Common Blogging mistakes can vary depending on the type of blog you run.
In general, the knowledge and skills required to be a successful blogger are quite extensive.
So, if you are new to blogging, you may be making some simple mistakes.
This post is a collection of 15 common blogging mistakes to avoid.
15 Common Blogging Mistakes to Avoid
1. Terrible Titles
Titles are important for both readers and search engines. They give a glimpse into the post and entice readers to click.
While many companies put time and effort into their blog posts, it appears that they simply slap on a generic title as an afterthought.
So, avoid that and write a compelling title by following the below tips.
- Insert your main keyword.
- Make your title appealing without being clickbait.
- Use numbers when it matters.
- Use interesting adjectives and superlatives.
Related – How to Start a Blog and Make Money
2. Not Interlinking
Linking to other relevant content within your post is a great way to keep your visitors on your blog for a long time.
It not only increases the average session time but also decreases the bounce rate. This will undoubtedly increase your ad revenue and improve your overall SEO.
So, go back to an older post and begin linking to relevant content. The same thing should be done when creating new posts.
3. Poorly Formatted Content
Would you read content with long paragraphs, no proper headings, and no images?
I’m sure most people will simply hit the back button and read a different post that is properly formatted.
If your content is badly formatted, it’s time to fix it by following the tips below.
- Small paragraphs of about 2-3 lines.
- Sections with headers.
- White space between lines and paragraphs.
- Bullet points were required.
- Bolded text.
4. Inconsistency in the Blog Posting Schedule
“Consistency” is one trait that separates successful and unsuccessful bloggers.
The same should be followed while posting content. Whether you post once a week or twice a week, make sure you stay consistent.
Also, while posting, make sure you give priority to quality, i.e. write detailed posts answering all the questions.
I recommend using a blog editorial calendar to stay on track.
5. Stop Using Google Images
It is extremely simple to use images from Google image search. However, you should be aware that using copyrighted images on your blog can get you sued.
So, before uploading an image to your blog post, ensure it is a non-copyrighted image to avoid such problems.
Here are some great websites that offer free images.
6. Ignoring Keyword Research
You’re missing out on a lot of organic traffic if you don’t do keyword research.
So, if you’re doing the same, it’s time to concentrate on keyword research, which can help you find low-competition keywords and rank on the first page. This will create a pool of organic traffic over time.
7. Not Building an Email List
When compared to social media, email marketing is the best way to connect with customers. In fact, emails are 6 times more likely to generate higher click-through rates than tweets.
It is a great marketing method to build a loyal readership around your blog.
So, if you’re ignoring it because you believe it’s not worth your time, it’s time to dispel that myth and get to work on creating one.
8. Giving Up Too Early
Creating a successful blog takes time and patience. It is not a one-day or one-week job, as it takes at least 6 months to see some positive results.
So, if you’re giving up on your blogging dream too soon, you should avoid that mistake.
A good way is to stick to a strict blogging schedule and keep yourself motivated by reading and watching blogging-related videos.
Related – How Long Does It Take to Make Money Blogging?
9. Starting a Free Blog
Many people want to know how to make money blogging for free. However, a blog requires an initial domain and hosting investment.
Though you can still create a blog for free, there are various drawbacks. The major drawbacks are that you will not have complete control over your blog and you will have access to limited features.
So, if you have any plans to create a blog for free, it’s time to drop that idea.
Related – 10 Best Free Blogging Sites
10. Missing Legal Policies
When it comes to blogging, legal Policy pages are a must.
If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to do so because these pages are required by ad networks and affiliate partners.
11. Using Too Many Plugins
I understand that when you start a blog, you want everything and end up installing a lot of plugins.
It looks nice, but it will eventually slow down your blog, which is not a good sign for SEO.
So, try to avoid installing too many plugins and only install those that are absolutely necessary.
Related – 10 Best SEO-Friendly WordPress Themes
12. Not Having a Secure Blog
It is essential to have a blog that is protected by HTTPS code. It not only increases security but also reader trust.
Furthermore, it improves search engine rankings, provides a better user experience, and protects your users’ information.
13. Using the Incorrect URL Structure
When you create your blog, you can specify the permalink structure. By default, WordPress includes a data structure, and you don’t want that!
Instead, select the one that only adds your post title. Here is how it looks.
https://yoursitename.com/post-title
14. Monetizing at the Wrong Time
As a blogger, you don’t have to start monetizing your blog right away, and you don’t have to wait months.
A good time is after about ten posts. That way, you can begin to generate some traffic to your site and have an easier time getting approved.
Related – Affiliate Marketing Tutorial for Beginners
15. Not Opening Outbound Links in a New Tab
Another common blogging mistake is many bloggers do not set external links to open in a new tab; instead, they set them to open in the same tab.
As a result, when a reader clicks on those links, they immediately leave your blog and go to the directed link. In short, you lose a visitor.
That’s why setting all the outbound links to open in a new tab is a must.
Wind Up
These are the 15 common blogging mistakes you need to avoid on your blogging journey.