18 Amateur Blogging Mistakes To Avoid
Let’s be real: blogging in 2024 isn’t just about sharing your thoughts and hoping people stumble upon them. If you want your blog to thrive, you need a strategy, consistency, and a unique voice. I’ve helped small businesses, large organisations, and content creators grow their brands through SEO blogging, and I’ve also run my own travel blog—so I have seen (and experienced) first-hand just how common it is to make these amateur blogging mistakes!
To help you avoid those missteps, here’s a rundown of 18 common amateur blogging mistakes and how to sidestep them like a seasoned SEO pro!
Amateur Blogging Mistakes To Avoid
1. Inconsistent Posting Schedule
We’ve all been there: life gets busy, work is hectic, and suddenly it’s been weeks (or months) since your last blog post.
But, inconsistency is a killer when it comes to building a blog audience. Readers (and search engines) thrive on fresh content and a consistent posting schedule.
What to do instead
Set a realistic posting schedule and stick to it. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, consistency keeps your readers coming back for more.
Tip: Use tools like content calendars or scheduling apps to stay organised and accountable!
2. Not Self-Hosting
While free hosting platforms that like WordPress.com, or Blogger seem tempting, they come with limitations.
You don’t own your content fully, and customisation options including tools and plugins are limited. Plus, having “yourblog.wordpress.com” just doesn’t scream professionalism.
In contrast, self-hosted WordPress.org allows you to pick your domain and arrange your own hosting through providers like Bluehost, Lyrical Host, or NameHero. This gives you full ownership of your content and complete freedom to customise your site. WordPress itself is a free CMS (content management system), a platform that allows you to manage your blog content and web design without needing to code.
What to do instead
Invest in a self-hosted WordPress site. It’s not as expensive (or as complicated) as you might think, and it gives you full control over your site, branding, and design.
I personally use Namehero for both my sites and have found it to be really affordable and their support team are excellent – super responsive and knowledgeable. I’ve also tried Bluehost, which was a bit more expensive but also did the job.
3. Not Investing in Your Blog
Not investing in your blog is like trying to grow a garden with no water, it’s not going to grow!
If you’re not willing to put some resources into your blog, you’ll likely see stagnation rather than growth.
A tight budget is understandable when starting out, but if you want your blog to see success, you’ll need to invest in tools, resources, and learning opportunities.
What to do instead
Start by identifying areas where investment can make a difference. This could mean investing in essential plugins that enhance functionality and improve site speed or scaling your content production by hiring a freelance SEO writer. If you’ve been in the blogging game for a while and aren’t seeing the results you were hoping for, I’d suggest hiring a specialist to conduct an SEO audit.
Not so subtle plug! Check out my SEO and freelance writing services here!
4. Failing to Plan Blog Posts in Advance
Flying by the seat of your pants may feel spontaneous, but it’s a recipe for burnout. Without a content plan, it’s easy to get stuck or run out of ideas.
What to do instead
Create a content calendar with topics and deadlines. Plan a mix of evergreen posts (timeless content) and timely posts to keep your blog fresh. Tools like Trello, Asana or Google Sheets can help you stay organised.
5. Offering a Bad User Experience
If your blog takes forever to load, is littered with pop-ups and ads, or has a convoluted navigation, your readers won’t stick around. User experience (UX) is everything when it comes to keeping visitors on your site.
What to do instead
Make sure your site is fast, has a clean design and is easy to navigate. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights can help you check your site’s speed. Simplify your design, keep ads minimal, and make sure your content is easy to find.
6. Neglecting your Email List
Many new bloggers focus on social media and forget one of the most valuable assets they can build: an email list!
Social platforms change, algorithms shift, but your email list is yours for the long haul.
What to do instead
Start collecting email subscribers from day one. Offer a freebie or lead magnet (like a checklist or guide) to entice people to sign up. Then, stay in touch with them through regular, valuable emails. Tools like Mailchimp, Mailerlite (my go-to) or ConvertKit make it easy to manage your list and build opt-in landing pages.
7. Not Optimising for Google
You could write the best blog post in the world, but if it’s not optimised for search engines, hardly anyone will see it.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a major driver of sustainable organic traffic.
What to do instead
This post would be way too long if I were to go into all my recommendations for SEO-optimising a blog post so I’ll just give you the cliff notes. Do keyword research using tools like Ahrefs, KeySearch (my personal pick!) or Ubersuggest, and naturally incorporate keywords into your posts. Don’t forget to optimise your meta descriptions, images (with alt text), and URLs for SEO. Next, source fresh backlinks and add plenty of internal links to keep users on your site for longer.
8. Lacking a Promotion Strategy
Simply publishing your blog posts isn’t enough these days; you need a solid plan to get your content in front of the right eyes.
Failing to promote your content across multiple channels can lead to missed opportunities and dwindling engagement.
What to do instead
Develop a comprehensive promotion strategy that includes social media sharing, email marketing, and engaging with online communities related to your niche. Create eye-catching graphics or quotes from your posts to share on platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook. Join relevant groups or forums where you can share your expertise and link back to your blog when appropriate. And don’t forget to leverage your email list! Sending a newsletter that highlights your latest posts can bring loyal readers back to your site.
9. Writing for Yourself, Not Your Audience
While it’s important to write authentically and share your voice, your content should ultimately resonate with your readers.
One of the most common amateur blogging mistakes is focusing solely on what interests you, which can lead to missing the mark on what your audience truly needs or wants.
What to do instead
Shift your perspective and start thinking about your audience’s needs, interests, and pain points.
Take the time to research your target readers—what questions are they asking? What problems do they want solved? Use tools like Google Trends or social media polls to gauge what topics are trending in your niche. Then craft your content to address these concerns, and don’t hesitate to share your personal experiences and insights to make it relatable.
10. Poor Formatting
Huge blocks of text are so 2005. We’re in the era of skimming, readers are busy, often multi-tasking and need your content to be easy on the eyes.
Bad formatting will turn them away faster than a slow-loading page.
What to do instead
Break up your content into bite-sized chunks with clear headings, bullet points, and images.
Use short paragraphs, and make sure your font size (I recommend 16-18px) and spacing are reader-friendly. White space is your friend, don’t be shy about pressing enter on your space bar!
11. Neglecting to Niche
One of the biggest mistakes new bloggers make is trying to be everything to everyone.
Sure, you might love travel, food, fitness, and cat memes, but unless your audience is a group of cat-loving foodies who work out while travelling, your blog’s message will get lost in the noise.
For businesses, a lack of focus weakens your brand message; for individuals, it dilutes your authority. Your readers and customers need to know what they can count on you for.
What to do instead
Focusing on one area not only helps you establish authority but also makes it easier to attract a loyal audience. You can always expand later, but start strong with a clear message.
12. Weak Headlines
Weak headlines can be the silent killers of your blog posts. You could craft the most insightful content, but if your headline isn’t catchy or intriguing, no one will click to read it.
Think of your headline as the storefront of your blog—if it’s dull, potential readers will walk right past without a second glance.
Tip: If you think you might have weak headlines, check your CTR (Click Through Rate) in Google Search Console. Anything below 3-5% might signal you have a problem with headlines.
What to do instead
Focus on crafting compelling, attention-grabbing headlines that promise value and spark curiosity.
Use strong action verbs and numbers where possible to draw readers in.
Instead of a generic title like “Tips for Better Blogging,” try something more engaging, like “10 Game-Changing Blogging Hacks You Can’t Afford to Miss!” This not only tells your readers what they’ll get but also creates a sense of urgency. And don’t be afraid to experiment!
Remember, a great headline is your first chance to make an impression, so make it count!
13. Poor Mobile Optimisation
With more people browsing the web on their phones than ever before, a site that isn’t mobile-friendly can drive potential readers away faster than you can say “bounce rate.”
If your blog takes forever to load on mobile, has tiny text that’s hard to read, or is difficult to navigate on a smartphone, you’re missing out on a huge audience.
What to do instead
Prioritise mobile optimisation by choosing a responsive theme that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes.
Test your site on various devices to ensure it looks and functions well everywhere. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights can help you identify issues that need fixing. Additionally, consider optimising images for faster loading times and simplifying your design for easier navigation.
14. Forgetting Calls to Action (CTA)
CTAs guide your audience on what to do next, whether that’s subscribing to your newsletter, sharing your post, or exploring related content.
Among the most common amateur blogging mistakes is neglecting clear CTAs, which puts you at risk of losing potential engagement and conversions.
What to do instead
Make sure to incorporate compelling calls to action throughout your blog posts. Be clear about what you want your readers to do: “Subscribe for more tips!” or “Share your thoughts in the comments below!”
You can also use buttons or visually distinct links to draw attention to your CTAs. Experiment with different phrasing and placements to see what resonates best with your audience.
15. Lack of Visuals
A lack of visuals in your blog posts can make your content feel flat and uninspiring. In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, incorporating visuals like images, infographics, and videos can significantly enhance your reader’s experience.
Not only do visuals break up text and make your posts more appealing, but they can also help illustrate your points more thoroughly.
What to do instead
Start by adding relevant images to complement your writing. Use high-quality stock photos or ideally your own photos to add a personal touch and show Google that your content is original. Infographics are fantastic for summarising complex information in a digestible format, while videos can bring your content to life.
Don’t forget about captions and alt text; they’re not only useful for accessibility but can also improve your SEO
16. Failing to Engage with Readers
Interaction is key for building a loyal community around your blog and social channels. If readers feel ignored, they’re less likely to return or share your content.
What to do instead
Make it a point to respond to comments and questions promptly. Encourage discussion by asking open-ended questions at the end of your posts, encouraging readers to share their thoughts and experiences.
Use social media to connect with your audience, sharing snippets of your content and engaging in conversations. Consider creating polls or surveys to get feedback directly from your readers about what they want to see next.
17. Ignoring the SERP’s
The Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) are packed with insights into what Google considers valuable content.
By studying the top-ranking blog posts in your niche, you can uncover a treasure trove of information, such as effective headlines, how many keywords to include, how long your content should be and what kind of images to include.
What to do instead
Dive into the SERPs and analyse the top-performing posts for keyword usage, headings, and content structure. Take note of how many times they incorporate keywords naturally and how they use subheadings to break up the text. Are there certain questions they answer that you can address in your own posts? Check the images and formatting too.
18. Quitting Too Early
Blogging can often feel like an uphill battle, especially in the beginning when the results don’t come as quickly as you’d hoped.
It’s easy to get discouraged by low traffic, minimal engagement, or slow growth, but the key to success is PERSISTENCE. Many successful bloggers, including myself, faced similar struggles before they established a flourishing blog.
What to do instead
Remind yourself that building a successful blog takes time, and it’s perfectly normal to experience ups and downs along the way. Set realistic goals and track your progress over time to see how far you’ve come, even if it doesn’t always feel significant.
Keep experimenting with your content, promotion strategies, and engagement techniques to find what resonates with your audience. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback and adjust your approach accordingly. Remember, every blog has its own unique journey, and with patience and perseverance, you can cultivate a thriving online presence that reflects your passion and expertise.
Stick with it, and you might be surprised at what you can achieve!
The Wrap-Up: Mistakes of Amateur Bloggers
And there you have it, 18 common amateur blogging mistakes to avoid in 2024! Whether you’re a business using a blog to build brand authority and drive more conversions or an individual hoping to grow your online presence and build passive income, avoiding these pitfalls can make all the difference.
By investing time in optimising your site for both user experience and search engines, engaging with readers, promoting your content, and my personal favourite, diving into the SERPs for valuable insights, you’ll be miles ahead of where you started.
The beauty of blogging lies in the opportunity to constantly improve. Don’t be afraid to experiment, keep pushing through those quiet months, and remember that every step forward counts, no matter how small.
So, if you avoid these amateur blogging mistakes and follow through with the right strategies, you’re well on your way to building a successful blog.
Keep going, keep learning, and most importantly, keep writing!
Have you made any of these amateur blogging mistakes? Let me know in the comments!
