1. Starting a blog purely for fame or profit
2. Accepting everything that is offered (from samples to sponsorship)
3. Forgetting the purpose of the blog
4. Sticking to one niche or covering too many
5. Following the crowd instead of trying something new
6. Writing purely for mass appeal
7. Giving advice instead of opinions without having authority or credibility
8. Being impatient for readership growth
9. Not having a blogging schedule or editorial calendar
10. Quantity over quality; publishing daily when there isn't enough content
11. Not spell-checking or learning from grammatical errors
12. Not understanding the audience or who the blog is reaching out to
13. Blogging without goals or a clear purpose
14. Being overly promotional on social media
15. Talking and not listening by not replying to comments
This is a REALLY good post. I've made several of these mistakes in the past and thankfully learned from them. :)
ReplyDeletexo Mandy | Blog
Thank you for such a post. May you tackle starting a blog. I really want to start a blog but I'm overwhelmed. I read at some blogs that you should have a topic that interests you to make your blog revolve around it, but what If I'm not quite sure what to start with. I like arts and trying things. Thank you Xxx
ReplyDeleteI don't have a blogging schedule anymore, because I don't feel it relates to my blog, I rarely cover 'topics' and I quite often am discussing art practice and trends, so I think an editorial calendar would mean I was fulfilling number 10, quantity over quality.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, so many people don't reply to comments, or even read blog posts properly, for instance I remember you saying that you're blog advice was to be adapted for your own blog, not necessarily to stick by every single rule. ;)
yes. i is absoluty right
ReplyDeleteYes . Absolutely you are right
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really difficult point: "4. Sticking to one niche or covering too many"
ReplyDeleteIt is not easy to find a balance between "this is my niche" and "I talk about it all".
But I think it all comes from trying things out and making experiences.
Thank you for this post Sophie :)
janatoldme.com
Amen to point number 2! Sooo many offers but so few that fit with my blog at all (hello dating app partnership. like wah? Why?) Points 4 and 14 are still definitely a work in progress for me though. Really good list of things to refer back to here x
ReplyDeleteI missed number 15. Replying to comments is an absolute must for me. I would hate people to think I don't appreciate that they took the time to respond to my posts. Also most of my commenters are hilarious so I don't want them to stop.
ReplyDelete@new york Dylan. I can see what your saying... Samuel`s article is really great... on saturday I got a new Buick from earning $8113 this-past/five weeks and just a little over $10 thousand lass month. no-doubt about it, this really is the nicest-job Ive ever had. I began this 10-months ago and almost immediately started making a cool minimum $73.. per-hour. I follow the details here,...
ReplyDelete------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is I started,------- > www．fox900．com
->>>>>>>
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{Go to link in this site}
You're so right! I personally feel that replying to comments is a must as it shows how much you really appreciate those who take the time to leave a comment on your blog. Thank you for this post! I've quite a lot to think back on.
ReplyDeleteColorful Closets
The biggest one is not I'm guilty of not having a schedule. There are a few others I need to work on but I'm trying.
ReplyDeletehttp://insidesai.blogspot.co.uk/
Some of your points are quite difficult to adhere too..12,13,14..lots of peeps need help with these issue's. I'm not sure of my readership and I wouldn't know how to begin!!
ReplyDeletehttp://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
4 is a tricky one for me - I try and focus on around 5 different areas on my blog, but sometimes I want to go beyond that. I also try to reply to most comments I receive, but I don't really see the sense in replying to people that clearly didn't read your post.
ReplyDeleteTessa / Bramble & Thorn
Love this - i need to sort a calendar out!
ReplyDeleteBrunette in Louboutins
Amen to #15. Sometimes I don't expect a comment response because it's wasn't really "response-worthy", but if I take the time to write a well-meaning response to a post and its ignored, I always feel a little miffed.
ReplyDeleteEspecially comments that say things like:
ReplyDelete"cute shoes!
myblogaddress.com"
I find them quite rude and will make a point of not visiting their site. Kind of contraproductive for them.
As a new blogger I really really like and appreciate this!
ReplyDeleteTrying new things can be tough too! Whenever I come up with an idea I think is great, it seems someone (or many someones) has already done it! So I do it anyway with my own perspective and hope for the best haha
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with all the points but number 15 I definitely agree with. I know it's hard for the posts with lots of comments but most posts that I comment on would be manageable in keeping up with replying. I would add onto this that it would be wise to make sure your reader knows that you have replied back. Either with the commenting system or by saying please check back. The ones I have commented on that have no notification system I have taken to bookmarking in a separate folder to check every now and then for replies.
ReplyDeleteAmy at Amy & More
Thank you for this post. Some things I do, some things I needed to be reminded of and some things I never thought to do (editorial calendar - great idea).
ReplyDeleteSome of these I have never thought of! There are plenty of blogging posts that explain "mistakes" but this is by far the most helpful. Concise and to the point as well.
ReplyDeleteI've just found my niche and it's like a weight off my shoulders knowing exactly what I want to write about instead of struggling to think up topics in order to please the masses.
ReplyDeletehttp://mylifeincakeand.wordpress.com
Great post Sophie. I hate it when bloggers don't reply to comments and aren't bothered about having a conversation with others. I also think it's terrible when a blogger appears desperate to get freebies and is constantly using the #prrequest hashtag or tweeting incessantly at brands. It makes me cringe. Good spelling and grammar go without saying (but then again I'm a journalist in my day job!)
ReplyDeleteI have newly started my blog and am looking for blogging tips. Lovely post x
ReplyDeletepintsizedbeauty.blogspot.co.uk
Yes yes it even applied to this post, I totally appreciate these tips, but I've seen them over and over! I think giving your opinion why this tip is important or even your own experience from a mistake is much better idea
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these tips! i totally agree with not commenting, I really dono whats the point of ignoring them? These readers who left comment, who really made you grow as popular blogger! And even some bloggers don't left any contact information, so you cant reach them for help or even feedback!
ReplyDeleteGot it! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for those great advices.
www.malondarose.com
I'm just starting my blog so these tips are really helpful.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
www.contigomejor.com
Great tips! Thanks for the reminders :)
ReplyDeleteSorry you think that, Farida. Personally, my mind works best in bullet points; I like to whittle information into single sentences. I work best when I write succinctly and to the point, I guess that doesn't work for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI do write about some subjects more in depth, particularly those about being self-employed. I'm not really interested in writing a blog about blogging.. although, if there are any particular subjects you'd like me to write about more in depth (including some I've mentioned here), please let me know.
Thanks for reading :))
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they're of some use! :))
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Malonda.
ReplyDeleteI suppose some people really aren't interested in building relationships with their readers and are more interested in making money or blogging for "fame." I guess neither is morally right or wrong, I just think it's polite to respond to people who take the time to read and comment. If a blogger has no intention of replying to comments, why not turn them off?
ReplyDeleteAlso: I responded to your other comment too.
I hope they help and I wish you all the best with your new blog :))
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's neither right or wrong to not respond to comments.. I mean, not everyone wants to engage with their readers and have other reasons for writing a blog than to build relationships. I just find it a little frustrating; OK, so they don't want to reply to their comments and have no intention of doing so, so why do they even have comments enabled? Switch them off. I can't understand the reasoning behind that.. other than liking the attention? Appearing popular? How vain.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to have a focus to drive the blog and, as you say, to provide content. But I also think it's important to venture outside of a single niche and see what other aspects could be suitable for your blog. I think sticking to one niche - beauty, blogging advice, fashion - can result in a stale blog.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you enjoyed the post, Dalia, thank you for reading :))
ReplyDeleteI love my editorial calendar! As soon as I started using one I became much more efficient at blogging. Since I have a business to run, it's nice being organised with the blog and not having to worry about where the next post is coming from.
ReplyDeleteWhich points do you not agree with? :)) I find it interesting to hear other people's perspectives because, of course, these "mistakes" are only my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI agree it's tough to respond to 100s of comments.. but why not switch them off if there are too many to respond to? Or at least respond to the questions? I definitely agree with your statement about response notifications - I think that's super important.
I agree.. but I think the important thing to remember is - everything has already been done before but YOU haven't done everything before. Your ideas don't always have to be original so long as you bring something new to the table by approaching it in a different way.
ReplyDeleteI am super pleased you found it helpful, Emma.
ReplyDeleteI agree - some comments don't really require a response. I do think it's important to take the time to engage with readers though and replying to comments isn't really that difficult.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Georgina - good luck with that calendar! ;))
ReplyDeleteI think the point I am making is - try new things.
ReplyDeleteDon't stick to one rigid niche but don't try to do everything either, find a balance.
Sticking to one niche can make a blog stale; blogging about one subject (blogging advice, beauty, fashion, whatever) can result in stagnant content but trying to do too much and cover too many areas can mean spreading yourself too thin.
I would agree with that.. those comments drive me crazy ;))
ReplyDeleteSure, and there's plenty of advice out there for people who need help with that :)) Although maybe it's something I will write about because it ties into having a business and reaching out to target audiences.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Jessica.
I fail at quite a few of these points sometimes - we've just got to keep trying! :))
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - reply to comments or disable commenting, that's my opinion anyway. If someone takes time out of their day to read one of my blog posts AND comment, the least I can do is respond. I suppose a lot of bloggers aren't interested in building relationships, and that's OK I guess, it's just not what I believe in.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate everyone who reads my blog and those that comment - I've really got to the regular visitors and I love seeing new faces! It's really important to me to talk to people and make friends; I want to engage with people because everyone has something amazing to share.
ReplyDelete"it all comes from trying things out and making experiences."
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - you nailed it. There is a balance that needs to be found and it can take a while to find, I know I'm still trying.
Thank you for reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've got it down. I think the most important thing to remember is: do what you want, make it work for you, and screw anyone else's rules ;)) And yes - I write my posts as things for me to remember.. so while the title might be "blogging mistakes," that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. I could learn a thing or two from other bloggers, for sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the suggestion, Fatema.
ReplyDeleteWhat I would say to you is: screw the rules. JUST START. Just start a blog, get writing, find your feet, discover what you enjoy doing, and take it from there. One step at a time. Don't get tangled up in rules or advice - just start posting :))
Thank you for reading, Mandy
ReplyDeleteThank you Sophie. I am trying to find the right words right now...
ReplyDeleteI think your blog is pretty impressive and your blog posts are qualitative & cultured. I think you do a very good job.
I agree with the last mistake, not replying to comments. If you're getting 100s a day, it's understandable. If people are simply writing, "Nice blog," or "Cute Dress," I get it. But when people take the time to relate, answer your question, etc. you should probably at least acknowledge the comment, with a "Thanks!" But if I keep commenting on your posts, and it's not just once,) and you never reply, I probably won't take the time to comment anymore.
ReplyDeleteAlso, going along with accepting everything offered to you, sometimes I see OOTDs, or whole posts full of gifted items. It's not really inspiring to me, seeing as how they sent you the outfit already put together. It kind of ruins the whole point of personal style.
xostylestlalker.com
I agree, a blog is your space and a place to make friends.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a big show, you blog about what you want to blog about, not for fame.
To be honest, although I do see a lot of posts, I just don't get them!! Please write a post for those *a bit challenged like myself!! ;)
ReplyDeleteEveryone blogs for difference reasons and I suppose it's neither wrong nor right to blog for commercial reasons rather than making friends or connecting with people, regardless I consider it only polite to respond to comments. Otherwise what's the point in letting people leave them? Seems rather arrogant to me.
ReplyDeleteI think, even if someone gets hundreds of comments, it's polite at least to respond to the questions. It really doesn't take that much time AND, if that's their job, then it's part of their job to sift through those comments OR turn them off. Otherwise, what's the point in having a commenting system?
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with accepting gifts but as you said, I see posts where it's obvious the person has just accepted everything offered to them. I personally think it lowers the credibility of the blog and the person running it.
I think we all work differently so content isn't always going to suit everyone. I appreciate your comments and suggestions though and I will bear it in mind in future :))
ReplyDeleteI think I will plan a post based on these points then, if you think it will help :)) Thank you for the input, Jessica, it's really appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jana.
ReplyDeleteOmg... I am a bad blogger then... I cover so many subjects that I even don't know what is my blog about...
ReplyDeletesunandsany
Nice post, but I don't agree with the point 13. One may simply blog for the sole pleasure of writing, nothing else. I definitely agree with the point 15, though. It annoys me a little when I see a lot of comments on a blog but the blogger never answers any of them. It makes me think they're taking them for granted.
ReplyDeleteI would consider that a goal - "writing for pleasure." :))
ReplyDeleteHa, well, it's just my opinion - blogging should be fun!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post, especially reading the comments too. I think number 15 is a bug bear for most people. There are a couple of blogs I have followed for years and have left plenty of comments over that time, none of which have been responded to. It makes me question if I want to follow them any more. You on the other hand, have replied to every single one of my comments and I appreciate that so much, so thank you.
ReplyDeleteI also really agree with number 14. I can think of one blogger in particular who is fairly new and all but begs for new followers all.day.long. We had some nice chats in the beginning, now they're just annoying & I've kind of stopped replying. It's just too much.
9 and 12. Not having a schedule or understanding your audience. It's hard for some or unimportant if you are an as and when blogger, blogging for you rather than an audience.
ReplyDeleteThough I understand from your reply these are your mistakes, i'd presumed you were implying these were mistakes for everyone when I first commented. So as these are your mistakes I cannot disagree with them anymore! ;)
I don't think comments should be switched off but as you say at least respond to the questions or if someone has written a long, thoughtful comment.
That is a massive blogging pet peeve for me. In the past I've have to fight not to publicly call people out.
ReplyDeleteI definietly need a blogging schedule - I'm so bad though I know that I just won't stick to it!
ReplyDeleteThe
Velvet Black // UK Style & Beauty Blog
One that I think is definitely a mistake & goes with your number 11 is not proof reading. I've seen so many blog posts out there that end up making little sense because the person hasn't proof read. I'm no angel, I bet there are some things in my posts that can be fixed but at least I do proof read a few times.
ReplyDeleteTaylor
Taylordevil.com
ooooopsy I do 9 and 11 . Slap my hands hehe . What a great post xox
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rainbowsandunicornsblog.co.uk/
Alwyas love your posts, your blog has quickly become one of my favourites and i completely agree with all you advice here. It is so transparent when people are blogging just for money, I love blogs that are a bit different and honest!
ReplyDeletenumber 9 really hit me. I follow all the others, and truly believe in them, but never realized that I should keep a schedule. I think following it up with 10, quality over quantity really helped me realize that I don't need to post all the time, but I should begin a calendar. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI started Runwright as a niche blog about running but when I became more confident about sharing other things that interested me, I was able to expand. Having a schedule is a great idea. It's something I've been trying to incorporate more.
ReplyDeleteAs a blog reader more than a writer, I love this list. The last one is so important too. I understand time constraints or not replying to comments with little content, but I really do remember blogs that take the time to reply to my comments, especially if it's something substantial. And I will continue to keep reading those blogs, because there is genuine engagement.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you; I think some of my points are irrelevant if a blogger is simply blogging for themselves and not necessarily wanting to intentionally reach out and actively encourage audience growth. So yes, you're right, having a schedule and understanding an audience isn't always applicable :))
ReplyDeleteI think if a blogger has literally no intention of responding to a single comment, why bother keeping the comments open? If baffles me. I mean, what's the point of letting people comment and not responding? Of course, I'd much prefer it if they responded AT LEAST to any questions asked :))
I find it strange why bloggers keep comments active if they have no intention of responding to them.. time constraints I understand, but I see some bloggers intentionally not responding and they only get a handful of comments, which is rather rude.
ReplyDeleteI started The Private Life as a beauty blog and then spread out into other areas. I think it's important to focus on a couple of topics and then expand slowly :))
ReplyDeleteYou don't HAVE to, but it is really useful - even if you don't post daily or even more than once or twice a week. It's all about planning and being efficient :))
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Katie :))
ReplyDeleteHaha, I don't do some of these myself.. ;))
ReplyDeleteYup, I agree. I know mistakes happen - I'm sure there have been LOADS in my blog - but proof reading and spell checking is important. What bugs me is when a blogger consistently gets something wrong (usually 'your/you're' etc.) and doesn't make the effort to learn. We all find certain things difficult but learning is what improves us, there is no shame in making mistakes and learning from them.
ReplyDeleteI doesn't have to be rigid; my schedule is quite fluid, I move things about and play with it. A schedule should be there to support you not to bully you :))
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely.
ReplyDeleteThe comments section of my blog is my favourite place, I want to engage with people - that's why I blog. I understand not everyone blogs for the same reasons but I find it rude not to respond to comments. It's quite arrogant to expect people to read/listen to what you have to say.. and then not listen back when they want to say something.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate you reading and commenting, Sarah, thank you :))
spot on! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty at number 9, really guilty! which leads me to weeks without posting due to my lack of time and my luck of scheduling for my blog, need to fix this! xx
ReplyDeleteThis is too true. Just the amounts of bloggers that makes these mistakes... I'm unfortunately guilty of no.9. But I think it's still all okay. I still post regularly. Love your blog! New follower xx
ReplyDelete-M
The Life of Little
Me
YOU ARE NUMBER 7. I am beginning to hate your very authoritative tone. Like you're the QUEEN of blogging. You sound very snobbish. Unfollowing you now.
ReplyDeleteawesome points! thanks to telling me these point. its very interesting and helpful blog.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteI make them too! :)) Thank you for following.
ReplyDeleteIt really helped me keep on track with daily blogging; not everyone wants (or has time) to blog daily but a calendar does help with managing content, even if it's only a couple of posts a week :))
ReplyDeleteI do it too.. don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes we get busy and forget to check comments, it's more about when people purposefully ignore readers :))
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat points, very insightful! I've just started following and am very much enjoying your blog :)
ReplyDeleteHannah x
Hanniemc.co.uk
This gave me a lot to think about as we're getting close to the new year. Hopefully I don't have too many of these problems.
ReplyDeletexx
livereadkendall.blogspot.com
I really enjoy reading this type of posts on your blog, it always inspires me and makes me feel like working more on my blog :)
ReplyDeletehttps://canyoupaintmeyellow.wordpress.com/
Awesome post! I'm launching my blog tomorrow so this is really helpful!
ReplyDeletePosting daily is still a struggle for me, but posting three to four times a week can be a good goal and something I can be able to achive, time to use a calendar I guess :)
ReplyDeleteI`m trying to improve my blog day by day. Thank you for good pieces of advice.
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty of number 11 sometimes...great points you raised. I love helpful tips like these, thank you :)
ReplyDelete