Pitfalls That New Bloggers Should Avoid

One major mistake faced by bloggers especially those just starting a new blog is that they fail to write for their audience. Being new to the blogging scene, it may not have occurred to them that good writing is the key to convince visitors to read their blogs.

Many blogs out there are crying for visitors but they do not realize that their scattered thoughts and bad prose are just turning people away. If you want them to read and appreciate your writing, you have to start thinking like a marketer or a copywriter.

It's all about communication. That's blogging, writing and marketing.

As one marketer puts it: "Unless your blog is only for your family or your business colleagues, you're probably writing with the hope that someone will read about what you think."

So if you want your blog to flourish, you have to write about something that people will find it worth reading. Build a loyal readership with good, unique content because that's the way to keep them coming back to your blog.

Here are some key factors that make your blog worth reading:

1. Stay true to your topic

Opinions are fine, but unless you're Google's head honcho, very few people will want to know what you ate for breakfast. Stick to your gun. If your blog is about gadgets, then write about gadgets.

2. Always write in a conversational style

You can forget what your English teacher taught in school. Forget corporate-speak. Write the way you speak, conversational style. This way you won't sound uptight and unnatural.

3. Be an opinionated blogger

Don't bore your readers with pleasant platitudes. Most people respond better to an honest airing of views. Give them a piece of your mind if you will.

4. Be witty and have a sense of humour

Show them you're someone with a sense of humour and can be very witty in your writing.

5. Know what you're talking about

If you're writing about your profession, you'd better know what you are talking about. Most bloggers are well-informed and will throw brickbats at you if you're found out

7. Update frequently, but don't burn out

Avoid burnout. Bloggers are only humans, so stick to a publishing schedule that is humanly possible for you. If you've just updated your blog and find a story you want to share, save it for later. Don't work yourself into a corner.

Blogging should not be regarded as a rat race. Pace yourself nicely and you will find it's a pleasant journey... and rewarding, too.