How Can I make my BLOG Stand out from the rest?

Before I begin this post I just want to say I haven’t been blogging that long, but I have been observing blogs since I began.  Also, I want to reiterate that the thoughts I am about to share are my own IDEAS and OPINIONS.

So, there is a blog for everything now a days.  How does a person truly make their blog stand out from the rest?  I feel the below tips will help, but then again, I could be completely off track, so please, if you think of something else, please share a comment!

1) Make it Personal

Don’t be afraid to share something about yourself, HOWEVER, don’t make it the only thing you talk about either.  Change it up, have a theme.

2) Utilize Pictures

People love looking at pictures, it makes the blog a lot more appealing to look at, and a lot more appealing to want to read.

3) Have a customized Headline.

I am drawn to the blogs where they designed their headline that goes with their blogs.  There are some pretty neat designs around town.  As you have noticed I haven’t gotten to that point, but I am going to works towards it within the next year.

4) Talk about a CONTROVERSIAL topic

Controversy draws people in, and it draws people in even more when it’s a topic they either want to know more about or a topic, in which, they’re curious about what a person has to say.  Some bloggers have called out PR agencies, some bloggers rant at a horrible customer service experience, or some bring up a topic that makes people’s blood boil, but it brings the people in!

5) Have giveaways

Giveaways does bring people to a blog, they’re curious about the blog.  However, with said giveaways, STAY away from multiple entry forms, a gazillion hoops to go through, and if you’re going to do a giveaway, make sure it’s something catchy and people truly love.  Event tickets are always fun, along with gift baskets, and also gift certificates.  However, with the gift certificates, would you prefer a 5 dollar thing, or would you actually want something worth 25 or more?

6) Review a Product!

People love hearing about products, but even more, they love hearing about NEW products.  Products they may have never heard of before, so start reviewing products, but keep your eye out on products, in which, are new and different.

7) Utilize Social Media

Twitter has so much potential, and it is a great medium to introduce people to your blog.  There are so many blogs out there, but if you establish connections with people via social media, they’re going to want to know more about you, and what it is you do and write about.  If you take the time for them, they will take the time for you.

8) Create a FACEBOOK page

A lot of the blogs I frequent also have their own facebook page that you can follow.  Here they share their articles, their giveaways, and any fun facts with people, etc.  ONLY do this if you will commit to the page on a daily basis, and you will keep it new and refreshing.  If you don’t have the time then don’t do it.

9) Offer ADVICE

If you are knowledgable about a certain topic, utilize your blog to share it.  If you know a ton about photography, talk about it.  People want to learn about photography.  If you love to travel, share those sweet escapes with people, they love hearing about new places.  If you’re a relationship guru, talk about the tribulations of a relationship.  Show to the world that you know your stuff.  You will find a following.

10) Be yourself!

Really.  Make your blog about you.  Make sure it reflects who you are, and the things that make YOU unique.  People love learning about people, and love seeing their quirks.  The blogs that show personality create a great following behind them.  If you need to rant, RANT.  If something is royally pissing you off, share it.  And in the end, just have fun with it!