In my post, 8 Habits of Highly Successful Bloggers, I mentioned that the most successful bloggers always strive to be unique. By being unique, they’re able to attract visitors and loyal readers who follow and trust them. A Me Too blog, on the other hand, would have your visitors scratching their heads, confused by the blog’s design or inconsistency. This type of blog won’t have loyal subscribers or credibility and authority to become the leader in its niche. So, diagnose your blog before it’s too late!
1. I Think I Saw Another 5 Blogs Using My Exact Theme
The first variable of this diagnosis is in regards to your blog’s design, or how similar it is compare to others. I don’t mean to say that you can’t use the same WordPress theme as other bloggers. But, if you do, at least modify them in some ways. You can change the overall color theme of the blog, from the original black and blue to maybe green and white (like this blog here ^-^). Modify the width of the sidebar. Add your logo and a favicon. Simple design changes could go a long way in establishing your blog as the leader, and not the follower, in your niche.
2. My Post Reads like an Essay
You know why even your lecturer in university hates reading essay? You got it. Cause it’s boring. A Me Too blogger has no bias in their writing and thus their posts read like an essay. When you realize that you don’t want to re-read you article, maybe because it’s too long, it’s time to stop and slim down your article to its bare necessity. Then, add your own viewpoint, even if it might offend some people, into it. The readers who like it and stay will be your loyal fans. And those who went away would be replaced with another type of readers who will be your fans.
3. My Post Frequency is Inconsistent
A Me Too blog is inconsistent in every imaginable ways. The post frequency is random. Sometimes there are 3 new posts a week, while other times, there‘s no post at all. And the topic of the posts are like a jackpot machine, you’ll never know what you’ll get. There’s one about property investing, another one about dog training, and another about macaroni pasta. It makes no sense to the readers. By being inconsistent, you’ll be regarded as someone who can’t keep his promise and deemed untrustworthy. Thus, eliminating your chance of being the leader in your niche.
4. Where’s My Money?
If you start asking this question one or two weeks after you start your blog, you’re setting up a me too blog. If you have chosen the topic you love to write about, you won’t have this problem. And if you treat your blog like a business, you won’t have this problem either. Treating your blog like a business means that you will only start monetizing your blog when you have provide value to your readers. A Me Too blogger only wants a fast fix to his money problem after seeing internet marketing gurus making millions in the make money online niche. If you want to make money from blogging, treat it like a business. Build it slow, from the ground up.
5. I Never Reveal Myself
A Me Too blog is extremely lacking in the personality department. Think of John Chow, Shoe Money, and Pro Blogger. They are some of the biggest names in the blogosphere, and what do they have in common? They have their own unique personas. John Chow always posts updates of his life as a dot com mogul, from his fine dining experience to his holiday trips to China (read more: 7 Things I Learned from John Chow). Shoe Money revealed that he was overweight (about 420 lbs.), $50k in debt, smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, and sleeping on his friend’s couch at one time in his life. And Darren Rowse talked about his blogging journey and case studies. You don’t have to make a post that reveals every single facets of your life, like a mini-biography. Just write one for every interesting experience and thoughts you have and you’ll be set.
If your blog meets any of these 5 variables in this diagnosis, it’s time to update and change it. If not, congratulation, your blog is officially UNIQUE. Feel free to leave comments below or tweet it if you like it.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s why I wrote my blog Charisma Is King, not your content. I totally agree with you anyway. Well written article as usual. It’s nice your often update your blog.
Benjamin Cip´s last blog ..How To Make Money With Affiliate Products
Awesome post. You have shared a great deal of tips. I feel I also do some of the mistake you mentioned. I will try to correct them.
Agent 001´s last blog ..The New Facebook Lite and @ Mentions
Good man! These points are like piss-off for a loyal reader of any blog. Even I become inconsistent while posting sometimes, I try my best to avoid it.
Tech-Freak Stuff´s last blog ..How to prepare yourself for Shifting from Blogger to WordPress?
I like this post quite a lot Andi. Although I will add one rule that I think keeps things interesting
Be consistent in all things, including a little inconsistency.
All the best,
R.W.
R.W. Jackson´s last blog ..Make money blogging – 10 easy lessons
You’re completely right, and it’s food for thought. I personally feel I can and should do more on all these fronts. Thanks Andi.
Mogul´s last blog ..How Not to Make Your Website Look Like an Ad
Nice post Andi. Among the 5 things you’ve mentioned, I am only guilty of the first one since my theme is not unique. But with the rest, I think I am quite abiding.
Millionaire Acts´s last blog ..Change Your Mind to Achieve Success!
All of us bloggers do have to be unique, it’s so important like you say to be not be a me too blogger. Our design, our personality and consistency make such a big difference to visitors. If a new blogger took advice on just these 5 points he/she would do better than most other bloggers who try and fail.
Blaine Bullman´s last blog ..5 Tips To Consider When Designing Your First Blog