We’ve all come across personal blogs that rant and rave even if it was just about donuts. We’ve seen travel blogs that went-there-had-fun-went-home. There are also tutorial blogs that lay step-by-step instructions as if it came from an IKEA box.
Bloggers can write about the same things, but there will always be that one blog that stands out from the rest of the bunch.
So what sets a blog apart from the run of the mill types? It’s the ‘blog x-factor’ - a blog’s personality and ability to connect with its readers; having something unique of its own that gives it its own brand.
Here, I will share five things you can do to make your blog stand out:
1. Create your own voice. Like a living individual, blogs speak to it readers the way its writer would. So how do you sound when you talk to others in print? More importantly, how would you like to sound?
Each blogger must find his voice. Some prefer to be personal as if writing on their private journal, others write in a conversational tone as if talking to a friend. There are also those who write in a matter-of-fact manner like a mentor to a student.
What ever your writing style may be, stick to it and make it your own voice. It’s the tone that will sound most natural. Readers respond well to sincere writing. It’s one way of showing that you are real. Don’t try to imitate other blogs because their style may not work for you.
2. Inject humor. Blogs differ from news articles and fiction pieces because these contain first-hand accounts written from the blogger’s own point of view. But simply laying down the details of your first tattoo experience, for example, won’t win your readers over.
If you want to be remembered, you either have to do something outrageous or you can be a really satisfying read. Since humor sells like pancakes on a Sunday morning, it’s not a bad idea to use some. You can go for witty words that tickle the imagination, but if you’re like me who’s not so good at that, you can opt for a funny image instead.
3. Innovate storytelling. Tell your story in a way that has never been done before. Doing so will enhance your blog’s character. Don’t just settle for the usual we-came-we-conquered approach. Use your creativity and practice your storytelling skills to come up with a different twist to an ordinary story.
If you’re covering a general topic, don’t forget to add your personal input to make the piece yours. Cite real-life examples to give your readers a feel of what your experience was like. You don’t have to use highfalutin words to impress your readers, just write from your heart.
Many times, it pays to be bold by using unconventional ways of writing. I’ve seen bloggers post open letters (some real, some fiction), mystery posts, backward chronology of events and even misleading introductions. These types of entries will surely keep a reader engaged.
4. Flaunt your best shots. Blogging and photography is a match made in heaven. A blog comes to life when images are added onto it.
Not a photographer? No problem! Some good blogs actually survive with just a camera phone. The important thing is capturing the moment so you audience can relate to what you’re talking about. Food blogs, for instance, are more authentic (and enticing) when a photos are in place.
5. Write for your audience. Some people blog as a hobby, others intend to turn their blogs into a money making machine. What ever the case may be, always be true to yourself and your readers.
As a blog becomes well-known, more offers for advertising, guest posts and sponsored posts arrive. To keep the quality of your blog content consistent, avoid posting sponsored posts consecutively because this may turn off your readers.
The road to becoming a standout blog also passes by the town of SEO (search engine optimization). Some SEO techniques might require you to meddle a little bit with your writing technique. It’s not really a bad thing as long as you don’t overdo it.
A literature degree is not necessary to have a noteworthy blog. Authenticity and creativity wins when it comes to making a blog stand out.
Learn how to start a blog, get people to read and share your blog, and make money from blogging with a step-by-step tutorial at howtostartablog.com.
Click here to learn how to start a blog, get people to read and share your blog, and make money from blogging with a step-by-step tutorial: http://www.HowToStartABlog.com
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