Last night during a skype conversation with Jordan Cooper and Don Gilbert, one of the things we discussed was standing out as a blogger. As all of us were ranting, we came across a discussion about what our thoughts were on the subject of “standing out as a blogger” throughout our ramblings we’ve identified and came to an agreement on some of the key fundamentals you need to stand out as a blogger.
Standing out as a blogger is your key to being “unique” it’s your opportunity to be the odd piece of the puzzle. As you’re reading through this post, think about some of the points I make and when you’re done reading share your opinions.
How to stand out as a blogger
Be Unique
If you’re a blogger, and you’re blogging about making money online, blogging or even internet marketing, you will know that this niche is over saturated. Admit it. . . probably all the information that bloggers have talked about has already been stated. Am I right? Probably so. But, what gives bloggers the ability to write about the same concepts and still attract hundreds if not, thousands of readers? Being unique. You are sharing your information in your own style. A style that is unique to you and only you. By doing this, you are re-birthing content, only in a new unique way.
Follow your own business plan
Each blogger has a different strategy to either grow their blog, or make money blogging. Their strategies are unique to them and how they plan on managing their blog. In our skype conversation, we were critiquing someones blog and we constantly brought up the importance of developing a business plan that will work for you. When you want to become serious about blogging and make a full-time living online, in order to accomplish the dream of living the internet lifestyle, you need to treat your blog like a business. Do not make the mistake and follow other blogger’s business models because what they do will not work for you. Their business models can help guide you and help form your business model, however I would not recommend copying another persons business model.
Be yourself
When I asked readers what their definition of blogging was, one of the things I stated was the ability to be yourself. When you’re blogging, you should be nobody else but you. Don’t strive to act like the next Darren Rowse or Brian Clark, strive to be yourself. Apart of standing out as a blogger is who you are and what you’re about. If nobody knew who you are, or what you’re about because your trying to “act” like the next Darren Rowse, how will you stand out from the crowd?
Create a unique design
Having a design specified uniquely for your blog will help you stand out as a blogger. Look at Robswebtips, when you come to my site you will have never seen my theme like mine on anyone else’s site. My theme is designed uniquely for Robswebtips, and only for Robswebtips.
Even if you are not a designer or a coding wiz, you can still make your design unique. Grab a theme from Woothemes, and start making small tweaks to the theme. Whether it’s adding your custom branded logo or designing a nice about me page or 404 page. Whatever the scenario is, design your site with uniqueness in mind. Ask yourself this – if someone came to my site would they be able to say this is the first time I’ve ever seen a design like this?
Group Discussion
I’ve rambled about this subject with my friends for hours, and wrote a 700 word blog post about it. It’s you’re turn to share your thoughts on this. How do you stand out as a blogger? What did you do to stand out? What advice would you offer to people trying or struggling to stand out as a blogger?
Remember, no comment is ever considered dumb or useless. Your comments have a meaning here in my community, so voice your opinion, it will not be left unheard, and that’s something I can guarantee. So share your thoughts below.
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{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
I was thinking about getting a unique theme for my blog, but in the end I found a fantastic free theme that I felt was of the quality of a premium theme. So I decided to stick with that.
Your point about being unique is probably the best piece of advice a new blogger could get – because their uniqueness is the only thing that separates them from the 100′s of other bloggers in their niche.
Tom | Build That List´s last blog . . .Do I Need My Own Product Before I Start List Building?
I’m glad you saved yourself some cash by finding a free them equivalent to a paid theme ;D And I’m glad you see that it separates 100′s of bloggers from the successful ones.
Thanks for this post. This was one of my problems that I am only just recently realising. It’s difficult sometimes not to imitate the people who inspire us. e.g I read other blogs and every time I kept on skipping from blog to blog getting more and more confused untill I realised that there is not ONE single formula and if there is it can only be from me.
Wasim´s last blog . . .Doing Things Backwards
That happened to me when I was starting off, I asked myself if I can imitate these “successful” bloggers, I will become successful to. However, they became successful by following their own business plan, and the same concept applies to me. I’m glad I realized that as well.
Hey Rob,
I have just come across your site thanks to a video featuring it from Lisa at 2createawebsite.
I have only been blogging for a short while and at first I was trying to write how I though the people wanted me to, but as you say you have to be yourself.
Getting people to want to read your post because of who you ar and not who you are trying to be like is really important and a great start to building a relationship with your readers and subscribers.
All the best,
James Howard
James Howard´s last blog . . .The FTC Rules the Easy Way
Glad to see you in my “lil” community ;D However, you are right. You have to write according to who you are, you cannot expect to build a community of loyal subscribers if you’re not being “you.”
I agree that the best way to stand out as a blogger is to be oneself. After all, when we blog we are sharing our perspective, and trying to do that using another blogger’s style will probably result in a muddled message. Instead of trying to stand out, I’ve recently decided to follow your advice from a previous post by being consistent in my posting schedule. Just as importantly, I resist the impulse to compulsively edit and reedit my posts. Instead, I try to stay focused on one topic as I write and follow that up with a single edit. Then I post it — warts and all. I may not have many visitors yet, but my hope is that when people do find my blog, there will find enough there to make them want to come back. Ray
I’m glad your following the consistency advice, because that’s a crucial element of blogging. Think of it this way, there is NO possible way to be unique, by trying to fit someone else’s creative flow of “unique” does that make sense? Like, the ONLY way you can be unique is by being yourself, and the second you stop being yourself and start acting like someone else you’re no longer standing out as a blogger.
If you need any help Ray, feel free to shoot me an email and ask questions, I’m happy to help
When I finally allowed myself to share my stories (even embarrassing and unpleasant ones) that’s when I started seeing more reader interaction. As a writing instructor, I already knew that, but my ego wouldn’t allow me to share those things at first. But really that’s what makes a blog stand out. You have to insert your own experiences to convey the lesson you’ve learned to others. It really doesn’t matter what type of blog you have – there’s a person story/lesson that fits with everything whether it be affiliate marketing or a simple Christian life blog like mine. Whatever your niche is, if you include yourself, who you are, what you do, your challenges and struggles – your life in blog posts, you’ll stand out. Why? because you’re the only one who has your unique perspective in the world. No one else has your exact blend of genetics, past experiences, education, etc – so use that to your advantage.
Kiesha @ Highly Favored´s last blog . . .Top 10 unorthordox and unromantic indicators that your family truly loves you
You’ve stolen the words right out my mouth in this comment Kiesha. It is true, actually more than true that the benefit of being unique is you are the only person who is able to do that, because EVERYONE is unique in their own way. Nobody is the same. So for someone to hide their uniqueness is just silly.
I struggle with learning how to change things on my blog. I don’t yet have enough knowledge about computers and the inside of using blogs. Making my blog page unique, besides the writings I put in, is a frustrating experience. Something I change may have the site not work and I wouldn’t know how to correct it. Thanks for saying the phrase, ” Admit it. . . probably all the information that bloggers have talked about has already been stated. Am I right?” It is good to know that we’re not missing something by not getting to every site all the time. My hats off to you, your insights are great.
Debra´s last blog . . .Giving to the homeless
One true power of being unique Debra, is it’s not as hard as people claim it to be. When I wrote this post I wrote it in my unique post formatting, I wrote it in my unique way, I stated my stand-point. Just by doing that, I’ve added uniqueness to my blog post.
Taking the extra mile and designing your site to fit your unique look & feel is great, but not everyone is able to do that. However, everyone is able to blog in their own unique way. Shoot, I could call a nine year old and have them right a blog post about whatever they want, I’ll guarantee you it will be unique. One thing I love about kids (probably the only thing I love about kids) is the fact that they are NOT afraid to be themselves, and us as grown bloggers need to be able to release our fears of being “different” and just be different.
Yeah, kids really haven’t yet taken on trying to be someone else. They are fun due to their no fear ways, just say or do what comes up for them.
I’m enjoying your unique style, Rob. Glad your putting it out there.
Debra´s last blog . . .Giving to the homeless
No problem Debra . One thing you can always count on is me being unique
When I first started I was using an SBI template for my look and feel, and as time went on I got a custom template. I do not know html, so I chose one that I could use with
sbi’s block by block system. I write about all kinds of business ideas not just making money online because online is not for every one. After talking to my SBI coach I am kicking it up a notch, and giving my visitors more detail about each business ideas.
Melva´s last blog . . .Home Based Pet Business – Train Your Pet for TV
Just curious to know, how are you liking SBI? I also agree that making money online is NOT for everyone, it certainly does depend on what your passion and goals are. It’s also very good to see that you’re kicking it up and giving more to your readers
Rob,
I like SBI. Because I am a novice, SBI gives me every thing I need in one place. This is my second site. My first was one of those free websites, but because I did not know any html, I had to pay someone to do everything. SBI has freed me from that. Its amazing that I can do this at this time in my life. I am 56 and I retired last November 1.
P.S.
I love your blog.
Melva´s last blog . . .Home Based Pet Business – Train Your Pet for TV
I’m glad you’re happy with SBI, I’ve heard lots of positive feedback about for sure, however I’ve never used it. If you ever want to switch to Wordpress (Good choice), I’ll be happy to help you
DSWM was unique to my specific specs also…the new one shall be even better.
Awesome post man, stop following and lead; you will be noticed!
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Welcome Aboard Part 2! All The Info You’ve Been Waiting For…
I’m hearing a lot about your project here, you better link me to it when it’s done!
I’m going to stay a leader, so no worries on this end
What?!?!? You haven’t subscribed from the start?!?!??!?! Click the link and start at the first post!! There’s only 2. LOL
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Welcome Aboard Part 2! All The Info You’ve Been Waiting For…
Oh sweet! I’m going to hop on my boat and ride the waves thru your site. Looks like your going to be my new person coach ;D
That’s what I’m here for! Seriously…
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Welcome Aboard Part 2! All The Info You’ve Been Waiting For…
Great article. This relates not only to blogging but almost any other type of business or even things outside the business world.
Thanks a lot Tom
Glad you enjoyed the article.
Hello Rob,
nice article, actually i found all your articles were useful information. I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP. i got thesis theme, and i need to know the exact steps to transfer my blog from my main website to my local host (MAMP). so, i can make some changes and put it back to my website. sofar, i have some good basics where i export the database and imported in my local database. now, i got it work but only i can see the front page (Home) but once i click on the my nav-buttons will not see the links….could you please provide step by step how to do this sceanrio? i really appreciate for your help
thanks,
Shoot me an email, and I’ll be happy to help
i sent you email but didn’t hear from you!!
Thanks for this informative article. I have recently redesigned my site to use the Atahualpa theme, but I am going to make a few more revisions to make my site unique.
Thanks again,
Lisa C.
Lisa C.´s last blog . . .Guess How Much I Love You: Book Review & Baby Gifts
That’s great you’re understanding the importance of quality design, remember not to forget about quality content
This is a great blog . I have found so much useful information . I have been blogging for over a year . I have a motivational blog. I used to write everyday like a journal . Not sure what direction I am looking to take at this point . I have com across some great ideas while reading some of your posts . Thanks for sharing !
Well today I checked out other blogs and what they are offering. I see they could do so much more with all the tips you are giving. So time to quite sitting back and just do it. Thanks for all you do for blogging.
No problem Tina, glad you enjoy the tips
hi Rob,
i love your Blog! Especially this post helped me a lot but i have a little Question:
I see pictures like the one you used for this post everywhere on the internet but i dont have a clue where they´re from.
I would love i you could help me
greets from Germany Jakob
I get them from Flickr
You have really great taste on catch article titles, even when you are not interested in this topic you push to read it
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