Do You Want to Make Your Blog Successful? There Are 11 Mistakes You Need to Avoid

These days, blogs pop up like daisies and disappear just as quickly. Pinning down an exact count is like trying to count stars in the sky–a task both daunting and, frankly, impossible.

But, one thing’s for sure: the numbers are astronomical. Thinking your blog will magically attract readers just because your content is top-notch? That’s a rookie mistake.

Here’s the skinny on blogging: it’s not just about what you write, but how you shout it from the digital rooftops. The truth is, finding the perfect angle from the get-go is as likely as finding a needle in a haystack. Digital marketing trends are like shifting sands, and if you don’t adapt, you’ll sink.

Successful bloggers know this dance well. They’re not afraid to admit they’re not the know-it-all in the room. They spot their mistakes, ditch the dead-weight strategies, and pivot to smarter blogging and promotion techniques.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and start at square one: the humbling realization that you’re not the blogging wizard you thought you were. If your likes and shares are more ‘meh’ than ‘wow’, it’s time to rethink your game plan.

Up next, we’ll tackle the common blogging mistakes. If you find your strategies in this hall of shame, don’t fret. It’s not the end, but the start of a smarter, savvier blogging journey. Let’s turn those blogging blunders into wins, shall we?

1. Misleading Headlines and No Headings

You’ve surely noticed those clickbaits of headlines that are meant to intrigue the viewer to visit the website, but they have nothing to do with the actual content you see there. It’s time to get things straight once and for all: this trick does not work!

If you want to frustrate the website visitors and make them unlike your pages on social media platforms, then go ahead and write headlines like “This Woman Saw a Black Cat on the Sidewalk. What Happened Next Will Blow Your Mind!”

It’s important to have a powerful and intriguing headline, but it has to grasp the whole essence of your post. You can ask a question and promise to provide a solution, but then you need to meet the expectations of your reader.

Don’t forget about headings when you’re writing a longer blog post. The piece needs some structure, so consider separating the text in a few sections with separate headings to avoid publishing a huge chunk of text.

2. Ignoring SEO Best Practices

SEO is crucial for any successful blog. Without it, you’re missing out on potential traffic and readers.

Recent data shows that 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine. This means that most of your audience will find you through Google or similar platforms.

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The key to SEO is using the right keywords. Find out what your audience is searching for and use those terms in your content, titles, and meta descriptions. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help with this.

Also, make sure your posts are easy to read. Use headers and bullet points to organize your content. This helps both your readers and search engines understand what your post is about.

And remember, SEO is not a one-time task. You need to keep updating your content to ensure that your blog stays visible and relevant.

3. Plagiarism

This is possibly the greatest sin in blogging. If you’re caught in plagiarism, your reputation will be diminished with the speed of light. It’s easy to get inspired by great content you see online, and you clearly want to cover the topics your audience showed interest in.

However, there is a difference between getting inspired by influential bloggers and getting a little too inspired. You must never copy someone else’s ideas and you must never paraphrase, rewrite, or (God forbid) plagiarize a published piece of online content.

Sometimes you’re not even aware that you plagiarized content. You went through too many resources to get the information you needed, so it’s easy to forget to reference some of them. That’s why you need to collect all those sources in a single platform, and make sure to run each piece of text through a plagiarism checker.

4. Rigid Writing

College professors have done great harm with all those academic writing projects, instructions, and expectations. Most people get used to that stiff, soulless form of expression, so they have to reinvent their style all over again when they start blogging.

Do you notice that you don’t usually address the reader directly when you write? That’s a serious mistake. Blogging is all about creating a bond between you and the reader. When someone reads the text, he should get the impression that you’re addressing them personally.

There is a simple rule that will make your style more relaxed, engaging, and comprehensive: Write as you speak. Hopefully, you don’t use that academic language when you talk to your friends, so you’ll easily realize what you need to change.

5. Not Utilizing Analytics

Many bloggers overlook the importance of using analytics, which is a significant misstep. Analytics provide critical insights into how your audience interacts with your blog. For instance, a recent study shows that businesses that prioritize blogging are 13 times more likely to achieve a positive return on investment (ROI).

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By tracking which posts are most popular, where your traffic is coming from, and what topics resonate with your audience, you can tailor your content strategy effectively. Tools like Google Analytics can help you understand your audience’s behavior. You can see which posts keep readers engaged and which ones do not.

Use this data to refine your blog. Focus on topics that generate interest and tweak those that don’t. Analytics are insights into what your audience wants and how you can deliver it.

6. Elaborate Blog Posts

You understand a certain subject really well and you decide to write an epic post on it? You get carried away with the details, so you end up with an elaborate piece of text that’s over 6,000 words long? Do not serve that piece to your readers.

You can’t expect them to think “okay, here is a true expert. He tried hard to write this text and he knows a lot of stuff, so I’ll spend the next few hours reading it.” No; They will scroll through the page and they will just say “I don’t have time for this” before searching Google for another source that gives them the information they need in a quick, easy-to-read format.

There are two things you can do when you have a lot to say on a certain topic:

1. Publish an eBook
2. Publish a series of blog posts

If you opt for the series, you can tie them together with a common tag and a new subcategory on your blog.

7. Lack of Social Media Activity

When you publish a new post on your blog, you can’t expect Google to bring loads of traffic your way. SEO is important, but social media activity is crucial for a blogger’s success. You probably have fan pages on Facebook and Twitter, but that’s not enough. You need to engage your audience, ask questions, and respond to the comments.

If you check some of the most popular blogs on Facebook, you’ll notice that these bloggers actively interact with their audience. That’s exactly what you need to do, too. When your readers start perceiving you like someone they can talk to, then you can call yourself a successful blogger. Social media websites can get you tons of shares, so it would be a huge mistake not to use that potential.

8. Underestimating the Power of Visuals

Ignoring the use of visuals in your blog posts is another common mistake. Visuals play a crucial role in engaging and retaining readers. According to MDG Advertising, content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without images.

Image Source: Cool Infographics

Images, infographics, and videos can break up long stretches of text, making your posts more readable and engaging. They can also help explain complex ideas more clearly and effectively. Additionally, visuals are shareable, which can increase your blog’s reach on social media platforms.

Ensure that the visuals you use are relevant and add value to your content. They should complement the text, not distract from it. By integrating visuals into your blog, you enhance the user experience and make your content more appealing and memorable.

9. Lack of Consistent Brand Voice

A consistent brand voice is vital for your blog’s identity. It helps your readers recognize and connect with your content. When your voice aligns with your brand’s values, it builds trust and loyalty among your audience.

To establish this voice, first understand your brand’s personality. Are you professional or casual? Whatever your style, use it consistently across all your posts. This doesn’t mean all your content has to sound the same. You can change the format or topic, but keep the underlying tone consistent.

It’s important to speak directly to your readers. Use an active voice and straightforward language. This makes your content more engaging and relatable. A consistent brand voice not only helps in building a connection with your audience, but also sets you apart from competitors.

10. Failing to Encourage Engagement

Not encouraging reader engagement is a missed opportunity in blogging. Engaging with your audience builds a community around your blog and increases loyalty. A recent study found that 84% of customers say being treated like a person, not a number, is crucial to winning their business. This principle applies to blogging too.

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Make your blog interactive. End your posts with a question or a call-to-action that encourages readers to leave comments or share their thoughts. Respond to comments to show that you value their input. This interaction makes readers feel more connected to your blog and more likely to return.

Also, use social media to promote your posts and engage with your audience. Share your blog content and encourage discussions on these platforms. Remember, your blog is a tool to start conversations and build relationships.

11. Overlooking Email Marketing Integration

Email marketing is a powerful tool. It allows you to reach your audience directly. According to a study, email generates $38 for every $1 spent, making it an exceptionally effective marketing channel.

Image Source: Campaign Monitor

Use your blog to grow your email list. Offer newsletter sign-ups on your blog. You can provide exclusive content or incentives to subscribers. Regularly send updates about new posts or exclusive information to your email list. This strategy keeps your audience engaged and drives traffic back to your blog.

Integrating your blog with email marketing is about creating additional touchpoints with your audience. It allows you to nurture relationships with your readers and keep them informed and engaged with your content.

Avoid Common Blogging Mistakes Today with MIG

Steering clear of these common blogging mistakes is crucial for the success of any blog. From crafting compelling headlines to harnessing the power of email marketing, each aspect plays a vital role in attracting and retaining a dedicated audience.

Remember, a successful blog is more than just quality content. It’s a blend of SEO savvy, originality, engaging style, analytical insight, and effective communication across various channels.

By addressing these key areas, you can transform your blog into a dynamic and influential platform, creating a strong connection with your readers and establishing yourself as a leader in your niche.

Ready to avoid common blogging mistakes? Check out our SEO Blog Writing Service or schedule a quick consultation to learn more about how Marketing Insider Group can help you earn more leads for your business.