This is a guest post by Wong Chendong from TheBadBlogger.com.
Blogging is hard; it’s damn bloody hard. These days, everyone wants to be a blogger and because it’s perceived as an easy entrance into the online business world, many people are in-fact doing so.
This means that you have an eclectic mix of talent, drive, and energy, all competing for a declining dollar during an economic time where most people don’t have a lot of extra cash.
So how do you compete?
How can you be the one to get that dollar?
It’s simple…
Help People Get What They Want
This doesn’t mean that you help people get rich. Some people might not want to be rich (sad but true). It also doesn’t mean that you pay lip service to the concept. You have to believe it, to the bottom of your core, that you must actually help people.
The trick then isn’t helping people, but figuring out what they want.
Invest and Investigate
I have a friend that says he wants to move around the world and live in remote places, but all he really wants is to be empowered to live his life without feeling like others will judge him for it. He wants control.
Were I to help him, I wouldn’t try to show him how to travel, I would show him how to stop letting others control his life. This isn’t about money or travel at all.
I have other friends that want to quit their job because they are burned out and depressed. They feel like they are wasting their life. In their case, quitting their job won’t help the problem, which is that they haven’t found the talent that makes them come alive. To help them, I’d sit down and help them find it, and then do something about it.
To really help people, you have to invest in them by first caring about the outcome, and then investigate to find out how you can really help.
How Do I Blog About It?
Of course, we’re bloggers, not psychologists right? Well, if you really think about it, we’re pop culture psychologists. Our collective industry has the power to send messaging that changes the way people see the world.
Are you taking responsibility for the messages you send?
Are you thinking about the advice you give, or just giving it because it sounds good?
The way you can help as a blogger isn’t so much in writing about particular topics, but in sending a particular message.
Have you ever watched a movie that made you think really hard about your life in a certain way? Have you ever asked a friend what they thought about the same movie? They probably thought about something completely different than you did, right?
The way ahead is to be the blogger that gets people thinking about their own life in a way that facilitates change. You don’t always have to educate. Why not inspire people to self-educate?
I know this is a departure from my typical style, but it’s really important to me that bloggers, as an industry, realize that we aren’t just guys and gals with keyboards, but people who can make a difference.
Thinking product first is a bad idea. Instead, try thinking people first and see how it works for you.
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Article Written By Wong Chendong
Wong Chendong also known as "The Bad Blogger" is a blogger who blogs about Internet Marketing, Copywriting and Blogging related Topics. He had been featured as a guest poster in numerous blog and his also the author who wrote the infamous "Scam Sales Page Uncensored" - A comprehensive guide that will teach you what you need to know to be able to quickly spot a scam site. You can Subscribe to his RSS Feed to get the latest update of his blog post or go direct to his blog at www.TheBadBlogger.com.
Wong Chendong has written 1 superb article(s) on this blog
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{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
Investigation is no doubt very important! I like your last point very much. Give a message and try that more and more people follow it
Nice post!
Saksham recently posted..Top 10 Domain Name Generators
Giving a message is not like giving advice, is almost like giving something that people reflate on their own, so that he or she may realize the truth of the message, that’s how cults are being made!
Wong Chendong aka The Bad Blogger recently posted..4 Ways to Outsource Your Blogging Life to the Right Professional!
Wanting to help people from the heart is what I think is the most important factor. If you’re just doing it for the $$$ motivation wont last long. Nice post – looking out for your stuff going forward
Sunny recently posted..Amazing Vegas Hotels
Ya, if a person is only focusing on money alone. motivation will never last, look forward to talking to you again
Wong Chendong recently posted..4 Types of Content You Should Not Be Writing, No Matter What You Hear to the Contrary!
Let’s not forget the other side of running a professional blog, liability. Between the liability generated by what you write, you’ll also have to deal with legal threats about comments that might appear on your site as well.
A blog is not just fun and games, it also sets you up for all the duties and responsibilities that publishers face.
Steve recently posted..Global Client Solutions Named in Illinois Class Action as Debt Adjuster
Well, not just blog, almost everything we face in life is a responsibilities and duties, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are that’s how life are being process.
Wong Chendong aka The Bad Blogger recently posted..Is Google +1 the Future of Marketing Or Just Another Opportunity for Bad Business?
You do need to stand out, its like a saying that I heard while at an internet marketing conference…. “you’ve got to be the red crayon amongst the white”. It is hard to know what exactly to do with our lives… Alot of us just live life without really knowing where we are going…. I sort of have a general idea of where I want to be, but right now I am one of those floating around, and hoping I nail the target of where I want to be along the way. Its definitely not as easy and just quitting the job, gotta have the plan and the action, and follow up on it… otherwise the quitting action will be meaningless.
-Jean
Ya, it’s better to do it step by step, if it fails do it again and do it better, if it fails, do it again and do it much better and so on, if still fails that means the plan had to change, in life tomorrow is promise to nobody, some people can get rich over night but some people may lost everything overnight, life meant to be live but how we live is not important… the most important is how to control it and that’s the plan for moving forward…
Wong Chendong aka The Bad Blogger recently posted..Why the Robin Hood Story is the Worst Story Ever Told in the History of Our Generation?
Hi Wong,
Really like this touchy line “Bloggers aren’t just guys and gals with keyboards, but people who can make a difference.” Everyone knows that bloggers are bloggers because they are earning as a blogger or can earn as a blogger…. but you can only earn by having a strong base of loyal readers.
You can make loyal readers if you really show them how careful or responsible you are towards them. By answering their questions or by giving them right suggestions according to you.
Priya recently posted..Goa Holiday Packages
Not really according to me, I don’t teach but make people think about what they think they should do, it’s really complicated to follow someone’s foot step, though we could but as we know environment and status can affect the outcome, so is best to give suggestion to let them think rather then follow according to me.
Wong Chendong aka The Bad Blogger recently posted..7 Types of Replies that Make You Look Boring!
I think you’re right here. Don’t follow them but give them suggestion that is helpful or make them think.
Priya recently posted..Goa Holiday Packages
Yes figuring out what peope want is the key. Take a look at your competitors and cover whatever they are missing that people are searching for.
Sometimes, even the way you present the information makes a whole lot of difference. It may take time but those who find you will stay with you as long as you keep presenting the information in the way they understand it.
Flo recently posted..Create PHP Websites
Well, I always do my best in writing content and researching information on the internet and share them with my readers, although I cannot 100% be unique but at least I believe I’m the 10% that’s special among them.
Wong Chendong recently posted..3 Ways to Confuse the Hell Out Of Your Readers!
In my opinion the best way to stand out in any niche it’s to love what you are writing about and be passionate about it, because if you love what you are writing you will for sure write quality content and you will networking with other bloggers on your niche since you will love to talk to people who love this niche!
Kostas recently posted..How To Get Started With Blogging
Ya, writing about what you love and passionate about is what almost every teaching always tell us, but there are also a lot of blogger who just write where the money is, but if the fact is, the money wasn’t there. So, it’s best to realize what you love in the beginning rather then wondering out there for too long till you lost everything…
Wong Chendong recently posted..4 Types of Content You Should Not Be Writing, No Matter What You Hear to the Contrary!
Well, the more I read your and a few other blogs, the more I realize that I need to make a WordPress blog instead of Blogger.
Hell, after all maybe I just leave blogging aside and go for static sites. I really thought I had it, but seems like I was wrong, there is just too much of it, and I feel like I don’t have anything at least slightly different to offer.
I am just an average dude…
Rob Benwell recently posted..Welcome To My Rob Benwell Review Site
Everyone is an average dude even me, the difference everyone had is the asset, but I will recommend you to go for a self-hosted wordpress if you are serious about blogging!
Wong Chendong recently posted..How to Keep Your Readers Happy and at the Same Time Gain New Readers?
maybe it takes more time for me to stand out from other bloggers but I am still in the process of making this come true. I know in due time, i can make myself standout.
You definitely can stand out as long as you do not give up and always ready to failed more and try out new tactics and strategies to overcome your competitor…
Wong Chendong recently posted..3 Ways to Confuse the Hell Out Of Your Readers!
It’s true – you have to listen to what your customer wants. Don’t be that guy who just says the same stuff everyone does or markets the same thing everyone else does. Stand out by using your own voice, your own views, And please, don’t just SPAM your list with offers – try and connect with them.
Julie recently posted..Hiring a Writer – You Get What You Pay For
I never spam my list, though I hate it when well known marketers do that, but still I never follow them for the reason, I put myself in the list, if I hate, surely my list will hate, but having an offer or two is not much a spam but a recommendation and being personal in writing, views and voice is sure to stand out from the crowd.
Wong Chendong recently posted..Is Google +1 the Future of Marketing Or Just Another Opportunity for Bad Business?
Not focusing on the numbers is a great place to start.
Rather than trying to get thousands to a blog; you could start with converting just one person into a repeat visitor. In a year, you’ll have a super strong community.
Just think. If you had 300 people that absolutely LOVED you and your blog – that could be 300 retweets on EVERY blog post. That’s a major difference than 3,000 visiting the blog and only 30 of them retweeting, ya know?
Ha, that’s a great way to sum up having a big list is useless unless the list had close trust in you and yes, I will want the 300 people rather then 3000!
Wong Chendong recently posted..Why the Robin Hood Story is the Worst Story Ever Told in the History of Our Generation?
Yes! I agree with you though that can be hard at times. Human nature that we just want to give advice for the sake of it, but of course, it still matter if you listen and comprehend..
Hi Wong,
Although I am fairly new at blogging trying to help people on their way in life is what it is about. I often give too much advice and support so people don’t purchase services but that’s me.
I agree with Murray, when people retweet your stuff and tell others it’s useful is great and when that happens a “pat on the back” is deserved.
I do should sometimes think a bit more about product so I think there has to be a balance.
Nik
Nik recently posted..Motivation at Work
Giving advice is good, but never give all out, always put yourself to a limit, so that when someone wants to know more you can recommend your products to them, if you tell it all, you can never earn anything but praise that doesn’t make your life better.
And that is how you balance between telling advice and selling product.
Wong Chendong recently posted..7 Types of Replies that Make You Look Boring!
I have been seeing a lot of blogs on how to make money online. And it is no surprise that a lot of people want to be a blogger. Especially with the promised benefits it provides. No wonder there is a growing competition. Keyword research is one of the strategies I use to know what people want. I will find a good niche and provide quality content.
Yes, there are tons and tons of blog about making money online and only a few blog have down and hardcore information about making money online, though I do not count myself hardcore, but I do admit my content is better then most average blog in terms of information I provide and I hope the niche you will find will and the content you provide will stand out from your niche!
Wong Chendong recently posted..7 Fucked Up Ways to Get More Traffic!
Most of us are blogging on the same niche. To make it stand out from the crowd- be unique and write according to you own insights and feelings. That way sure you can build your own brand. Btw nice share.
zeo recently posted..SPACE Flexible WordPress Theme From Theme Forest
No problem, and thanks for reading and commenting, anyway you are absolutely write about writing according to your own insights and feelings, but always be careful not to offend anyone in your writing.
Wong Chendong recently posted..4 Ways to Outsource Your Blogging Life to the Right Professional!
Hi Wong,
I agree with what you said about the part “pop culture psychologists”. Even if we do not know everything in this world, by trying to learn about what’s new and what’s hot and trending for a good number of people at the present time, and you know how to share your knowledge, advice and opinions, there will always be readers who will take the time to read, learn and even implement what you say on your site. Online businesses that flourish are those that aim to help their customers and clients, and when that’s accomplished and they have established a good reputation, that’s when the money goes in like clockwork.
Felicia recently posted..WPT Grand Prix de Paris: Seat draw for the final two tables
Ya, with great reputation, you can almost sell anything and that’s what business is being build.
Wong Chendong recently posted..5 Ways to Writing Explosive Content for Your Readers!
I believe the “some” people are really few. Money may not be the primary purpose but it also is a reason why blogs are still running.
Yes, that’s a fact, but some of use like me, I always do my best whether for money or for helping, as long as you do it honestly, surely you will stand out!
Wong Chendong recently posted..Is Google +1 the Future of Marketing Or Just Another Opportunity for Bad Business?
Hi Wong, love the way you summed it all up. Especially love the way you said that:
“The way you can help as a blogger isn’t so much in writing about particular topics, but in sending a particular message.”
General ‘how-to’ topics are already every where online and there isn’t much of a point that sets you up apart from the rest of the crowd that writes similar content.
“The way ahead is to be the blogger that gets people thinking about their own life in a way that facilitates change. You don’t always have to educate. Why not inspire people to self-educate?”
Well done – that is exactly what I am intended on doing.
That is why for me, I usually share my content based on my personal experience. Taking real life experience into account, I hope to be able to inspire others from what I have learnt all this while.
I am not sure to what extend my experience will change the way the crowd thinks and perceives life and wealth as( my blog niche ), but if I were to make just one difference to a person’s life, that is already a wonderful achievement as well as a motivating start for myself.
It’s great to hear that you are intending on doing what’s best for you and by sharing your real life experience, you will not just inspire but also motivate.
Looking forward to your great success and goals…
Wong Chendong recently posted..Why the Robin Hood Story is the Worst Story Ever Told in the History of Our Generation?
some bloggers cannot give and share their own experience and success stories because they think that other will also use that. however going with true and your own experimental things can benefits you a lot. thsi strategy is going well for many bloggers who want more SE links,
Going with true and your own experimental things will give a uniqueness of you and this can make you stand out from other bloggers.
Wong Chendong recently posted..Why the Robin Hood Story is the Worst Story Ever Told in the History of Our Generation?
Hi Wong, I agree with you that we need to work hard to investigate and find out what people needs (in that niche). We should only post content that actually helps our reders. Thats the best way to grow our blog and standout from others.
Garish recently posted..How to Keep Your Blog Community Growing ?
Though posting great content is good, it is not going to let you stand out unless you written something that’s not just great but something that’s new or solve a problem that had yet been solve.
Wong Chendong recently posted..Is Google +1 the Future of Marketing Or Just Another Opportunity for Bad Business?
I would also add:
1) Write about bigger more popular bloggers. Sometimes they notice and link back.
2) Write about something controversial. It will get picked up and noticed.
Well to be honest, there are many blog that write about popular blog, but they never get the attention they deserve and I was one of them, do you think those big blog even care about you, seriously this is not the best way, I still prefer you second way about controversial
Wong Chendong recently posted..4 Ways to Outsource Your Blogging Life to the Right Professional!
I would also say that in order to standout among other bloggers, you better be try to know what is in “trend”, what does the people want to know and how are you gonna help them through your writing.
Always have the passion in what you do and don’t ever think of the money because it won’t work.
Ya, always think about trend and what people want to know and have passion in them and the money will eventually follow.
Wong Chendong recently posted..3 Ways to Confuse the Hell Out Of Your Readers!
I fully agree with the term investigate and invest. You need to properly research the keywords so that it will be easy for you to reach page 1 and at the same time will need investment as well. Thanks for highlighting the words in beautiful way.
Mat recently posted..Samsung Tablet PC- Microsoft Window 8 Developer Preview Distributed
I can’t make sure if anyone can get to page 1 but I’m sure it will get to as many readers as humanly possible
Wong Chendong recently posted..5 Signs to Prove You Are Gonna Suck By the End of 2011!
Being keen on money aspects makes bloggers lose heart very soon when they’re not making it as expected. Money is essential but that should not be the sole goal. Well said.
Jane recently posted..Commentluv Premium Plugin: Genius Features You Shouldn’t Miss
The trick being not helping people out but figuring out what they need or want is absolutely true. One may have the best intentions of helping people out but most of the time, having the intention alone does not work. Being able to offer something of value, something that only YOU can offer is the sure fire way to succeed.
Invest time in knowing the problems of your target audience. So you can give them the right solutions for their problems.
Noel Addison recently posted..Selling Ice Cubes to Eskimos
My questions precisely. There are a lot of bloggers in all kinds of niche that seem to be talking and writing about the same things. It’s a matter of having a different angle or perspective on something or writing something that has never been written before.