We’re all human, so we all make mistakes. When it comes to blogging, whether bloggers are just starting out or have been writing for a while, some make more mistakes than others.
But what are those mistakes? And do some bloggers not make any mistakes at all?
1. Not Defining a Target Audience
One of the most critical mistakes of bloggers is not clearly understanding their target audience. Writing for everyone often leads to writing for no one.
Solution:
Take some time to define your ideal reader. Consider their demographics, interests, and problems they want to solve. Tailoring your content to a specific audience will make your blog more focused and engaging. For example, I target most of my posts at other bloggers by giving blogging tips and helping to solve problems users are experiencing with WordPress.
2. Ignoring SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Best Practices
SEO might seem daunting, but ignoring it can severely limit your blog’s visibility. Many bloggers neglect to use relevant keywords or proper formatting that can help their posts rank better in search results.
Solution:
Invest some time in mastering the essentials of SEO. Consider creating blog post titles with keywords that appeal to visitors and make them want to read your posts.
If you’re not interested in attracting more traffic or followers to your blog, you can disregard SEO.
3. Inconsistent Posting Schedule
Consistency is key in the blogging world. Many new bloggers either post too sporadically or overwhelm their readers with too much content at once. I’m guilty of this mistake, having cut back on how often I publish posts.
Solution:
Develop a realistic posting schedule that you can maintain. Whether it’s once a week or biweekly, staying consistent helps build an audience that knows when to expect new content. Some will not publish any posts for many weeks or months and then suddenly publish many posts within a short time as if they are in a race. Space the publication of posts out to give readers time to read and engage before publishing your next post.
4. Failing to Promote Content
Creating great content is only half the battle; the other half is getting that content in front of readers. Many bloggers publish their posts and assume readers will find them, which rarely happens unless you have a loyal audience who reads all your posts.
Solution:
Share your blog posts across various social media platforms, engage in relevant online communities, and consider using email marketing to reach your audience directly. Never believe that an audience will find you.
5. Not Engaging with Their Audience
Some bloggers overlook the importance of conversing with their readers through blog comments, social media, or emails. Never ignore your audience.
Solution:
Make it a priority to respond to comments and questions, ask for feedback, and create a community around your blog. Engaging with your audience not only builds loyalty but also provides you with valuable insights into what they want to see.
6. Neglecting the Visual Aspect
A blog’s visual appeal can significantly impact reader retention in the internet age. A blog that looks outdated or cluttered can deter visitors.
Solution:
Invest a little time learning about basic design principles, using user-friendly blogging tools and updating your blog’s theme. Choose clean layouts, appealing colour schemes, and high-quality images to enhance your blog’s aesthetic.
You don’t need to spend tens of thousands on re-branding, but if your website still looks stuck in 2015, it’s worth updating. People judge quickly. A blog’s look and design play an enormous role in how professional (or trustworthy) it looks.
7. Writing Without a Clear Purpose
Blogs that lack direction can confuse readers and fail to deliver value. Having a clear purpose behind each post is essential.
Solution:
Before writing, outline what you want to achieve with your content. Are you aiming to inform, entertain, or persuade? Staying focused on your purpose will guide your writing and make it more effective.
Conclusion
Recognising these common mistakes is the first step toward becoming a successful blogger. By defining your audience, optimising for SEO, maintaining consistency, actively promoting your content, engaging with readers, improving your blog’s design, and writing with a clear purpose, you can significantly improve your blogging experience and expand your reach.
Keep these tips in mind as you continue your blogging journey. Good luck!
Do you have any blogging mistakes you’d like to share? If you’ve faced challenges or learned valuable lessons throughout your blogging journey, I would love to hear about them! Please leave the details in the comments section and join the discussion. By sharing your insights, you can help others avoid similar pitfalls and foster a supportive community of bloggers eager to enhance their craft. Let’s learn from each other and make our blogging experiences even more rewarding!
The featured image and title of this blog post were generated using the WordPress AI blocks.
I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Any non-engaging comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.
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I just started my blogging journey of recent, I believe these advice would really be of help to me.
Thank you
You’re welcome. I’m glad this post has helped.
Great tips, Hugh. I’m guilty of not following three of them (consistency, SEO, and promotion). I don’t think I’ll ever worry too much about SEO or promotion, but I keep thinking that I’ll become more consistent. Ooops. :)
Many bloggers don’t worry about SEO or promotion of their blogs, Janis, especially if they are happy with their current audience.
Oh that’s good to know Hugh. Yes I have tried a couple of times with disastrous results.
Great points as always Hugh. I enjoyed the read and love the picture.
The AI image creator isn’t always good, Wayne. But if you don’t include words, it seems to produce some great images.
Good advice as always Hugh, I have reduced my blogging to 2 monthly posts which suits me at the moment I haven’t yet used AI for blog titles I will have to explore as it seems a few people find it helpful…I hope your week is going well and the weather is being kind to you :)
I believe I’m aligned with you on reducing my blogging to two posts per month, Carol. I am certainly publishing much less than I used to, and it does not seem to impact views or engagement.
Do you remember when the Block editor was launched and how nearly everyone was fearful of its capabilities? AI appears to be following that same path. Most of those who have tried it find it helpful, although I would advise against being completely dependent on it.
Absolutely, Hugh and yes I was one of the fearful and now I use the editor…I agree I think it would be easy to become too dependent on it and for that reason I am careful plus I think it would mute our voices and take away our individuality ,
Yes, I agree, Carol, but I believe that only happens when somebody uses AI to write whole posts. I use it mainly to check for spelling and grammar errors, plus suggest blog post titles.
Absoluely Hugh I am checking out yours and Fedora’s posts on blog headings using AI…Have a lovely day, Hugh :)
Thank you for the helpful tips, Hugh. I started using AI for my titles and found it very useful.
Good to hear you are enjoying using AI, Eugi. It brings so many benefits to bloggers.
You consistently offer good advice, Hugh. I especially like your posts when you give clear step-by-step instructions regarding WordPress.
I have more of those WordPress posts planned, Pete. Things are always changing on WordPress, so there’s plenty to discuss.
These are great tips, Hugh, but I think it all depends on the purpose of your blog. Like many other travelers, I started mine with the intention to share my photos and adventures with friends and family. I didn’t care about a community or having many followers. Yet, I did create a community around my site and found many (virtual) friends that way, which I’m very happy about and grateful for.
I am guilty of not following about half of the tips you share, which are very helpful for “professional” and “committed” bloggers, but to me, those suggestions scream “work”. I still have to earn a living, so I don’t want my blog to be work and rather put my energy into a paid job.
You’re right; it depends on why you blog, Liesbet. Those who don’t want to increase traffic, gain more followers, or are content with their current audience don’t need to pay attention to most of these points. However, my experience shows that many people who follow my blog do seek to increase their numbers, gain more followers, and perhaps earn some money from their blogging efforts. Most of the books I have sold have come through my blog, so it’s a great way for me to promote my books to a wider audience. I will only achieve that by attracting new followers and visitors to my blog.
I’m fortunate that, being retired, I can dedicate a significant amount of time to my blog (if I choose to), but I know other bloggers who also have jobs and view blogging more as a hobby than as work, even though they invest considerable effort in attracting new visitors, promoting their blogs, and keeping up-to-date with all the changes in the blogging world. We are all different and want different things, so the points in my post were aimed at those bloggers who want to build their blogs and communities.
Thank you for joining the discussion.
I agree with all 7 points you mentioned here. Btw. I started to let AI support my posts with blog title, header image, and editing. It’s very cool! Thanks for that advice, Hugh.
I’m glad you are playing around with AI and finding it helpful, Erika. I use it now to check for any spelling and grammar mistakes. It does a great job.
It does and it is fun asking it for more and more versions of images or titles… lol
Helpful tips to take onboard, Hugh.
Thank you, Cathy.
Great advice as always, Hugh. I believe folks take up blogging as a way to express themselves, promote a business or hobby, or want to make money. But in my own experience, I know MUCH more goes into the care and feeding of a blog.
My blogosphere mainly consists of reading personal blogs that have a purpose whether sharing photos, poetry or creative writing (books, etc). I enjoy the storytelling aspect of blogging as well as the social connections we have.
Your outline of what makes a successful blog is spot on and a good reminder to all of us. I hope spring has come your way by now! Have a great week!
We have to wear many hats when we become bloggers, Terri. In my experience, some bloggers who do not care about copyright stuff, marketing their blogs, and not caring about the upkeep of their blogs usually don’t blog for long. Some who stick it out will constantly complain about changes, how blogging platforms make things difficult for them and believe that nobody will care if they use copyrighted images and photos. They would rather stay still than move with the times.
It’s all about the enjoyment and not letting ourselves become stressed or feel guilty when blogging. It should not become a chore or feel like a job or work unless you’re a blogger making money from what you do.
Great tips, Hugh. You always give the best advice.
I’m glad you think so. Thanks so much, Gina.