Posted on May 08, 2008 by Katy

Chances are, regardless of what your blog’s topic is, you’re not the only one writing about that subject. Blogs about blogging, make money online, Internet marketing, parenting blogs, none of these ideas are unique. Maybe you even started a blog on one of these topics because you fell in love with a blog that wrote about the same topic. Whatever the case may be, part of becoming successful in your niche is to realize that you’re not the only one talking about the same subject.

Hit up Google or any search engine of choice and you’ll see that your subject of choice is probably heavily talked about. Obviously I’m Blogging That is not the only blog about blogging. With this knowledge, you have to ask yourself just one simple question.

What makes me so different?

So, what is is. Why should I read your blog about blogging as opposed to ProBlogger? Or maybe I should read your blog about blogging and ProBlogger. But why? What reasons are you giving your visitors to come back to you and hear what you have to say, regard it is as value and then come back tomorrow for more information?

This is not an easy question to consider and chances are your answer will have multiple layers. It’s these layers that will give your blog the most valuable that you can capitalize on as a blogger to earn trust and respect from your visitors. Let’s take a look at what you can consider to set yourself apart from bloggers in the same niche.

Writing Style

Without a doubt, none of us write with the same manner and tone. How you choose to layout the context of your post will set you apart from other people. Figure out your writing style for your posts and use it to set yourself apart. From the way you choose to structure the words you put together to using headers, bold, and italics. Your writing style will draw people in and keep them interested. This aspect alone may be your biggest down fall or your biggest success. It’s up to you to determine what’s working the best and peruse posts with similar tones so that your visitors learn what to expect from you.

Competitors

Don’t see people in your niche as competitors. This word is used entirely too often with blogging. Bloggers in your niche are not your competitors but a chance for you to network and expand your reach. Kudos to the bloggers who have figured this out.

It’d be easy to assume that people who read blogs about blogging, for example, are interested in learning and/or passionate about the topic of blogging. Even though I write a blog about blogging, this is by far my most favorite niche blog to read as well. I chose this niche because it’s my passion, not because of its popularity. Consequently, I also read blogs about my passion. Because of this it is easy to understand that visitors and consistent readers will be more than happy to read blogs on the same subject because they’re interested in the different view points.

Create a Hook

Setting yourself apart and establishing your presence online is as simple as creating a hook. And no, I’m not talking about a sales hook but something else that draw people in and appeals to your target audience. I have said many times that my goal is to have people see me as someone that is helpful, because of this it’s easy to see how writing “how to” posts would be a good hook for I’m Blogging That. While not every post here comes to you in the fashion of a traditional how to post, with every post I attempt to explain a common or complex blogging how to question. It’s not always easy but in the end, I just might be the girl you remember for writing great how to posts about blogging — posts that were helpful. And if one person, for one moment, will have this thought about me, I’m getting to where I want to be.

Extend A Helping Hand

Sometimes, to get the best from people, you must first help them. Recognize the needs of others and simply do your best to lend a helping hand. Don’t take on work you can’t handle, don’t go above and beyond, but extend your hand with simple gestures that are helpful. And there’s a wide variety of things that are easy to do for other bloggers to get yourself noticed. StumbleUpon a post on their blog that you love, be a frequent commentator, send the blogger an EMail reminding them of your presence, ask for their opinion on something or write about them.

Don’t just ask what’s in it for you because in the long run, being helpful will be more rewarding than sticking to your corner of the web. By putting yourself out there as an honest helping hand will help you gain trust, authority, and respect within your blogging niche. No one is ever successful by sitting in the corner and being a grump. Put yourself out there by being helpful and you’ll find that in the end, the reward will come back to you 10 fold.

Show Passion

1,000 basic posts that others have written about and don’t elaborate or give detail on anything won’t show your passion for your subject. Enjoy what you’re writing about or your audience will see that you’re not happy and they won’t be returning. Incorporate your passion into your writing style so that with every single post, your visitors know that you’re writing about a subject that you actually enjoy. Who wants to learn history from a history teacher that is tired of talking about World War II? No one.

If you love a company, service, or program that is useful to your readers — love it to the end. If you’re not happy with a company, service or program that could have been useful to your readers — show all the points of your reason for disliking and stick to it. If your mind is changed, explain why. Don’t become a fan because someone else is and don’t hate because someone else does. Display your own passion about everything you do with your blog. Whether other’s like your opinion or not, you’ll be respected for having a passionate opinion and sticking to your guns.

Be Personable

I’ve said this many times and I mean it! It’s easy for every single one of us to read words on a computer screen and not relate the words to a real person. Show who you are with your words, your graphic descriptions, your creative writing style, photos, and personal information (as much as you’re comfortable with). This takes people’s focus off of their monitor and on to you as a person. When you’re connected with as a real person, you’re someone that people want to talk to, not just read. Keep this in mind when you write, network, EMail, or talk on the phone. Be who you are, at all times. People love to love and love to hate. You choose how they will react to you by deciding to make yourself real and personable.

Give It Your All

Most blogs don’t make it past the first 3 months of blogging. Why? Because blogging is not easy. Anyone that tells you that blogging is easy is not telling you the truth. Even the most informative and prolific blogger has days that blogging does not come easy. Prepare yourself ahead of time for the long haul. My best piece of advice to someone who’s not yet a blogger and considering starting a blog is to start writing posts today — right now — you’re inspired before your blog is setup so WRITE!

Once your first post is published, give it your all. Network, talk to bloggers, comment on other’s blogs, join forums, become part of the conversation, subscribe with RSS to as many blogs as you can handle, understand what inspires you and give it a go. It won’t be easy, it won’t come natural at first, but past that 3 month mark with serious work you can understand your own style to create fans from your visitors. Don’t give up, don’t ever post that you’re considering giving up, and don’t post “sorry I didn’t post” posts! Believing in yourself as a writer and blogger will take you far, give it your all to give yourself confidence!

Questions For You

How are you setting yourself apart from other niche bloggers? Have you created a hook and how are you promoting yourself with your hook?