I’ve made numerous blogging mistakes since I started years ago – in fact, you should never trust a blogger that tells you otherwise. We’ve all done it!
So I thought I’d share 9 mistakes I’ve made with the hope that you read this and don’t make them yourself! Or at least tell me that you can relate and make me feel less alone…
1. NOT INTERLINKING
The power of interlinking is one of the most important things I’ve learned in blogging. Every time you write about something you’ve previously mentioned, LINK TO IT.
Since I’ve started linking to my posts and pages in other posts and pages, my DA has continually improved.
2. DIDN’T START SOONER
One of my favourite sayings is; ‘The best time to start anything is yesterday. The second best time is now‘
Honestly, I spent years stalking my fave bloggers, watching videos and reading about blogging before I took the plunge myself. Sometimes I kick myself for not doing it sooner.
If you’re wondering how to start a lifestyle blog, click here.
3. FORCING A WRITING STYLE
As you can probably tell I’m not a professional writer. I used to think that was important when writing blog posts, but that just so, so boring!
When I started writing like I was talking to a friend, things just fell into place. Find YOUR writing voice and roll with it.
4. NEVER HEARD OF KEYWORDS
I’d never heard of keywords or even SEO when I started, and my writing process used to be…
Draft out post on Pages (Microsoft Word for non-Apple users) >>> Paste into WordPress >>> Add a photo >>> Publish
What a fool.
I didn’t understand ANYTHING about SEO. And my organic search traffic was 0. This was one of my biggest SEO mistakes.
Since learning about the importance of keywords, in 3 months my traffic TRIPLED. Read more: 4 Free Unexpected Places To Do Keyword Research.
5. WASTING MONEY ON TRENDS
I wasted so much money on marble and rose gold blog props for the perfect flatlay! Not only that, I cannot tell you how much money I wasted on beauty products just to have something to photograph/review/haul!
I learned (after a looooong time), not to buy into blogging trends and instead to invest in the things that give the most return.
6. NOT LEAVING COMMENTS
I’m still pretty useless at commenting on other blogger’s posts. It’s a really good idea for link building AND relationship building and I still need to be better at it!
Don’t be a me. Comment on other people’s posts.
7. NOT USING GOOGLE ANALYTICS
As far as blogging mistakes go, not using google analytics to it’s full potential is a pretty common one.
I never used to check my stats, so I had no idea who I was speaking to, what posts they liked, when they were most likely to visit or how they found me. I now realise how valuable all this information is.
So make sure to install and check it regularly. Also ensure you are using the information to optimise how you plan and produce future content.
8. NEGLECTING AFFILIATE LINKS
Affiliate linking was something I never bothered with out of sheer laziness.
I’d write posts and social media updates, recommending things that I truly loved without linking to them until I learned how much I was missing out on. I now earn money from my blog using Skimlinks.
I recommend going back to your most popular posts and put some related affiliate links.
Your piggy banks will thank you for the extra pennies.
9. MAKING MY BLOG INACCESSIBLE
As you might have gathered, I was absolutely clueless when I first started my blog. I thought tiny fonts looked neater on a bold or multicoloured background and I had no idea what an image description was.
That meant my site was totally inaccessible to those who are visually impaired. I’ve since found this great post on making your blog more accessible and I regret not doing it sooner!
I’d love to know what your biggest blogging mistakes have been?
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