this pandemic and if they have ever been pushed to up their game online this was the time. Interesting to note is the fact that 99.9% of businesses in the USA are small businesses. So how were these smaller players affected most by the pandemic ? They just didn’t have systems in place to support online operations that could have kept them in business when the virus was raging in the first wave. 2021 could be an opportunity for bloggers to create more content around the small yet many businesses.
Yes, business blogging is something more people will jump on this year. Thank you, Tee!
This is an excellent post! As a new blogger (started last year July), I have been researching on ways to make the best out of my blogging business, and this post is so helping! Knowing the trends and predictions for this year is helpful for me because it allows me to see what other things I need to start working on. Thanks for much for this!
i like this super post
Thank you Sharmaine!
Great post!
I agree I can see the trend towards both more interactivity and more practical content gathering momentum…
We are getting clearer on what really matters in our lives.
And of course, when we want escapism, we also crave novelty.
Yes we definitely are! Thank you Rudiano!
Influencer marketing is such a big trend!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Yep it is!
This was certainly helpful! I think relatable content will be a big hit next year since almost everyone misses interacting with other people. And reading content that clicks with you, is a major happiness boost.
Cross networking is big, more people will be on their phones and if they find their favorite influencer collaborating with someone else they’ll check out their profile. Visuals are much more attractive.
Thanks for this comprehensive post, I’ll be bookmarking it!
My pleasure!
An interesting read here. I felt like a lot of these trends were already popular prior to this year, but you’re right – they’re definitely gaining popularity. It’ll be interesting to see what 2021 really brings to the blogging world.
Yes it is. Thanks Stephanie!
Since covid, I have seen more blogs focusing on mental health. I am enjoying reading posts with guides on how to manage and make the best of the new “norm”. I foresee next year people still needed resources on how to cope and there is no better way than coming right to google to search for a blog post.
xo Erica
Yes that’s true. Best time to have content that responds to those real issues!
Great post! I will definitely be looking for ways to implement these trend into my own blog. Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information!
It’s my pleasure Tiffany!
Your article is so insightful and well written. Blogging trends always change but the basics don’t change!
Thank you Karine!
This is great information! While I believe there is definitely a demand for visual content, I am a firm believer that there will always be a place for long-form or written content. However, diary posts about how your day has gone aren’t going to cut it the way that they used to. You need to create long-form content that creates value, solving a problem in people’s lives (as you touched on).
Yes, that is very true Britt. People are looking for solutions to real-life issues and are becoming less interested in hearing about
I just decided to take blogging more seriously so I really appreciated this post as I have no clue what I’m doing and what the current trends are for the most part so this was really helpful.
Kiana
http://www.kianachante.com
It’s interesting to reflect on the many changes in recent years and how blogging has been impacted. This year more than any other, it has been important to be able to pivot and adapt. I have also seen an increase in social justice and mental health posts, across genres, which is a good thing. As more and more people are impacted by the devastating effects of the pandemic, I wonder if there will be more content around building up a financial safety net and finding alternative ways to make money.
Yes, you’re right and I’m sure those in the finance niche will be providing more content around that to help people with their finances
Glad you found it helpful Kiana!
I never knew blogging had annual trends so will definitely keep an eye out on this. Thank for the great advise x
http://Www.livelouddesignyouloveme.org
Yes it does just like many other industries. You’re welcome Rachel!
This is such a great post. I will definitely bookmark it so I can come back to it when I’m planning my content strategy for 2021. So much insightful and useful information.
Thank you for sharing!
Estée | faerielifestyle.com
Glad you found it helpful Faerie!
I definitely see these trends happening in the blogging community for the New year. Your point about authenticity is spot on and is the main reason I am 100% transparent with my audience in the mental health community.
Yes keep that up Annalise!
i love this very appropriate post
Thank you Morgan!
I wonder what you think about how bloggers can pivot in response to COVID. I am a lifestyle blogger who had narrowly niched to focusing on style, and then when the pandemic hit, broadened to lifestyle topics, in general. I wonder if this will become a trend. It also strikes me that content that is visual, interactive and relatable at the same time (or all in the same post) might really be a good idea – a sort of template for 2021 blog posts?
Brilliant advice going into 2021. Thanks for sharing such an insightful piece 💜
Thank you Fiona!
Yes it is most popular with content consumers and is a good trend to jump on this year
Great article. I agree these trends are and will be important.
Yes they are, thank you Carla!
Thank you for sharing this! I better start working on my video editing skills haha.
I completely agree. I especially agree with #4. I started a blog and Instagram a few months before. My IG blew up and I became an influencer making an extra 4 figures a month just from brand deals. My blog unfortunately suffered because I was so busy keeping up with Instagram.
I thankfully write for a publication that allows me to “blog” on that platform and I make an extra 4 figures there.
I have no idea how I’ll find the time to write for both, however, I do need to start putting more effort into my blog.
~Aloha
Wow!!! These are fantastic ways to help think of content that’s a more personal approach to our audience at the same time strengthening our brand! I’m focusing on interactive, adaptive, and social relevance type of content! Really helpful for me! Thanks for sharing!
Good sharing! I also had a feeling that info graphic content will become more popular in the future. That’s why I want to learn it. Thank you for sharing this.
They are a very popular form of content. You’re welcome Fadima!
This was very informative. As a new blogger, I’m always looking for growth with my blog. And my wheels are always turning. This gave me something to think about for next year. I had been thinking about maybe doing Instagram story post other than when I have a new post on my blog. I’m bookmarking this post for future references. Thank you for sharing!!
Glad you found this helpful Tammy!
This is really good content and helpful information for bloggers. I’m definitely pinning for later reference!
Thank you Natisha!
Really nice post. It’s so important to keep these trends in mind especially influencer marketing.
Yes it is 🙂
I love me some thought provocation, this fits the bill! Being someone new to blogging I appreciate learning about the “laws of blogging” that I am still trying to figure out eight months into creating content. I’m onboard with 2020 being the year of adapt and overcome, it’s true for business and it’s true for life in general. I love the discussion on being authentic as well, I think the world needs more of that! Thank you for sharing and I wish you continued success in 2021 and beyond!
Thank you so much Shane! Wishing you the same as well!
This is such a helpful and informative post, thanks for sharing! x
Sophie | https://www.loveandliterature.co.uk
My pleasure Sophie!
Great reminder!
Yes it is! 🙂
Definitely keeping an eye on these. Thanks a lot!
It’s my pleasure Mona!
Great read! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Love this list! Looking at instagram in particular, stories really perform well when you have an interactive element in there! And some other great predictions!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Yes very true Katie!
Awesome, article! I think being reactive and knowing how to position yourself and your brand in the wake of everything going on is so important and worthwhile.
I will definitely be referring back to this blog throughout 2021! Thank you for writing it!
Yes true, thank you Bri!
This last year has definitely thrown out any trends we assumed may come because the world has changed so much in 2020 — great predictions and advice here. Very useful!
True, thank you Molly!
I honestly love seeing the push forward towards more authentic and transparent blogging. For a long time, it was considered good practice if you wanted to be ‘big’ to make your life look perfect in every way. However, doing so was not only ‘fake’ feeling but it also glossed over so many important topics, like mental health! Now, people are talking more openly about their struggles and challenges in life and it is SO empowering!
True Britt, it’s something we needed in the blogging industry
This is helpful for me to refocus when coming up with content ideas for my blog. Thanks!
You’re welcome Amy!
This is a really good post!
Really helpful with writing blog posts
Glad you found it helpful. Thank you Kat!
This is great information. Thanks for sharing. It was helpful
My pleasure!
You made several great points. Adaptability is huge. 2020 certainly showed us that. I used to think my blog was too versatile and that I needed to narrow it down. Now I feel okay about it. I do need more visuals but this was a great post,with good reminders!
Glad you found it helpful Lia!
I really struggle with the interactive content. Even asking a question at the end, like you did, often gets little to no response.
Great post, and I think your trends are spot on!
Hey Rachel! It’s something you get better with over time. Be creative with how you ask the content and also look at examples of what other people are doing.
I loved this post! I definitely feel like the content is becoming more diverse and a lot of people are gravitating towards more video form-based content rather than words xx