1. Using all the fonts/colors/graphics or not altering the template at all
You want to make your blog look like your own and show off your personality, but don’t punch your readers in the face with it.
2. Comments that are mostly an ad for your blog or asking for a follow in return
Straight up – it’s rude and it looks like spam.
3. Avoiding social media because it’s overwhelming
Totally true, but it’s still the best way to bring in new readers. Pick one or two sites (I recommend Twitter and Pinterest) and figure out how to use them really well.
4. Writing posts that cover everything
Picking one subject per post is much better for SEO, social media, and growing traffic than posts covering multiple topics. While your 60 pageviews might be interested in every single thing you did all weekend, it could be 2,000 pageviews who really just want to know about the cake you baked or that side table you refinished.
5. Posting 12 photos that are exactly the same
FASHION BLOGGERS I’m lookin at you! I know you think the photo looks totally different when you tilt your head slightly to the right than the photo above it where you’re turned a little to the left and looking away from the camera, but…it doesn’t. What it does do is make your posts take a really long time to load.
6. Hiding social media links
I see this one on some non-newbie sites as well. Some bloggers think forcing people to sign-up for their email lists and rewarding them with their Twitter link is the way to go. I think not. I follow people on Twitter to see what they’re like way before I’ll ever let them into my inbox. Make those links obvious and above the fold.
7. Random post titles
How many people do you think will click on a post titled Tuesday? (I have soooo many weekday-named posts in my early archives >_<) You need to give readers some information or tease them a little to get more eyes on your content. Something like, How I learned the secret to _________ or 10 Mistakes _______ always make will do the trick.
8. Not promoting a damn thing
If you’re writing for fun and don’t care who stops by your blog, then keeping to yourself on the internet is totally cool. But if you’re hoping to gain a few more readers, you best be proud of what you’re writing and share it all over the place.
9. Posting teeny tiny photos, and then a big one, and a smaller one
My recommendation is always that photos should be the width of your post space whether they’re vertical or horizontal. Keeping a consistent photo style is a quick way to make your blog look pro.
10. Complaining online, “Whyyyy aren’t people coming to my blog???”
99% of the time the answer is – you are posting sporadically, about 50 topics, and you don’t promote your posts or engage with other bloggers. And you complain too much. You’re welcome.
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