Many bloggers seem to be doing everything right but don’t see much success.
They write well-structured posts, they pay attention to SEO, they know the ins and outs of their blogging software… but something is missing.
The missing “something” can often be the case personality. It’s the difference between a blog that readers come across and immediately forget… and a blog that connects and leaves an impression.
Does your blog need some extra personalization? This is how ten top bloggers earn her Blogs stand out:
#1: Add great photos, like Caz and Craig from YTravel
Blog: YJourney
Some blogging topics basically demand great photos. Traveling is one of them (and others include blogging about food, crafts and fashion).
Caz and Craig post beautiful, smiling photos of their family. Some of these are simple snapshots, as in 17 tips for flying with kids to keep you calm and happyand others are a little more posed, like the photos in Settling in in the USA + Where to go next.
Findings:
#2: Add some flair, like Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income
Blog: Pat Flynn
Once you visit Pat’s blog, you’ll see a large text with his name and photos of him with what he stands for – “Father, Husband, Serial Entrepreneur” – as well as his quirky humor: “Protector of Baby Yoda.”
Findings:
- Don’t be afraid to go big! This could be a huge photo of you, a bold statement or an information page full of pictures.
- Talk about who you are beyond blogging: Pat lists his favorite book, movie, and game, and writes about his family on his About page.
#3: Develop a Strong, Relatable Tone, Like Shannon Kelly White (Language Warning)
Blog: Shannon Kelly White
Salty language tends to polarize readers: some love it and find it a big part of a blog’s appeal; others are deterred and do not return. Shannon swears – frequently and enthusiastically – on her blog (even in her tagline and navigation menu):
Findings:
#4: Get custom illustrations, like Ramsey from Blog Tyrant
Blog: Blog Tyrant
Once you visit Blog Tyrant, you’ll see the blogging superhero’s avatar in the red shirt: This illustration can be seen in the banner image on the homepage and in the feature images of several of his posts:
It’s also on the front page of his free report.
Findings:
- Custom illustrations can give your blog a unified feel. Blog Tyrant isn’t the only blogger to use them this way: Social media auditor have their little jungle explorer in the header and at the beginning of every post.
- If you don’t feel like including personal photos, a cartoon version of yourself can be a great alternative.
#5: Focus on your “About” page, like Elsie and Emma from “A Beautiful Mess.”
Blog: A beautiful mess
New readers can land on any post on your blog… and you can bet that if they like the post, they will find out who the blogger behind the post is by clicking on your About page next.
It can be helpful to give them a brief insight into who you are and what you’re about. Sisters Elsie and Emma do this in style with a bright, eye-catching photo and a short but succinct introduction.
Findings:
- An About Me widget in your sidebar is a great place to create an instant connection with your reader. Also include a link to your full About page.
- Happy smiley photos of you are always a great attraction. Some bloggers put these in the header, but the sidebar is a great alternative.
#6: Be consistent with your branding across all platforms, like Chris Ducker
Blog: Chris Ducker
Chris Ducker uses the same (smiling) portrait photos on each of his blog post images, about page, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, creating a consistent brand across multiple platforms:
Findings:
- Once you’ve spent the time and money to get professional headshots, use them – not just in your banner image, but on social media too.
- You may want to have variations of your headshot from the same shoot (for example, compare Chris’ picture on the front page with his headshot on the About page).
#7: Use color to strengthen your brand, like Jadah Sellner
Blog: Jadah Sellner
When you visit Jadah’s website, your eyes are immediately drawn to her beautiful color scheme:
The colors of their clothes match the color theme of the website: it feels like everything fits together seamlessly. (The whole combination feels like a warm, earthy makeup palette)
Findings:
- Color is important! Perhaps bright The colors won’t quite match your blog, but you can still create a similar banner image that takes the colors from a photo of yours and uses them for text and other elements.
- Use colors consistently across your website: Check out some examples on Jadah’s contact page.
#8: Use a brand statement in your content, like James Schramko of SuperFastBusiness
Blog: SuperFastBusiness
The first thing you see on James Schramko’s website is a brand statement detailing his business coaching services and the audience they are intended for. It is immediately clear what he is about and – crucially – which target group/customers he is creating content for.
Findings:
- Don’t be afraid to be direct and let people know exactly what you’re about and who you’re blogging for.
- However, make sure your focus is not just on yourself and your own story, but also on how you can impact the lives of readers.
#9: Have a slogan and a “call to action” that gets straight to the point, like Kelly Exeter
Blog: Kelly Exeter
If you can tell your ideal readers in just a few words that your blog is the right place for them:
(Your name) is a (what you do) that helps (your ideal reader)… (do what you offer).
And when you have something to offer, encourage your readers to take immediate action… There’s no point forcing them through complicated email subscription autoresponder series, just let them click a button and “FIND OUT HERE” what you can do to them.
Like Kelly:
Findings:
- Think about your tagline, who you serve (“smart people”) and what your blog will help those people do (“amplify their ideas”).
- Add a compelling call to action that gives your audience immediate access to why they came to your blog in the first place
#10: Personalize your reader by defining them (or helping them define themselves)
Blog: Putty-like
Emily has a TedTalk that identifies her personality type as “Multipotentialist” and she creates an audience of people who identify with her definition.
Emily’s brilliant move is that she uses a quiz on her homepage as a lead magnet (“Are you a multipotentialite?”) to convert random visitors to her website into repeat readers.
Findings:
- Define your audience. Help your audience define themselves. Use a quiz or questionnaire.
- Develop a lead magnet that converts web traffic into an audience for your blog and put it front and center.
How do you currently show your personality on your blog? Did you notice anything while looking at the examples above… and what will you try next?