How to be a ‘stand out’ mom blogger… is it possible?

I’ve been blogging for a little over two years now, and I still think that I have a long, long way to go when it concerns me being a “stellar mom blogger.”  This morning I was reading about several mom bloggers who attended a trip to see a major toy manufacturer’s corporate headquarters.  It got me thinking about how certain mom bloggers “get” to do stuff like that and what it means if you, as a mom blogger, are not invited to participate.  To measure your success, popularity, and influence as a mom blogger can be difficult to do, especially if you’re not Dooce.

So what does it mean exactly to be a successful mom blogger, and if you are successful, does that automatically mean that you will get showered with tons of free stuff to review, be invited to tour corporate facilities, and be asked to speak at blogger conferences?  I don’t know.  I think being a stand out mom blogger can certainly bring more attention, but does that attention necessarily bring in more opportunities?  And do those opportunities really benefit the mom blogger or the company she’s working with?  I know all the hype right now is for marketing and advertising firms to tap into the mom blogosphere to create buzz about their products, but does it always play out that way?  I mean, does getting a product mentioned on a mom blog really increase sales?  I personally don’t think so because I can think of several of my favorite mom bloggers who have favorably reviewed various products, and I can honestly say that I’ve never purchased any of them–but then again, that’s just me.  I can’t speak for the general public.

So I guess what I’m trying to say is that if I’m not invited to tour a corporate facility, does that mean that I’m not considered a “stand out mom blogger?”  Is my blog not good enough to be recognized among the many others?  Does my opinion not matter?  I’m sure every mom blogger (except Dooce, Jessica Gottlieb, and the Five Minutes for Mom gals) has felt slightly envious of what other mom bloggers have gotten to do or experience.  I know I have.  And although it has motivated me to work harder, I sometimes can’t help but feel a little left out of the game.

With all that being said, I’ve created my own personal list to being “A Stand Out Mom Blogger.”  I’m sure this list probably won’t resonate with everyone, but that’s actually a good thing, because I’m always open to ideas and suggestions on how to be a better blogger, so please don’t hesitate to share any of your thoughts with me.

Mommy Reporter’s list on “How to be a Stand Out Mom Blogger”:

• Define success on your own terms.
• Never compare your blog to anyone else’s.
• Remember to keep your family first.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
• Be honest.
• Be original.
• Have better than average writing skills.
• Refuse to define yourself as anything less than a “Stand Out Mom Blogger.”
• Don’t allow stats or analytics to determine your blog’s value.
• Blog about what you love.
• Keep blogging.
• Connect with other mom bloggers.
• Congratulate them on work well done.
• Never work for free.
• Use clear images.
• Make sure your links work.
• Read other blogs.
• Plan your writing schedule.
• Appreciate every comment.
• Leave comments for others.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
• Take a break when you need to.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Have a pretty blog.
• Give stuff away.
• Never, ever give up.

So there’s my list… let me know if I left anything out.