10 Biggest Blogging Myths For Beginners: Mistakes to Avoid 2024
Those who understand blogging, understand the true value it can bring to any business.
It’s a fact.
And yet, even though blogs have been around for decades there are still uncertainties and misunderstandings about them.
Like blogging is dead, they say. Blogging is for people who can write like Tom Clancy, they whinge. I have no idea what to post about, they complain.
And more gibberish.
It’s all too common.
Why?
This is because of the false messages that have been spread that have misled people to think blogs are dead. Or leading them to the path of the blogging mistakes.
I must admit I was one of those ignorant people. Once.
But after building more than a few blogs, I only wish I got into blogging earlier.
To put these blogging mistakes to bed, once and for all, I’ve debunked common blog mistakes (myths) I’ve read online.
And just maybe, convince some of you to start blogging.
So let’s walk through the misconceptions and set the record straight.
This page have some affiliate links. In other words, if you buy from my links, I may get a commission. And some of the images were sources from Unsplash+ (Getty Images,Christina Wocinte, Windows).
Key Points
- Blogging is Not Just Writing: Blogging can include videos, podcasts, infographics, and images. It’s a versatile platform that allows for various forms of expression, not just writing.
- Quality Content is Not Enough: While quality content is essential, it’s not the only factor. You need to market your content and drive traffic to your blog. Quality alone won’t attract readers.
- You Don’t Need to Post Every Day: Consistency matters, but posting every day is not necessary. Focus on valuable topics and a strategy to help readers find your content.
- Blogging Takes Effort and Time: Blogging is not easy. It requires patience, effort, and a hands-on approach to various tasks like design, marketing, and content creation.
- Email Marketing is Vital: Email marketing is an effective channel for building relationships with prospects and deepening trust. It’s not pointless but a crucial part of a successful blogging strategy.
10 Shocking Blogging Mistakes : Debunked
These are the biggest blogging myths blogging beginners should avoid.
1. Blogging is a fad.
Blogging has been around for years and it will still be around for a while.
Although not every blog will be a success, people still love reading blogs because it serves as a handy resource.
Plus, when you focus on providing massive value on your blog, it not only helps boost your brand, it can help increase your profits.
I don’t want to go too deep on this section as I’ve covered this in a recent post on why blogging for your business can help increase your profits.
For marketers, blogging is a platform that can help attract your ideal customers.
2. You need quality content only
Don’t fall for this blogging mistake. (And it is one of the biggest mistakes new bloggers make.)
When it comes to posting content, you have to give a damn about what you’re writing.
This means for me that I want to help people as best I can with good content.
But putting out awesome content means nothing when no one is reading it.
The truth is, the traffic will not magically find your content from the deep rabbit hole of the web.
Providing massive value is just one part of the blogging strategy.
3. You have to be an expert
Who says you need to be an expert to blog about something? That’s a blogging mistake I’d like to bust right now!
Think about it this way: Every expert was once a beginner, and every beginner has something valuable to share.
Here’s how you can turn your learning journey into engaging content:
Discover Something New: It could be anything that piques your interest.
For example, “Wow, I never knew ChatGpt can create data visualizations, that’s fascinating!” Your curiosity is contagious.
Share Your Learning Process: Write a blog post about what you’ve learned. It’s not about lecturing; it’s about sharing. “Here’s how ChatGpt can help with keyword research, and here’s how I figured it out!”
The beauty of this approach is that you only need to know a couple of things that your readers might not.
If you learned something yesterday, chances are, many others don’t know it either.
So, don’t let the “expert myth” stop you.
Your fresh insights and the excitement of discovery can be more engaging than an expert’s perspective. Embrace your beginner’s mind, and let your readers join you on your learning adventure. It’s a journey they’ll love to take with you!
4. It is about writing
One of the biggest blogging mistakes to think blogging is just about writing. Wrong.
Let me tell you this:
Blogging doesn’t have to be all about writing.
You see, blogging can come in different flavors. It’s like ice cream.
You don’t have to stick with vanilla all the time.
You can tell your stories through videos, podcasts, infographics, images, and more. Let me break it down for you:
- Videos: Got something to say? Why not show it? Create a video, upload it to YouTube, and embed it in your blog post. It’s a fun way to engage with your readers.
- Podcasts: Love to talk? Start a podcast and share your thoughts. You can even invite guests and make it a lively discussion.
- Infographics: Got some cool facts and figures? Turn them into an infographic. It’s a visual treat for your readers.
- Images: A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Use images to illustrate your points and make your blog post more appealing.
Here’s one blogging trick I’ve used that doesn’t require writing.
Record a topic for a video, upload it to Youtube, and then download the transcription transcribed by Youtube.
Then edit the transcription for a better reading experience.
Add your main keywords to optimize the content.
Then upload the Youtube video and post the transcription on the blog post.
And there you have it, a blog video post.
So, the next time you think about blogging, remember, it’s not just about writing.
It’s about expressing yourself in the way that suits you best.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up and have some fun with it. Your readers will love it, and so will you!
5. You need to post every day
Because I don’t have the bandwidth to write daily.
And even if you do post content every day, this doesn’t mean your readers will instantly find your content.
Whether it is blogging or posting on social, it boils down to both the consistency and the topics your readers will find value in that matters.
Although there is no hard-and-fast rule to suggest you must post daily, each post should have an objective and a strategy to help readers find your content.
Again, your content is useless when no one is reading it.
Just be consistent with your blogging schedule.
6. You need to be an excellent writer
If you think you have to be an A-grade writer to blog, you don’t.
The most successful blogger didn’t start out as writers.
They only got better at it by posting more content.
Back in high school, I was a C minus writer.
I think. It could have been worse.
Anyway, I see it as a challenge and an opportunity to up my blogging game.
And the nice thing, tools like Grammarly can help correct your spelling, grammar, and content readability.
Now, that’s convenient.
Also, the thing about blogging is your content has to be easy on the eyes.
In other words, it has to be easy to read and understand.
No complicated grammar.
No Ph.D. words.
Otherwise, you’ll be the skunk that farts out a foul spray that puts off a lot of readers.
That’s another reason why you don’t need to be a Pulitzer Prize writer.
So, the next time you blog, write in a casual tone and write in a manner that fifth graders will understand.
What matters more is the value you put out and how well you can get your message across to your readers.
Lastly, how do you become a better writer?
Keep reading and writing more.
7. Build it and they will come
Sorry to nuke this s*&t up but building a gorgeous website, a fancy brand, and posting a couple of quality content will not cut it.
This is just the start because no one will magically find your blog.
The real work starts with marketing and how you can drive traffic to your blog.
I recommend starting with one marketing platform (like Facebook marketing, email marketing, paid ads, Pinterest marketing, off-page SEO, etc.) and getting good at it.
By focusing on a marketing platform you can throw all your energy at it and master it from the get-go.
And then, when you see the results coming in, you should try another marketing strategy to drive more eyeball traffic.
That’s if you want to.
8. Blogging is easy
Who says it’s easy!
The truth is, blogging takes time, patience, and effort. Kinda painful.
It’s a business, after all.
The truth is.
When you’re a blogging beginner with little budget, you will be hands on with the logo design, website design, email marketing, social marketing, content marketing, and more.
And, make small and big blog mistakes along the way.
You’ll also be busy tackling all the tasks just trying to keep up, it often feels there’s not enough time.
From planning, content marketing, and more marketing, as well as building a relationship with the readers or fellow players in your niche, it all takes time.
Building an audience will not happen quickly.
9. Email marketing is pointless
When I first started blogging, I neglected email marketing.
I thought it was too much work and pointless.
Dumb move.
(This is one of the common mistakes new bloggers make.)
When it comes to blogging, you need an automated marketing system that allows you to build a relationship with your prospect.
You see, not every prospect that lands on your blog will engage.
Because it takes time to nurture a relationship of trust.
A blog is like the first base for proving your value.
Email marketing helps to deepen the relationship based on trust and value.
And it is still the most effective marketing channel.
10. You have to be an extrovert
Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, blogging is a platform for everyone.
You can be literally anyone you want.
You see. When you write you can add a personal touch to the content.
You can be dull (not advisable).
You can be energetic.
You can be funny.
You can let in as much or as little as you want about your personal life.
It’s totally up to you how much of a personality you want to give.
But don’t be a moron, ok?
Blogging Myths : FAQS
Still have questions? Below are blogging mistakes to avoid.
What are the mistakes for blogging beginners?
Blogging beginners often struggle with inconsistency, poor content quality, neglecting SEO, and failing to engage with their audience. It’s like learning to ride a bike; mistakes happen, but you learn and grow.
What is the most common mistake for first-time bloggers?
The most common mistake? Trying to be perfect. First-time bloggers often stress over every detail. Remember, it’s your voice and passion that matter most, not perfection.
What not to do when blogging?
Don’t ignore your readers. Blogging isn’t a one-way street. If you’re just talking at people and not with them, you’re missing the point. Engage, respond, and build that community.
Why do many bloggers fail?
Many bloggers fail because they lose patience. Success doesn’t come overnight. It’s like planting a tree; you need to nurture it, give it time, and have faith in the process.
What are the 6 rules of blogging?
The 6 golden rules? Be consistent, provide value, engage with readers, optimize for SEO, be authentic, and have fun. Think of it as a friendly chat over coffee; keep it real and enjoyable.
What makes a bad blog?
A bad blog is like a dull party. It lacks personality, offers no real value, ignores its guests (readers), and is full of errors. It’s not about being fancy; it’s about being real and valuable.
What Are The Most Common Mistakes Bloggers Make?
Here are 11 common blogging mistakes you should avoid.
- Not dialing in on a Target Audience.
- Not blogging consistently.
- No proper keyword research.
- Focusing too much on SEO.
- Drifting away from their target niche.
- Content lacks purpose.
- Not posting enough long-form articles.
- Not using copywriting techniques.
- No call to action on the content.
- Not promoting the blog content.
- No email marketing.
Don’t Let The Blogging Myths Stop You.
Because these blogging mistakes will cost you big time.
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Blogging is fun as long as you are enjoying what you’re putting out for your readers.
The biggest reward is when your blog is making a positive impact on people’s lives.
And the rest that comes with it.
Hopefully, this post has helped to untangle the misconceptions about blogging.
And I hope it has pushed you to take the plunge with blogging.
Let’s end this by telling you to pull your finger out, give the myths the middle finger, and start blogging now.
You Might Want to Check This Out Too
P.S Need help with starting a blog – from set up to launching a blog?
You can reach out to me here for help and let’s talk.
Resources To Grow Your Business With
Bluehost
Bluehost is a great starting point for beginners or bloggers who want to switch to a reliable web hosting service. And it gives you the best bang for your buck - starting at $2.95 a month*.
With the entry-level hosting plan, you'll get a high up-time, reliable customer support, FREE domain name (first year) and 30 day money back guarantee.
You can sign up with Bluehost here.
WPX Hosting
It's a web-hosting service I love using. It specializes in WordPress hosting, and depending on what package you opt for, you can host 5 or more sites on one account. The best bit is - the quick turnaround in support is top notch.
For bloggers who have an established blog, this is a fantastic option.
You can learn more about this service here.
Aweber
Building an email list of a growing audience is essential for the longevity of any business. This autoresponder service is easy to use, and it is a great starting point for someone looking to kickstart their email campaign.
Hi, I’m Jason Ou (surname aka, Oh). I am a Solopreneur and Blogger. My mission is to help fellow entrepreneurs (like you) to profit from their passion online. Let’s connect on Facebook now.