In the past, you could simply register on a blogging site and say just about anything. After all, blogging started out as a form of expression. But, these days, most blogs are monetized, which really puts pressure on writers to provide quality content.
Blogging has become one of the best ways to direct attention to your business and gain some recognition. With that in mind, if you’re having issues engaging with and retaining your target market, that is probably because the ‘rules’ keep changing and expanding. Nevertheless, we are not trying to pack more pressure on. Some of the best bloggers today made some gruesome mistakes as well. In a nutshell, here is what to avoid.
1. Bombarding readers with content
We get it, besides the fact that starting a blog is exciting, you probably have the urge to do as much as you can. But blogging is one of those areas where less is more. It is unsavory to wake up to a clogged-up inbox daily. Your readers have no space to crave your voice, regardless of how witty or engaging your content may be.
Try to be intentional and send out posts that add tangible value. That does not mean you should upload once a year. Just try to focus on quality over quantity.
2. … Or not providing enough content.
At this point, you may be wondering if this is a lose-lose situation. It is not. When strategizing on the frequency of your posts, it is all about striking a balance. Develop a steady rhythm, and stick to it. Take a look at how it is with TV shows, they release one episode a week and leave their audience panting for more.
By the next week, the anticipation has built up and loyal viewers are ready to take in some more. All in all, do not be inconsistent with your posts, your audience may end up losing interest.
3. Limiting your topics to your interests
Unarguably, it is your blog and your interests will shine through. But you need to put more thought into your content. You will get nowhere if you keep posting random ideas that do not appeal to your audience. Sure, some of those ideas will be amazing, but how do they align with your business?
Think about the people who typically ready your work? What do they like? What will keep them coming back for more? Yes, your personality has to be featured in your posts, but also ensure that your readers find it relatable.
4. Concentrating solely on SEO
There is no doubt that SEO is an important part of blogging. Some people go as far as engaging an SEO agency to ensure they get it right. There is nothing wrong with that, it will ultimately help you rank on Google. But, you cannot make it all about SEO, because your work comes off as unnatural.
Saturating your work with keywords generated by AI is a sure way to put a damper on your content. Find a balance because that is the only way to write content that will kill two birds with one stone.
5. Using unrelatable lingo.
Unless your blog is targeted at Ph.D. holders and law-makers, you need to tone it down. No one is asking you to dumb it down, but there is no reason to saturate your work with huge words. Try not to make your writing too stiff or informal. This is a blog post, you have a chance to give your business a human face, so take it. Humanizing your brand is no longer a choice, you have to do it to get ahead.
So, do not rely on one-dimensional content just because it is informative. You will end up cutting off potential loyal customers.
6. Not linking your content
Every good post should leave people mentally stimulated. Even though you are writing about something as random as ‘the benefits of living in a pineapple under the sea’, it should be able to spur some afterthoughts. How do I breathe? Will the pineapple decompose? Is it close to a school district?
These are some questions that may arise. Let’s say you have captured all this information. Chances are that interested readers will want to know more. So link your content to other authority sites, it will help you in the long run. It shows the reader that you anticipate their needs and also establishes you as a go-to. If you’re not sure how, maybe outsourcing your content efforts will help.
7. Neglecting to promote your posts
Unlike some commodities out there, blog posts do not sell themselves. With so much content out there, you should be looking for opportunities to stand out. It is not enough to write a compelling piece if no one knows about it. So, take advantage of social media platforms and get the word out.
The content creation industry is not for the shy. So, it is vital to get out there and promote your work.
8. Not establishing a writing style
With blogging these days, the ultimate goal is to drive traffic to your business or brand. To achieve this, you need to establish a couple of things ahead of time. One of them is your writing style. Do not go in without a game plan on this front because it can cost you customers.
Do not send out a post that sounds like you’re chatting with a pal on one day, then sound like you are speaking to your boss on another. This may seem minute to you, but these little nuances are what endear customers to you.
9. Only putting out conceptual posts
As much as people like to have their minds stimulated, your posts should give the readers a takeaway. If your content gives tangible next steps, it gives people something to look forward to. After discussing an issue or product, ensure that you point them towards some real results. Explore some iconic calls to action out there and build your own. That way, your content becomes useful to them.
10. Ending on a stale note
The most important parts of your post are the introduction and conclusion. On one hand, the introduction reels you in. Then the conclusion ties it all together. For the most part content creators pour all their energy and excitement into the introduction and body. That leaves their conclusions all pruny and lackluster.
Try writing your conclusion right after your introduction. It is a sure way to keep the fire burning on both ends.
11. Not editing your posts
Writing is understandably draining. But if you neglect to edit your post afterward, it’ll come back to haunt you. Take at least 30 minutes for a good read-through. This is not only to correct typos and grammar but sentence structure and tone. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
In Conclusion
By now it should be evident that blogging is a bit more layered than most people think. But others are using it to reach unimaginable feats in their respective niches. You can definitely be one of those people if you steer clear of the listed mistakes and keep grinding day after day. Sure, you will make some mistakes along the way, that’s how people learn. Nevertheless, with these pointers, you are sure to find yourself up and running in no time.