Category: Marketing News

1 – 5 Huge Mistakes That Bloggers Make

Source: Blogging 101

Having just gotten my website up and running and dipping my toes into the blogging world I was happy to come across this post from Blogging 101. I will pay close attention to these lessons and they could be helpful to any other bloggers out there, both new and veteran.

Look forward to comments and feedback from established bloggers out there.

 – Andy V

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If you have actually entered the world of blogging or if you’ve been blogging for a short time and find that things are not working out as you expected, it will serve you well to spend some time comprehending the common mistakes that blog writers make, mistakes that make it tough to enjoy what should be an enjoyable, rewarding experience: Blogging!

The five most common new blogger mistakes are:

• Diving in (instead of pitching in).
• Having impractical expectations.
• Losing focus
• Plagiarizing
• Disregarding the reader.

Diving in! Numerous blog writers are so distressed to get started that they dive in instead of pitching in slowly– it’s an error in an unknown pool or pond and it’s a mistake when going into a brand new arena such as the ‘blogosphere.’

Consider these things before you begin your Blog:

• Find a focus for your blog site … a focus that shows what you understand, what interests you and what you take pleasure in talking and writing about.
• Make the effort to check out dozens of various blogs: keep in mind the colors, graphics and layouts to get a concept of what appeals to you. Likewise note that some blog writers are verbose and others are quick and to the point … others are just chatty and entertaining and have no particular point to make … this too is an individual style you get to pick.
• You require a host for your blog site, some are complimentary, some charge a small amount each month for their service, some are basic to use and some require more technical knowledge, some have more features than others; select carefully, as soon as you’ve established your blog and have a couple of regular readers you may not wish to alter your address (your URL).
• You may or may not wish to use your real name on your blog, this depends upon many elements, not the least of which is your position on controversial issues and how openly you wish to be related to your opinions.
• Unrealistic expectations! If you get into blogging anticipating instantaneous outcomes –  a large readership and many complimentary comments – you may be dissatisfied. There are tens of thousands of blogs online vying for the same audience.
• Patience and persistence are essential on your part. If you compose well, discover a distinct specific niche to fill, have enticing titles for your posts and tirelessly promote your blog site the readership and remarks (some of which will be complimentary) will come.
• Losing focus! When you began your blog you had a particular reason for doing so; it may have been to express your views on a topic or it might have been to simply interact with a close circle of pals about your daily activities. Readers will visit your blog site for the very first time and either have an interest in your subject matter or not, will either like your design or not and, if they like your subject and style they might comment and after that return later. As soon as you have actually developed a subject and tone for your blog you’re free to alter it, but if you decide to do so you’re basically starting all over.
• Know that you can have more than one blog site, every one dedicated to a particular topic and every one, if you choose, under a different identity.
• Plagiarizing! There are some excellent bloggers out there and as you surf through blogs you may find one who stated something actually well, something that resonated with you and something you wish to put in your blog site. DON’T just copy and paste someone’s words in your blog without giving them credit, making it seek to the world like the words are yours.
• If you compose it, write it in your own words and compose it much better, adding your own ideas and feelings and then be gracious, mention where you understood and provide a link.
• Disregarding the reader! A few of the people who read your blog site will leave remarks; some readers will agree with you and some readers may even applaud your insights but many may choose a point you’ve made and slam it. Individuals leave comments on other blog sites for the very same factor they themselves blog site, to exchange concepts and reveal their viewpoints.
• Always respond to your readers remarks; thank them for reading and putting in the time to comment (even the extreme critics) and after that react, as appropriate, to their remark. If you neglect your remarks your readers may end up neglecting your blog site.