Did You Make Any Of These Mistakes When Blogging (Nik Imran)
Jan 17, 2010
Business blogging can be exceptionally rewarding. When done correctly, a successful blog can bring attention to your business, can attract new customers, and can turn your current customer base into the type of fans that companies like Apple, Netflix, and Ben and Jerry's have: people who will not only buy your product or service, but evangelize it to their peers. Of course, like anything, there is a right way to go about starting a business blog and a wrong way.
1. Too many ads - I don't have a problem with ads on a blog from Day #1 but when they overpower the content and push it down the page too far they hurt your chances of building a loyal readership.
2. Putting off starting a blog - While planning is all good, what really matters in the end of the day is taking action. Waiting for the right moment means you never do it. And if I may add, the longer you take you make your blog, the stronger the competition.
3. Expecting readers to come to you - The blog world is amazing because of the reader interaction and it's the reason why I continue to publish on a consistent basis. When I first started out I had no idea how to attract new readers, commenters, interaction etc. I had the impression that if I published new content I'd automatically find readers in my niche.
4. Having a domain name owned by a weblog service - Having a weblog address ending in blogspot.com, typepad.com, etc. will soon be the equivalent of having an @aol.com email address or a Geocities website: the mark of a nave beginner who shouldn't be taken too seriously.
5. Neglecting article headlines - Most people new to blog publishing will spend all their time writing the article, and not thinking too much about the headline. Here's the thing, if your headline doesn't catch my attention, the chances are your article won't be read.
6. Not posting regularly - Think about the blogs you read on a regular basis - how many of them publish only sporadically? Most successful blogs put out new content at least a couple of times per week and try to stick to a regular schedule. Consistently putting out quality content will keep readers returning and over time it will help you build a community and turn your customers into fans.
7. Assuming it's easy - Blogging takes real effort and man-hours into organizing thoughts and even coming up with schedules as to what you're writing and when you'll publish the posts. Taking into account the networking, reading, and commenting on other blogs takes time, it's not something you should do half-heartedly.
New bloggers are bound to make mistakes, one way or another. Although theoretically speaking, it's best to learn from other people's mistakes, but reality is always harsher. The best thing you can do is to avoid as many mistakes as possible, and don't be harsh on yourself when you make one.
About the AuthorNik Imran is the creator of I Make A Blog, a blog that provides guide on How To Make Blog. Besides providing steps on setting up blog, the blog also provides blogging tips..