🕒 Updated: November 6, 2024 | Published: August 4, 2024 | Written by: Joenid
If you are reading this, it’s because you’ve already ventured into the world of blogging. Perhaps you’re wondering how to start your first blog post or why your website isn’t attracting any traffic.
If that sounds familiar, let’s explore the top 10 mistakes to avoid when writing your first blog post to help you get on the right track.
*This post might include affiliate links, meaning I could earn a commission if you buy through my link, without any additional cost to you. But don’t worry because I only recommend products or services I genuinely believe in and think will add real value to you.
1. Ignoring Your Audience
When I started blogging, I was concentrating on what I wanted to write. But, I fully missed hearing my eager audience. Don’t make the same error!
In your blog post, focus on your audience first and ask yourself what the reader needs. Remember, starting this blog journey is to share your passion with them. You must craft content relevant to your audience because this will determine your blog’s success.
It’s crucial to brainstorm your target persona before you start writing your first blog post.
In this process, at least you need to consider the following questions:
- Who am I writing for?
- What does this persona want to read?
- Am I solving any problem for them?
I learned the importance of this the hard way. Initially, I did not attract the expected traffic to my blog post, because it failed to deliver the information my audience was looking for.
When you write your blog post, focus on understanding their interests and problems. Consider what value your post will provide them. Remember to set aside your interests and focus on the needs of your audience first.
2. Lack of Focus and Structure
Let’s discuss the focus and blog post structure mistakes. Initially, I created my post in a Word document. Then, I pasted my content directly into the WordPress editor and failed to check its structure. So, what happened was that my paragraphs were so dense and difficult to follow.
When I wrote my first blog post, I didn’t get a peer review before posting it. As a newbie in the blogging world, I wasn’t aware of the tools available to help outline my post. Later I learned, that you can use AI tools i.e., Chatgpt to help you outline the blog post.
Based on my experience, I recommend outlining your topic before diving in. Start from the basics to develop your blog post effectively. Use headings and subheadings to organize your content into digestible sections. You can highlight the important points by using bold or italics. Additionally, as much as possible keep your paragraphs simple.
3. Overcomplicating Language In A Blog Post
When I started blogging, I fell into a common trap of using complicated words. I had the impression that sophisticated language would attract traffic to my blog.
I overlooked that most of my readers were beginners seeking easy blogging insights. Instead of simplifying concepts, I added complexity with sophisticated language.
If you want to connect with your audience; clarity and simplicity is crucial.
Another mistake when I started blogging was missing writing as I was talking with a friend about a topic close to my heart. So, don’t make the same mistake. When you are writing your blog post, you need to aim for a readability level that connects with your audience. As much as possible ensure that your content is accessible and engaging.
4. Neglecting Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Another mistake was ignoring to optimize it for search engines. After publication, I found myself wondering 🤔 why my post wasn’t attracting readers. So what happened? I had skipped the crucial step of optimizing it for SEO.
Maybe you’ve faced a similar scenario. In my first blog post, I used Yoast SEO which is a WordPress plugin designed to refine content for search engine visibility. This tool gives live optimization suggestions, via color-coded emoji faces. Green means optimal, yellow means area for improvements, and red means critical issues.
However, I failed to optimize my title tags, headings, and meta descriptions. I ignored the importance and posted it with a yellow face. My rationale was to maintain the originality of my debut post blog. This decision proved to be a significant ERROR.
If any lesson you get from me is, do not challenge the SEO. Your content must be optimized. If not, you are taking your chances that your post may not reach a wider audience.
Lastly, perform keyword research and NATURALLY incorporate the keyword into your content. Focus on optimization of your post to meet all SEO checks and achieve a green emoji rating.
5. Weak Blog Post Introduction
If you’ve reached this point, it means I have beat up my introduction part! Surprisingly, capturing someone’s attention requires more effort than losing it. If you have a weak introduction you can lose your audience IMMEDIATELY.
My first blog post failed to introduce clarity and directness. It did not reflect what my audience was going to find. The introduction part of your blog post holds immense significance. It serves as the vehicle to engage your readers effectively.
In your introduction, you need to emphasize:
- The benefits readers gain from your blog post.
- You own the solution for their problem and it is worth it for them to keep reading.
The first few sentences of a blog post are critical. So don’t make the same mistake! Write a compelling introduction that immediately captures their attention.
One effective way to quickly capture your audience’s attention is to start your introduction with a thought-provoking question. Another approach is to outline the benefits readers will gain from engaging with your post.
6. Ignoring Visual Elements
Have you ever wondered why social media is so successful? The answer is the power of visual content. People tend to enjoy more media than text.
When I wrote my first blog, I only included one image I thought relevant. My emphasis was primarily on textual content presuming it reflected sophistication and insight.
I love to read and given my passion for reading. I assumed similar engagement from my audience. But, my first blog post was boring and harder to engage.
Of course, I am not saying you must inundate your blog post with images or videos. However, it’s crucial to relevant graphics to break up the text and make your post more engaging.
Another essential step with your visual elements is optimizing them for SEO. One way to optimize for SEO the multimedia in your blog post is by having alternative text, to boost accessibility and search engine visibility.
7. Forgetting to Edit and Proofread My First Blog Post
I wrote my first blog post in WordPress editor and missed checking it for proofreading. I relied on Yoast SEO assuming it would handle this aspect for me.
Yoast SEO is a good tool to optimize your blog post, but do not get confused because it helps with readability. However, it does not check your blog post proofreading. You must understand their distinctions since this tool is not intended for grammar checking.
You need to take time and review your blog post carefully. Don’t post content that could distract your audience or sabotage your credibility as a blogger.
Currently, I have my husband for a peer review of my blog post, YES HE REVIEWS! After he reviews, I use tools to help ensure through proofreading. Specifically, I have been editing my blog posts using either Grammarly or Hemingway.
These tools help you to find grammatical errors and improve your blog post. However, it’s crucial to note that these tools do not substitute SEO checks.
8. Missing a Call-to-Action (CTA)
If you are a new blogger you might find the term CTA unfamiliar. Wondering why it holds importance? CTA is how you guide your audience on the next steps after they’ve finished reading your blog post.
In my first blog, I included a section at the end of my blog post for my audience to comment on. However, I failed to include what I wanted them to do next.
At the end of your blog post, you must include elements to guide your visitors to explore your webpage. What to incorporate?
- Add links to relevant blog posts.
- Encourage the audience to be involved in your community through subscriptions.
- Provide value by offering free resources or downloads related to your niche.
- Add a brief bio or information about yourself so your new audience connects with you.
Ensure having a strong CTA 📣 to create a seamless experience for your readers. A strong CTA encourages them to navigate deeper into your content.
9. Overlooking Internal and External Links
We have two types of links we need to include because they are vital for our blogs. In my first blog post, I only included internal links, due to my beginner status in the blogging community and limited presence. However, as you gain credibility in a particular niche, opportunities arise for acquiring external links.
What impact does linking have on your blog content? On the one hand, internal links help navigate, keep your reader engaged, and boost SEO. On the other hand, external links provide more value and build credibility by associating with authoritative sources.
I strategically used internal links to create a friendly and SEO-optimized blog. So, if you plan to include external links in your first blog post. Then, you need to ensure that it is from a reputable source because this will help to boost your post’s credibility.
10. Publishing My First Blog Post Without Promotion
I assumed that readers would find my post only via Google. Do not assume the same. Avoid leaving promotion to the mercy of Google SEO, you need to use social media to promote it.
Also, don’t assume using paid advertisement is the sole method to drive traffic to your blog post. Numerous free methods exist to enhance your blog’s visibility.
How did I promote my first blog post? Initially, I relied heavily on Google SEO to attract visitors to my website. But as I got deeper into the blogging world. I discovered the power of using the Pinterest account for FREE promotion. The benefit of my Pinterest account was that it houses my largest niche audience.
However, you can also use YouTube, Reddit, and Instagram accounts to promote your blog post. Additionally, newsletters, email campaigns, and podcasts offer viable channels.
There are several options available for you. Ensure to use one that is aligned with your audience and niche. The key to promoting your blog post on social media is to interact with your audience and encourage them to share your content.
In my initial blog post, I made several errors and learned the hard way. I encourage you to avoid making the same mistakes.
Focus on your audience, organize your content, and use SEO strategies to increase visibility. Also, edit, use multimedia elements, and promote your post actively. Focus on these strategies and TEST AND TEST them. Dedicate your time to refine these strategies. Remember your first blog post holds significant weight and lays the foundation for a robust online presence.
My friend, if you are not blogging yet and want to learn why a business needs a blog. Then check out the Top Benefits Of A Blog For Business.
