They're "JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU"-- Common Barriers to Blog Success...

Most Bloggers come on the scene with the best of intentions. And regardless to our niche or knowledge base, we typically have one thing in common: to connect with our audience and enjoy a degree of popularity. True?
(To be appreciated would also be a plus).

Though some won't fess up to this, why else would we go "public" with our "penned" thoughts and actions, and display our creative works before "virtual" strangers.
Pun intended.;-)

Still, some Bloggers experience slow growth, little interaction from readers, and unknowingly sabotage their success. They unfortunately toil in vain by committing the following blogging blunders.

How many are you guilty of?

1. Not maintaining the right Blogging frequency.
For far too many it seems to be feast or famine. Either they post every blue moon, or you hear from them more than your relatives! A good rule of thumb is to post no less than once a week, and no more than 3 times a week. Though it also depends upon the nature and purpose of your Blog. And word to the wise: If you're going to take an extended leave, for whatever reason, post it to your site, so readers won't have to bounce back and forth trying to guess the appointed time that you'll re-enter the Blogging world.

2. Not responding to readers' comments.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't care how big of a "hot-shot" you are, if I post a comment to your site twice with no feedback, I'll be giving you the "silent treatment" in the future. That is, unless you have hundreds of comments that you receive and it becomes impractical and time consuming to address each one. We should all be so lucky. ;-)

3. Failing to study and learn from successful Blogs.
No doubt about it: Blogging is not rocket science. But, it still involves certain tools and techniques to do it well. Think about it. Though there are millions of Blogs in the Blogosphere, routinely you'll see the same dozen or so to receive recognition and top the popular Blogs lists time after time.

4. Not providing enough take-away value for readers to take away.
Whether your Blog is designed to educate or entertain, readers should come away with a lesson, reflection, or a laugh.

5. Going off on the deep edge, or not staying on topic.
Though there are different schools of thought here, I think that most people like to go to a Blog knowing what to expect. How about you?
Of course, this is not to suggest that you can't add different topics now and then; especially if you can tie it into your Blog's theme. But, by and large, you should have an identifiable "topic" and stick to it like Velcro.

6. Not having a unique voice in the Blogoshpere.
I've said this before, but it bears repeating. If you want to be relevant and remembered, your style, voice and approach to blogging must stand out amid the chatter.

7. Poor grammar or inappropriate language.
This can serve as an eye-sore for some.


Agree or disagree? Did I miss anything?


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