The Pitfalls of Blogging – What You Need To Know About Being a Better Blogger

By: | October 5, 2016 | Tags: , |

Don't be a #blogger with blogging frustrations

Blogging is both a creative and lucrative activity.

You get to share your opinions with the world and if you are lucky, get paid for it.

But like anything, it’s not all roses. There are some things you need to be wary of. So read on to find out more.

Sharing too much

When you are writing about things that are important to you, then you can sometimes share a bit too much information in your blog posts. While people apparently respond well to honesty, you need to consider how much you are willing to share with the entire world. Remember that anyone can read your blog. Your ex, your boss, your mom! That’s right, it’s pretty easy for them to find it, and are you ready for the consequences if they do?

So before you decide to talk about your most embarrassing secrets, make sure that you are willing to be open and honest with what has happened. You need to be able to deal with people’s opinions with good humor, because if anything is for sure, it’s that they will have some opinions.

#Bloggers can overcome blogging challenges

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Getting caught in the crossfire

Something else you need to be careful of is getting in the crossfire of other people’s arguments. They could be everyday people like you and me, or it could be celebrities. In fact, a lot of bloggers use stars’ names in their titles and feed off any ‘beef’ they currently have. They do this as they know it will serve as click-bait to getting people to read their stuff.

A perfect example of this is all the blogs and blog entries that dealt with the Kat Von D and Jeffrey Star Drama.

But is this really what you should be using your platform for? Should you be weighing in on others’ issues or making points of your own? Okay, in very rare situations where it’s directly relevant to what you are writing, you may have something to say about certain people. But you need to be very careful about what you say online. As some folks can take great offense, and you can find yourself in all sorts of trouble, very easily.

Being boring

Don't be a frustrated #blogger. Click to read how to deal with blogging challenges

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Having said that being involved in other people’s drama is not a good idea, it’s also worth bearing in mind that people don’t read boring blogs. That is why you need to make what you are talking about interesting. Think about the questions people would have about that situation you’re writing on. What are some of the problems that you can help them with? Or have you got any advice from your own experience that you are willing to share?

Being too money motivated

Being too motivated on earning money for your blog can end up becoming a confused mess. This is because you can end up accepting products and advertising, without thinking if it’s relevant to your readership. It’s best to try set some goals when you first start out on this subject. These will then guide you to choose the content and advertising that will best suit what you are trying to do.

It’s also not a good idea to ignore the lucrative side of blogging either. Why waste an opportunity to make some money?

One of the easiest ways to get your blog earning is to allow ad placements. But now, many people surf the internet with protection against these. So, you will need to beat the ad blockers by using specially crafted advertisements.

Technical issues

Of course, you may come across some technical issues while blogging too. One of these is a terribly laid out blog. This instantly puts readers off. They want to be able to access the information you have for them in a user-friendly fashion. That is why it’s important that your blog posts look attractive and are clear.

It’s also a good idea to have categories on your blog and a search box. This allows your readers to look for the stuff that is relevant to them. In this way, they don’t have to wade through a lot of information that isn’t relevant. Many readers will become bored when doing this, and it can put them off being a regular follower.

Privacy issues

A #blogger must learn to deal with privacy issues when blogging.

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Some people blog, mainly if they are blogging on a controversial issue, anonymously. While it seems like the perfect solution, it doesn’t always work that well in practice.

Imagine that you are blogging about a terrible work experience. You don’t mention any names but if people in your company were to happen across the blog, they might be able to recognize that it was their workplace.

Then, of course, people can use the internet to track you down. People will be able to see your email and so be able to trace the owner of the account. Even if you use an anonymous email, it’s possible to track your IP address, so it’s pretty easy for people to work out who you are.

This can have dire consequences, like losing friends or even your job. There have been several cases of this in the media when anonymous bloggers have been outed recently.

Content

Coming up with fresh content can be very tough article after article. That is why some people choose to invite guest bloggers to write for them. This can work well for all parties concerned. The guest blogger gets coverage on another site. Also, the original blogger’s site is seen by a lot of other people who might not have had exposure to it otherwise.

Other bloggers deal with this issue of fresh content by setting themselves a challenge. Some choose to draw or write every day for a period of time. Then they have some new material to discuss with their readers.

Images

Although people think of blogging as being a written form, the pictures you use also have a significant impact on the popularity of the post. In fact, some people record videos of themselves talking about subjects instead of writing about them. These people are known as video bloggers or Vloggers.

#Bloggers should incorporate video in the post as a variation of blogging

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Even if you have a traditional blog, you shouldn’t discount adding in multimedia elements like videos. As these can make a welcome change for your readers and liven up what you have to say. They are also perfect for being shared via social media, getting your blog more coverage.

This post was contributed.

Readers, please share, so other bloggers know the pitfalls of blogging and how to handle them.

What do you think? Are there other pitfalls of blogging that should be addressed, or do you think the guest author got it right? Which pitfall do you feel is the most challenging? I look forward to your views in the comments section.

Related Posts:

This is the Best Way to Deal With the Rollercoaster World of Blogging

87 Blogging Mistakes You Should Absolutely Never Make

How to Use YouTube to Be a Better Blogger

Your Blog Needs Video Content; Here’s Why

7 Ways Blogging Helps You Better Navigate Life

  1. Carla

    Yes yes yes. So much of this is very nuanced – – the being boring the sharing too much is in the eyes of the reader me thanks – – but I think what has fallen by the wayside to a degree with new bloggers is taking the time to establish their demographic and figure out precisely what said demographic wants to read!

  2. Andria Perry

    Good information, especially ” who will see this and watch out what you say!”

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Andria,
      Thank you for commenting on last week’s article. I agree discretion is the sole of valor. What you put on the Internet is there forever.
      Janice

  3. Tracey

    All these are so true, I have seen each in the writings of others. I hope I avoid them on my blog! I just hate when people do not attribute properly. It shows no respect to the people that took the photos or made the artwork.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Tracey,
      Great to see you here. I always make a habit of linking to the creator of the article or image.
      Janice

    • Janice Wald

      Thanks Debby,
      Jetpack had an update, and all seems fine now. Thank you for writing to tell me.
      Janice

  4. Melinda Mitchell

    Hi BBFFJ,
    What does “This post was contributed.” mean?
    I think I have boring beat! I think so, anyway! lol
    I’m not ignoring the money side, just not ready to drive into that yet.
    BBFFM

    • Janice Wald

      Hi BBFFM,
      It means this was a guest post.
      BBFFM– you are DEFINITELY NOT BORING! You are too funny!
      BBFFJ

  5. Leanne

    It’s all about balance isn’t it Janice – sharing yourself but not oversharing, having images but using them in a way that makes sense, writing a decent amount but not overkilling with information – the list goes on. I love your helpful advice and hopefully I’m working on most of these areas 🙂

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Leanne,
      I love your articulate description of blogging. I agree with you. If I use your comments in a post, I will link to you.
      Janice

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Barrie,
      I just came from your hysterical blog. I am glad you enjoyed last week’s post about blogging pitfalls. Thanks for writing me and your visit to my blog.
      Janice

  6. Robin Khokhar

    Hi Janice,
    It’s always great to read your posts. And this time, also you have shared some of the important points.
    So, thanks for sharing.
    have a great weekend.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Robin,
      Thank you for the kind words about my posts. I’m glad you enjoyed the blogging pitfalls article. Thanks for writing to tell me.
      Janice

  7. Sara

    Janice, based on a list of fill in the blank headlines I tried using one with a popular celebrity name. It was a post about how this particular person markets her brand. Although it served its purpose, I’m not sure an entertainment celebrity was the best choice. In future posts, I will use ‘celebrities’ in my blogging genre.

    As Carla noted, many new bloggers don’t know who they are writing to. I think it takes a while to find your writing voice as well as find the readers that compliment you. It is a wise starting point for those who know the target for their blog’s intended purpose.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Sara,
      A long time ago , I read that if you put a celebrity in your headline, people will click it. I saw on another’s blog that it worked– there were SO many comments.
      I don’t know if I feel comfortable with sensationalism. Also, like you said, it might depend on your blogging niche if it’s even relevant/appropriate to do so.
      I also agree with Carla that discretion is important.
      Thanks for writing me.
      Janice

  8. Olivia Morris

    You have made some really important points that every blogger should take to heart. I appreciate you sharing your insights with the rest of us who are sometimes banging their collective heads against the proverbial wall. Thanks again.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Olivia,
      LOL. Hopefully, after reading my post(s), bloggers won’t be banging their collective heads against the wall as much anymore. Thanks for writing to tell me you found the pitfalls article valuable.
      Janice

  9. Jean

    Janice, I’ve been enjoying your posts since I discovered Blogger’s Pit Stop. Good points. When I see a blogger over-sharing, especially about their children, I wonder if the day will come when they regret that they can’t put that toothpaste back in the tube.

    • Janice Wald

      HI Jean,
      I love your metaphor about not being able to put the toothpaste back in the tube. My husband likes, “You can’t unring the bell.” Interestingly, of all the points in the post, the need for discretion seems to be the most commented on. Thanks for writing to tell me you agree with the tip.
      Janice

  10. Kathleen - Bloggers Lifestyle

    Good one Janice, love these blogging pitfalls to look for.

    Kathleen

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Kathleen,
      I’m glad you enjoyed the blogging pitfalls article. Thanks for writing to tell me.
      Janice

  11. Lucie

    Hi, Janice! We’ve been off the radar screen for quite awhile in the midst of the hurricane and when we finally got phone service back (still no power) the first thing that we did was to see what we had missed on your blog! Thanks for always keeping us informed with your great, helpful posts!!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Lucie,
      I am so touched by what you wrote, I told my husband. In the middle of a hurricane, you were thinking of ME! Boy am I flattered. Thankfully, you are alright. I’m sorry you had to go through that. I’m glad you are safe. Thank you for the kind words about my articles.
      Janice

  12. Julie Syl Pit Stop Crew

    Wow,

    Weighing in on other people’s issues can be a problem I see now. Although it is not something I have done before. So blogging like anything else worth doing does have pitfalls. I have been educated! thank you so very much Janice! Thanks for sharing at the Pit Stop and congs on being featured!

  13. osama gohar

    Yeah, blogging as it seems is not that easy.It can be sometimes a boring thing.Especially when typing a long post blogging do seems as a taxing job.But as the time passes many get used to this boring stuff and then don’t consider it as boring at all.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Osama,
      Great to hear from you and see you again thanks for writing. I try to write what interests me. If it’s on my editorial calendar, but it seems boring at the time, I switch topics, so I’m always interest in what I write. I can’t make it sound interesting if I’m not interested.
      Janice

  14. Joseph Chikeleze

    First time on your blog and I learn cool stuff about blogging.

    Am glad you posted this cool article about blogging downfall and how to avoid it

    Have a nice day!!!

  15. Gaurav

    Being too much money motivated and being bored are two of the biggest pitfalls which makes a blogger quit blogging after some time. People needs to understand that blogging is not just a work.

    People needs to understand that blogging is not just a work or job, it is a passion. If you just live for money but not for passion, then blogging is not for you.

    Thanks for all the points you have shared here.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Gaurav,
      Thanks for commenting on the article. I agree. I have a passion for blogging which is why I work so hard at it. Thanks for reminding us of that necessity.
      Janice

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