And why they’re remarkable

image credit: mandj98

I’ve been trying to keep each of these posts to two or three blog posts each. I wanted each post to give enough focus on the remarkable posts of the writers who are highlighted.

Again, I hope you have been able to take away some tips from this series. There are some truly great examples of the type of writing and content creation that leads to success on the Web for hunters.

In case you missed it, here are the first 6 installments in case you missed them:

10 Examples of Remarkable Hunting Blog Posts: Part 1

10 Examples of Remarkable Hunting Blog Posts: Part 2

10 Examples of Remarkable Hunting Blog Posts: Part 3

10 Examples of Remarkable Hunting Blog Posts: Part 4

10 Examples of Remarkable Hunting Blog Posts: Part 5

10 Examples of Remarkable Hunting Blog Posts: Part 6

Let’s dive in!

Power of Planting

Blog/Website: Grow the Hunt

Original Post: Power of Planting

Author: Brandon Wikman

Well I have to admit that somehow when I was first looking at the writer’s bio page on the Grow the Hunt blog I didn’t even notice that Brandon is attending the same college I went to! (A different blog editor sent me the blog post links).

So it’s good to know there are some great writers nearby contributing great content to the hunting community. Thanks Brandon and thanks to everyone at Moultrie Feeders for contributing a great blog to the hunting world.

Seeking Knowledge

One of the things that stuck out to me in this post was the fact that Brandon was inquiring for information from his Uncle – about where and what crops will be planted on the farm. Brandon wanted to know how much of each crop would be planted and so on.

He was using this information to improve his knowledge of the area.

For blogging, you can use the same technique.

When you write a blog post, don’t be afraid to ask others in the online hunting world what they’re working on. Are they writing list posts? Are they researching a controversial topic? Getting a sense for what others are doing is a great way to know how to position yourself so you can make an impact.

Don’t think of it as stealing ideas – it isn’t. Sharing information back and forth with other bloggers is beneficial for all participating bloggers and for the all of the readers. Sharing makes for better content.

You’d be surprised at how many bloggers understand this and are willing to work with you and share insight and information.

Addressing Common Concerns

A great quality of remarkable bloggers is the ability to foresee the questions your readers will naturally raise while reading the points you are making in a post.

I’m sure Brandon thought about the obvious question his readers would have when reading this post:

“Why do I need to plant food plots when I’m hunting on or near a farm with fields full of fresh crops?”

He foresaw this question and answered it in the article:

“Timing is everything in the whitetail world. They’re stomach runs on a timed dinner bell, based on weather, time of year, and a list of other motives that are out of our control. Anytime we can control a variable in the deer woods, we must capitalize on it.”

“Your mindset needs to be based off of what plant you can substitute after the soybean craze mellows.

In my case, all the fields planted near me are sprouting with mini-corn leaves, surfacing the soil, and supplying a tasty carbohydrate treat for deer mid-to-late season. My uncle said his crops would be harvested around November, so I will have a variety mix of chicory, and clover to supplement their diet after the corn is stripped.”

Anticipate the questions your readers will have about the topic of your blog and simply answer them. It sounds simple, but it’s a powerful characteristic of popular and remarkable blogs.

Unique/Remarkable Fact

I was reading this post and found it very informative and valuable, but what really took it over the edge to remarkable for me was the unique fact near the end:

“We happen to forget deer eat what they want, when they crave it. And when they crave a particular plant, it is for a certain reason. Plant your plots during the time of year that deer will need it and benefit from it most!”

Now maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t know this. I have probably witnessed it in the deer woods many times, but the fact has never been made this simple and understandable for me before.

Even when you can convey a seemingly obvious fact, it can be remarkable or one or more of your readers. When you can hit a reader with a fact or piece of insight that (for them) is remarkable, you’ve hooked a loyal reader.

Summary

Brandon is a great blogger and his knowledge of food plots and deer hunting are remarkable in their own right. I always find it unique when skilled and knowledgeable people are willing to share their insight and passions with others in the form of a blog, forum, or print article.

Thanks for sharing Brandon.

Greg Thomas on Fresh Fish

Blog/Website: Deneki Blog

Original Post: Greg Thomas on Fresh Fish

Author: Greg Thomas

The thing that sticks out to me about Greg’s post is the uniqueness, yet familiarity of the topic. I don’t know anything about fishing for fish up in Alaska, but I do understand what it’s like to hold up a trophy after a successful hunt or fishing outing.

My favorite part of this post is:

“When non fishers ask, “Why do you hold up a fish for the camera?” my answer is, “Why wouldn’t you?” That’s especially true when fishing for chromers early in the Kanektok season. Like any hard-won treasure – Spanish medallions, the Stanley Cup, Pamela Anderson – a chrome bright fish is worthy of the hoist.”

Let’s take a deeper look…

Detail and Passion Trump Commonality

Now, I admit I’m not familiar with the topic of this blog post…yet something draws me into the content.

Greg’s talent with details and passion compelled me to pay attention to this article with full attention throughout.

For example:

“Although most anglers consider the capture of any anadromous fish to be a small miracle, there’s no doubt that a fresh fish, just in from the ocean, is better than a dark fish any day. That’s why I’m prone to drive right past the inland steelhead and salmon fisheries in my backyard and jump planes for mint-bright fish in British Columbia and Alaska.”

I had to head straight to Google and search define: anadromous immediately after I read the word. This is a good thing. If you can use your power with words and content to compel readers not only of your niche, but outside your niche, you have a powerful blog.

Personality

Greg obviously has personality. An author wouldn’t use the language he uses without have confidence and a carefree attitude. And you know what? – I like it.

One of the things that bothers me about mainstream media today is the lack of personality in reporting.

People love subjective thought. Your readers want your opinion on the topics that affect the hunting world. Don’t be afraid to provide your thoughts on topics – even if they are controversial.

Now, I’m talking about going on tirades or cussing sprees. That is not what personality is.

Personality is simply you typing your natural flow of thought. Type what you’re thinking. Don’t let filters stop your thoughts from hitting the computer screen – you can always edit later.

Greg’s article is full of personality. From reading just this one article, I have the urge to read more of Greg’s articles. He has a great perspective on fishing and the outdoors.

Do you have personality?

Story Anticipation

It may be subtle in Greg’s post, but as I read through it again, I still find myself anticipating what’s coming next.

I’m not sure how to definitively explain the ability of a writer to build anticipation, but once a writer hits on the art of building anticipation, they have a remarkable blog post or series.

The basis of Greg’s article is the fact that he went up to Alaska to fish for ‘fresh’ fish. He wanted to catch the year’s first fish coming through. He didn’t necessarily want to hit the big rush of fish.

The concept of this story is so great. It naturally brings the reader right into the adventure and builds anticipation. “Will the fish ever come?” “Will we leave empty handed?”

It’s truly great writing.

Summary

Greg’s article is a wonderful example of even more ways you can create your own remarkable blog posts.

Adding details to your story is so crucial. Even if you think the details won’t be understood by all of your readers, include them anyway. You’ll find people wanting to understand more about your topic. Your readers are reading your blog because they want to learn from you. Make sure you provide sufficient details for them to soak up.

Always include personality in your blog. It’s simple in concept, but difficult in practice.

And if you can figure out ways to build anticipation you’ll be able to grab your reader’s attention for the entire posts.

A truly remarkable post Greg.