blogging crew

Being a successful blogger is not always easy, and there are many traps to fall into (as I know from experience).

Take a look at these five classic examples and take great care to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Comments

Interacting with readers is what sets blogging apart from ‘traditional’ websites. Don’t neglect your readers or you will quickly have no readers at all. If you don’t want to interact with your ‘audience’ quit blogging now. Trust me, it’s not for you.

2. Not Appreciating Feedback (Good or Bad)

Be prepared for some negative comments about your blog. Not everyone will agree with what you write. Listening to feedback (good and bad) will help shape your blog. After all, if a reader has taken the time and trouble to write to you, listening to what that person has to say is the least you could do.

3. Taking Lengthy Breaks From Blogging

There are times when you won’t feel like writing. You’re human (hopefully) and everyone has to re-charge every now and again, but not publishing for several days is not recommended. If your creative juices have dried up or you’re off on a two weeks holiday, take advantage of any timestamp feature your blogging platform has, write a few blog posts before you leave and there you have it. Obviously you have to write them when you are in the mood for writing!

4. Regarding Blogging As A Pain

Don’t regard blogging as a pain in the rear end. Pick a topic you are both passionate about and knowledgeable in, and make sure that your posts reflect the way you feel about blogging. If your articles have a “I’ve got to write something even though I don’t really want to’ feel about them you need to consider a different subject or quit blogging.

5. Not Respecting Your Customers

Be polite and respectful whenever you interact with your readers. In fact I would suggest you regard them as customers! You may be asked questions you believe are really stupid or obvious. It may be obvious to you, but everyone has to start somewhere and it could be a very important question to the person who has asked. If your blog is successful you are likely to be asked the same questions over and over again. That’s actually good news! You are becoming an authority in your subject.

My Conclusion

I consider these to be the Big 5 blogging traps, and now you are aware of them you can take the necessary steps to avoid them.

I’m sure any experienced bloggers reading this post will have a firm opinion of what they consider to be the biggest blogging traps and I would welcome them to share their experiences.