Like many writers, I spend a lot of time getting better at what I do. I try to write as much as I can and read different blogs about topics I enjoy, along with some new interests. I’ve always thought this is the best way to improve and find your voice when blogging.
Sometimes, I find articles that grab my attention just by the title, and I feel like they could be really helpful. But there are times when I stop reading because the article feels like a waste of time – no offense to the writer. When that happens, I realize there’s always room to improve.
In this article, I’ll talk about five common mistakes bloggers make and how to fix them. I’ve seen these mistakes more often lately, but I know they don’t apply to everyone. I also get that sometimes it’s just a style choice. So, just keep an open mind as you read.
1. Poor Grammar
Have you ever read something and thought, “Huh?” Remember how confusing that felt? Feeling like something doesn’t make sense is pretty common – and bad grammar is often the reason. But why does grammar matter so much, especially in blogging?
Good grammar makes it easier to understand what you’re reading. Mistakes like wrong punctuation, unclear sentences, or incorrect verbs can make writing hard to follow and boring.
When this happens, readers have to work harder to figure out what you mean. This can frustrate them and make them stop reading. Sometimes, they even have to re-read parts or look things up, which can make them lose interest.
Quick Tip: Read out loud. Yes, I know it’s elementary. However, you’d be surprised how well this simple tip works. It’s better to find out aloud than later!
2. Too Much Fluff
When people read something, they usually hope it’s easy to understand. But too much unnecessary information can frustrate them. This extra stuff is called fluff.
Fluff is content that doesn’t add to the story, develop characters, or provide value. It distracts from the main point and makes it harder for readers to follow what’s happening. In blogging, fluff can feel like filler that drags out the post, making readers feel stuck or like they’re wasting time.
Too many unnecessary details can confuse readers and make them lose interest. When people read, they want to feel like their time is well spent.
If a blog post is full of fluff, readers might leave and look for answers somewhere else. The key is to keep your writing clear and to the point.
Quick Tip: If the explanation looks too long or feels like a long-drawn one, start cutting and revising. If a long explanation is not particularly the goal or does not fit the style of writing, then you’ve fluffed it.
3. No Direction
Readers don’t usually stop reading right away, but they can get frustrated if the story lacks direction. Good stories build excitement and guide readers toward an ending. Without this, the story can feel confusing, and readers might lose interest.
People want to understand what’s happening and why. If a story feels random or unclear, readers may feel lost and unsure about what’s coming next. They want to feel their time is well spent. If the story drifts with no purpose, it can seem like a waste.
A good story keeps readers interested by showing them where things are going. It doesn’t need to be predictable but should feel like it has a purpose.
“Stop, drop, shut ’em down, open up shop…”
DMX – Ruff Ryder’s Anthem song
Quick Tip: Using a verse from the late great hip-hop artist DMX’s song, Ruff Ryder’s Anthem, you should stop everything and figure out what you’re writing first or the message you’re trying to convey. Use an outline and start with a thesis statement or question.
4. Not Answering the Question or Providing Value
Readers come to you because they need answers, information, or entertainment. If you don’t provide that, they get frustrated.
Think about asking a simple question and ending up more confused after reading the answer. It’s annoying for anyone.
Readers give their time expecting something helpful. If you don’t deliver, they’ll feel like it was wasted and look somewhere else.
If your answer doesn’t make sense or doesn’t fit their question, it can leave them even more confused. They may not understand why the answer missed the mark.
Not giving readers what they need feels like breaking a promise. They trusted you to help, and if you don’t, it can hurt your credibility and make them less likely to return.
Quick Tip: Answer the call and give the reader what they came for.
5. No Pictures or Videos
Now more than ever, pictures and videos are super important for any blog. Social media has made it hard to grow online without them. Readers are less likely to stick around if a blog doesn’t have visuals – and that makes sense. Here’s why.
First, pictures and videos make things less boring. Our brains process visuals quickly, and with so much information out there, a blog that’s just text can feel overwhelming. Images and videos give readers breaks, helping them take in the content bit by bit and making the blog look better.
Second, visuals help people understand and remember things. A good picture or video can explain something complicated in a simple way. This makes it easier for readers to get the point.
Studies show that people remember things better when they see visuals with the information. So, adding pictures and videos doesn’t just make your blog more fun – it also helps readers remember what they learned!
Quick Tip: Add videos and photos sparingly. Shutterstock offers affordable plans and single downloads for pictures and videos, which I recommend. It’s important to find the right visuals and apply the right balance in the blog post to enhance its effect.
In Conclusion…
In conclusion, by avoiding these common mistakes – poor grammar, fluff, lack of direction, unanswered questions, and a text-heavy format – you can craft engaging blog posts that truly resonate with your audience.
Remember, readers come to you for a reason, and it’s your job to deliver value through clear, concise, and visually appealing content. By following these tips, you can turn frustrated clicks into loyal readers who keep coming back for more.
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