A couple of weeks ago I had this interesting question from Arlene Crespo from lifeplanweb.com.
I have been blogging since November of 2009 and I really enjoy writing especially about my experiences with life.
My problem is that my age works against me, If people see how old I am which is in my fifty’s they will be turn off. Most of the bloggers are young people in their twenty’s thirty’s forty’s.
What’s one to do when your at this age?
I thought this was an interesting question and one that might generate some good discussion so I’d like to hear your opinion on it. But before I do – let me share a few thoughts:
I’ve not really run into this question before and as a blogger still in my 30’s have not had to face it personally – so I can only really speak from my own personal experience as a blog reader but when I arrive on a blog by someone who is a little more ‘mature’ than myself I don’t think I’m any more likely to read, if anything it could make me think that the person is a little more experienced.
I’m a big believer in trying to use the situation that you’re in to your advantage and to try to turn perceived problems into opportunities – so if I was in this situation I’d probably be wanting to almost use my age as a way to market and brand myself rather than hiding it.
I’d be exploring trying to position myself as someone who has experience in my field, who has faced the challenges that others might not have faced and as someone who can coach and mentor a less experienced person.
That approach may not work in every niche but it’s probably where I’d be starting.
What Do You Think?
- Do you think age matters (on either end of the spectrum)?
- Could being a little older be used as an advantage?
- Have you used your age in some way in marketing yourself (whether you’re younger or older)?
PS: as I’ve written this post I realize I have been asked the question before, but by young bloggers who have asked if they should reveal their age out of fear of not being taken seriously.
I know of a number of bloggers who are still teens who’ve chosen not to reveal their age for this reason – but also have seen a few who have used their youthfulness to their advantage as a blogger by shouting from the hilltops that they’re young. I guess it can work both ways but I’d love to hear from both younger and older bloggers on their experiences with this.
Hi Darren,
I agree with you on the experience aspect. It would seem that would give them quite an advantage because they should have loads of personal experience – failure and success stories to relate their blogging.
I don’t see it as a turn off at all.
I don’t think age matters in the least for most niches. When I think about niches like food, personal development, making money online, travel, etc., I can’t see where it would matter at all.
That said, if a person doesn’t connect well with people of all ages, then their age might play against them.
Hey Darren,
I don’t think age really matters. If you have an advantage to connect with your target audience. Go For It!
I believe the older the person, the more they have to bring to the table. Experience, Wisdom, and Knowledge is an advantage someone can bring to the table by being older.
Chat with you later…
Josh
I agree with you, Darren and Kiesha. I find (how do you tactfully say it?) older people so interesting. They have so much to bring to the table. It’s one thing for some teenager to write about something he is good at or passionate about. It adds a whole extra element to it when a writer can draw on his every-day life experiences to relate to his topic of interest.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post. Here’s a question: will Darren Rowse still be blogging when he’s “in his fifties”.
Well, if you’re below 18, it sure does. ’cause you won’t be able to get your money out, use a credit card or get the $ you earn online to your bank account.
Well, on the other side, it doesn’t .
I’m a 50 yo blogger who had no prior experience with HTML, SEO or anything related to the technical side of blogging. In less than a year of blogging, I’d say my blog has been successful. In fact, I now have a book agent and hope to have my book finished before the end of the year.
Has my age mattered? No, I don’t think so. The fact that I didn’t know much about blog design, generating traffic, etc. wasn’t related to my age. Has my age worked to my advantage? Perhaps in the sense that I have SO MANY years worth of experiences to write about, but I’ve read great blogs written by teenagers and of every other age.
The only way I’ve used my age is to encourage other women in their late 40’s, 50’s and older to jump into something new.
If you can produce quality content, I don’t care what your age is.
I started blogging at 16 and really struggled to make an impact. Yet, I re-launched one 9 months ago and it already has 12,000 subscribers (I’m 21 now).
I think the difference is not age, but experience. My writing ability, my knowledge of what works and doesn’t, and my overall understanding of what it takes to make a successful blog have all helped.
I struggled for years before the success. So no I don’t think age matters, but experience helps.
I’m front and center with my age on my blog. I’m 53. It is what it is. That said, I make use of the old lady thing. A little wisdom, a little bit of crotchety, some fun with the voice. I know America is a culture of youth but hey, the baby boomers are the biggest demographic out there and for the most part, we’re computer literate.
Besides, we are unlikely to make you look at pictures of our piercings. So there’s that.
I am roughly twice the age of my average reader (I’m 41) and I find that it is more to my advantage than otherwise. I write for guys just getting started in Wall Street careers, and I’m viewed as a sort of “elder statesman” and someone who has been in the trenches on the site. They look to me for my experience, so my age works in my favor.
Age doesn’t matter nearly as much as writing style and blog presentation. If the layout and typesetting is good and the entries are interesting, age is irrelevant.
I think that age is a huge boon in blogging, because an older person has so many more stories to share. I spent a couple of years preaching in a church and always felt like my youth made it more challenging. I knew the theology, the history, and the original language, so I had all that facts, but I didn’t have as many relatable stories to tie everything together as older pastors did. Age gives you a resource that is completely inaccessible to younger writers: life experience./
Since when age matters for writing? Check the literature, it’s full of people giving their best after their 40’s.
One thing about age does matter though. If a blogger start bragging and complaining about their age (no matter what that age actually is) it’s going to turn off readers, both young and old. Young will not understand and old will not want to be reminded about age and dragged in the game.
It might be a bit different with teenagers as we tend to skip their opinions. But I know a couple of great teenage bloggers that are interesting for older audience as well. And their youth is their plus.
After all, it’s what we write not what our about page says about the age. And everybody first read at least one post before the about page. So don’t worry and enjoy blogging.
In this situation, as you said, old age should be the asset since in old age usually (if not always), there is wisdom. However, the conversation may go in difference way in this situation — there may be no pal talk in it.
She does bring up a good point actually, I feel many bloggers may wonder if their age is at a point where they won’t be
taken serious.
I think personally though any reader that takes this in to account may be missing out on quite a bit due to the fact
each level of knowledge brings up new points, and well, let’s be honest you can be 10 years old with the best knowledge anyone has ever heard. The question is, will someone take this person serious?
Being older, I think you can use it to your advantage.
I would just be careful about over using the word blog on your website. A lot of people still don’t know what a blog is. If your age is your target audience, I think you should try to either educate your audience on blogging or make it look like a non-blog site.
The first thing we should note is that (at least in the US) discrimination based on age is illegal. So if this person is being told that his/her age is the reason s/he not being hired for certain gigs (and the companies operate in the US), they would have a case for unlawful discrimination.
That said, I think that when it comes to certain subjects, age matters. For example, if I knew the writer of a entertainment/pop culture blog was over 50, I’d be inclined to wonder (depending on how they broach the subject of course) if they have passed their prime and don’t really know much about the current entertainment/pop culture scene. However, in most cases, the experience that comes with age is a benefit. But the voice of a more mature writer just might not fit what some publications are looking for, and that is the publication’s prerogative.
I think that just like anything else, if you see something as a weakness, then it becomes a weakness. The age is probably less a hindrance than the perception that it is a hindrance. Frankly, I’ve never been in a position where I had to disclose my age when applying for a blogger gig, so the fact that the person who asked this question is so concerned about it may be the roadblock in and of itself. The key is to use perceived weaknesses to your advantage and not assume that’s the reason you didn’t get the job if you’re turned down.
I read a number of blogs, and I personally do not even know their ages!
I do not think age matters here, as I think content is more important than age.
I would never judge a blog just by someone’s age.
And yes I do think that an older person can use his/her age as an advantage, as many people believe/see older people as having more experience of life (provided they are good in their niche too).
Nabeel
For me and my niche, I try to keep my age as ambiguous as possible. Sure, my visitors might be able to deduce that because of my lexicon, I’m not tooooo mature… but age is always something that I have to be cognizant of when I write.
A while back, I mentioned my age and as it was a write-up against a product I didn’t like, I was reamed and my age was the first thing to come up. So ever since then, I’ve learned my lesson.
A blogger’s relevance to their target audience matters. Period. Age only matters as it pertains to relevance. A 10-year-old mommy blogger will have problems (I hope) and a 60-year-old mommy blogger may also be far enough from their target to create disconnects. (Probably plenty of room for grandma blogs, though).
As a marketer I’ve gotten very tired of the youth = gets it, age = cluelessness equation. If youth truly equaled savvy and understanding, one would expect teen pregnancy rates to be much lower. No disrespect intended to insightful young bloggers, of whom there are many. Let’s just get past ageist stereotyping.
I’m also amused by the irony that this comment reads like a rant from a cranky old man. So let me close by saying kids, get off of my lawn!
Age doesn’t matter at all. I have been following a few blogs that are completely owned and maintained by teens. Blogussion is a great example. You might want to check it out: http://www.blogussion.com
Age … really? I guess I’ve been hoping that cyberspace — unlike the rest of the world — is a place where it doesn’t matter all that much. :-)
I’ll echo a previous commenter’s thought that it is the content of the blog, rather than the age of the blogger, that is most relevant.
That said, if you are trying to be seen as an “expert” in a certain area, age might equate with experience and bolster your case.
I think your age depends upon your blogging niche. With my blog which is geared towards the genealogy and family history crowd, it helps that I am edging towards 50. My audience is mostly 55+ and I try to get them to disregard media and societal messages that technology is only for the young.
While age should not matter, I’m finding that people want to talk to bloggers who fit their “visual profile.” When you disturb that visual or mental perception someone holds of you, and not in a positive way at that, then your readers can get turned off.
As one of those who started blogging in my 50s, I can’t say that I really thought about age, other than to wonder if I would be able to learn all of these new things. For me, the area of medical transcription is an area where there are more “older” folks than the younger ones, so I suppose that does help in some degree. As with another commenter, I really don’t pay attention to the ages of the writers on the blogs I follow. I follow them because they have good content and a style that I connect with. With one of my sites, the years of experience I have in the industry does make a difference. I think experience does give you more stories to share. I’ve generally tried to look at age as just a number so it really hasn’t played much into how I work with my blogs.
I’ve wondered about this as well. I haven’t given my age on my blog yet, but wonder if it will help me market it a bit better. Something to ponder I guess.
I’m fond of bloggers in their late 20’s and early 30’s…but I’m biased :)
I think having a certain set of real life experience helps, and being young makes it difficult to do that.
Being old has an advantage, but it also comes with the opposite in many cases.
I don’t think age matters at all unless your blog is focused to a particular age. If a 50-something blogger is writing about teenager stuff, then obviously that won’t work.
I couldn’t care less how old the person is if the content is compelling.
I mostly agree with Glen and Nabeel, but age really matters in another way. It matters in perspective of experience, but people will prefer to read your blog as you write about things you know best. In my case because I leave in Cyprus and most people that age are not only internet illiterates but computer illiterates too with a small percentage as exception, I would just congratulate her that she is trying to share her knowledge through the blogosphere. The only problem that her age might create is the same as our favorite producer with the sexiest voice turned up to be an old lady (as an example) and really ugly, that is how it is done with perceptions and the web, but it is everywhere. But people with the same interests as the ones she shares, would anyway read her and that comes with experience in writing, I am 20 years old and started blogging recently, but I would gladly read her posts in case they are in my field of interests (eg travel, communication, stories etc)
A really interesting question as although I haven’t experienced any age prejudices personally, it’s DEFINITELY something that I’ve thought about before!
I think that age does matter if you are engaging in a age dependant niche in your blogging but not completely. At the end of the day it is as always about good content that connects with your readers.
Also for many blogs connecting with your readers in a respectful manner (good social skills) is a must.
I am 59 and retired from the 9-5 routine but I am deeply passionate about my photographic and painting art and in fact everyone’s art. I am now more busy and engaged in these avenues and can’t wait to wake up in the morning.
Niels Henriksen
I can talk about my own experience in this question so I’ll try to express my opinion.
First of all age a little bit matters, but it’s no the most important thing talking about bloggers. Talking about myself I started my first blog at about 12-13 years and had 20-30 regular readers. Today I am only 16 years old and have more than 100 RSS subscribers and a little bit more readers. And I think that my age doesn’t matter to my own readers.
And by the way we have a very good example in Lithuania. One of the most popular lithuanian bloggers is only 15 years old. At 13-14 years he have organized one of the biggest blogger meetings in Lithuania. This example really shows, that age is not the most important thing.
I’ve been blogging since I was about 15, and I have only once had someone question my abilities because of my age. Even then it was only because they disagreed with my Christianity. :D
I don’t think it really matters; in the end, people just want value. I don’t really care how old someone is when I visit a blog–I base my opinion of them on their content. It may be a bit difficult if you’re trying to connect with younger readers if they don’t have a similar viewpoint to you or aren’t interested in the same things, but there should be some people who you can target that you share interest and are at least not turned off by your personality.
As someone who is younger than most, I do market my age and see it as advantage, because I am able to promote that. But that promotion doesn’t really matter, because whether my content is good or isn’t good is the real determining factor, however, it may help in getting people to my site.
For people who are older, not marketing your age may be a good thing, because it is possible you may lose clicks. However, the content is really what makes a difference; after you’ve got people in with that, they won’t care that you are older than they.
My favorite bloggers are those who are near my age, at relatively the same stage in life that I’m at, and with whom I have things in common. I’m not all that interested in reading the blog of very young people (teens or early twenties), but I’m always interested in the blogs of older people who have lots of interesting life experiences to share.
Curiously, if I am honest, I find myself prejudiced against those younger than myself more so than those older.
I find the “I’m 14 and I made a million from t’intarwebs” type sites particularly distasteful.
…no one aged 30 wants to hear that!!
And then I am turned off all such sites in some degree so this isn’t particulary unexpected!!
Other than that I have never consiously noted any pre conceived notions derived from the age of an author. In most cases I think I am not even aware of how old the blogger is.
If the content meets my needs and provides the value then in theory it should do the job. If anything I respect those older than me – perhaps this is a reflection of how I was brought up?
One thing I have learnt from my career is the value of experience. I don’t think a 14 year old who “got lucky” really gets this yet, but I’d like to assure them that by the time you reach 30 you’ll see the world in a whole different way.
Fact!
Hi,
I usually do not make a secret out of my age. It can be seen also in my profile, I am 51 and I write about my yoga practice (and this and that). I have readers of my age, but many readers are also younger. I even have the feeling that my age is an advantage, because younger and older people can see that one needn’t to become inflexible only because one ages.
Re age, I think to tell the truth is the best…..each age has advantages and disadvantages…..:)
Happy blogging to everybody and many readers.
Ursula
Well, my photo is right on my site, so I guess people can judge how old I am. Although, I did get “carded” (asked for my year of birth) when I bought beer the other day. Ha!
The nice thing about the Internet is you can be as anonymous as you want.
Personally, I judge a site by it’s content first, then the bloggers experience in the niche. I don’t think I ever consider age.
However, I do think that the grey haired have more to offer than the current generation gives them credit for.
BTW…I’m glad your questioner considers 47 young!
With the big boom of internet business, it seems that so many net jobs are occupied by the “youngins.” All of these stories of young entrepeuners that we hear for example, people making millions before age 25 (see: Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook) I think with blogging it’s the same. There are so many teenagers with blogs nowadays, that we may start to feel as though we started too late. But the truth is, no matter how you may feel, it’s never too late to start doing something you love.
Arlene- Please don’t feel that way. If blogging is your passion, block out the self-doubt. You’re never too old. And you’re not the only one who feels that way. I’m 25 and sometimes I think “If only I started when I was 3!!!” :-) But that’s just my mental mumbo jumbo getting in the way. I wish you lots of luck!
I think that age matters, as it’s a part of who you are, but it is far from being the only defining factor. In reality, you have two ages with blogging – how old you are and how long you’ve been blogging. I’m a 17 year old food blogger, and I’ve been blogging since my 15th birthday. I didn’t talk about my age – just that I was a teen – for the first year and a half. I think that your age can put you in perspective, and make you more human rather than just someone typing words and putting thoughts out into the world.
With age comes wisdom as well, so I wouldn’t be afraid of sharing that. Sharing mine has led me to find some absolutely fantastic friends who are also in their teens and also food bloggers. By putting it out there, you might just find more like-minded people with similar experiences, whether they are younger or older. I’ve seen bloggers as old as in their seventies, as well as second generation bloggers. In the end, I think it all depends on you, your audience and what you’re comfortable with.
Of course age doesn’t matter! But why in the world would you want to reveal your age? Some people are prejudiced about the weirdest things, so never run the risk.
I’m in my late 40’s and I feel that it was an advantage when I started blogging. People tend to take you more seriously, and you can position yourself better with the benefit of age.
When I started I made clear I wasn’t a blogging expert, but that I was a “business” expert, and wanted to help people create real businesses. Over time, I’ve become an experienced blogger as well, so I’ve been able to add that to my portfolio of skills.
“You’re only as old as you feel” … “Keep your inner child alive” … “You are who you associate with” …
lol… When I signed up for facebook some years ago, I couldn’t find anyone my age (50+) … so did I lack for friends? Not at all. In fact, the majority of my friends are still teens and twenties, though I’m constantly encouraging old folks to join up – and be active about it!
What I’ve discovered is that when you are interested in the lives of people of all ages, they will be interested in your life, too. We humans are communal people. If we respect others, we will be respected. If we are friendly, we will gain friends.
I don’t have to be a “pal,” I don’t have to dress young, wear tattoos (though I’ve always had a secret wish to have a couple… maybe for my 55th birthday coming up, eh?), spell creatively, swear profusely, etc! I am who I am. I love being this age. When I got to be about 35 I suddenly felt free from “peer pressure” and that freedom just grows. My eccentricities, my unique experiences, my ways of looking at life all make me who I am. And I can see, accept from, enjoy, and learn from others with that same attitude.
On facebook, the majority of responses to my status updates and notes, and the invitations to live chat, mainly come from young people. I am constantly asked for my viewpoint and advice on things going on in their lives. And I greatly enjoy learning from them and encouraging them.
On my blogs, the same thing happens. It’s funny, because I somehow keep expecting that only “old folks” like me will be interested in my topics (they often really aren’t the assumed interests of young folks!) … but it is the young folks who not only comment, but also contact me off-blog to ask questions and dig deeper into those topics. Young people are thoughtful, full of amazing questions, not bogged down by years of presumptions. Being an “older” blogger is an opportunity to be refreshed, enlivened, enlightened!
PS Thanks for your 2nd Edition of the ProBlogger book~ Awesome!
I agree with you, Problogger, Age doesn’t matter, Just before two I have pass-by a blog and was reading article, that article was awesome, so for my curiosity, I have click to know about author, What I have seen was unbelievable – He was just 15 year old child, and, was blogging from last 2 years – that means he started his blog when he was 13. That article was about how he earned 45$ in 1 day from digital point forum as commission.
It was really unbelievable for me.
I do not feel that age would work against a blogger, as long as they are writing in a proper manner and targeting the proper niche, which can enjoy their style of writing. Of course they are targeting a niche, which is entirely composed of teenagers and aren’t able to connect properly, then they would obviously be in trouble.
In fact those who are older, can often use their experience to turn things to their advantage and I guess not lose their tempers as soon as a few younger ones do.
Good engaging content is valuable. If you’re creating content that interests people and engages them, you need not worry about your age. The age and perceptions of your target market will also have a bearing on the affect of your own age and how you are received. However, I don’t see anywhere in the blogger rules, where it says you even have to reveal your age to your readers (just in case you think it could be a problem).
Mostly I’ve been worried about the “too young” problem. Not that it’s actually been a problem, but still.
I happily sell my readers hat I’ve been trading options since 1975, and professionally since 1977. I see no reason to hide my age and experience.
I’ve learned a great deal that I willingly share with my readers. And these are loyal readers.
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I think it can depend on your niche, the importance of authority in it, as well as writing ability. Younger bloggers (teens) definitely have credibility, experience, and often writing ability working against them. If an in-person experience is demanded, it can work against them too, such as in interviews and speaking engagements. I run a heavy metal site and I have seen the young age work against people (who work on my site and other metal sites), and can see how it might work against someone significantly older as well.
It can definitely vary by topic and style. If you take your topic too seriously, inexperience and ability also become more of a factor. If you take a humorous or self-deprecating approach, those things can easily be overshadowed.
I am a senior at age sixty-five. I am now retired and I have had many very rich and rewarding experiences in my life. I have enjoyed success, many of them. I have had failures and set-backs, many of them. Many experiences professionally as a business executive, a former Clergyman,as well as a high school counseller. In this mix of activies of ordinary life and not so ordinary experiences I have had to deal with challenges that required resolution. I am a father of three children who filled my home with joy, laughter, tears, celebrations and sorrows. There is no prerequiste of youth or elderly before content of value can be recognized as a piece of worth from the pen (key board) of a blogger. Quality of content and credibility of the message are what is really important…I’ll keep on blogging.
Jim Matheson
http://www.jimmmatheson.com