Many bloggers share the same dream: Being read by millions on a monthly basis. However, in a day and age when thousands of new articles are published daily, differentiating oneself from the crowd can be quite challenging. Challenging, but not impossible.
When done right, blogging is a very powerful tool that can help companies and solopreneurs generate great leads.
So, how do you become a successful blogger? The answer is simple. Observe what experts in your niche do and avoid major mistakes. In this article, you will find the six most common ones.
1. Inconsistent Blogging
When it comes to blogging, regularity is probably one of the most important things. Writing two or three new articles every week is the best method to build up a loyal audience. Otherwise, people will quickly forget about you.
You can also invite guest writers to share their articles on your blog.
2. Typographical Errors
Would you read a book or a newspaper whose content has not been proofread and is full of typos? Probably not. While perfection does not exist, bloggers are certainly expected to master the basics of the language in which they write. Too many spelling errors will make your blog look amateurish.
Simply put, if you do not treat your content with the respect it deserves, you will end up giving people the wrong idea about the way you do business.
- There vs. Their vs. They’re
- A lot vs. Allot vs. Alot
- I.e. vs. E.g.
- To vs. Too vs. Two
- Its vs. It’s
- You’re vs. Your
- Loose vs. Lose
- Choose vs. Chose
- Effect vs. Affect
- Know vs. No vs. Now
3. Wrong Design
A blog is first and foremost about visitors; its layout must reflect the niche in which the blogger wishes to establish himself or herself.
Choose a design that is simple, appealing and unique, with colors that convey a specific mood. For example, blue creates a sense of calm and focus, while green evokes growth, nature and wealth. You will find good information on the topic in the following article: “Color Psychology and Marketing”
Also, make sure that the most important information is easily accessible in the sidebar and through an easy-to-spot menu. Add pictures to your articles and write great headlines. If you do not catch your visitors’ attention within five seconds of their landing on your blog, they will never stay to read it.
4. Too Much Self-Promotion
People do not visit a blog because they are interested in buying products and/or services. They want answers to their questions.
If you just write articles to peddle your wares, stop right now and build a website instead. Your blog should be your expertise platform, the place where your unique voice and helpful side shine. Make yourself indispensable and build a loyal audience, first. The rest will come in due time.
5. Lack of Knowledge of Your Niche
Do you know who your readers are? Where do they come from? What do they do? How old are they on average? Are they mostly men or women? What keywords have they used to find your blog? If you cannot answer those basic questions, you will not be able to target the right audience. As a result, traffic will never take off.
6. Lack of Blog Promotion
Too many bloggers still believe that the quality of their content alone is enough to attract readers. As a result, they do not promote their articles.
Facebook has more than half a billion members, Twitter almost 200 million, and LinkedIn has recently reached the 100 millionth mark. Share your articles there, as well as on Digg, StumbleUpon and Scoop.it. Create your own (free) newspaper with Paper.li and let your followers access all your daily articles in one easy spot. Finally, why not send out a newsletter?
In a nutshell, reach people where they are the most comfortable to read you.
I originally wrote this article for Suite101.
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