Almost everyone, including a blogger, has committed blunders. Everyone needs to make mistakes to grow and become a better person, as long as he is willing to learn from them.

Starting a blog, like almost everything else in life, has a learning curve.

Fortunately, in the case of blogging, this learning curve is pretty short, and it’s simple to pick up on best practices and excellent habits and rapidly apply them to your new blog.

The issue is that many beginners have no idea what mistakes they are likely to make or how to avoid them.

Being a blogger is not easy; many challenges must be overcome to become a great blogger.

In this article, I’ll give you a rundown of the top 20 blogging mistakes to avoid for beginners along with do’s and don’ts.

1. Writing for Search Engines

One of the most irritating things for readers when they visit a blog is when the author writes for search engines rather than for the actual visitors.

It’s important to remember that blog readers and commentators are people, not search engines.

Repeating keywords constantly can make your visitors feel uneasy and may even drive them away from your blog.

It’s important to focus on writing for your audience and providing value to them, rather than trying to manipulate search engines. This will not only improve the experience for your readers, but it will also be more effective in the long run for your search engine optimization efforts.

To avoid repeating keywords excessively, try to use synonyms and vary your language. This will make your writing more natural and engaging for your readers, and it will also help you avoid keyword stuffing, which can be penalized by search engines.

Overall, it’s important to remember that your blog is for your readers, not just for search engines.

By focusing on providing value and a positive experience for your visitors, you can build a loyal following and improve your overall success as a blogger.

2. Using Excessive Widgets

Something extra is not always a good thing. This wise advice is appropriate for bloggers who prefer to install a lot of widgets on their blogs.

Aside from being an eyesore, too many widgets might be burdensome to your blog, which means it will take longer to load.

Good widgets are those that can assist users in browsing and discovering all of the material on your blog. There are several widgets you should install. For example, widget archives, categories, fan pages, search engines, and so on.

Installing worthless widgets such as clocks, tunes, and other useless widgets should be avoided.

I frequently come across sites that have a clock widget installed on their blog; what puzzles me is what its role is for users to remember the time. Simply look in the lower right corner for the clock.

3. Rarely Updating Articles

This is the most irritating aspect for visitors. If the blog is already well-known and the articles are extremely valuable, then the admin stops updating it, and the visitors will be disappointed.

Problems like this are usually experienced by those who are still inexperienced or are referred to as newbies. People like this are quite confident in the first stages of blogging and believe their blog will be successful.

But it’s just been a few months since blogging no longer seems like home, and it finally stops updating.

One of the reasons why many bloggers stop blogging is that it is difficult to develop new article ideas.

Blogwalking to other people’s blogs in the same niche as yours is one of the most effective ways to find new ideas. You can get new ideas for your posts by reading articles on other people’s blogs.

4. Having Many Niches

A niche blog is a blog that focuses on a specific theme or topic. For example, if your blog provides information regarding the gaming industry, this indicates that your niche is gaming.

A good blog concentrates solely on one niche. Visitors can more readily browse the information on your site if you have a niche. In addition to making it easier for visitors, the author will benefit as well. With a niche, the author can focus more on creating articles, which means that the outcomes of his work will be more optimal.

Some people want to crowd their blogs with readers by stuffing their blog articles with articles from diverse niches. But what happens next? Perhaps, instead of being pleased with the number of articles available on your blog, your readers will be perplexed and think, “what is the blog actually discussing, there are gadget reviews, fashion news, and blogging tips, so I’m confused.”

5. Focusing on Quantity Over Quality

This is something that many bloggers encounter. I used to do this frequently, and the result was that my blog had very few pageviews and a bounce rate of more than 70%. That means that the majority of the articles on my blog are of poor quality; I understand that I used to do this frequently.

Knowing this, I decided to start a new blog that focused on quality rather than quantity. What happens next? My blog has a pretty good pageview and bounce rate in my opinion, with 4.3 page views and a bounce rate of 10% to 20%.

Some people may think that a blog with a significant number of articles must have a high pageview and a huge number of regular visitors. This cannot be considered to be correct or incorrect because it all depends on the quality of the content offered by the blog, which might be good or bad.

Blogs with a variety of high-quality articles will attract a large number of regular visitors and increase page views. Because it is the quality of your blog that determines a reader’s contentment, not the number of articles.

One of the things a satisfied reader might do is become a regular visitor who will always visit your blog every day.

6. Not Being Patient

Patience is a vital quality for any successful blogger to possess. It allows you to persevere through the challenges and setbacks that are inevitable in the world of blogging.

For example, you may receive harsh or even cruel comments from readers, or you may put a lot of time and effort into creating an article only to have it stolen and republished without proper attribution.

In these situations, it can be tempting to become discouraged or give up, but a patient and resilient attitude will serve you much better in the long run.

By remaining patient, you can take the time to carefully consider your response to negative feedback, rather than reacting impulsively.

You can also use such challenges as opportunities to learn and improve, whether that means finding ways to better defend your content against plagiarism or taking the time to hone your writing skills.

In short, patience is essential for building and maintaining a successful blog, as it allows you to stay focused and dedicated to your goals, even when faced with difficult situations.

7. Forgetting SEO

Optimizing your blog for search engines, also known as SEO, is a crucial step in attracting and retaining a large audience. By using relevant keywords and phrases and following best practices for on-page and off-page optimization, you can improve your blog’s visibility in search results and attract more targeted traffic.

There are two main types of SEO: on-page SEO, which refers to the elements within your own website that you can optimize, and off-page SEO optimization, which refers to the factors that occur outside of your website, such as the number and quality of external links pointing to your site.

Both of these techniques are important for the overall SEO of your blog, and it’s essential to take the time to understand and implement them effectively.

However, SEO can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it may take some time to see maximum results. But by staying patient and consistently applying SEO best practices, you can improve your blog’s search engine rankings and reach a larger, more engaged audience.

8. Poor Writing

As a blogger, it’s important to find and retain an audience. The more readers you have, the better. However, poor writing can actually drive away casual and potential readers. In the age of easy and accessible blogging, the importance of good copywriting may seem to have disappeared, but it’s still crucial to produce professional, error-free content.

Typos and other mistakes, such as formatting and grammar errors, can make a message difficult and unpleasant to read. They also make it hard to convey the intended message and can leave readers with a negative impression of the blogger.

Good writing isn’t just about using proper grammar and spelling. It should also be concise, logical, and easy to understand. However, many errors in blog posts and online articles are simply the result of laziness and can be easily corrected.

To improve your writing and attract more readers, it’s important to use a spell checker, do thorough research on ideas and facts, and carefully proofread your work before publishing. This can make a huge difference in the quality and effectiveness of your content.

9. Not Being Consistent

Maintaining a regular posting schedule is essential for the success of your blog. This helps to keep your readers engaged and helps your audience and readership grow steadily.

Even if you are a busy person, it’s important to set aside at least a couple of hours each week to blog. It doesn’t matter if you post once a week or twice a month, as long as you are consistent in both the quality and frequency of your articles.

Good writing is key to attracting and retaining an audience. Typos and other mistakes, such as formatting and grammar errors, can make a message difficult and unpleasant to read.

They also make it hard to convey the intended message and can leave readers with a negative impression of the blogger.

To improve your writing and attract more readers, it’s important to use a spell checker, do thorough research on ideas and facts, and carefully proofread your work before publishing.

This can make a huge difference in the quality and effectiveness of your content. By taking the time to produce high-quality content, you can set yourself apart and succeed as a blogger.

10. Buying Too Many Plugins and Themes

One common mistake that many new WordPress users make is purchasing too many premium plugins for their blogs. These can include premium themes, design templates, conversion optimization tools, and split-testing tools.

While it’s possible that your blog may eventually need these types of premium features, it’s usually best to start off slowly and only upgrade as necessary.

As a beginning blogger, it’s important to focus on creating high-quality content and building a loyal audience. It’s not necessary to invest in a lot of premium plugins right away. Instead, consider using free or low-cost options until your blog is more established.

This will allow you to save money and focus on other aspects of your blog, such as building your brand and growing your readership.

It’s also important to keep in mind that many premium plugins come with a subscription fee. This means that you’ll have to pay regularly to continue using the plugin, which can add up over time.

By starting off with free or low-cost options, you can save money and avoid the commitment of a long-term subscription.

Overall, it’s best to be selective when it comes to purchasing premium plugins for your WordPress blog. Start slow and only upgrade as necessary, and you’ll be able to grow your blog more sustainably.

11. Not Building an Email List

Another mistake that many beginner bloggers make is waiting until they have a consistent flow of traffic before starting to build an email list. The logic behind this is that without traffic, there’s no need for a list. However, this approach is actually counterproductive.

It’s best to start building your email list as soon as possible, even if your traffic is sporadic. This will not only ensure that you have the processes in place for when you do have more traffic, but it will also help you capture those early subscribers who are interested in your content.

Having a list of email subscribers can also give you a jump start on your data and ultimately improve your results.

By building an email list from the start, you can establish a relationship with your subscribers and keep them informed about your blog and any updates or promotions you have.

This can help you build a loyal following and improve your overall results as a blogger. So don’t wait to start building your email list – get started today!

12. Waiting for Perfection

As a blogger, it’s natural to want everything to be perfect before hitting the publish button. However, it’s important to remember that the content you publish during the first few weeks of a new blog doesn’t really matter in the long run.

Your ideas about what should be included in the navigation and other aspects of your blog will naturally evolve as your blog matures. This is completely normal and should be expected.

It’s okay to go back and edit old posts to improve the content as needed. In fact, this can be a valuable exercise in improving your writing skills and making sure your content is up to your current standards. The important thing is simply to get started and begin building your blog.

Don’t worry about getting everything perfect right away. Instead, focus on creating high-quality content and building a loyal audience.

By getting started and publishing regularly, you’ll gain valuable experience and learn what works and what doesn’t for your blog.

You can make necessary adjustments as you go along to improve the overall quality and effectiveness of your content. It’s all part of the learning process and will help you become a better blogger over time.

So don’t let the fear of not being perfect hold you back. Just get started and you’ll be on your way to success as a blogger. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.

The most important thing is to keep pushing forward and continue improving your blog.

13. Lacking Focus

Many bloggers have grand ambitions for their websites, but achieving these goals takes time and effort. Remember that it’s possible to become an authority in your field and attract thousands of daily hits, but it won’t happen overnight.

To get started, focus your blog topic on a specific niche. Building momentum within a smaller sub-niche first will be easier (both technically and psychologically) to expand into an authority site later on. This allows you to hone your skills and build a loyal following within a specific area. It will also be easier to expand into broader topics later on.

Keep in mind that ranking at the top of Google for hundreds of keywords is a long-term goal. It’s not something you’ll be able to achieve right away. But with consistent, high-quality content and effective search engine optimization strategies, it’s definitely possible.

Overall, have patience and focus on building your blog step by step. By starting small and focusing on a specific niche, you’ll be able to build momentum and set yourself up for long-term success as a blogger.

14. Forgetting the Reader

Many new bloggers forget that their blog is ultimately geared towards real readers. While it’s important to focus on technical details like targeting certain keywords and creating effective content, it’s crucial to remember that the main purpose of your blog is to help readers find the information they need.

To be a successful blogger, put the reader first. This means focusing on providing value and addressing the needs and interests of your audience.

By doing this, you’ll be able to build a loyal following and achieve your goals as a blogger.

Avoid forcing topics or trying to manipulate your readers. Instead, create high-quality content that is authentic and resonates with your audience.

If you put the reader first and focus on providing value, the rest will follow. You’ll be able to build a successful blog that provides real value to your readers.

15. Writing About too Many Topics

Are you considering writing about topics like making money on the internet, healthy lifestyle tips, or places to visit in Nepal? While these topics may seem important and interesting, they are actually too broad to be effective for your blog.

To get the most out of your blogging in both the short and long term, it’s important to be more specific. More specific topics will attract smaller, more focused readers who are more likely to become leaders and customers. These readers are more likely to engage with your content and take action based on what they read.

So, when thinking about what topics to write about, consider how they can help and inspire your audience. Choose topics that are specific and focused, rather than broad and general. This will allow you to create more targeted, effective content that resonates with your readers.

16. Not Using Images

Sure, here’s an updated version with shorter sentences and more context for ease of reading and understanding:

Incorporating images into your blog can greatly enhance the reader’s understanding and retention of the content. However, it’s important to use royalty-free images and to properly attribute them. Using copyrighted images without permission can result in legal consequences and undermine the credibility of your blog.

There are many websites that offer a wide range of high-quality, royalty-free images for use on your blog, such as Pexels, Unsplash, Canva, and Burst. Be sure to use these resources and properly credit the source of any images you use. Remember to use the title and alt attributes of the image to provide further context and improve the accessibility of your blog.

By following these best practices, you can effectively use images to enhance your blog without any legal or ethical issues. Pictures really do speak louder than words, so be sure to include plenty of relevant and properly attributed images in your blog to help your readers better understand and remember your content.

17. Rushing for Money

Earning money through blogging can be challenging. It’s not uncommon for bloggers to face setbacks and challenges along the way. Blogging is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires hard work, dedication, and persistence.

For many bloggers, it can take months or even years before they start seeing a significant income from their blog. Successful bloggers often put in hundreds of hours of work and spend thousands of dollars on their blog before seeing their first three-digit income.

The amount of time and effort required to earn money through blogging can vary greatly depending on the niche you choose and the level of competition in that niche.

To increase your chances of success as a blogger, focus on proper care and careful planning. Devote hundreds of hours to your craft and develop a unique voice that others will want to hear.

Promote your blog and reach out to your target audience through various channels such as social media, email marketing, and guest posting on other blogs.

Remember, blogging is a long-term commitment that requires patience, hard work, and persistence. With the right mindset and approach, you can turn your blog into a successful and profitable venture.

18. Forgetting Promotion

Promotion is a crucial aspect of running a successful blog. Simply publishing articles and hoping they will attract readers is not enough. You need to actively promote your blog and reach out to your target audience through various channels.

Here are some ideas for promoting your blog:

• Mention your blog in your printed brochure
• Include a link to your latest blog post in your email signature or newsletter
• Display the headlines of your latest blog posts on your home page
• Check out relevant blog posts on other websites and leave comments
• Share your posts on social media platforms
• Write guest posts for other blogs

If you don’t have time to promote your blog, consider writing less often and using that extra time to promote your existing content. It’s better to have a few popular posts that are widely read than an archive full of posts that no one is reading.

Don’t just rely on search engine optimization to increase blog traffic. It’s like launching a book and hoping it becomes a bestseller by placing it in the local bookstore.

You need to take further action to promote your blog and reach your target audience. Just publishing a blog article isn’t enough. You need to be proactive in promoting your blog for the best results.

19. Neglecting the Content-Length

When writing content for your blog, it’s important to aim for quality over quantity. While a short blog post may contain around 200-300 words, research in the blogging industry has shown that content with less than 600 words is considered lightweight and may not rank well in search engines like Google.

New bloggers may be tempted to write quick, lightweight content or copy and paste content from other sources without proper editing. This is a mistake, as it not only undermines the credibility of your blog but also leads to a high bounce rate, which can negatively impact your search engine rankings.

On the other hand, writing detailed and informative content can help attract and retain readers and improve your search engine rankings. Google tends to favor posts with more than 600 words, as they are typically more comprehensive and provide value to the reader.

To ensure the success of your blog, it’s important to write high-quality content that satisfies your audience and provides value. Don’t be afraid to put in the extra time and effort to create detailed, informative posts. It will pay off in the long run in terms of reader engagement and search engine rankings.

20. Publishing Plagiarized Content

It is important to always obtain written permission from the copyright owner before using someone else’s work, even if you specify them or are using a free image on a site like Pexels or Pixabay. Using images or content without permission is considered theft of intellectual property and can have legal and financial consequences.

This includes the integration of Instagram posts, as a June ruling stated that it is no longer allowed to embed Instagram posts without permission. To protect yourself, you can take a screenshot of the image or license on the site you are using it from.

A common scam is for image owners to claim that you need to pay for a license after using their image, even on sites like Pexels or Pixabay that offer free images for use without attribution. If you are using an image licensed under Creative Commons, be sure to clearly mention the license, the link to the license, and the owner in your content. You can do this by including a statement such as “Photo by Spot, CC BY SA 2.0,” with the appropriate license code. It is also a good idea to take a screenshot of the license as additional proof.

If you suspect that your images have been stolen, you can use a site like Pixsy to find and track stolen images and potentially file a lawsuit to have them removed. Some options for legal action include using free credits or purchasing additional credits on Pixsy, or using a service like Shutterstock.

Plagiarism, or copying and pasting other people’s blog posts or content without proper credit, is also a form of content theft and should be avoided. Instead, paraphrase the original content and include proper attribution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential for beginner bloggers to be aware of the common mistakes that can hold them back from achieving success. In this article, we highlighted the 20 most common mistakes beginner bloggers tend to make and provided tips on avoiding them. By following these recommendations, you can set yourself up for success and create a strong foundation for your blog.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that blogging is a learning process. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way, as long as you take the time to learn from them and improve.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can increase your chances of success as a beginner blogger. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and continue learning and improving along the way. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, you can achieve success in the world of blogging.

If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below. We would be happy to help you on your journey as a beginner blogger.