Should I write my blog posts in first person?
When first person works best
First person (I, we) is natural for personal blogs, opinion pieces, and storytelling. It creates intimacy and helps readers feel like they know you, which builds trust and loyalty.
If your blog is a personal diary, travel log, or commentary, first person is almost always the right choice. It lets you share experiences and emotions directly.
- Personal blogs and memoirs
- Opinion and commentary posts
- Behind-the-scenes or day-in-the-life content
- Community-focused blogs where you interact with readers
When to avoid first person
For instructional, news, or professional blogs, first person can make the content feel less authoritative or too self-focused. Readers may want the information, not your personal take.
In those cases, use second person (you) to address the reader directly, or third person for a more objective tone. For example, 'You should back up your blog weekly' is more engaging than 'I back up my blog weekly.'
Many successful blogs mix first and second person: use 'I' for anecdotes and 'you' for advice. That balance keeps things personal without being narcissistic.
- How-to and tutorial posts
- News and industry updates
- Corporate or brand blogs
- Technical documentation
Common mistakes
- Thinking first person is always unprofessional—many top blogs use it effectively.
- Overusing 'I' so much that the post becomes about you rather than helping the reader.
- Switching between first and third person inconsistently within the same post.
