How do you stand out from the crowd, when there are literally hundreds of blogs in your niche? Not for one second am I suggesting you stop blogging simply because of a similar blog. The huge array of ideas and different opinions is what makes blogging special. Instead, I want to focus on some different case studies that highlight a killer feature. These are the things which make me want to go back to these blogs:
Smart Passive Income
Killer Feature: Monthly Income Reports
This is a favourite read of mine. Pat shares regular posts filled with solid tips – not necessarily ground breaking (not a bad thing at all), but every post seems to be of use.
The real killer feature are the Monthly Reports which detail Pat’s earnings. It takes balls to reveal how much money you are making. So why do readers love this insight? People love testimonials. Seeing someone else do it, is a huge motivator. It also makes every single one of Pat’s posts more interesting as you know he’s the real deal and there’s a chance some of that magic might rub off.
The Middle Finger Project
Killer Feature: Going against the grain
There are plenty of blogs (including this one) that talk about Lifestyle Design. What instantly stands out at you on TMF is the unique satirical and humorous tone. Ashley is a very talented writer and judging by the interaction and comments on her blog, she has certainly struck a note with a lot of people.
Don’t be afraid to express what you’re really thinking.
The Daniel Richard
Killer Feature: No Comments
I’m not sure why Daniel removed the comments from his blog but it does make his blog stand out from the crowd. The lack of comments seem to perfectly fit the minimalist content. I also really like the design – clean, crisp and elegant. A minimalist design is often extremely hard to do, but Daniel has done a great job.
Exile Lifestyle
Killer Feature: Free Ebooks
Colin gives away 2 ebooks on his blog. Pretty much every second blog I read has some sort of info product for sale (guilty as charged). Giving away a freebie (or two) is a great way to build an audience as they are usually shared like wildfire. Plus you are seen as being uber generous by not charging a penny.
Rules Optional
Killer Feature: Big Words
Seriously! It takes me twice as long as usual to read a post on Andrew’s blog. His ideas and concepts are smart (er than me). I also enjoy commenting on this blog – I feel like a can have an opposing viewpoint! I’ve found ther bloggers seem to get insulted when you do anything but leave an agreeable comment. There is no point in having comments enabled on your blog if all you expect is people to write (great post!)
In Conclusion
Although the content and ideas sometimes overlap on these blogs, each of the bloggers have found a unique voice or technique to express them.
btw. These blogs were taken from my reading list. It updates the posts every hour and I regularly cull/add new content. Let me know what blogs I should add.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Great list man. Rules Optional is a new entry for me.
.-= Oscar – freestyle mind´s last blog ..Interview with Jonny of The Life Thing =-.
Great list – frequent reader of the majority of these. Cheers!
Hey Anthony! Thanks so much for the feature…and the top spot, at that! If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Now, time to check these other sites out. Thanks so much!
Cheers!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Tricks to Get More Comments On Your Blog =-.
No problem Pat! Thanks for all your great content
I don’t know Pat, but his blog is one of the most useful I’ve seen. I was reading his eBook about eBooks just last night actually.
Ashley on the other hand… I can’t figure out if she’s my long lost sister or soul-mate. I’m convinced she’s destined for greatness as a writer and that blogging is somehow beneath her. A couple of people commented that our writing styles are similar. That’s certainly debatable, but I consider it a huge compliment (to me).
Daniel is a new one to me. I pulled an “open in new tab” maneuver so I’ll form some opinions soon I’m sure. I love posts like this because I almost always learn about somebody new.
I’m always afraid when bloggers make the jump from practical mode to travel experience mode. It often turns out that their new posts become valuable only to those wishing to travel to the destinations they’re writing about. In Colin’s case, the opposite happened. I appreciate his blog more since he left L.A. for Argentina and the subsequent adventures.
As for the dude at the end… I don’t know him that well, but I’m sure he’s super appreciative and flattered to be included in this great list. He’d probably also say something about those who comment on his blog being so awesome because of their willingness to engage in ways that build our collective understanding. My one critique is his tendency to refer to himself in the third person.
Nice work Anthony. And thank you.
.-= Andrew´s last blog ..How Using an Industry Standard Fee Structure Is Stealing Your Cash and Your Time =-.
note to self….once I start travelling again this year stop posting about destinations.
I once new a blogger who used to offer amazing articles on branding and marketing. But then after a while, he seemed to stop posting advice and just posted about what he had for lunch.
I guess the key is to relate travels (or lunch) in someway to the actual focus of your blog.
Yeah, you nailed the point… It isn’t that you shouldn’t write about destinations, but pure facts are less interesting.
Of course, there’s something to be said about writing specifics for people who are planning on traveling to a particular place. But… there’s a risk of boring your regular readers if that isn’t what they signed up for.
I didn’t see this one on your blog list… Live Uncomfortably by Derek Johanson is another great example of keeping travel writing interesting.
.-= Andrew´s last blog ..Leveraging Failure: Reflective Summary [Lifestyle Design Year 6] =-.
Just a quick note, I have never heard of these guys before so off to check them all out now
Good list. I’ve never seen Ashley’s and Andrews before. Ashley’s looks interesting.
I haven’t been able to get into Colin’s writing style yet. I did download his latest ebook, which was quite good…but the few blog posts I have read I have not been able to connect with.
But I really like’s Pat’s writing style too…I switched off on his blog the first time because I just thought it was just going to be the regular IM spiel…but it’s not.
Gee do I sound critical or what? He he!
I stumbled across this one recently and I rather liked it http://www.illuminatedmind.net/
.-= girl startup´s last blog ..Should I release this Nomuu Wordpress Theme or just give a sneak peak? =-.
Critical is Good! Give Colin time, he really lives an amazing lifestyle.
“I’ve never seen Ashley’s and Andrews before. Ashley’s looks interesting.”
Ouch! This girl startup is like a cold-hearted gangsta. Well… I’ve seen Ashley’s and Girl Startup’s before. Ashley’s is interesting.
I kid! I kid!
For some reason, that non-criticism was the worst criticism I’ve ever received. I’ve been called lots of things before, but indifference… and implying I’m less interesting than Ashley!?
(Ash, if you see this, you know I love you!)
hehe Andrew. Man you crack me up!
If girl startup never comes back I’m blaming you
Fair enough. If I never write a post again, you can blame her. Haha.
The truth hurts, baby!
Ha ha, just kidding.
For the record, Andrew’s blog is probably the MOST interesting out of anyone’s on the entire net – you just have to prepare yourself to do some real thinking, that’s all.
(Love you more, heart throb!)
.-= Ash´s last blog ..Tired of Having A Neverending To-Do List? Use It To Your Advantage =-.