7 Tips for Making Your Blog Stand Out from the Rest
Written by: Eric Brantner on April 17, 2009 – 10:47 am
There are literally hundreds of millions of blogs online right now. These blogs cover every topic imaginable, and more are still being created every day. What does this mean for you as a blogger? It means you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. And no, I’m not talking about using some cheap gimmick to grab attention for a few seconds. I’m talking about ways to separate yourself from the pack for true, long-term blogging success.
Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Be Yourself—Let’s start with the easiest tip. What’s the quickest way to distinguish yourself from other bloggers? It’s simple: just be yourself. Sure, it sounds a little cheesy, but it’s the one thing nobody else can do. You’re a unique individual with your own tone and your own insights. Don’t try to be everything to all people. Just blog the way you talk. Share your true feelings, not just what’s the popular point of view.
- Approach Your Niche Differently—Now, a lot of people will say you can stand out by finding a new niche to write about. But let’s face it: there is a blog on every subject imaginable. So, since you can’t find a new topic to write about, find a new way to approach it. Perhaps you can approach the topic with a humorous slant. Or maybe you can focus on creating video blogs on the subjects. The key here is not to do the same old content that you can find anywhere else.
- Build Relationships with Your Readers—One of the best ways to make sure your readers keep coming back is to build relationships with them. Interact with them in the comments section, and let them know their opinion is valued. If your readers feel they have some sort of investment in your blog, they’ll be likely to keep coming back time and time again. On the other hand, if you ignore your readers, they’ll have no attachment, and they’ll forget you just like you forget them.
- Promote Your Blog Like Crazy—With so much competition in the blogosphere, you have to be willing to promote your blog like a madman if you want to ever stand out. Obviously, this includes using all of the available social media channels (Twitter, ReddIt, Digg, Mixx, etc.) It also means using methods like guest blogging to increase your visibility. Marketing your blog is something you need to remain committed to over the long haul. It’s a constant process that slowly builds over time.
- Focus on the Title—If you’re involved in social media at all, you likely come across hundreds of links to various blog posts each day. What determines which links you click on? For me, it’s the title. If the title is compelling and unique, there’s a good chance I’ll click it. If it’s boring and non-descriptive, rest assured that I’ll never click the link. Focus on creating titles that make people click.
- If Your Aren’t First, Be the Best—Too many bloggers think success requires being the first to cover a breaking industry story. I say, don’t worry so much about being the first. Instead, worry about being the best. The beauty is in the details. Dig deeper in your stories than any of your fellow bloggers. Ask questions that no one else is asking. This is the kind of blogging that will earn you a reputation as the best in your niche.
- Don’t Forget Design—Of course, you can’t have a conversation about making a blog stand out without talking about design. You need to make sure your blog visually stands out from the pack as well. Get a unique blog theme designed that readers instantly associate with your blog when they see it.
How do you stand out as a blogger? Tell me your tips in the replies!
April 18th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Nice list. I like number 7.
Even if it isn’t perfect… The design must be unique.
April 19th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for the tips. I’m just getting started and trying to get advice from any and all. I like your advice. Once again thanks
April 20th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
COMPLETELY agreed on all seven points! Very concise and direct. I’ll save this entry for my records and subscribe/syndicate your feeds for further learning and knowledge sharing.
I would recommend everyone also take advantage of RSS whenever possible. Ask your regular readers to do the same so they’re up to date with you. Ask them to syndicate your feeds as well.
In my promotions? It also helps that I work closely with the Successor of Nikola Tesla’s Genius and Discoverer of a NEW Science!
“The day Science begins to study nonphysical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all previous centuries of its existence.” NIKOLA TESLA – (inventor of the Polyphase Alternate Current (AC), AC Induction Electrical Motor, Tesla Coil, Wireless Transfer of Energy and Telegraphy, Radio Transmission Principles)
April 20th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Eric,
All great tips especially about the social media. I run into bloggers all the time that have a pretty good grasp on the blogging part but neglect the other social media channels.
To answer your question what makers me stand out. Take a look at my blog and you will see it’s one of a kind custom WordPress design, so I’m the only one in the world that has this design. That and the fact that I sometimes shoot from the hip.
April 27th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
This is a great post. I especially like your number one rule, in fact, I was thinking earlier about doing an entire post on that rule. Too often people try to “wax poetic” or be more insightful or business like than they actually are. It seems they forget that the thing about a blog is that if it doesn’t get read, it doesn’t matter…
April 29th, 2009 at 1:51 am
It’s really great tips for me and motivated me a lot, definitely gives help to me for getting SEO concept.
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:34 pm
The SEO industry has changed alot over the past few months, what used to work before, doesn’t work anymore. You obviously know whats up, but I can’t wait to see the transformation of Google in the next few months.
June 10th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
I wish more people would write blogs like this that are actually fun to read. With all the fluff floating around on the net, it is rare to read a blog like yours instead.
August 19th, 2010 at 3:43 am
Interesting read, cheers! I finally catch the big ikon.
February 10th, 2011 at 10:37 am
Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration. Thanks for the great information. And thanks for sharing.
March 1st, 2011 at 10:04 am
All in all, it is very well-organized and great post ever. As a blogger, I think the content and design are so much important to catch the users' impression.
Thanks for sharing. Keep up with great word, buddy