1. Do not choose HTML blogs (unless you actually know what you are doing): Many blog creation sites, including the popular wordpress.com, musecrafters.com and Myspace.com offer you a “user friendly” version of blog creation. Use this. Instead of trying to craft out your own HTML code for your blog, save yourself the time and the trouble and choose something that will actually work the first time around. Don’t try to be a blogging hero; it’s just not worth it.
2. Do not just write for the sake of complaining: blogging is your chance to put in your voice and speak your mind. However, that does not mean you should use your blog as a way to complain about everything and anything. The bus was late…. Your mom’s eggs were runny…. The Government is taking too much of your money. Blah Blah Blah. Instead, carve out a niche and stick to that niche. Do not just whine about society. Instead, pick a topic that interests you and write about it. Music, fashion, education, vitamins, old classic movies, anything! Stick to one niche to ensure you actually get a reader following.
3. Do not post and run: many people believe that posting once a day is best while others post once a week. Make it a routine. Set up a time in the day, or the week to dedicate to your blogging. Whatever you do, don’t just blog once or twice, abandon the game, and then return expecting results. You need to keep your blog active and also keep your readers coming back for more.
4. Do not publish and finish: once a blog is done, it is not set in stone. You can go back, update, comment on comments, switch things around, and you should! Re-write entries and make sure everything is perfect before you go public. It is also recommended that you have at least a month worth of blogs before going “live” as this will give you credibility and a good readership.
5. Do not expect results without giving a little back: blogging is a community event which means, in order to gain success, you need to give a little back to the blogging world. You will need to read other’s posts, make comments and show you are out there. Once doing this, others will most likely do the same to your site. In certain instances, if appropriate you can offer a link to your blog in your comment.
Now that you know the pitfalls to avoid, you can ensure you are on the right path to blogging success.