Posted by In a world filled with endless streams of content, breaking through the noise can be a challenge for any blogger. With a sea of voices clamoring for attention, how can we set ourselves apart to reach our target audience and create meaningful connections? The answer just might lie in breaking the rules.
Many bloggers abide by the conventional wisdom of daily blogging, sticking to a niche, and adhering to optimal word counts. More often than not, these practices doze off under the label of ‘the gold standard.’ While there is merit to some of these norms, sometimes defying expectations and taking risks can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
So let’s break down some of these blogging norms and explore how challenging them could make your blog stand out and energize your creative juices.
Utilizing Media Formats Beyond Text
Although blogging might often be synonymous with writing, that doesn’t have to be the case. Bring in alternative formats such as video, audio (podcasts), GIFs, images, infographics, or animations to captivate and engage your audience. Including visuals not only breaks up content but also helps readers digest information more easily
Ditching Your Niche
Niche blogs undoubtedly provide value by offering specialized content catered to specific interests. However, remaining in that safe niche box can limit opportunities for growth and hinder creative exploration.
Consider occasionally branching out into related or complementary subjects to capture new readers’ interest or inspire your main audience with fresh perspectives. Breaking the grip of your niche encourages innovative thinking and can spark new ideas for both you and your readers.
Unstructured Blogging: There’s No Right Way to Write
Forget about rigid structures, academic styles, or following rules dictated by traditional sources. Let your thoughts flow spontaneously without restriction or limitations on their form or content. Use different and unorthodox styles like stream-of-consciousness writing, adding poetry into your prose, or mixing up your storytelling styles.
Disregarding Word Count: Focus on Substance
There is an ongoing debate over the ‘ideal’ word count for blog posts. Some say short-and-sweet is the way to go, while others champion long-form content that delves deep into a topic. The truth is, there’s no universal solution – each topic, reader, and intention call for varying lengths in writing.
Don’t be afraid to mix up your content lengths on your blog. Experimenting with different formats, from concise listicles to thorough guides, will keep your readers engaged and cater to their diverse preferences. By offering this variety of content, you demonstrate adaptability and encourage readers to keep coming back.
Challenging Popular Opinions: Dare to be Different
The fear of alienating readers often leads bloggers to play it safe and remain neutral on controversial subjects or matters of opinion. While an unbiased approach has its place, stepping outside that comfort zone can create a powerful impact.
Sharing a strong stance or unique viewpoint, even if some may disagree, can foster thought-provoking conversations and spark engagement among your audience members. It also shows authenticity and builds credibility as a writer.
Post Frequency: More Isn’t Always Better
The prevalent belief in blogging is that more frequent posts will increase traffic and engagement. While consistency is vital, quality should always take precedence over quantity. Producing deep and insightful content that resonates with your audience is far more valuable than simply churning out articles for the sake of filling a daily posting quota.
Challenge this norm by crafting well-researched, thought-provoking content, even if it means publishing less frequently. Creating unique and compelling pieces has the potential to generate viral moments that will captivate your audience’s attention far more effectively than numerous shallow posts ever could.
Breaking the rules and challenging blogging norms can be a successful way to stand out in a crowded blogosphere. By being authentic, taking risks, and pushing boundaries, bloggers can create content that truly resonates with their readers.
While it can be scary to challenge the status quo, the rewards can be significant. So next time you sit down to write a blog post, consider how you can break the rules and make your content stand out in a sea of sameness.
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