Don't forget to subscribe to my channel!
"I want to make money blogging but there are so many bloggers already! How can I stand out?"
"I'm incredibly shy. Can I still be a successful blogger?"
I get these questions all the time and I've got some tips for you that go beyond just "be yourself."
In person, I'm naturally very outgoing (this is sometimes embarrassingly obvious in my Instagram Stories...) but that doesn't necessarily transfer to the writing on my blog. And I know a lot of people who are very shy in person but incredible bloggers online!
You can absolutely run a successful blogging business, even if you're shy or if there are a lot of bloggers in your niche. Let's dive into my fav tips!
We're currently accepting new blogging students in my budget-friendly course, Blogging to Win! Doors close soon so be sure to join while you can!
1. Take a break from your fellow bloggers
Initially, this tip sounds terrible so let me explain!
If you only seem to be writing about the same stuff everyone else is writing then you need to take a break from reading blogs in your niche. How can you think outside of the box if you only hang out inside of it?
“How can you think outside of the box if you only hang out inside of it?”
I'm a big believer in supporting our fellow bloggers so don't leave this post thinking you need to give everyone a cold shoulder. Just take a short break until you overcome your writer's block.
2. Provide actionable steps in each of your blog posts
Make sure that every single post you publish leaves your reader with an actionable step of some kind, be it the inspiration to finally start their new diet or the actual steps it takes to create a workout plan.
I've talked a little bit about this on my blog and YouTube channel but I really cover how important it is in my blogging course.
I don't believe in writing fluff posts, which are simply posts that are written because it was "time" to get something new on the blog. Don't write a post if you can't provide value or inspiration. It's a waste of your time and it's a waste of your readers' time.
3. Encourage interaction outside of comments and respond to every single DM or email
You will never have a successful blogging business without readers. That's just common sense, right?
But how can you stand out in the crowd of bloggers and prove to readers that you and your content are special? Encourage personal messages through Direct Messages or your blog email!
This is very time-consuming but it's certainly been worth the effort in my experience. I personally handle all of my email correspondence by myself, partly because I'm controlling and partly because I don't want to be even one person removed from connecting with my audience. You're reaching out to Allison, not Allison's virtual assistant, right?
“I personally handle all of my email correspondence by myself, partly because I’m controlling and partly because I don’t want to be even one person removed from connecting with my audience.”
Email me a blogging question or a quick hello to hello(at)allisonlindstrom(dot)com and I will personally get back to you. Pinky promise.
Nowadays, I spend a couple of hours each week responding to messages. It sounds like a lot (and it is!) but I look at it as building relationships with readers and gaining free research for my business.
I encourage interaction with my subscribers by asking open-ended questions in my emails. And I never ignore a message. Ever. (Unless it lands in my Spam folder, in which case it disappears into the internet universe forever.)
Responding to emails benefits my readers because they know that an actual person is providing answers to their questions and offering advice. And this benefits me because my readers are telling me exactly what kind of problems they have and how my blogging business can help them. It's a win win!
I've lost count of how many times someone has told me, "You're the first blogger to actually respond to my email!"
4. Be proud of who you are and what that means for your readers
It's said by everyone but I'll say it here too. "Be who you are and don't apologize for it." (As long as you're not hurting anyone, girlfriend!)
Bloggers naturally feel the pressure to try different avenues in their business, be it a new category or project. Sometimes this pressure is good and you should take the plunge. But sometimes you need to just stick to the beat of your own drum.
Here's an example of what I mean.
You're passionate about golf and consider yourself a bit of an expert so you've entered the blogging world to help others. After a bit of time, your blog has grown considerably and you slowly begin to get requests for you to branch out into other sports.
But you're really only passionate about golf and don't play (or even care about) other sports. Should you write about them anyway?
No! Unless writing about one sport is hurting your business in some way, you should stick with what you're truly passionate about.
You can't please everyone so don't stress yourself out by trying!
5. Value your readers because they are the reason you have a blogging business
This tip is about valuing your readers beyond saying "Thank You" on the blog, although that's important too.
Stop looking at your analytics as just pageviews and bounce rates for a moment. Each pageview was created by an actual human being who took the time to read what you have to say. What an honor!
Readers don't just support your blog by making your Google Analytics look good. They also provide insight into how your content could improve and give you feedback/personal stories that can get you thinking outside of the box.
You created a website to help others but don't be surprised if you find yourself growing and learning as well! If you're blogging the right way, then your blogging experience will be a two-way street.
Your blog isn't just helping change your readers' lives. The relationships you build with your readers will certainly be changing your life.
How will YOU stand out in the blogging world?