Blogging is one of the most important Social Media tools available, allowing you to boost brand awareness or attract and retain customers. Conversely, improper blogging can also cost you customers and impact your reputation. However, avoiding common mistakes can save you a lot of trouble. Here are ten blogging mistakes to avoid at all costs.
1) Bad Headlines
A good headline is crucial; it hooks the reader’s attention and entices them to read your blog post. A headline should always promise to deliver something to the reader, such as the answer to a problem. The blog post then delivers on the headline’s promise to the reader.
2) Bad Grammar
Bad Grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors are notorious for turning off readers. Unlike a text message, a blog post should always use proper English. If you can’t write proper English, hire someone who can.
3) Bad Blog Photos
When it comes to a blog for a business, there’s no excuse for bad photography. Avoid using photos altogether if you can’t find the photos you need legally online.
4) Not Provoking Conversation
Strong content inspires conversation and drives readers to comment, share, or engage. Always provide content that provokes readers to respond in some way.
5) Bad About Us Page
Readers use About pages to decide whether they will continue reading your blog. Good About pages prove that you are an expert in your niche and can be trusted to provide valuable information.
6) Being Too Salesy
Your blog is an information resource about your niche, not a soapbox to hawk your wares. If you try to sell a reader a product or a service too early in your relationship, you’ll scare them off. What you need to do instead is create a blog that provides interesting and useful content that will make customers more likely to buy from you.
7) Lack of Accessibility
Although you must present yourself as an expert to your readers, never communicate in a way that not everyone can relate to. Avoid using unnecessary jargon, and speak plainly when making your point.
8) No Strategy
Always have a goal for your blog, whether it is a minimum number of followers or sales. Be sure to determine your target audience, how you plan to reach them, and how long it will take to achieve your goals.
9) Not Using Your Experience
To write compelling content, you need to have a unique perspective in your blog. Tap into your experiences and offer your insight. Don’t be afraid to be controversial. Controversy often inspires responses that you want.
10) No Variety
Always vary your types of content, whether it’s a standard text blog, video interviews, podcasts, or an infographic. Never stick to the same type of Social Media post for too long. If you’ve been running text updates for a while, try the video or maybe a podcast.
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Tamara graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Computer Science and Old Dominion University with an MBA. She started Apollo Hosting, Inc. in 1999 and sold it to Endurance International 10 years later. She also started and sold two other companies before starting Press8 Telecom in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children in Austin, TX.
