The average number of blog posts in a 24-hour period is 900,000. This means that every hour your blog competes with about 37,500 other blogs. How do you stand out in this flooded market?
This is what web developer Jamon Holmgren wondered on an InboundMarketing.com forum. He has to market his skills in an industry that's extensively covered on the Web. "What can I add to the conversation that a better programmer or graphic designer or SEO professional hasn't already covered?" he asked.
The challenge of blogging in a flooded market is increasing even for less known-on-the-web industries. But it shouldn't mean failure for your blogging efforts. Here are four ways to make your blog stand out from the rest:
Build Local Relationships
Your specific geography is what distinguishes you from many industry bloggers. So, focus on building relationships with local online leaders. Build a reputation in your local newspaper's blog and other smaller community blogs.
This will make you a trusted thought leader in you locality and earn you high SEO authority. "The more you can build relationships and trust with the online leaders in your community, the more traffic you'll get on your site, and the more people you'll be able to convert to leads and sales," wrote Rick Burnes.
Don't Blog to Self Promote
If you blog about your product or services, now is the time to stop. Find out what your target audience is really interested in and pursue those topics. Reputable bloggers don't self-promote but respond to the community's needs.
"Providing accurate, useful information that informs in a non-self-promoting manner gains credibility," wrote in the forum Greg Sweval. "It may take a little longer to build the buzz but once the momentum gets rolling it has exponential effects," he suggested.
What Gets You Passionate?
Blog about the aspects of your business that get you passionate. "Be yourself and blog about the things that excite and interest you (without sounding like a commercial, of course) and you'll be fine," wrote Steve Early.
When you write with passion and offer real value, you will most likely attract a big audience. Above all, blogs are for humans who are curious and seeking information presented in unique ways. The goal is to make your readers as passionate about your subject as you are.
Be Authentic
You will stand out from the noise and the crowd of bloggers if you are truly authentic. Your open-mindedness and transparency can earn you great credibility in the blogosphere. In addition, they will add a more personal element to your writing style. Be authentic and let your readers see you clearly and identify with your message.
Photo Credit:
dachalan
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