How to Write Blog Posts That Don’t Sound Like Everyone Else’s

You know that moment when every blog starts to sound like a copy of a copy of a copy? That’s what happens when people try too hard to sound “professional” or follow a template too closely. It becomes safe. Predictable. Forgettable.

Let’s not do that.

This post is your guide to making blog posts sound like you. Quirks, honest moments, odd metaphors, and all. Whether you’re writing for your business or just talking about that time you accidentally deleted your entire site (we’ve all been there), here’s how to write in a voice that doesn’t disappear into the crowd.

1. Start With a Warm-Up (Like Stretching, but for Your Brain)

Before you start writing your actual blog post, try this quick warm-up:

• Open a doc.
• Pretend you’re texting a friend.
• Tell them (in 3-4 lines) what your post is about.
• Read it aloud. That’s your starting voice.

If it sounds too stiff or fancy, loosen up. Use contractions. Throw in a “yep” or a “welp.”

2. Add a Story, Even a Tiny One

You don’t need an epic saga. A mini-story works wonders.

For example:

“I once wrote a whole post while stuck in a laundromat with one sock. The post? Still my most-read.”

Stories give your writing flavor. Even a little quirk makes readers go, “Oh, I like this person.”

3. Be Specific About Your Weirdness

Generic writing sounds like it came out of a blender. Specific writing sounds like you. Try this:

Blender voice: “I love writing anywhere quiet.”

You voice: “I do my best writing in cemeteries and parked cars. (Not at the same time.)”

That level of detail makes people feel like they know you.

4. Drop the “Blog Voice”

If you’re using phrases like “In today’s fast-paced world” or “It goes without saying,” delete them. You don’t talk like that. Nobody does.

Instead, write like you’re explaining something to your curious friend. The kind who nods a lot but will call you out if you start sounding like an instruction manual.

Need a format to follow? Here’s one I like (and use often):

1. Start with a surprise, story, or confession
2. Say what the post is about
3. Get into the problem
4. Share your take
5. Give simple steps (bonus points for humor)
6. Wrap it up with a PS

5. Read It Out Loud. Seriously.

If you trip over a sentence, your readers probably will too.

Reading out loud makes it super clear where you sound stiff, wordy, or robotic. It also helps you catch spots where you forgot to be yourself.

6. Let Your Opinions Show

People don’t want Wikipedia entries. They want you.

Say what you actually think. Disagree with the “gurus.” Share what worked for you (even if it’s weird).

Example:

“Everyone says to batch your content. I tried that. My brain melted. Now I write in tiny 20-minute sprints with loud music.”

7. Use Little Asides (Parentheses Are Your Friend)

Parentheses can make your posts feel like a side conversation. It’s like whispering to the reader while the rest of the internet yells.

“I did this wrong for months (okay, years), but eventually figured it out.”

Also useful: dashes – great for quick interruptions – and ellipses for that dramatic pause…

8. Share Even the Small Struggles

You don’t need to bare your soul. But sharing a tiny struggle makes your advice more real.

Example:

“Before I figured out my writing voice, I used to write like I was applying for a job at Blog Corp. Every post sounded like a press release.”

Now, I sound more like me. (Still figuring it out some days. That’s fine too.)

9. Tools That Help Without Taking Over

Here are a few tools to help your voice shine, not squash it:

• Hemingway App: Great for trimming long sentences
• Otter.ai or your phone’s voice recorder: Talk out your post first
• ChatGPT: For rewording stiff phrases in your own tone (but not writing the whole thing for you)

And if you’re wondering how to use AI without losing your voice, I covered that here.

10. Link to Yourself Like a Confident Weirdo

Don’t be afraid to say, “Hey, I actually wrote about this already.”

If your post on writing when you’re tired helps, drop it in. Same with your blogging-for-no-audience one.

You’re not bragging. You’re being helpful.

Weird Is Memorable

You don’t have to be wacky or super personal. Just real. Specific. A little strange in your own way.

That’s how you stand out. Not by shouting, but by sounding like someone worth listening to. Like someone who’s not a microwave.
Want to see how I made my own blog voice less weird (but still me)? Check out Blogging Made Less Weird. Or if you’re just starting, this guide on freelance blogging from scratch might help too.