Starting a blog can feel like stepping into a minefield.
While pro bloggers may make it look effortless and you’ve got big dreams of becoming the next big thing in the blogging world, the truth is that there are plenty of traps waiting to trip you up. And trust me, you’re going to step on a few.
But that’s okay! Making some blogging mistakes is part of the learning process.
The key is to sidestep the most common ones, so you don’t end up wasting time, money, and your sanity.
I’ve been there, done that, and have the embarrassing stories to prove it.
So, let’s cut the fluff and talk about the 12 blogging mistakes that every newbie makes but absolutely doesn’t have to.
Table of Contents
12 blogging mistakes to avoid for beginners in 2024
Mistake 1: You’re not self-hosting your blog
One of the most common blogging mistakes I see in newbie blogs is the failure to self-host their blog.
Self-hosting means starting your blog with a paid service like WordPress.org, where you pay for hosting and your domain, instead of opting for a free platform like WordPress.com or Wix.com.
If you’ve already made this mistake, don’t fret! However, if you aim to turn your blog into a side hustle for extra income, a self-hosted website is crucial.
Without self-hosting, you miss out on key opportunities like:
- Running ads with platforms like AdSense or Mediavine
- Using plugins
- Installing professionally designed themes
- Having full control over your branding and SEO.
- Be able to make money directly from your blog
- Have a custom domain without it displaying the platform’s name.
Free platforms like WordPress.com, Blogger, or Tumblr are suitable for hobby bloggers but lack the stability and control needed for a credible business.
And imagine losing all your hard work if the platform decides to shut down! To avoid this nightmare, invest in blog hosting and register a domain name to ensure your blog’s longevity and success.
Mistake 2: You’re writing like you’re the only one reading
Your life’s full of amazing experiences, perfect for your blog, right? From your travels to the food you’ve savored, your stories are captivating.
But hold up! Your blog isn’t just about you, it’s about connecting with your audience.
The most successful blogs resonate with readers by providing valuable insights and solutions to their problems.
So instead of starting every sentence with “I”, try engaging your audience by asking questions, empathizing with their struggles, and using more “you” language. Also, include a call-to-action at the end of each post to encourage interaction.
Next time you’re tempted to write a diary-like entry about your family trip, consider turning it into a helpful guide for fellow travelers. Share your experiences while offering practical tips to make their journeys smoother.
It’s all about finding the right balance between personal anecdotes and valuable content that speaks to your readers.
Mistake 3: You don’t have a niche
So, what’s your blog all about? Are you writing about whatever comes to your mind each day, or do you have a specific topic you stick to?
If you end up jumping from interior design to traveling topics and wonder why you’re not getting any comments, it’s probably because your readers are confused about what your blog is really about.
Having a niche, or a specific topic you focus on, can really help boost your blog’s traffic and grow your audience.
Here’s how:
- Stay on track: Having a main topic helps you stay focused on creating content for your niche.
- Reach the right audience: Readers will visit your blog if they know it’s about a specific topic. For instance, if you focus on crafts with kids, you’ll attract parents who want activities to do with their children, instead of general crafters.
- Become an expert in your niche: Creating blog posts about your niche and sharing your experiences can help you become an authority in your area of expertise.
- Earn money: With a loyal following, you can monetize your blog by selling digital products or writing sponsored content.
If you’re not sure what to write about, ask yourself, “What subjects do I have knowledge about?”, “What am I passionate about?”, or “What topics am I excited to learn more about?”
Then, narrow down your niche to attract a specific audience who wants that information the most.
Related article: How to find your blog niche
Mistake 4: You’re not creating a content plan
When you start a blog, you likely have plenty of ideas for your first few posts. But life can sidetrack you, making it hard to stay focused.
Your motivation may decline, and that’s alright! It’s normal to have other priorities besides blogging around the clock.
However, once you slip out of the routine of writing regularly, weeks can fly by without any new posts. Before you know it, weeks turn into months, and your blog starts gathering dust. Your readers notice your absence, and your blog slowly fades away.
So, what’s the solution?
Many bloggers struggle with consistency because they hit a creativity roadblock after their initial posts. They run out of ideas and lose steam.
That’s why planning is crucial. When you launch a blog, you need a solid content plan.
Before you dive into writing, take the time to outline your content for the long haul. Brainstorm ideas, do some keyword research, and figure out what your audience craves.
Your blog should be a go-to resource for everything related to your niche!
Related articles:
How to Balance Blogging with a 9 to 5 Job
The Importance of Consistency in Blogging
Mistake 5: You’re not editing your blog posts — no one wants to read your first draft
Raise your hand if you’ve ever published a blog post without giving it a thorough edit or proper formatting because you were in a rush to get content out there.
Most beginner bloggers overlook the importance of editing their posts thoroughly. Editing enhances readability, engagement, and overall quality.
Spending more time editing than writing ensures your content is valuable and cohesive, ultimately leading to a better reader experience and longer time spent on your blog.
Here are some editing tips to enhance your blog posts:
- Proofread grammar and spelling: No one enjoys reading posts filled with grammar errors. Use tools like Grammarly or PaperRater to correct errors, enhance readability, and check for plagiarism.
- Text formatting and evaluation: Incorporate subheadings, white space, transition words (and, also, but, or, so, overall…) lists, and images for improved readability. Also, delete unnecessary text and ensure every sentence adds value.
- Tone of voice: Read your post aloud to ensure consistency in tone and style.
- Customize permalinks: Customize your URL to be concise, easy to remember, and reflective of your branding. Search engines prefer structured URLs with keywords, making it easier for them to crawl your pages.
Mistake 6: Your blog isn’t user-friendly
Creating a blog that’s easy for readers to navigate is key to keeping them engaged. If your blog feels like a maze, visitors might click away before they even get to your content.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Hard-to-follow navigation
Ensure your blog has a clear and concise navigation panel that guides readers to important sections, helping to decrease the bounce rate. Consider using the footer section for additional links to less important pages.
Illegible fonts
Choose fonts that are easy on the eyes and readable on screens. Stick to simple sans serif or serif fonts in a size between 14px to 16px with ample line spacing. Avoid elaborate or decorative fonts, as they can make the user experience challenging.
Vibrant colors
While adding personality to your color scheme is great, ensure it doesn’t compromise readability. Most popular blogs have a white background with dark or black text, as it’s easier to read. Reserve color for your menu bar, headings, and logo rather than saturating your entire blog to maintain a clean and professional appearance.
By avoiding these common issues, you’ll create a blog that’s not only visually appealing but also user-friendly, keeping readers coming back for more.
Mistake 7: You ignoring the power of an email list
Starting an email list is the same as growing blog subscribers.
Essentially, it’s a compilation of your subscribers’ email addresses and names, managed through an email list service. Once enlisted, you can engage with them directly via email.
Emails remain the most potent tool for sales, given their personal touch and professionalism.
Unlike followers on social media platforms like Pinterest or Instagram, your email list is under your control and won’t vanish overnight. It’s a powerful asset for fostering a loyal readership around your blogs.
To attract more subscribers, offer incentives like eBooks or giveaways, and focus on providing educational content rather than sales promotions in newsletters.
Analyze how top bloggers utilize their email lists for monetization and engagement to refine your strategy.
Remember, your email list comprises your most loyal readers, unaffected by fluctuating social media algorithms or SEO changes. With traffic becoming increasingly unpredictable due to algorithm shifts, an email list ensures a stable audience base.
It’s never too late to start building your email list, it’s a valuable asset that grows alongside your blog.
Mistake 8: You’re not taking advantage of social media to grow traffic
Not getting enough traffic is a common struggle among beginner bloggers. Pouring your heart into crafting blog content only to have it go unnoticed can be disheartening.
That’s where social media comes to the rescue, even for beginners.
Pinterest, in particular, has emerged as a primary traffic driver for many bloggers. Its unique feature allows pins to enjoy a significantly longer lifespan compared to other platforms. While a post on X or Facebook might fade in mere minutes or hours, a pin on Pinterest can thrive for up to three months.
This longevity means that even a pin created months ago has the potential to go viral and drive consistent traffic to your blog.
Harnessing the potential of Pinterest involves strategic pinning, optimizing descriptions, and creating eye-catching visuals. It can significantly accelerate traffic growth, even in the early stages of your blogging journey.
With its unique ability to keep content circulating for extended periods, Pinterest serves as a valuable tool for beginner bloggers looking to expand their audience reach.
Mistake 9: You’re ignoring SEO and Google traffic
SEO and Google often intimidate many amateur bloggers, and I completely understand why.
It’s true that SEO requires patience, and when you’re just starting out, it’s easy to feel disheartened by the lack of instant results from your efforts. However, ignoring SEO altogether is a big mistake.
SEO, short for Search Engine Optimization, encompasses various strategies like keyword research and crafting optimized content to rank higher on Google. While it may take time to see the impact of your SEO efforts, this is precisely why it’s crucial to start implementing smart SEO tactics right from the start.
Achieving a high ranking on Google and attracting substantial organic traffic can make or break your blogging venture.
While social media traffic is valuable, it’s unpredictable due to potential algorithm changes. For instance, a sudden shift in Instagram’s algorithm could cause your traffic to vanish overnight.
In contrast, SEO and Google traffic offer long-term stability and security for your blog. By investing time and effort into optimizing your content for search engines, you’re laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success in the competitive world of blogging.
So, while SEO may seem daunting initially, it’s an essential aspect of building a thriving blog business in the long run.
Mistake 10: You haven’t submitted your website to search engines
When you submit your website to search engines, you’re informing them of its existence. Once acknowledged, search engines will begin displaying it in search results.
Getting indexed on Google and other search engines remains one of the best methods for bringing free traffic to your website.
You don’t have to submit your site to Google because they are good at finding your site on their own, but there are two compelling reasons to do so regardless:
- It might make Google crawl your website quicker, particularly if your site is new and lacks many inbound links.
- It could enhance Google’s comprehension of your site’s structure, potentially boosting your content’s ranking for relevant keywords.
To submit your website, you’ll need to find your website sitemap and then add it to Google Search Console.
Mistake 11: You’re trying to do it all without investing
One of the biggest mistakes I often see in beginner blogs is the failure to invest in themselves or seek assistance to manage their blog effectively.
Blogging can be overwhelming, especially when you realize it involves numerous tasks. From creating content to managing finances, resolving IT issues, and developing business strategies, bloggers wear many hats.
The good news is, you don’t have to tackle everything alone. Investing in yourself and your blog demonstrates a commitment to your goals and significantly accelerates your progress.
On the other hand, many beginner bloggers hesitate to invest money in essential aspects such as reliable web hosting, email marketing tools, or SEO services. Instead, they often rely on free resources like WordPress themes, email templates, and SEO tools.
While using free tools may seem like a cost-effective solution, they come with limitations. Free tools often lack essential features, updates, and customer support, leading to weak performance and missed growth opportunities.
Investing in premium tools and services not only demonstrates your commitment to your blog’s success but also provides access to valuable features, support, and regular updates.
Mistake 12: You don’t have realistic expectations
Starting a successful blog is an exciting journey, but it’s essential to understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. While some bloggers may see rapid progress and income in their early weeks, for many, it takes months of consistent effort to start seeing significant results. The key to staying motivated and avoiding disappointment is to set realistic expectations and goals.
Creating a step-by-step plan is crucial for maintaining focus and tracking progress. Begin by identifying your long-term goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable milestones. Whether it’s growing your audience, increasing revenue, or establishing yourself as an authority in your niche, having a clear vision of where you want to be in a couple of months or even years will guide your actions.
If you find that your expectations are too ambitious, don’t hesitate to adjust them accordingly. Remember, you’re accountable to yourself, so give yourself the freedom to adapt and grow as needed.
By setting realistic expectations and goals, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed or discouraged along the way. Instead, you’ll stay motivated and driven, knowing that each step forward brings you closer to your ultimate blogging success.
Final thoughts
Blogging is a journey, not a sprint. You’re going to mess up, and that’s okay. But if you can avoid these common blogging mistakes, you’ll be miles ahead of the game.
Remember, the key to success is learning from your mistakes and making adjustments as you go. No one gets it perfect on the first try, so give yourself some grace, keep pushing forward, and don’t be afraid to take some risks.
And above all, stay true to yourself—because that’s what’s going to make your blog stand out in a sea of sameness.
So, what about you? What blogging mistakes have you made along the way?
Drop your stories in the comments—because if there’s one thing we all know, it’s that we learn better when we share our screw-ups.
