Blogging is fun and also pretty easy.  It can be equally easy to make mistakes.  No worries, though.  Here is a list of common blogging mistakes so you can easily avoid them.

1. Not being original.  Many bloggers are hesitant to be themselves online.  However, your personality is what will attract readers and attention.  Don’t hesitate to be yourself…whether it’s funky, serious, controversial, etc.
2. Not giving credit where credit is due.  If you borrow ideas from another blogger, writer or anyone else, make sure you give them the credit.  It will not weaken your own credibility.  On the contrary…your credibility will be enhanced.  If you do not give the proper credit, you can also get in trouble legally.
3. Not responding to comments.  If you set up your blog so your readers can leave comments, you should be social and respond to them.  It helps to create a sense of community on your blog and your readers get to interact with you.  Not only is it the right and friendly thing to do, it motivates more comments.
4. Giving up too early.  Blogs do not achieve success overnight.  By blogging about a subject you are passionate about, you will stay motivated to write and post and stick with it.  Blogs require a commitment if they are to be successful.  With consistent care and attention to your blog, your readers will grow.
5. Not posting enough.  Many bloggers think you have to post daily.  In the very early stages of building your blog this is a good idea.  Once you have established a consistent readership, you can post less often.  At least weekly, or two to three times per week, is a good idea.  If you do not post for a week or two, you are very likely to lose readers.
6. Not having a well defined topic.  Make sure your topic is obvious.  The more specific your niche, the easier it will be to attract a following.  For example, instead of blogging about exotic pets, narrow it to blogging about sugar gliders.
7. Not choosing a topic you can sustain.  By choosing a topic you are passionate about, you can write consistently and maintain your motivation.  If you choose a topic that you are not very interested in, you will be fortunate if you can come up with a post per month. 
8. Having too many ads.  Make sure your blog is content heavy.  If your blog is more focused on ads than content, you will not be able to attract a loyal following.
9. Forgetting value.  Make sure your posts offer something of value to your readers.  Readers are looking to be entertained, gain information or be educated.  Your posts should accomplish that.  If they do, you will attract readers.
10. Not promoting your blog.  You must promote your blog!  How else are readers going to find you?  Comment on other blogs and leave the url to your blog when you do.  Participate in social networking.  Become a guest blogger.  When you write as a guest blogger, be sure to include your bio along with links to your blog, facebook page and twitter.

Blogging is fun, a great way to connect with people online, a great way to grow a business and even a way to earn money.  Avoid these ten common blogging mistakes and you can achieve blogging success quicker and easier!
To your success!
Julianne Alvarez-Wish is a military wife, mother, business owner, professional writer, blogger and legislative advocate. She is the Director of Communications for Our Milk Money, the Colorado State Leader for the National Association for Moms in Business and the owner of Buy By Mom and Buy By Mom Blog. She is the Colorado Springs Stay-at-Home Mom Examiner for Examiner.com. She also blogs at A Wishful Thought. Her passion, purpose and goal is to help parents work from home so they can be home with their children.

Author: Our Milk Money