Top Ten Writing Mistakes Bloggers Make

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blogging (Photo credit: Sean MacEntee)

1. Not Proofreading

Everything you put out is a reflection of your professionalism. Don’t let a SINGLE thing go out without going over it thoroughly. Better yet, have a professional you can rely on proof all your posts before they go out. This is non-negotiable if you want you and your blog to be taken seriously.

 

2. Inconsistent Content

 People will read your blog because you are either writing about something that matters to them or writing in a style they enjoy. Find your voice and genre and stick to it.

 

3. Using a Hard to Read Font

I know it’s tempting with all the choices available to pick a cutesy or offbeat font. Don’t do it. No one wants to be distracted when they’re trying to read. Also, save the colors for images unless a particular color really ties into your brand.

 

4. Overly Wordy

 A blog is not a book. People want to be entertained or informed in a short format. Blogs are meant to be easy to digest pieces of information. If you feel there’s more to say on a topic, break it into two parts. This will also serve to entice people back and that’s a good thing!

 

5. Boring Title

A title is your hook. If it doesn’t describe what a reader can expect, or doesn’t invite curiosity, it isn’t a good title. Give your titles some thought; make sure they encourage further investigation.

 

6. Not Responding to Replies

Not only is this a chance to write, it gives people a reason to come back. Everyone likes being acknowledged. Ask questions and keep your readers engaged. Check your blog often enough that your readers never go more than a day without a response.

 

7. Hit or Miss Posting

Make a writing schedule for yourself and stick to it. Make sure you blog the same day (or days) every week. Your readers will be more likely to revisit if you’re predictable. Once a week is the minimum posting you can do and expect to get a following.

 

8. Not Crediting Quotes and Links

When the writing is not exclusively yours, make sure you give credit where credit is due. Not only will your readers appreciate being able to check out what you’re referencing, the person whose work you’re quoting or notating will be grateful too, and may just return the favor!

9. Using Vocabulary Unfamiliar to Your Intended Audience

 If people are reading your blog to learn more about something you know a lot about, assume they may be unfamiliar with technical or industry specific language. No one wants to read something they don’t understand. Rather than being impressive, it tends to make people feel that you’re either a show off or that they’re stupid, and neither of these are good for you.

10. Not Editing

 Did I already say this? Well, I’m saying it again; that’s how important it is. Poor grammar, misspellings, typos, and bad punctuation are the number one reason people won’t revisit your blog. Don’t trust your spellchecker; it doesn’t catch everything.

 

 

Happy Blogging!

 

 

Jo Spring

Spiritual Editor and Freelancer Coach

www.jospring.com