Stop Writing for Yourself
Write for the Only Person who Matters, Your Reader
The reason most creators struggle to grow an audience is because they focus on themselves, not the reader.
This happens because they write what they want to say—not what the audience wants to read. They treat content like a personal journal instead of a tool for connection at scale. The result? Flat posts, zero traction, and growth that never takes off.
That’s why we need to flip the script.
We’re going to walk you through:
How to adopt an audience-first mindset
How to deliver concrete, actionable value
How to make your reader the main character
How to choose topics based on reader needs
When you understand how to do this well, your content becomes a magnet. It pulls in the right people in, earns trust, and keeps them coming back.
Let’s start with the most important shift.
Adopt an Audience-First Mindset
If your writing doesn’t help the reader win, it won’t work.
Most content flops because it’s built around the creator’s interests—not the audience’s needs. The truth is: nobody owes you their attention. You have to earn it.
81% of people prefer content tailored to their interests. That means: the more your content feels made for them, the more they’ll engage with you.
The biggest mistake is writing what excites you—without asking if it’s useful to your readers.
Here’s what to do instead: Before writing, list three real questions your audience has asked you. Pick one and answer it like you’d DM a friend.
Make this your baseline: If the reader doesn’t win, the post doesn’t work.
Flip the Planning Question
Bad question: “What do I want to write?”
Better question: “What does my reader need right now?”
Audience-first creators don’t brainstorm in a vacuum. They go where the questions already live: comments, DMs, Reddit threads, Slack groups, and mine them for gold.
The mistake to avoid? Brainstorming in isolation and then hoping some last-minute keyword research will save the post. That’s backward.
Try this: Spend 30 minutes a week scanning LinkedIn, Reddit, or Slack groups. Note the most common questions and build your content around those.
Start from the reader’s pain point, not your personal preference.
Deliver Concrete, Actionable Value
Vague content inspires no one. Specificity builds trust.
People remember the creators who help them do something—not the ones who just inspire or drop hot takes. If your audience walks away with a win, they’ll come back for more.
The biggest mistake? Staying too high-level—sharing abstract ideas without giving readers something they can actually use.
Fix it by offering one clear, actionable step they can take right now. Think small wins, not big frameworks.
Think “10-minute win,” not “big idea.” Specificity scales trust.
Make the Reader the Main Character
Frame your post around the reader’s journey, not yours.
When your content reflects their struggles and goals, they care more. You’re telling their story—not your own. This emotional alignment drives engagement and community.
The trap? Sharing personal stories without linking them back to the reader. It feels self-indulgent, not helpful.
A simple fix: When you share an experience, ask, “What does this mean for my reader?” Make it a path they can follow.
Write with empathy. Guide, don’t flex.
Key Takeaway
If your content isn’t landing, it’s not your writing—it’s your focus.
You made yourself the hero of a story that was never about you.
Flip it.
Make the reader the main character. Solve their problems. Deliver what they actually need.
Do this consistently, and your content won’t just get noticed—it’ll get remembered.
Key Action Recap
Before writing, list three real questions your audience has asked recently. Pick one and answer it directly.
Stop asking what you want to write; start asking what your reader needs.
Spend 30 minutes weekly scanning your audience’s spaces (LinkedIn, Reddit, Slack) for real questions.
Deliver one clear, actionable step per post—small wins work best.
Always frame your message around the reader’s journey, struggles, and outcomes.
When sharing personal stories, bridge them to reader benefits with clear takeaways.
That’s it for now—more soon!
Catch you next time,
Creator of LinkedIn Audience Building for AI/ML Engineers
PS — If you’re finding value in The Tech Audience Accelerator, would you mind forwarding this edition to a friend? It only takes a few seconds, but helps me reach more tech creators and builders like you.
And if you want to be an even better friend, you can share The Tech Audience Accelerator by clicking the button below. Just let me know if you do, so I can send you a thank-you bonus.
I’d also love your feedback to make The Tech Audience Accelerator even better. Please drop a comment with:
Ideas you want to see in future editions
Your biggest takeaway from this one
I read and reply to every single message!