What are some common mistakes to avoid when blogging?
Note: These answers are meant to be short / simplified, just to give you a basic idea. In reality, there’s a lot more to cover about these topics.
Blogging can be a lot of fun, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes that bloggers make that can turn their blog into a snooze-fest:
Not having a clear purpose for your blog: If you don’t have a clear purpose for your blog, you’re like a ship without a rudder. You’ll just drift aimlessly in the sea of content out there. So, before you start blogging, ask yourself: “What do I want to achieve with my blog?” And don’t say “world domination” – that’s so 2010.
Blogging without a niche: Blogging without a niche is like trying to be everything to everyone. It’s still possible to succeed, but it’s more difficult. But if you just want to put your thoughts out there for the world to see, then a niche is not necessary. And again, you can still be quite successful without a specific niche, but this will require more effort and (maybe) the help of multiple contributors to handle many categories.
Forgetting about your target audience Your target audience is the reason you’re blogging in the first place. If you forget about them, they’ll forget about you. So, make sure you know who your target audience is and what they want to read about. And no, “everyone” is not your target audience.
Ignoring SEO and keywords in the content creation process SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is important if you want your blog to be found by search engines like Google. But don’t stuff your content with keywords like a Thanksgiving turkey. That’s so 2005.
Writing blog content without proper formatting Proper formatting is important if you want people to read your blog posts. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and images to break up your content and make it easier to read. And no, walls of text are not “minimalist.”
Not promoting your content Promoting your content is just as important as creating it. Share your blog posts on social media, email them to your subscribers, and reach out to other bloggers in your niche for guest posting opportunities. And no, shouting from the rooftops is not an effective promotion strategy.
Not engaging with readers Engaging with readers is important if you want them to keep coming back for more. Respond to comments on your blog posts, ask for feedback, and create a community around your blog. If your blog’s comment section is disabled, no worries! Grow an audience on places like Twitter and Reddit, let them get to know you as the awesome blogger you are.
Not being consistent Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. If you don’t post regularly, people will forget about you faster than they forget their New Year’s resolutions. So, create a schedule and stick to it like glue.
