Whether you are blogging simply for enjoyment, or to make money, success is most definitely your goal.
For some, success will come in the form of simply building a readership around a blog’s unique ideas, and for others success will come when their bank account funds rise. But, success will never come to you if you practice unhealthy habits and attitudes that can steal your future profitability before you even have a chance to get there.
Are you guilty of these habits?
1. You are Writing for Everyone
Bloggers think that by targeting a larger subset of readers they will make more money. This is a misnomer. Blogging to everyone will result in a diluted message because in trying to please all, you will be disregarding those who can really benefit from tailored content.
If you think that targeting more people will make you more money, read this article: Why Internet Marketers Word Hard but Never make Any Money
2. You Have No Plan
I’m not talking about a plan to make money—I’m talking about a daily, weekly and monthly plan of attack. What are your monthly, bi-annual, and annual goals?
Be specific in your goals. Here are some examples:
- 12 blog posts a month / 3 posts a week / 1 post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Start with a monthly goal and plan daily goals to meet it.
- Spend 2 hours a week sourcing guest post opportunities / 1 hour on Tuesday and 1 hour on Thursday.
- Post comments on related industry blogs / 1 hour a day.
Tip: Never leave a goal open-ended. If I left the 12 blog post a month goal as is without breaking it down into a daily task, it would be harder to accomplish.
Every Sunday or Monday, plan your week and hold yourself accountable for each day’s tasks.
3. You are not Consistent
Blogging is a hard nut to crack. You may not see a boost in profit for a while even though it can feel like you are working hard. Most of your effort will occur in the beginning when you are building a reputation.
It’s important to post regularly, even if it is only once a week. Your readers will get used to the schedule and expect your posts.
Most successful bloggers post regularly and consistently.
4. You are not Creative
Everyone has a dose of creativity, but some people have a hard time finding new topics. Try not to over think the process. Ideas can come at any time and any place—on the supermarket checkout line, at your doctor’s office, or while you are driving on the freeway. Be open to allowing inspiration to come in any form.
A little inspiration to get you going: 30 Blog Topic Ideas to Get the Creative Juices Flowing
Blogging is a work in progress and success does not come automatically. Pay attention to the nuances that steal your productivity and swallow up your goals. A strong commitment to success will yield the results you desire.
Jenna Scaglione is a content writer, internet marketer, and a lover of family, friends and life. Jenna enjoys learning, growing and discovering the newest and latest trends on the internet. Known as "Lady Content", she lives in sunny Socal where she helps her clients around the world increase brand awareness on the internet through content writing and social media.
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