I wish someone had told me how tricky blogging could get before I jumped in headfirst. Indeed, there are numerous minor details that one must discover through experience. If you’re just starting out (or even if you’ve been at it for a bit and can’t figure out why your blog isn’t taking off), maybe this list will save you a headache or two.
- Thinking about good writing is enough.
When I launched my blog, I figured, “If I write well, people will just find me.” Nope. I was sadly mistaken. I had no idea how important keyword research and SEO were, or that you actually have to use phrases people search for—like “blogging tips for beginners” or “how to start a blog.” I only caught on after stumbling onto Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO. I regret not discovering it sooner.
- Dropping the Ball on Consistency
For a while, I’d post three articles in a week, then nothing for a month. Let’s just say Google was not impressed. I discovered that maintaining a consistent posting schedule, even if it’s just once a week, significantly improves results.
- Jumping Between Topics
One week I was writing about tech gadgets, the next about travel, and then suddenly food. Turns out, readers (and search engines) like knowing what you’re about. Once I picked a niche, things got a lot easier.
- Neglecting Blog Design and Speed
I used to think design didn’t matter much—until my bounce rate shot up. If your blog takes forever to load or looks messy on a phone, people will bail. I ended up using Google’s PageSpeed Insights to clean things up, and it definitely helped.
- Copy-Pasting Content (Even Accidentally)
I’ll admit it: early on, I copied a few “about us” blurbs from other sites, thinking it wouldn’t matter. Wrong! Google can identify duplicate content easily, and if you do that, your blog will never rank. Always write in your voice, even if it’s not perfect.
- Ignoring Reader Engagement
For months, I didn’t reply to a single comment. Honestly, I thought no one would notice. But when I started responding, sharing posts on social media, and actually asking readers for feedback, my traffic and engagement numbers started going up.
- Not Promoting Your Blog Enough
I used to believe “if you build it, they will come.” Turns out, you need to promote your blog—on social media, forums, and even by writing for other blogs. The more places people see your name, the more likely they are to visit.
Final Thoughts
Blogging requires a significant amount of trial and error, but avoiding these mistakes can significantly smoothen the journey. Don’t forget about SEO for blogs, keep things consistent, and don’t be afraid to let your personality show. Every big blogger started where you are now—so hang in there and keep going!