We all make mistakes particularly when we first start blogging.
Here are 7 mistakes made by new bloggers (and some established ones) alike.
Bad blog design
Naturally, what defines a bad design may be a matter of personal choice. From my personal perspective, here are some thoughts to consider.
- Too much clutter. Obviously, this varies. Lovers of minimalist style blogs (and lots of white space) may think your average blog design looks too cluttered. In general, too much clutter refers to anything that comes across as messy and disorganized.
- Bad use of color. Some colors are simply hard on the eyes. Fluorescent colors (particularly in large blocks) are one example.
- Too many Pop-ups. While pop-ups are effective and here to stay, I have noticed that some blogs have too many of them. They have a pop-up for their opt-in, one for social media signups, one for the GDPR acceptance and sometimes even a pop-up ad at the bottom of the screen. It’s too many pop-ups at once.
- Text too small and difficult to read. Small fonts, fancy fonts or certain light font text colors can make the blog hard to read.
- Dark backgrounds. Personally, I’m not a fan of black backgrounds. Don’t get me wrong, some black backgrounds when designed correctly can be visually stunning. I have seen some amazing dark colored websites and blogs. The key is they must be easy to read. Your blog, Facebook, Twitter profile (or whatever you are using to promote yourself) must be easy to read.
Huge blocks of text
Trying to read through huge blocks of text (particularly with a small font) can be particularly tiring on the eyes.
Your blog needs to be scannable.
Space the text out (without going stupid). Break up larger paragraphs into bite-size chunks.
Not blogging consistently
I am actually guilty of this one.
When I originally started my blog, the plan was to blog 5 days a week Monday to Friday.
A quick look through my archives will show that didn’t quite happen. I’m currently working on bringing more posting consistency to my blog.
Going off topic
If you have a blog about making money online, your readers may find it a bit off-putting if you start publishing posts on breeding Persian cats.
Okay so that was a far-fetched example but hopefully, it makes my point.
If you suddenly start consistently writing about topics of little or no interest to your established readers you will no doubt lose a number of them, not to mention probably get some interesting comments left on your posts.
Not regularly promoting your blog
Again I am guilty of this one myself.
One thing I have learned is that if you have a new blog (or an old one for that matter), you must promote your blog every day.
Figuring the best and most effective way of promoting your blog is the interesting part.
Related post – Self-Promotion for Non-Braggers
Throwing in the towel too early
Every blogger at some point hears stories of the lucky blogger who brings in thousands of subscribers in a couple of weeks. They do exist.
Everyone wants that to happen to their blog.
Chances are however unless you are already connected in the blogging world this probably won’t happen.
Also, it wasn’t simply luck that bought in those subscribers. It was hard work. Most likely LOTS of hard work. Therefore you need to stick it out.
You should be looking at blogging as a long-term endeavor, not a quick overnight fix.
Lack of Good Content
It goes without saying you need great content that appeals to your target audience.
A lot has been written about writing great content. Here are a few posts from some of the best on the subject.
Problogger – How to Write Great Blog Content
Entrepreneurs Journey – Pillar Articles
Write To Done – What Makes Great Blog Writing
Are you guilty of any of these mistakes? The good news is they are easy to fix.
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Hey Thea
Some great points here, yes I do like pop ups only if they pop up once! If they continue on like you suggested I am out of there. It gets tiring battling with the pop up every time you click something!
I use lots of video type tutorials on my blog but I have been guilty when writing posts, leaving them in large blocks. I know I generally do on my blog what my preference is to see when visiting other blogs, if that makes sense!
Great post
cheers
Nat
Hi Nat
Ah video. I am yet to take that plunge. Slightly nervous about it. Mainly because like most people I hate seeing myself on camera. But it is the future of blogging from what I can see, so I do need to get on board with that one. I will have to pop over to your blog and check out your videos. I am sure it will inspire me to get cracking!
I know about you mean about your preference from visiting other blogs. I think that is how we get a clear picture of what we do and do not like. I am still working on my blog design update. Looking forward to seeing the end product.
Cheers
Thea
Hi Thea,
thanks for sharing your impressions and your opinion. I think the most important part is probably that a blog should be easy to read. That’s why I don’t like this pop-up windows either, even if they’re easy to close. A common mistake in my opinion is also not to comment on other people’s blog and not replying to comments on the own blog.
Take care
Oliver
Hi Oliver
Thanks for your input. It seems I am not the only person not fond of popups. Good to know! I do have to start leaving more blog comments myself and yes I do try to reply to people who comment here. Sorry my reply is a little late though.
Thanks again for your comment.
Cheers
Thea
Great points, Thea! I know that I have seen lots of Twitter pages where the background is the exact same color as the hyperlink, which does not make things any easier when trying to reach out to someone and get to know them.
Hi Steve
Thanks for your comment. Yes I do see a lot of Twitter accounts with that hyperlink problem. You want to be showing off the name of your website not hiding it.
Cheers
Thea
Hi there,
I hate pop-ups, and I’ll often skip a site that puts a pop-up in front of me. I don’t mind static ads if they’re not all over the page, because then I have a choice of whether to look at them or not.
I need help on the look of my blog–I’m just using the basic WordPress template and am not savvy enough to redesign….so I’m sending out for reinforcements one of these days.
Hi Tracy
Thanks so much for your comment.
I am like you I don’t mind the static ads as long as there are not too many of them.
Good luck with that redesign down the line. I am still working on mine, there are so many variables to decide on. I just hope I get it right in the end!
Cheers
Thea
Pop-ups are a no-no! As is music on a blog. I close out immediately if a song starts playing.
Going off topic is fine, in my opinion, if the topic is interesting. Most mom bloggers can get away publishing recipes, humor, advice, etc. without turning off readers, but you’re right that over time, people may forget why they started reading in the first place.
Promoting, while important, can also backfire. Very little annoys me more on Twitter than someone who announces a new post more than twice a day. It’s just too much. I think you can promote yourself very successfully by just building up a Twitter following and engaging in conversation during the day. May some good connections, and people will be more interested when you announce that new post.
Hi LZ
Firstly let me apologise for the delay in my reply. Secondly thanks for your comment.
Here I was thinking that I was the only one not fond of popups, but now I realise I am not alone. I agree with you on the music playing as well. The last thing you want if you do happen to have a quick look at a blog at work is for it to surprise you (and all of the coworkers around you) with music.
I will take on board your thoughts on over promotion. I have seen people send out the same update for posts several times in one day and you are right it can get too much.
I had a look at your blog, just wanted to say I really like the design of your header and connect section. I like your use of colour.
Thanks again for joining in and I hope to see you here again.
Cheers
Thea