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Blogging About Blogging: Common Mistakes

In past posts, we’ve been over the “listening” aspect of blogging and blogging for SEO.  This week we’ll be going over seven common mistakes made when blogging for business.

1.  Overly Lengthy Posts

Oftentimes bloggers fall into the simple trap of putting too much content in one post.  The simple fact is, in general people do not want to read.  If you can convey your point without being too wordy, the more likely it is that people will actually read what you’ve written.  This goes hand in hand with the next common mistake:

2.  Assuming People Will Read Your Post

Despite what our egos may tell us, not everyone that opens a blog post will read it in it’s entirety.  More likely than not, readers will simply skim through posts for applicable content.  If they can’t find what they’re looking for with a quick scan, many will not take the time to continue.  For that reason, it’s important to bullet your content, keep it succinct, and get to the point.  Which brings us to our next miscue:

3.  Using Long Paragraphs

Opening a blog and seeing paragraphs that take up nearly half a page is discouraging to a reader.  Break up your paragraphs and use headers to help your audience navigate to the content they care about most.  Posts should be easily scannable, allowing readers to quickly find what they’re looking for.

4.  Trying to Sell

One of the biggest turnoffs for a reader is to have a product stuffed down their throat, especially in a blog.  Fight the urge to push your goods and services, and instead provide useful information that encourages your audience to keep checking for new content.  People tend to ignore sellers until they’ve built credibility and gained trust.  Do this by providing information service and referencing other, trusted sources.

5.  Writing for Rocket Scientists

Yes, you have an expansive vocabulary.  No, it’s not necessary to show it off at every opportunity.  Using too much “Ph.D” language is a surefire way to lose your readers.  In addition, using too much “industry language” or acronyms without properly explaining them is a trap to always avoid.

6.  Repackaging Information

“There is nothing new under the sun.”  We all recycle information we’ve taken from other sources.  It’s OK to take inspiration from elsewhere, but people come to your blog for unique insight.  You must make the topic your own in some way. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel, but adding your own unique touch to a subject is what will make a reader choose your blog over the next.

7.  No Pretty Pictures

Not every blog post needs a picture.  However, a strong supporting picture can help a reader extract key messages at a glance, and further reinforce the point you’re attempting to convey.  Pictures really do often carry more weight than words, so make sure to use that to your benefit!

Keep in mind, that these are not the end-all be-all for blogging greatness.  However, if you can eliminate these mistakes, and incorporate the elements discussed in previous iterations of “Blogging About Blogging” you’re well on your way to a successful business blog!

Stay tuned to the Points Group Blog for further additions to Blogging About Blogging and more.