Memorability Is the New King

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‘Memorable’ is the new buzz word in my head right now (it used to be ‘chocolate’). I believe that when you write on a blog, the degree to which you will grow and have success is directly proportionate with the memorability of your content.

Why Memorability Rules

I’m fascinated by a part of psychology studying the laws of human memory. There are some interesting discoveries made in this area I think every blogger would benefit from knowing. One fundamental law of memory is this:

A person can only use what they remember.

In other words, psychologists agree with the importance of memorability in general. Now, how does this apply to blogging in particular?

As a communication coach, I find that when readers are able to remember your blog and its content well, a few very important things happen:

• They come back to your blog to read other content you have posted;
• They apply what you teach and if they get results, this builds your credibility;
• They share your content using social media or email communication;
• They talk to other people about your blog or specific ideas on it.

Ultimately, because of your memorability and your blog’s memorability, readers become your very own free advertising agency. That’s how a blog grows its readership, followership, influence and of course, money making potential.

Now For the Bad News

Yes, good news has a bad one that tags along. In this case, the bad news is that, in my experience, memorability is one of the hardest traits to develop for your blog.

I find this interesting because if you think about it, we are all unique as people and we all have the potential to be memorable. However, when we go online, create a blog and put content on it, we tend to leave our personality at the door and start imitating other bloggers out there, hoping to mimic their success level.

Good blogging doesn’t work that way. As a matter of fact, good anything doesn’t work that way. Sure, it makes sense to follow some of the patterns other bloggers follow and to copy bits of their strategies that create results. But unless you can give everything a fresh, exciting and unique spin, you won’t get anywhere.

How to Make Your Blog Memorable

Fortunately, memorability is a trait that can be consciously developed. The following four ideas are in my perspective a good starting point for doing so:

1. Use a unique theme. I deliberately stay away from any blog theme that is getting too popular. I don’t want people to confuse my blog with the blog of some other guy because of its appearance. Use a theme that’s easy to use, looks good and also gives your blog a unique feeling.
2. Use memorable headlines. A person often has more chances of remembering the title of an article that the content itself. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not, but it does tend to happen. So, put a big part of your memorability juice there and write posts with headlines that people remember.
3. Discuss controversial ideas. In any field, there are some controversial ideas. For example, in the area of personal development there is this controversial idea that focusing too much on personal development will turn against you. Identify the controversial ideas in the field of your blog and write about them.
4. Stop censoring yourself. I find that many people censor themselves pointlessly in communication. Most of us have an exaggerated fear of upsetting others with some of our perspectives, so we keep them to ourselves. Don’t do this! Let your inner voice and your true self shine on your blog.

In my view, being memorable is mostly the result of expressing your true self and doing so in a unique, passionate and proud style. Keep in mind that some people may not like your true self or your style, but nevertheless, it’s what will also make you loved by others and memorable to all.