I have said it before, blogging is not easy!
What makes you different? What makes you better than the others?
Seriously, ask yourself these questions and be honest. I see too many blogs that are the same as everyone else.
Be different!
Let me give you some examples of why this blog is different.
- Comic Strip
- Video (one of the first in my industry to integrate video blogging)
- Podcast (all blog posts are recorded – brand new)
- Interviews (top domainers like Rick Schwartz, Rick Latona and more)
- Customized Theme
- Personalized (pictures and personal posts)
- Models (eye candy for the boys)
- Much more…
Take these examples and apply them to your blog. You do not have to use all of them, just a couple to start off with. I’d suggest podcasting and personalization. Podcasting is a nice feature. Site visitors can download your blog post and listen to them when away from the computer. As for personalization, well let your readers know you are a real person and can relate to what most of them go through.
As the saying goes, “You have to spend money to make money.” It’s true to a certain extent when it comes to a blog. You do not have to spend thousands but should consider spending $200 on a lightly customized theme and logo. When you approach an advertiser they can tell you are serious.
If you don’t have money to start off with a custom theme, don’t worry because content is still key. Start by building a good foundation of readers. Visit this link for free traffic tips. Once you have that you can provide value to potential advertisers. Take the money from your first few ad sales and put it back into your blog. Do not be afraid to tell advertisers this either – they will appreciate the effort of bettering your blog for their benefit.
Now if your goal is just to blog and not make money from blogging, then a free theme will do just fine. But, as most bloggers do, they have a hidden agenda. So what’s the hidden agenda? Building a brand, a reputation and an email list. If this is true for you, read above tips again 
You’re very heavily integrated with many other sites. I’m impressed with the level of Web 2.0 media/sites you have hooked up here. While I agree it’s important to stand out – I think the most important part of having an engaging blog is to always give your viewers an opportunity to do something else on your blog – whether it be an opportunity to read another post, or comment, or to follow you somewhere else on the web – there must always something to do.
Good advice right there
I really like this post. Thanks sir!!! This is how your logo has worked my mind. Both my wife and I like to cook and every time I see the wooden cooking spoon I say to myself, “Gee, let me see what Chef patrik is up to.” Please don’t change the spoon. You are amazing!
I’ve always believed originality and confidence to be original was something to admire in a person. Most people exercise one or the other. Exceptional people do both.
Hi Chef,
Liked the post a lot. Really informative stuff. Models, Interviews and Videos are not easy for fresh bloggers. You are doing a great job.
I couldn’t have said it better, great post and keep up the good work