If you’ve just entered the world of blogging, or if you’ve been blogging for a while, and find that things are not working out as you expected, you should spend some time understanding the common mistakes that bloggers make. Mistakes that make it hard to enjoy what should be an enjoyable, satisfying experience: Blogging!
The five most common new blogger mistakes are:
Diving in (rather than wading in)
Having unrealistic expectations
Losing focus
Plagiarizing
Ignoring the reader
Diving In
Many bloggers are so anxious to get started that they dive in rather than wading in slowly. It’s a mistake in an unfamiliar swimming pool or pond, and its a mistake when entering a new arena such as the ‘blogosphere.’ Consider these things before you start your Blog:
Find a focus for your blog – one that reflects what you know, what interests you and what you enjoy talking and writing about. No topics are out of bounds: politics, religion, science, sexual orientations, comedy, exercise, diet, diseases, etc.
Take the time to read dozens of different blogs; note the colors, graphics and layouts to get an idea of what appeals to you. Also note that some bloggers are long-winded and others are brief and to the point. Others are just chatty and entertaining and have no particular point to make. This is a personal style you get to choose. Although there will be times where it makes most sense to write either a short or long blog post.
You need a host for your blog. Some are free, some charge a small amount per month for their service, some are simple to use and some require more technical knowledge, some have more features than others. Choose carefully, once you’ve established your blog and have a few regular readers you may not want to change your URL.
Unrealistic Expectations
If you come to blogging expecting instant results: a large readership and many complimentary comments, you may be disappointed. There are tens of thousands of blogs online vying for the same audience. Patience and tenacity are essential on your part.
If you write well, find a unique niche to fill, have appealing titles (headlines) for your posts and tirelessly promote your blog. Over time, the readership and comments will come.
Always provide value in what you write for your readers. You want them to come back often to read what you have to say next. Have an “opt-in” form on your blog page so readers can subscribe to your blog and get notifications when you post something new. Ask for comments, likes and shares.
Losing Focus
When you started your blog you had a particular reason for doing so. It might have been to express your views on a topic or it might have been to just communicate with a close circle of friends about your daily activities.
Readers will come to your blog for the first time and either be interested in your subject matter or not, will either like your style or not and, if they like your subject and style they may comment and then come back later. Once you’ve established a topic and tone for your blog you’re free to change it, but in doing so you’re basically starting all over with your readers, as they have come to expect a certain style on your blog.
You certainly can have more than one blog, each one devoted to a particular topic and each one, if you choose, under a different identity.
Plagiarizing
There are some great bloggers out there and as you surf through blogs you might find one who said something really well, something that resonated with you and something you want to put in your blog.
DON’T just copy and paste someone’s words into your blog without giving them credit, making it look to the world like the words are yours. If you write it, write it in your own words and write it better, adding your own thoughts and feelings and then be gracious, mention where you got the idea and provide a link.
Ignoring the Reader
Some of the people who read your blog will leave comments; some readers will agree with you and some readers may even praise your insights. But some will pick a point you’ve made and criticize it.
People leave comments on others blogs for the same reason they themselves blog; to exchange ideas and express their points of view. Always respond to your readers comments; thank them for reading and taking the time to comment (even the severe critics) and then respond, as appropriate, to their comment. If you ignore your comments your readers may end up ignoring your blog.
If you need help getting started with blogging, Leadstra can help. Give me a shout at lee.leadstra@gmail.com
I’d be happy to chat with you.
Also become a FREE Insider on the Leadstra website. You’ll get access to all kinds of pdf eBooks, videos and training. And again, it’s all absolutely free.
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Thanks.
Lee
