We've all come across personal blogs that rant and rave even if it was just about donuts, travel blogs that went-there-had-fun-went-home and 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.
What gives a blog its upper-hand appeal? 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 are 5 things you can apply to your blogging techniques:
1. Have a signature voice. Like a living individual, blogs speak to it readers the way its writer would. Do you have a distinct voice when you write? Do you think your blog could use a better voice?
Creating a voice gives a blog character. For some blogs, it comes out naturally, but for others, it is consciously crafted.
Write spontaneously to naturally bring out your writing voice. It's the tone that will sound most natural. Readers respond well to sincere writing. It proves that the blogger is real. A style may work for one blogger, but that doesn't mean it's going to work for others, too.
2. Use humor. Blogs mostly contain personal accounts and views which are very much different from newspaper or fiction reads. But even a detailed explanation of how you converted your gas guzzling car to run on water may not entice readers to finish your piece.
To be memorable, a blogger must do something outrageous or be a satisfying read. Humor is easier to serve to all types of audiences. Throw in some punchlines and share funny anecdotes to your readers. You can also share images that made you laugh.
3. Spice up your storytelling. Tell your story in a way that has never been done before. A blog becomes memorable through the blogger's storytelling skill. 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 need to memorize your thesaurus to get your audience's attention, 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. Entries as different as those would guarantee a second look.
4. Showcase your visuals. Blogging to photography is like coffee to milk. A blog becomes more alive when photos are added to it.
Not a photographer? No problem! You can survive with a simple point-and-shoot or, heck, a camera-phone. The important thing is capturing the moment so you audience can relate to what you're talking about. How else can you say the view on your hotel room was stunning when it is presented without any evidence?
5. Consider your audience when you write. People have varied reasons for keeping a blog. Some do it for fun, others do it for money. What ever the case may be, always be true to yourself and your readers.
Together with the blog's popularity, offers for advertisements, guest posts and sponsorships also increases. To keep your blog up to par, make sure only quality articles, advertisements make it to your blog.
The road to becoming a standout blog also passes by the town of SEO (search engine optimization). There are SEO strategies that might force you to adjust your writing style. Just try not to overdo things.
Bloggers need not be Pulitzer nominees to stand out. A blogger just has to be authentic and creative to win the popularity race.
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.
Copyright (c) 2012 HowToStartABlog.com
What gives a blog its upper-hand appeal? 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 are 5 things you can apply to your blogging techniques:
1. Have a signature voice. Like a living individual, blogs speak to it readers the way its writer would. Do you have a distinct voice when you write? Do you think your blog could use a better voice?
Creating a voice gives a blog character. For some blogs, it comes out naturally, but for others, it is consciously crafted.
Write spontaneously to naturally bring out your writing voice. It's the tone that will sound most natural. Readers respond well to sincere writing. It proves that the blogger is real. A style may work for one blogger, but that doesn't mean it's going to work for others, too.
2. Use humor. Blogs mostly contain personal accounts and views which are very much different from newspaper or fiction reads. But even a detailed explanation of how you converted your gas guzzling car to run on water may not entice readers to finish your piece.
To be memorable, a blogger must do something outrageous or be a satisfying read. Humor is easier to serve to all types of audiences. Throw in some punchlines and share funny anecdotes to your readers. You can also share images that made you laugh.
3. Spice up your storytelling. Tell your story in a way that has never been done before. A blog becomes memorable through the blogger's storytelling skill. 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 need to memorize your thesaurus to get your audience's attention, 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. Entries as different as those would guarantee a second look.
4. Showcase your visuals. Blogging to photography is like coffee to milk. A blog becomes more alive when photos are added to it.
Not a photographer? No problem! You can survive with a simple point-and-shoot or, heck, a camera-phone. The important thing is capturing the moment so you audience can relate to what you're talking about. How else can you say the view on your hotel room was stunning when it is presented without any evidence?
5. Consider your audience when you write. People have varied reasons for keeping a blog. Some do it for fun, others do it for money. What ever the case may be, always be true to yourself and your readers.
Together with the blog's popularity, offers for advertisements, guest posts and sponsorships also increases. To keep your blog up to par, make sure only quality articles, advertisements make it to your blog.
The road to becoming a standout blog also passes by the town of SEO (search engine optimization). There are SEO strategies that might force you to adjust your writing style. Just try not to overdo things.
Bloggers need not be Pulitzer nominees to stand out. A blogger just has to be authentic and creative to win the popularity race.
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.
Copyright (c) 2012 HowToStartABlog.com
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