Over the weekend I was reading through The Blogger’s Guide to Online Marketing, and working through some of the action items – applying them to the new niche blog I started a few months ago.

One of the things that caught my attention while reading was the different types of bloggers outlined on Page 14, and how knowing which of those three roles you play in the market influences how you relate to them – or them to you.

It can be easy to assume the wrong role, or one that’s less natural for you, making it more difficult to find your place within the niche…

The three types of bloggers discussed were:

• Inspiration
• Expert
• Support

Again, that section is on Page 14 if you have a copy of the guide.

An inspirational blogger is someone you can relate to, and someone that is achieving or doing the thing that you want to achieve yourself. You can learn from their mistakes, get new ideas from them, and even be inspired seeing what to expect as you work toward the same goals.

An expert blogger is someone that is successful and has helped others achieve the same success – in any given niche, or on any topic. It might be someone that is a skydiving instructor sharing tips and advice, and making recommendations from professional experience for example.

A supportive blogger is one that encourages and motivates you. It’s someone you respect and trust, and someone that is there with ideas and support as you work toward something. An example might be a weight loss blogger that hosts a weekly weigh-in, and blogs on topics that take away all your excuses.

All of these roles are important in the blogosphere. Consider the variety of blogs you read yourself. A blogger can even assume more than one of these roles, and in some cases all three.

The key is in knowing WHICH type of blogger you are, as it affects so many aspects of your online business. Not knowing, or assuming the wrong role, can cause conflict – and make it difficult for you and your market to relate well to each other.

Just some food for thought.

I found this insightful and thought-provoking myself, even after blogging full time for more than 8 years now. The entire guide is chock full of ideas and action items that I am giving a lot of consideration.

Speaking of, those who own the guide are meeting online this Wednesday (Sept 14th, 8pm Eastern) for a live Q&A with Darren Rowse (aka Problogger), Chris Garrett and “The Ninja” (a key member of the Problogger team).

The live call is free to those who have the guide – which is more of a kit, actually. And it’s still 50% off. I believe this is the last week for the sale.

You can order it here if you’re interested in blog marketing, and in attending the live call – or getting the recording – as part of the package (no cost for the brainstorming call).

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this. Are you confident in your role, or combination of roles, or are you still trying to find your place in your market? What role do you feel I take here at ClickNewz, versus the role I take on my niche blog at TravelingLowCarb.com?

Best,