Blogging can be an incredible journey of creativity and connection. But while it’s not hard, there’s a lot to learn, and SEO strategies and search engine algorithms get updated frequently. So if you’re just getting started, make sure to be aware of these common blogging mistakes.
Ignoring these critical errors can sabotage your entire blogging effort before you even gain momentum. Most new bloggers make huge mistakes that dramatically reduce their chances of creating a profitable blog, costing them valuable traffic and potential income.
The 39 mistakes we’re about to reveal can mean the difference between a struggling blog and a thriving online business. Some errors can tank your first-year search engine results, while others might permanently damage your brand’s reputation across social media posts.
Your early days of blogging are crucial, and your potential customer base is waiting for the right content. These insights will help you take the right foot forward, avoiding the biggest blogging mistakes that trap amateur bloggers and set you on a path to long-form content creation.
Get ready to transform your digital marketing strategy and unlock your true potential. The good news is that with the right approach to lead magnets and content creation, you can turn your blog into a successful platform in a short amount of time.
Ready to get started making money from blogging?
I have the complete guide to making money blogging that I just wrote, which is totally up-to-date. I’ve been full-time blogging since 2020 and blogging in general since 2016, so I cover EVERYTHING you need to know!
Just click that link to read it on my site.
35 Common Blogging Mistakes
1. Blogging Without a Clear Niche
Why it’s bad
Blogging without a clear niche is like trying to navigate without a map.
Search engines struggle to understand your content, making it difficult to rank in search results. And while it’s harder than ever to get organic traffic from Google, they have made it clear they prefer content clusters where you have several articles on a topic to cover all angles and demonstrate mastery of the topic.
Your target audience won’t know what to expect, which kills reader loyalty.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Take a hard look at your existing content and identify your strongest, most passionate writing topics. Conduct keyword research to find a specific niche that aligns with your expertise and interests. Reorganize your blog content into clear, focused categories that showcase your unique perspective.
If they aren’t getting traffic (fewer than 100 views a year) and they are at least 6 months old, consider moving unrelated articles to draft so your overall blog becomes more tightly focused on a topic.
2. Ignoring Keyword Research
Why it’s bad
Keyword research tells you what topics people are searching for. Why write an amazing blog post on why you hate stevia sweetener if no one is ever searching for that?
But people might be searching topics like:
- Is stevia a good sugar alternative?
- Does stevia taste like sugar?
- What are good stevia alternatives?
Ignoring keyword research is like throwing darts in the dark. Search engines won’t understand your content, making it nearly impossible to attract organic traffic. Your target audience will struggle to find your valuable blog posts.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Use Google Analytics and keyword research tools like RankIQ to identify gaps in your current content. Analyze which posts perform best and understand the search terms driving traffic.
Gradually update existing blog content with relevant keywords to improve search engine optimization.
3. Not Writing for Your Target Audience
Why it’s bad
Writing without knowing your readers wastes your time and energy. Each blog post needs a clear purpose and a specific audience. Random content turns potential readers away quickly.
Imagine writing about advanced cooking techniques for a beginner audience, or tech tutorials for seniors for a target audience that isn’t tech-savvy.
Your content won’t connect or solve anyone’s real problems. Readers want solutions tailored to their specific needs.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Define who you’re really writing for before creating new content. Pick a specific type of reader and understand their challenges. What questions are they trying to answer?
Study the comments and questions in online forums related to your niche. Look at what people are actually searching for on Google. Use tools like Answer the Public to find real reader pain points.
Focus your writing to address those exact needs. Every post should solve a specific problem for a specific type of reader. This approach turns casual visitors into loyal followers.
4. Writing Low-Quality or Thin Content
Why it’s bad
Thin content kills your blog faster than anything else. Short, shallow posts provide zero value to readers. Search engines will ignore your blog, and visitors won’t return.
That being said, longer articles filled with fluff or vague information aren’t helpful either. So the “right” length of your article is that it should as long enough to completely and thoroughly get the reader the answer(s) they came for.
Think about what happens when someone lands on a page with 200 words of generic information. They’ll hit the back button immediately. Your goal is to solve real problems with in-depth, useful content.
But the answer is always on page 1 of Google.
Search your primary topic (keyword phrase) in Google in an incognito window (that way the results won’t be skewed by your previous searches. Then look at how long (or short) the top 3 search results are (ignoring sites like Reddit or Quora).
Your content should not be significantly longer or shorter than those.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Go through your existing posts and ask tough questions. Does this truly help my target audience? Would I find this useful if I were searching for this information?
Expand thin content by adding real examples, personal experiences, and specific details. Break down complex topics into step-by-step explanations. Include images, screenshots, or diagrams that make your content more valuable.
Aim for comprehensive posts that completely answer a reader’s question. Quality always beats quantity in the blogging world.
5. Publishing Inconsistently
Why it’s bad
In truth, once you have 30 or more articles on your site, this becomes less crucial.
But when you’re just starting, you want Google and other search engines to trust you as a serious resource. Inconsistent publishing kills trust and momentum.
Plus if you become a brand people search for, readers will want to know when they can expect new content.
Imagine following a podcast that drops episodes randomly. You’d eventually stop checking for updates. The same happens with blogs that publish sporadically.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Create a realistic content calendar you can actually maintain. Start small with a schedule you know you can handle. Maybe that’s one post per week or two posts per month.
Use scheduling tools to batch-create content in advance. Write multiple posts when you have free time, then schedule them to publish automatically. This approach helps maintain consistency even during busy periods.
Pick a specific day and time for publishing. Stick to that schedule like it’s a real job commitment.
6. Neglecting SEO Best Practices
Why it’s bad
Ignoring SEO is like building a beautiful store in the middle of nowhere. No one will find your amazing content if search engines can’t understand it. Your target audience remains invisible.
Without basic search engine optimization, your blog becomes a secret website. Great writing means nothing if readers can’t discover your posts. You’re essentially writing for yourself instead of an audience.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Learn basic keyword research and use those terms naturally in your content. Focus on one main keyword per post and include it in your title, first paragraph, and a few times throughout the article.
Add internal links between your blog posts to help search engines understand your content’s structure. Use descriptive headlines that tell readers exactly what the post is about. Make sure your content answers specific questions people are actually searching online.
Install a free SEO plugin like Rank Math to guide your optimization efforts. Small, consistent improvements make a big difference.
Want to see all the SEO tools (many free) I use and recommend?
I have a detailed article on the 39 Best DIY SEO Tools & Software. I update it annually, too, so it’s never out of date. Just click that link to read it on my site and bookmark it so it’s easy to come back to.
7. Ignoring Internal Linking
Why it’s bad
Ignoring internal links is like creating a maze with no exit signs. Readers get lost and frustrated, quickly leaving your site. Search engines struggle to understand how your content connects.
Think of your blog as a library with books scattered everywhere. Without proper linking, visitors can’t easily find related information. Your valuable content remains hidden and unread.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Tools like Link Whisper make internal linking incredibly simple. I use it on all my sites and on all my blog posts.
This WordPress plugin suggests relevant internal links automatically as you write. It scans your existing content and recommends connections you might have missed.
Review older posts and add links to newer content where it makes sense. Connect related articles using natural, contextual anchor text. Link Whisper can help you do this quickly, showing potential links and allowing one-click additions.
Aim to create a web of interconnected content that keeps readers exploring your blog. More internal links mean better user experience and improved search engine ranking.
8. Not Updating or Deleting Old Content
Why it’s bad
Outdated content kills your blog’s credibility instantly. Old information makes readers question everything you’ve written. Search engines also punish websites with stale, irrelevant content.
Imagine reading a tech guide from five years ago about smartphone features. The information would be completely useless. Your blog becomes a digital graveyard of forgotten, incorrect information.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Schedule a quarterly content audit in your calendar. Review older posts and update statistics, links, and examples. Remove or rewrite content that’s no longer accurate or relevant.
Transform old posts into evergreen content by adding current information. Update screenshots, refresh examples, and add new insights. Check that all links work and remove any broken connections.
Consider republishing updated posts with current dates. This signals to search engines that your content is fresh and valuable. Readers appreciate current, reliable information.
And if you put the year in your articles and titles, make sure to update those annually (I recommend only putting the year in titles to make that a lot easier).
9. Focusing on Quantity Over Quality
Why it’s bad
Churning out massive amounts of low-quality content destroys your blog’s reputation.
Before Google’s Helpful Content Update, many bloggers used AI tools to generate hundreds of posts monthly. These sites were ultimately decimated when the algorithms changed.
Quantity never beats quality in the blogging world. Readers want real solutions, not generic filler content. Search engines now prioritize helpful, in-depth information that truly serves the target audience.
But ideally, strike a good balance between quantity and quality. You also don’t want to do 2 amazing posts a year either. Somewhere between 1-2 articles a week is ideal.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Stop thinking about how many posts you can publish. Focus on creating one truly exceptional piece of content instead. Research thoroughly and provide genuine value in every article.
Delete low-quality posts that don’t help readers. Consolidate similar content into comprehensive, long-form articles. Each post should solve a specific problem or answer a clear question.
Invest time in writing detailed, well-researched content. Your readers and search rankings will thank you.
10. Ignoring Mobile Optimization
Why it’s bad
Ignoring mobile optimization is like building a store with a tiny door. Most people browse websites on phones, and a bad mobile experience drives readers away instantly. Search engines also penalize sites that aren’t mobile-friendly.
Imagine trying to read tiny text or struggling to click buttons on a smartphone. Readers will quickly hit the back button and never return. Your valuable content becomes invisible.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Most modern WordPress themes are automatically mobile-responsive. But don’t just assume your site looks good on phones. Periodically check your website on different mobile devices.
Use Google’s free mobile-friendly test tool to analyze your site. Look for issues like overlapping text, unclickable buttons, or images that don’t resize properly. Pay attention to how plugins and custom modifications might impact mobile user experience.
Test individual posts and pages, not just your homepage. Small details can break your mobile design quickly.
11. Keyword Stuffing
Why it’s bad
Keyword stuffing makes your content sound robotic and unnatural. Search engines quickly recognize this trick and will penalize your website. Your target audience will bounce immediately if the writing feels forced.
Imagine reading a paragraph that repeats the same phrase over and over. It sounds terrible and provides zero value. Readers can smell fake content from a mile away.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Use keywords naturally and sparingly. Focus on writing helpful content that answers real questions. Your primary goal is solving reader problems, not tricking search engines.
Include your main keyword in the title, H1 title tag, meta description, first paragraph, and a few times throughout the content. Use related terms and synonyms to add variety. Write like you’re talking to a real person, not a search algorithm.
Read your content out loud. If it sounds awkward, remove unnecessary keyword repetitions. Good writing always wins.
Ignore SEO plugins that tell you your keyword isn’t used often enough.
12. Misusing Headings (H1, H2, H3)
Why it’s bad
Misusing headings confuses both readers and search engines. Your content looks messy and unprofessional when headings are used incorrectly (or not used at all). This hurts your blog’s user experience and search engine optimization.
Think of headings like a table of contents for your article. They should guide readers through your content logically. Randomly scattered or repeated headings make your writing hard to follow.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Use only one H1 heading per page, typically your main title. H2 headings should break down major sections of your content. H3 headings can provide more specific details within those sections.
For example, in this article, my only H1 subheading is the title – 35 Common Blogging Mistakes to Avoid (and how to fix them).
Then my only H2 subheadings are 35 Common Blogging Mistakes and Final Thoughts. Then each of the 35 mistakes are H3 subheadings.
Make sure each heading tells readers exactly what the section is about. Use keywords naturally in your headings, but don’t force them. Your goal is clear, helpful navigation through the content.
Read your article like a stranger would. If the headings make sense and guide you smoothly, you’re on the right track.
13. Weak or Uninspiring Titles
Why it’s bad
Weak titles are like invisible signs for your content. They don’t grab attention or tell readers why they should care. Search engines and potential readers will scroll right past boring headlines.
Imagine standing in a bookstore with hundreds of books. Titles that sound generic or bland get ignored completely. Your amazing content dies before anyone even clicks.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Write titles that solve a specific problem or promise a clear benefit. Use numbers, powerful words, and emotional triggers. Make readers curious about what’s inside.
Test your titles by asking: Would this make me want to click? If not, rewrite it.
But you will always want to include your primary keyword in your title. For example, if your primary keyword is “inexpensive paddle boards”, a terrible title would be “Why I Love Paddleboarding”. A better title might be “Are Paddleboards Expensive?”, and a great title would be “25 Inexpensive Paddleboards Under $200”.
14. Failing to Proofread
Why it’s bad
Typos and grammar mistakes destroy your credibility instantly. Readers will stop trusting your content the moment they spot errors. Your expertise looks questionable with simple mistakes.
Imagine reading a blog post filled with spelling errors and weird sentences. You’d probably click away immediately. Search engines and target audiences notice these mistakes quickly.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Install the free Grammarly browser extension as your first line of defense. This tool catches most spelling and grammar mistakes before you publish. Read your content out loud to catch awkward phrasing.
Take a break between writing and proofreading. Fresh eyes catch mistakes more easily. Ask a friend or fellow blogger to review your work if possible.
Don’t rush to hit publish. Spend an extra 10 minutes checking your work. Quality always wins over speed.
15. Forgetting to Add Meta Descriptions
Why it’s bad
Skipping meta descriptions is like sending a blank postcard to potential readers. Search engines and social platforms will display random text or leave an empty space. Your content looks unprofessional and gets fewer clicks.
Imagine scrolling through search results with no clear explanation of what an article offers. Most people will skip right over your post. You’re losing potential readers before they even see your content.
Having said that, it is true that Google won’t always use the meta description you create. But it’s still a best practice to follow.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Write a clear, concise description that explains exactly what your post covers. Use your main keyword naturally and highlight the specific value readers will get. Aim for 150-160 characters to ensure full display.
Most WordPress SEO plugins like Yoast make adding meta descriptions super easy. If you’re using Yoast, there’s a dedicated box right under your post editor. Write something that would make you want to click.
Think like your target audience. What would make them stop scrolling and read your post?
16. Using Only Stock Photos
Why it’s bad
Stock photos scream “generic content” and make your blog look boring. Readers can spot these fake, overly polished images from a mile away. They create zero connection with your target audience.
Imagine reading a personal story about your cooking adventure, but the image is a perfectly staged kitchen with no personality. It feels disconnected and inauthentic. Your unique voice gets lost in bland, corporate-looking imagery.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Start taking your own photos that actually relate to your content. Use your smartphone – modern phones take amazing pictures. Personal images tell your real story and build trust with readers.
If you can’t take photos, try custom graphics or illustrations. Canva offers free tools to create unique visuals. Mix in a few strategic stock photos, but make them feel more authentic and less corporate.
Your images should enhance your story, not replace it. Authentic visuals create real connections. You can also use AI image programs like Ideogram to create custom images and infographics for you.
17. Not Including Visuals and Multimedia
Why it’s bad
Text-only blog posts are boring and hard to digest. Most readers scan content quickly and need visual breaks. Without images, infographics, or videos, your amazing writing gets lost.
Imagine reading a long recipe without a single picture. Would you feel excited about cooking? Visuals help readers understand complex topics and keep them engaged with your content.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Add relevant images that actually illustrate your points. Use screenshots, tables, bullet lists, infographics, or custom graphics to break up text. Free tools like Canva make creating visuals super easy.
Consider embedding YouTube videos (ideally not more than 1 per post) or creating simple animations that explain key concepts. Include alt text for images to help with search engine optimization. Your goal is to make content more digestible and interesting.
Think like your target audience. Would you want to read a wall of text or something with helpful visual explanations?
18. Over-Relying on One Traffic Source
Why it’s bad
Depending on a single traffic source is like building a house on sand. What happens if that platform changes its algorithm or your account gets suspended? Your entire online business could vanish overnight.
MANY bloggers got decimated by Google’s (oh so) Helpful Content algorithm updates in September of 2023 and March of 2024. Personally, I saw about 90% of my traffic on my websites completely gone.
Imagine relying completely on Facebook for traffic, then suddenly getting blocked or seeing your page reach drop to zero. Search engines and social media platforms can change rules without warning. Diversification is your safety net.
For many bloggers, myself included, Pinterest is a great alternative to Google.
Not sure where to start with Pinterest? Check out my ultimate beginner’s guide to blogging on Pinterest! Just click that link to read it on my site.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Start building multiple traffic channels simultaneously. Create an email list as your most reliable asset. Learn search engine optimization to get organic traffic from Google.
Explore different social media platforms and content strategies. Use Pinterest for visual content, LinkedIn for professional audiences, and Instagram for lifestyle niches. Guest posting and networking with fellow bloggers can also expand your reach.
Think of traffic sources like investments. Never put all your eggs in one basket.
19. Writing for Yourself Instead of the Reader
Why it’s bad
I hate to break it to you, but the only person who (arguably) cares about your opinion on The Cowboys, Taylor Swift, or the latest Marvel movie is your mom.
Writing only for yourself turns your blog into a personal diary.
Readers want solutions to their problems, not a detailed account of your day. Your target audience will quickly lose interest if the content doesn’t serve them.
Imagine reading a long post about someone’s complicated work process with no practical takeaways. Most people will click away immediately. Your blog should solve real problems for real people.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Ask yourself with every post: What problem am I solving for my reader? Focus on their pain points and specific needs. Use personal stories only when they directly illustrate a solution.
Research what your audience is actually searching for online. Look at forums, social media, and keyword research tools. Your content should answer real questions people are asking.
Write like you’re helping a friend solve a real problem. Empathy and practical advice always win.
20. Poor Formatting and Readability
Why it’s bad
Huge walls of text scare readers away instantly. Remember, most people will be reading your stuff on their phone.
Long paragraphs without breaks feel overwhelming and impossible to read. Your amazing content dies before anyone even starts reading.
Imagine trying to read something that looks like a dense book page on a small screen. Most people will scroll past or hit the back button immediately. User experience matters more than how much information you cram into a post.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Break up text into shorter paragraphs of 1, 2, or 3 sentences. Use subheadings to guide readers through your content. Add bullet points or numbered lists to make information easy to scan.
White space is your friend. Short paragraphs and clear sections help readers digest information quickly. Use bold text to highlight key points and make your content more visually appealing.
Read your post like someone with a short attention span. Make it easy to understand at a glance.
21. Not Promoting Blog Posts
Why it’s bad
Creating amazing content means nothing if no one sees it. Writing a blog post and hoping people will magically find it is like whispering in a crowded stadium. Your target audience can’t read what they don’t know exists.
Imagine spending hours crafting the perfect article, then watching it collect digital dust. Search engines won’t automatically send traffic to your new posts. Promotion is how you get eyes on your hard work.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Share your posts across multiple social media platforms. Use Pinterest for visual content, LinkedIn for professional topics, and Twitter for quick shares. Create platform-specific graphics that make people want to click.
Build an email list to notify subscribers about new content. Engage with online communities related to your niche. Comment on other blogs and share your expertise with links back to your content.
Treat promotion as important as writing the post itself. No one will find your content by accident.
22. Failing to Build an Email List
Why it’s bad
Not building an email list is like throwing away your most valuable marketing tool. Social media platforms can change algorithms or delete your account overnight. An email list is the only audience you truly own.
Imagine spending years building a following on a platform that suddenly disappears. Your target audience would vanish instantly. An email list protects you from platform changes and gives you direct communication.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Create a simple lead magnet that solves a specific problem for your readers. Offer a free guide, checklist, or resource in exchange for an email address. Make the opt-in process quick and easy.
Use tools like Kit (formerly ConvertKit) or MailChimp to start collecting emails. Place sign-up forms strategically on your blog. Send valuable content that actually helps your subscribers, not just constant sales pitches.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is who I personally use and recommend. They make it super easy. They aren’t the cheapest, but switching later is a pain, so why not start with the best?
Treat your email list like a community, not just a marketing channel. Provide real value with every message.
23. Skipping Analytics Tracking
Why it’s bad
Blogging without tracking analytics is like driving blindfolded. You have no idea what’s working or where your audience comes from. Without data, you’re making random guesses about your content strategy.
Imagine spending hours creating content with zero understanding of who reads it. Your target audience remains a mystery. Search engines and user behavior provide critical insights you’re missing.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Set up Google Analytics immediately. It’s free and provides powerful insights about your blog’s performance. Learn to read basic metrics like page views, user demographics, and popular content.
Install tracking on every page of your blog. Pay attention to which posts get the most traffic and engagement. Use these insights to create more content that your audience actually wants to read.
Treat analytics like a roadmap for your blogging journey. Data tells the real story of your blog’s success.
24. Creating Clickbait Without Substance
Why it’s bad
Clickbait titles destroy reader trust faster than anything else. Promising something incredible and delivering nothing creates angry, frustrated readers. Your target audience will stop believing anything you write.
Imagine clicking on a headline that promises “10 Mind-Blowing Secrets” and finding boring, generic information. Readers will bounce immediately and never return. Search engines also punish sites with high bounce rates.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Write headlines that accurately describe your content’s value. Make promises you can actually keep. Focus on solving real problems for your readers.
Use specific, actionable language that explains exactly what readers will learn. Your title should be a preview of the actual content. Create headlines that are interesting but not misleading.
Think like your reader: Would this headline deliver what it promises? Honesty always wins in content marketing.
25. Not Optimizing Site Speed
Why it’s bad
Slow websites kill user experience faster than anything else. Readers will abandon your site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. Search engines punish slow websites by dropping them in search rankings.
Imagine waiting forever for a page to appear on your phone. Most people will click away and never return. Your valuable content becomes invisible if no one can access it quickly.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Use free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s performance (making sure to look at both mobile and desktop scores). Compress images using free plugins like reSmush.it Image Optimizer, and remove unnecessary plugins that slow down your website. 10 plugins or fewer, and steer clear of bloated unnecessary plugins like Jetpack.
Choose a lightweight, fast WordPress theme.
Consider using a content delivery network (CDN) to speed up load times. Minimize large media files and use lazy loading for images. Test your site speed regularly and make improvements.
Think of site speed as your first impression. Faster sites keep readers happy and coming back.
26. Failing to Match Searcher Intent
Why it’s bad
Creating content without understanding what readers actually want is like selling ice to eskimos. Your target audience has specific questions and needs they want answered. Search engines prioritize content that truly matches user intent.
Imagine writing a detailed technical guide when someone wants a simple beginner’s overview. Readers will bounce immediately if the content doesn’t match their search purpose. Your hard work becomes completely useless.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Study the top-ranking pages for your target keywords. Understand what type of content Google considers most helpful. Analyze the format, depth, and specific information those top pages provide.
Look at the questions people are actually asking about your topic. Use tools like Answer the Public or Google’s “People Also Ask” section. Create content that directly addresses those specific user needs and questions.
Think like your reader: What exact problem are they trying to solve?
27. Using Too Many Tags
Why it’s bad
First let’s clarify I’m not talking about meta tags (your title and subheadings). I’m talking about the option to add tags in WordPress in the options column to the right in the editor.
Many bloggers no longer use tags at all.
But using too many tags makes your blog look messy and unprofessional. Search engines get confused when you overload content with random tags. Your target audience can’t easily navigate through a sea of meaningless labels.
Imagine walking into a library where books are randomly scattered with hundreds of nonsense labels. Readers would feel overwhelmed and lost. Tags should help organize content, not create more confusion.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Limit your tags to 5-10 specific, relevant categories. Choose broad, meaningful tags that actually describe your content’s main topics. Think about how a reader would search for your specific information.
Group similar content under broader, more meaningful tags. Delete redundant or overly specific tags that don’t add value. Focus on creating a clear, logical structure for your blog.
Treat tags like road signs, not decorations. They should guide readers, not confuse them.
28. Not Optimizing Category Pages
Why it’s bad
Skipping SEO optimization for category archives limits your blog’s visibility. Search engines rely on these areas to understand your content’s structure. Unoptimized categories mean missed opportunities for organic traffic.
Imagine categories as filing cabinets for your content. Without proper labels, search engines and readers can’t find what they’re looking for. Your best content remains hidden and unseen.
How to fix if you’ve already started
For each category, write clear, keyword-rich titles and descriptions that explain what readers will find in that category. Focus on the main topics and purpose of each category.
Ensure each category has a unique, descriptive title that includes relevant keywords. Create meta descriptions that entice readers to click and explore your content. Think about what your target audience is searching for.
But do remember when adding categories to your main menu, you can shorten the category name for the menu (often good for making sure your main menu fits on one line), while still having a longer, more descriptive category name.
29. Not Fixing Broken Links
Why it’s bad
Broken links destroy user experience and search engine rankings. Readers get frustrated when links lead to nowhere. Your blog looks unprofessional and untrustworthy.
Imagine clicking through a helpful article only to hit dead ends repeatedly. Search engines penalize websites with lots of broken links. Your content’s credibility crumbles with each broken connection.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Use tools like DeadLinkChecker.com to scan your entire website for broken links. Set a schedule to check links monthly or bi-monthly. When removing posts or changing the URL of a post or page, always use 301 redirects to maintain link equity.
Replace or remove external links that no longer work. Consider using a broken link checker plugin in WordPress to automate the process.
Treat your links like roadways – they should always lead somewhere valuable.
30. Poor Site Structure
Why it’s bad
Poor site structure makes your blog feel like a maze with no exit signs. Readers and search engines get lost trying to navigate your content. Your valuable posts become invisible if they can’t be easily found.
Imagine a library where books are randomly scattered with no organization. Orphaned posts that aren’t linked from the homepage create dead ends in your content. This kills user experience and search engine visibility.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Create a clear, logical navigation menu that connects to ALL your content categories. Ensure every post is accessible within 3-4 clicks from the homepage. Use internal linking to create a web of connected content.
If you create a new category, add it to your menu right then and there as it’s easy to forget to do it later.
Review your site structure regularly. Add category links, tags, and related post sections to help readers discover more content. Make sure no posts are completely isolated or impossible to find from the main page.
Think of your site structure like a roadmap. Every destination should be reachable.
31. Ignoring Competitor Analysis
Why it’s bad
Ignoring competitor analysis is like playing a game without knowing the rules. Your target audience might already be reading better content elsewhere. Search engines reward websites that provide unique, comprehensive information.
Imagine creating content without understanding what’s already out there. Your blog could be repeating information or missing key insights that readers want. Competitors can teach you valuable lessons about what works.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Study the top-ranking blogs in your niche using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs (both paid), or a free similar tool like Uber Suggest. Analyze their content strategy, topics, and approach. Look for gaps you can fill or ways to provide more in-depth information.
These days, you can also give ChatGPT both your website URL and a competitor’s and simply ask it to identify the top 10 areas where you need to improve to compete better.
Don’t copy competitors, but learn from them. Identify what they’re doing well and find ways to improve or differentiate your content. Check their most popular posts and think about how you can create even better resources.
Treat competitor research like market intelligence, not copying.
32. Not Building Backlinks Strategically
Why it’s bad
Random backlink strategies are like throwing darts blindfolded. Search engines value quality over quantity in link building. Poor backlinks can actually hurt your website’s ranking instead of helping.
Imagine trying to build a reputation by getting links from random, unrelated websites. These low-quality connections tell search engines your content isn’t trustworthy. Your target audience won’t find you through meaningful pathways.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Focus on getting backlinks from reputable, relevant websites in your niche. Write guest posts for established blogs that share your audience. Create linkable content like original research, comprehensive guides, or unique data.
Use tools like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to connect with journalists looking for expert sources. Participate in online communities and provide genuine value before sharing links. Build relationships, not just backlink numbers.
Think of backlinks like professional recommendations, not random advertisements.
33. Guessing Instead of Using Data
Why it’s bad
Guessing about your blog’s performance is like driving with your eyes closed. Without data, you have no idea what’s working or why. Your target audience remains a mystery.
Imagine creating content based on hunches instead of actual reader behavior. Search engines reward websites that understand and serve their audience’s real needs. Guesswork leads to wasted time and missed opportunities.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Install Google Analytics and learn to read its basic reports. Track which posts get the most traffic, where readers come from, and how long they stay. Use keyword research tools to understand what people actually search for.
Look at your most popular content and analyze why it works. Pay attention to user behavior, not just page views. Create a content strategy based on what the data tells you, not what you think might work.
Data turns guesswork into smart, strategic decisions.
But all that being said, especially as a beginner, don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis! Plan to spend about 80% of your time doing keyword research and writing quality articles. If you don’t get that right, none of the rest of this matters.
34. Using Free Blogging Platforms
Why it’s bad
Free blogging platforms limit your control and potential. They can delete your entire site without warning. Your content and audience belong to the platform, not you.
I’m talking about sites like Blogger.com, Squarespace, and WIX.
If you want to build a website to document Aunt Jenny’s 50th wedding anniversary, that’s fine. Starting a blogging business? You only want to use WordPress, which is free, and installed through a quality host like the one I use – WPX.
Imagine building a business on land you don’t own. Search engines and serious readers take self-hosted blogs more seriously. Free platforms look unprofessional and restrict your ability to monetize.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Move your blog to a self-hosted WordPress platform as soon as possible. Purchase a domain name that represents your brand. Choose a reliable hosting service that gives you complete control.
Export your existing content carefully to avoid losing posts. Install WordPress and choose a professional theme that matches your niche. Set up proper SEO and analytics tools to track your progress.
Think of your blog as a business, not a hobby.
35. Delaying SEO Altogether
Why it’s bad
Ignoring SEO is like building a store with no street signs. Your amazing content becomes invisible to search engines and potential readers. You’re essentially writing for yourself instead of your target audience.
Imagine creating incredible blog posts that nobody can find. Search engines won’t magically discover your content without proper optimization. Your hard work remains hidden in the vast internet landscape.
How to fix if you’ve already started
Start with basic search engine optimization techniques immediately. Use free SEO plugins like Yoast or RankMath (I greatly prefer Rank Math) in WordPress. Learn simple keyword research to understand what your audience actually searches for.
Focus on writing high-quality, helpful content that answers specific questions. Use keywords naturally in your titles, headings, and throughout your posts. Create meta descriptions that entice readers to click.
SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Start small and improve consistently.
Final Thoughts
Blogging is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Avoiding these common mistakes sets you on the path to success in the digital world.
Your blog’s growth depends on consistent effort and strategic thinking. Embrace challenges as opportunities to improve your content and skills. Every successful blogger started exactly where you are right now.
The blogging world rewards those who remain adaptable and committed. Build your email list, create high-quality content, and focus on your target audience. Track your progress using Google Analytics and refine your approach.
Networking with fellow bloggers can accelerate your growth. Share your experiences, learn from others, and stay curious. The most successful bloggers never stop learning and improving.
Bottom line: Your blogging success is within reach. Stay persistent, be patient, and keep creating valuable content.
Ready to get started making money from blogging?
I have the complete guide to making money blogging that I just wrote, which is totally up-to-date. I’ve been full-time blogging since 2020 and blogging in general since 2016, so I cover EVERYTHING you need to know!
Just click that link to read it on my site.
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