New arrivals to the blogosphere are guilty of these 5 Top Newbie Blogger Mistakes.
The more newbie bloggers I work with, the more I see these mistakes played out.
They’re not alone in this, though.
Even well-established bloggers make them.
In fact, I’d say that most bloggers struggling to achieve higher levels of success are struggling because they’ve still not mastered one or more of these 5 top newbie blogger mistakes.
So, let’s talk about what those 5 top newbie blogger mistakes are.
Blogger Mistake 1. Unrealistic Expectations
Most newbies have totally unrealistic expectations as to what a blogging business is all about.
They don’t plan their business properly, because they don’t even think of blogging as a business.
They think it’s just about writing a lot of things down and having people pay them for it… somehow.
Blogger Mistake 2: No Defined Purpose
Newbies often start blogging about topics in one niche, then decide to switch over to another one.
They might start writing valuable content on a topic, but then decide it’s better to start promoting a business opportunity instead.
So, they start using their blog to find prospects for that.
Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic
People sense that the newbie doesn’t really know what he/she is doing, so they don’t bother visiting their blog.
They’re right.
Failing to clearly define their purpose for blogging, these newbie bloggers are destined to crash and burn.
But make no mistake, even successful bloggers struggle with maintaining a clear purpose for their blog.
This struggle presents an ever present challenge for all bloggers.
Blogger Mistake 3. Monetization
Making a profit from blogging is a big stumbling block for newbie bloggers in two ways.
First, there are those newbies who have no idea how to monetize their blog, so they don’t even try.
They just go about blogging day after day, holding fast to their “blogging calendar” while doing little or nothing to optimize their blogs to pull in profits.
The second group does just the oposite.
They are determined from day one to “make money blogging.”
Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic
So while their content may be shallow and poorly written, they immediately put ad links and banners on their blogs right away.
The intention is for people to visit their blog, click links and earn them commissions.
The problem is, that if people don’t find compelling content, they won’t be visiting these blogs.
Blogger Mistake 4. Under-Delivery
Another way of framing this newbie blogger mistake is to say that they over-promise.
It’s two sides of the same coin.
If a blogger repeatedly promises to give value in their articles, but usually fall short, their reader base is sure to evaporate.
Whatever the stated purpose of your blog post is, you must deliver what you promise.
In fact, you must over-deliver.
Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic
If the title of your blog promises to show readers how to house break a puppy in 3 days, don’t fail to give them exactly that.
Newbie bloggers often craft or hack interesting titles (their “promise”) for their blog posts, but then only tell half the story or hint at the solutions to problems.
Blogger Mistake 5. Failure To Leverage Their Success
Newbie bloggers will often start building some success.
They write some interesting articles, attract an increasing number of visitors and start to build a little bit of an email list.
They have reached a point where they can start building on that success.
But they’re not quite sure how.
Even if they do, they don’t have the time or technical sophistication to implement those techniques.
Many newbie bloggers fail after some early success because they simply don’t know how to leverage it into something bigger, deeper and more substantial.
Remember, even highly accomplished, successful pro bloggers make these 5 top newbie blogger mistakes.
Where do you stand?
Are you a newbie, or have you been blogging for a while now?
Whatever level you’re at, I’d like to know if you are making any of these 5 top newbie blogger mistakes right now?
Please leave your comments below, and share this article on your social sites.
-Donna
Twitter: darrellharris41
August 23, 2016 at 9:32 pm #
Hello Donna
Great post! I Really some very insightful and informative points. When you hear every third blogger profess to be making 35,000 a month of course unrealistic expectations do happen. I ‘m guilty of monetizing my website early because an influencer in the Top 50 earning blogs suggested that on the money dummy blog and it has actually get me 4 clients. I try to learn from the influencers or basically bloggers who are experienced . But like when I ran restaurants some things you are going to have to learn and figure out on the fly. Again thanks for such a value-packed post and have a great day.
Darrell Harris recently posted..How to Make MONEY with Clickbank !
Hi Darrell,
Oh those people who like to throw dollar signs at us! Just because one person can do it, there is now way that it can be replicated because of so many factors. Followers, content, consistency….shall I go on?
However, we can pick up some ideas that are great and apply them. But when it comes down to it, we are the product and we have to run with our own individual needs.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Influencer Marketing To Grow Your Blog
Hi Donna. Useful tips not just for newbie bloggers, but even for seasoned bloggers who have lost track of why they got started with blogging in the first place. What I liked most is the bit about having a defined purpose. Posting pictures of your cute pets is fine and helps you connect with readers on a personal level, but you shouldn’t lose sight of what kind of post a regular reader expects when they drop by to check out your latest post. Thank you again for the gut check about why you are blogging.
Anand recently posted..The 5 Expert Ways to Nurture Leads & Increase Conversions
Hi Anad,
I like to share mistakes for the new as well as seasoned bloggers. It kind of pushes us to look in the “mirror” sometimes to realize if we are in the wrong direction, or maybe in a rut.
We must always keep in mind the purpose of our business, and even when we put a picture of a cute little cat up on social media…we have to keep connecting to others on a business level.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Law Of Attraction – My True Life Story
Twitter: isrimantaghosh
August 5, 2016 at 2:52 pm #
Hi Donna Merrill,
Really, these are the big and very common mistake every blogger does on their first step of blogging. Not ashamed to say, Also I did these mistakes and learning the actual blogging from those big mistakes still now. But, the first mistake Unrealistic Expectations? I did not think about it. At the very first stage of my blogging, just I wanted to create a site with my name. But now, I’m trying to build it as my business.
As I seen, Many of my friends left blogging when they were facing some critical problems on their blogs. But, Still now I am in this truck and doing blogging like a tortoise. I have never given up hope.
By the way, Please take a look at my latest post on ‘become a successful blogger’. Your valuable feedback will be highly appreciated.
Srimanta Ghsoh recently posted..Essential Tips to Become a Successful Blogger
Hi Srimanta,
Yes, I did take a look at your post. That’s the one habit I do. Before answering a comment I do go over to every commenter and read their posts first. It’s full of information.
Blogging takes time and if anyone ever tells you it is something quick they are either ignorant or trying to get you to do something. It is part of the whole of your business plan. This is why we need to keep track of our expectations. Are they real? Will we get the work done on time…that sort of thing.
Keep going and never give up.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Law Of Attraction – My True Life Story
Twitter: ikechiawazie
August 4, 2016 at 11:56 am #
Hi Donna
The worst thing for a blogger is to start without a plan. I have been there and you have to start all over.
The scariest thing to do on the blogosphere is never to take responsibility for your challenges and make a change. Instead you hold on to your beliefs and look for the Holy grail of making money with you blog.
Your points are spot on and thumbs up for this post. Take care
Hi Mitch,
I’m glad I got you thinking. It means I’m doing my job here lol. I do believe with the correct training before one pushes the publish button on their blog, a good way to monetize from the beginning would be cost effective. To me time is money.
I have worked with people to set up their blogs monetizing immediately. This means they have a clear knowledge of marketing and have the ability to have emails pre-written to any opt-in they get.
A blog is a part of the business model. If one knows how to give good content to others, while marketing and having a good sales funnel connected it sure works well.
Some people come into blogging thinking that is all they have to do, but that is only part of it. And yes, a very time-consuming job. If we manage our time smartly, instead of always being busy, things will work out fine. (I learned that one the hard way too)
As for selecting gigs…..think of this: If we select anything just to pay bills, we are not enjoying them as much as if we are selective. It is an energy magnet I see whenever I do that. I turn down tons of stuff and when I accept an offer that I will enjoy, others seem to follow. Call me crazy but I do believe this is how the universal law clicks. Just say’n.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: mitch_m
July 31, 2016 at 1:01 am #
Intriguing post. I’m going to talk about #3 & #5.
For #3, I go back and forth in my mind as to whether new bloggers should monetize early or not. On the one hand, if they don’t have a lot of content early on it might seem a bit ridiculous to do. On the other, it’s possible that with their first post what they’ve written or talked about is so compelling that they might be missing out on the opportunity to make money in some way.
This one’s tough because we’re never sure if the person getting into blogging has seen what others do or are making it up as they go along, which is what a lot of us did back in the day because we didn’t have anything to follow. With everything that’s out here now one would hope that new bloggers have done some reading first, tested their writing skills, and will make better decisions at the start than we did.
For #5… I think I fit in this category, even after all the years I’ve been blogging. I think that in the best years of blogging I had nothing but time, and then when I started to hit a peak I started getting a lot more contracts (since I’m a consultant) which pulled me away from all the time I used to be able to give my blog and my blog commenting. Then the Google animals came and… that was that. lol
I need to work on that because at some point it would be nice to be able to select the gigs I took based on how much I think I’ll like them instead of relying on them to pay my bills. So, once again, you’re making me think; now cut that out, especially since my last post is somewhat close to this one! lol
Mitch Mitchell recently posted..5 Things I’d Do Differently If I Was Starting Blogging Today
Twitter: yonderwillow
July 29, 2016 at 5:12 pm #
Hi Donna. I can definitely understand those mistakes. They are the same mistakes that a lot of people make when getting into any type of home-based business. I see it all the time in network marketing. People get caught up in the hype and don’t do the research. When you take a regular job with a company, hopefully you do at least a little bit of research – how long have they been in business, what do they do, how many employees, etc. When people start a business though, for some reason they don’t do any research and then find out too late that a business actually takes more work than a job. Who would have thought that?
The financial cost of entry is low but people don’t realize that there is always a cost. If the financial cost is low, then the time and effort cost has be high. If they researched first then they might still make those mistakes, but they won’t make them as severely as we see so often.
Ben recently posted..What Are Heart Healthy Foods?
Hi Ben,
Thank you for an amazing comment. I cam in with Network Marketing and yes…I got caught up in the hype and not the business at first. I did give it a try…and another try…but found out it just wasn’t a good fit for me.
Coming into network marketing can be great, but one must figure out the financial cost in the long run. I see too many looking at the sizzle and not the steak.
Thank you for this!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: mrsdeegee
July 28, 2016 at 1:15 pm #
Hi Donna,
In my mind, I keep going back to your post about your blog being your business card. That has made the most sense to me, and that’s how I use mine.
I’ll admit the technical stuff is my greatest weakness. Putting things together like funnels and certain types of pages and systems. How I’d love for everything to just be about the content – but I know it isn’t so.
Eventually, I’d love to just hire someone to do those things for me. Until then, it’s learn the long and slow way.
I think most of us make a lot of these mistakes – whether we’re new to this or not. But yes, you can easily tell who’s in it for the (quick) money and who isn’t.
Off to share 🙂
Dana recently posted..Lose Weight Quickly (or do it the right way)
Hi Dana,
It is so great to know you remember that blog post about your blog being your business card. I’m so happy that you use your blog that way. Why not? You are amazing.
To do marketing with the technical stuff such as putting sales funnels together and all that does take some learning or hiring to do. When you are ready you will know. But until then, keep writing your amazing content..It is helping so many people and attracts them to your business because you sure know what you are doing.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Hi Donna Mam,
I read this complete post and realize which mistake i did in starting of my blogging career so as per newbie you are right no define purpose is biggest mistake ever which done by bloggers and when they did not succeed so they quit blogging .
SO this is not good decision we must need to get rid our mistakes so thanks for sharing this awesome and helpful guide .
Hi Priya,
It is a good thing to bring up mistakes because it gets people to be aware of what they might be doing wrong. It can prevent a new person in the blogging arena to make the mistake as well as someone who has been at it for a while.
Thank you for coming by,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: kimseasok
July 28, 2016 at 2:19 am #
Donna, today I just came from Enstine’s blog and read your guest post then here.
You know?… when I read the title of this post, I complete fall in love with the topics. I don’t know why, but maybe it contain the word mistake. I love to learnt something related to mistakes that is why I did thousand mistakes. isn’t it?
You know? sometime, mistake is the most amazing thing in life because it always teaches what is wrong.
I remember, the first I start blogging I did one of your five mistakes. I don’t realize that blogging is a business hence I don’t prove to plan my business budget. I started with free CMS (Blogger) for almost till I realize something related to blogging.
Well, I don’t but it seem to me that you mistakes are the popular for newbie. I started with a niche then I though that it isn’t going to work for me thus I change to the other one. I switch from one to another until I could understand why doesn’t work.
You know?…I don’t expect the fast income from blogging thus I don’t care much about monetizing my blog. That’s awesome, I spent 3 years to make my first $25 income from blogging.
Thanks Good unless I don’t give up my work.
Kimsea Sok recently posted..How To Make The Most Of Your Email Marketing Campaign
Hi Kimsea,
Thank you for your wonderful honest feedback on this post. I too am attracted when I see the word “Mistake” because if someone is pointing that out, I know I will learn from them.
Here, are the most common for a newbie and with so many people starting their blog, especially those who are in it to monetize….I try to give them the best information I can so they will not make the mistakes I have and others do.
I am glad you didn’t give up with your blog. It takes some time to develop our unique niche and we have to factor that in. We can Never expect to make money as soon as we put a blog up.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: SakaneeJ
July 27, 2016 at 5:39 pm #
Hey Donna,
Grrrrreat post. 🙂
I’m pretty sure I made all these 5 mistakes when I was a newbie. Almost everybody without a coach or mentor probably does, huh?
Not really sure which is my biggest mistake, though.
I had impossible expectations. Friggen $10K per month in 3 months. haha
Or maybe it was my monetization method. Which was through ads.
haha I know, right…how the heck are you gonna make $10K with a newbie blog through ads?
Yeah. Anyway, I like the post, Donna.
I’ll give it a couple shares. 🙂
Cheers,
Julian
Julian Sakanee recently posted..How to Get Blog Traffic: 5 Methods That Actually Work
Hi Julian,
$10K a month? We all should be so lucky lol. Yep…there are many people who bought into that one. If we chase the dollar, we won’t get far from our focus to our content. We will only hear crickets.
I never chased the money, but rather made the huge mistake of helping someone else get rich. Then the moment of Duh? came to me. I started to hire a coach for this and a coach for that and here I am.
I like sharing mistakes because people can learn from them. They are our biggest lessons.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: Trench_Boxes
July 27, 2016 at 12:59 pm #
Hey Donna, checking out your blog from your guest post on another blog. Being a newbie to blogging is challenging to say the least and your post addressed so many issues I have been facing daily.
#1: Unrealistic expectations is my ailment.
Jeff Collins recently posted..How to Stack Trench Boxes
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for coming by and connecting.
As a newbie never get into those unrealistic expectations. I’ve checked your blog out and it is indeed niche specific which is fantastic!
Now…your job is to find people who purchase what you want to sell them. It is a job to do the research, but I would say that would be a great next step for you.
Try other bloggers, forums, etc. I’m sure you will find your way. But most of all know that it takes patience and persistence to get anywhere.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: roy_c4l
July 27, 2016 at 11:07 am #
Hi Donna,
Expectations are far away from reality. A greater chunk of new bloggers make the mistake of expecting a lot out of blogging based on the limited knowledge that they have.
When things don’t work out well, or start going south, they realize blogging is not as easy as it may sound.
Of course, making money is something that lures a lot of folks to get into blogging. Obviously, it dosen’t take a long time to figure out that’s it a difficut task to accomplish.
I have made similar mistakes in my early days as a blogger and can totally relate with this post Donna. We all learn from our mistakes, don’t we?
Well written post as always Donna. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good one!
~ Arpit Roy
Arpit Roy recently posted..Repurposing Content to Get More Traffic to Your Blog
Hi Arpit,
As long as we are learning from our mistakes, we are going in the right direction. Never give up! I’ve seen too many bloggers get frustrated because money didn’t roll in right away and they are gone like the wind.
On the other hand, I see many that hang in there and evolve. They eventually find what exactly fits to monetize their blogs.
It’s all a matter of educating ourselves, having a good sense of humor and laugh at our own mistakes, but learn from them and be consistent.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: atishranjan
July 27, 2016 at 7:01 am #
Hello Donna,
Newbies make a lot of msitakes, and that are what teach them!
Yes, mistakes are very important because you know things better after making mistakes.
However, we must learn from our mistakes. If you we don’t learn from the mistakes, then we won’t succeed for sure.
I have examples of newbies who come to me asking, how to make money?
They ask this question just after publishing their first post.
Blogging is something different, and in this, you have to work very hard to build traffic and audience, then think for monetization.
Liked the points you have added in the post.
Note: I made a mistake in the first line of this comment, and later I corrected in the second line. Just an example that we must learn from our mistakes and do better. :p 😛
Cheers!
Atish Ranjan recently posted..Introducing 24x7forum.com
Hi Atish,
The best part of sharing our mistakes with others is that they can have the option not to make them. I love when I hear how people bounce back after those little or big lessons we call mistakes.
We, as senior bloggers are responsible to be there for all those newbies coming in. Especially those that were told to slap a blog up and money will roll in. You know as well as I that it is an out and out lie.
Thanks for your input here
-Donna
P.S. Just read your last blog post about introducing the forum. I’m in!
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: atishranjan
July 28, 2016 at 2:47 pm #
Great that you have joined, Donna.
I have activated your account already. You can now login. 🙂
Have a nice day ahead.
Thanks!
Atish Ranjan recently posted..8 Best Free Ad Blocker Software To Block Ads In Your Browsers
Atish,
A few of my friends have seen it and are on their way over.
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: atishranjan
July 29, 2016 at 10:34 am #
Yes, I can see many of your friends joining in. Thanks for the big help, Donna.
You are a great friend.
Atish Ranjan recently posted..8 Best Free Ad Blocker Software To Block Ads In Your Browsers
Twitter: harleenas
July 27, 2016 at 3:08 am #
Hi Donna,
You nailed it with this one!
Yes indeed, most newbies have unrealistic expectations when they start blogging, perhaps because they have been following some pros and feel they can achieve success overnight as well! There is no chalked out plan, nor any defined purpose, which often leads to calling it quits, even without giving it your full.
Your #3 is SO true! Yes, we do such bloggers in the blogosphere and perhaps have gone through that phase initially ourselves also, but we need to be quick to learn the ways and not solely depend on our blog for making money, till we are all ready- from all aspects.
I think newbies or veterans, both can take away so much from this post. Thanks for sharing it with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..How to Build a Rock Solid Relationship Your Heart will Love
Hi Harleena,
Unfortunately many newbies and even some out there that have been blogging have unrealistic expectations. I do find they all have one thing in common: A false promise from someone with a fancy car and a large home that tells them that if they do everything like him/her…they can have that too.
Well as you and I both know, that is leading people to a black hat type of marketing. I coach people and companies and each one is unique. Everyone has a unique purpose and way of marketing and communicating. The fist step is to dig down to find that.
Then there can be one way or another to monetize. There are so many variables we cannot play follow-the-leader, but rather take information and see if it is compatible for us. If so, roll up your sleeves and start getting to work.
Thanks for your awesome comment,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: enstinemuki
July 26, 2016 at 6:39 pm #
Hey Donna,
When I started blogging in the month of August 2012, I didn’t even know where I was going. That was my mistake.
I already had connections with some top bloggers around through the platform I was running. While I got one of the worst advice I ever got (Never to get into blogging), I gave it deaf ears, started a blog with no clearly defined plan.
I didn’t have a coach!
Error!
If newbies can get a coach from their very inception, they will surely avoid these are many more silly mistakes.
I highly recommend any newbie reading this post to consider highly you so as to avoid these errors.
Good luck my dear and do have a wonderful week ahead
Enstine Muki recently posted..4 Blog Commenting Tips to Make Your Campaign Pop
Hi Enstine,
I’ve heard all the nay sayers about starting a blog too when I first began but paid no attention. I always seem to find people that shout out the loudest, telling us negative things are those that haven’t walked the path or even worse….tried something and didn’t give it any time.
All those mistakes I love to share because it takes time to develop without a coach and time is money! Indeed if one is a newbie…get a coach because they will help you fine tune your purpose and focus and make you be accountable.
Enjoy your week too!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: cheryschmidt
July 26, 2016 at 4:46 pm #
Hello Donna, As many of us I too came into blogging with totally unrealistic expectations, Yikes! There is so much HYPE out there HUH? I too have made each of these mistakes you mentioned and love all your advice!
Yeppers still in the learning mode my friend! And Thanks Goodness, it does get easier thanks to bloggers like you!
Thanks for sharing.
Chery :))
Chery Schmidt recently posted..Work Hard Or Work Smart To Succeed Online?
Hi Chery,
Oh all those mistakes we all made in the early days. But the good thing is we can write or talk about them to others, so they won’t have to walk the same path.
When it comes to learning mode, I don’t think I’ll ever stop….I just love it!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: coachtocoachguy
July 26, 2016 at 4:18 pm #
So very well said and delivered as usual Donna!LOL!
In fact,your overall premise, reminds me of the words to a classic
song, “Killing me softly!!LOL!
Oh yes, it wasn’t so long ago, I continually made, twice that
many blogging mistakes Coach!
That is, until I discovered several reputable experts such as yourself!LOL!
The mountain is a whole lot easier to climb, when you’ve got the guidance
of proven experts, to help you along the way!
Thanks coach!I remember just how downright frustrating, not
knowing or understanding why certain things keep happening
over and over!
While other more desirable things don’t!LOL!
Mark recently posted..How A Lot Of Smart Entrepreneurs Don’t Properly Leverage The Internet!
Twitter: iSameerJoshi
July 26, 2016 at 11:53 am #
Hi Donna,
Awesome post! You totally hit the nail on the head. And I’ll be totally honest: I’ve made these exact 5 mistakes (maybe even more) when I started off. And I’m guilty of falling into the trap of the one or the other mistake mentioned in your post – I guess most of us are.
I guess leveraging the success (big or small) is such a key point. Many bloggers experience this success, but don’t have a guide or coach or mentor to show them the way. Often, this is EXACTLY why many who give up do give up.
Great post, as usual, Donna. Thanks so much!
Sameer
Twitter: ryanbiddulph
July 26, 2016 at 10:28 am #
Hi Donna,
Goodness gracious I made all 5 mistakes as a newbie.
The under delivering one was big, but the non-money-blogger and desperate I NEED PROFITS blogger were 2 roles I played, Jekyl and Hyde style, 8 years ago. And a few years beyond that.
I kinda got by these mistakes by moving away from the “meal ticket mentality” I suffered from. Meaning, I blogged primarily to get enough money for the day, to eat, since I had little money to my name.
I eventually blogged to have fun, to express myself freely, and then I went deeper; I held those intents while genuinely intending to help folks….no holding back.
Now I do more of a “the rest of the story” type posting deal. Like, I’ll broach a topic, that many bloggers cover well, and I’ll go even deeper, with heavy linking, mentioning other bloggers and resources, diving into “the rest of the story” that most bloggers save gurus like Jon Morrow and Neil Patel don’t really visit.
My posts are not quite as meaty but they do offer some sick (good) substance and help folks a ton, as I lay things out more step by step, soup to nuts style, so bloggers won’t need to explore a ton more after reading my post to get their solution….or, they may not need to explore any more.
Donna, awesome post with some stupid hurtful pain points here. Well done and thanks so much for sharing.
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..7 Practical Tips for Marketing Your Blog the Right Way
Hi Ryan,
I knew you when…. lol Yea I remember that guy blogging for a few bucks. But I also remember the cocoon you went in, which was quite spiritual, and came out to be the genuine fun, helpful person you are now.
I also was in awe when you were writing books like crazy! You sure got the hang of it all and in essence it is all about having fun.
What else is there in life? If we are not having a blast, why would we be here? Yes, money is important but when we hit a point of knowledge deep inside, we know that it just will follow us easily. Abundance only flows when we are out there marketing with other’s in mind.
It’s part of a universal law. And yes…we can want more..nothing wrong with that. But we also have to ask the huge question to ourselves as our business grows and that is: “What can we do for others?” I have my stuff I do and that is the fulfillment of the business I do. I know you are on the same page.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: kim_willis
July 26, 2016 at 10:09 am #
Hi Donna,
I think I’ve been guilty of all of these mistakes (I’d rather call them ‘learning experiences’), and a bunch more besides.
Most bloggers have unrealistic expectations. They somehow think the money will flow like wine. You and I know that doesn’t happen. And compounding the problem is a lack of clarity about monetization. This is huge – a sometimes complex topic with many possibilities and options.
Anyway, I think the notion of ‘making money from a blog’ without extra curricular activities to support the blog, is a bit of a lame concept.
Great post, Donna
Kim
Kim Willis recently posted..8 Simple Ways to Stay Motivated in Your Home Business
Hi Kim,
If one comes into the marketplace thinking they will put up a blog without any knowledge of marketing and make money, it just isn’t going to happen.
There will be mistakes and yes, they are our biggest learning curves. But when people think “make money blogging” there is so much to it. Especially if they are new and following no one. Or, are part of a network marketing business that promises to teach, but doesn’t do it for what is best for the individual.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: SMITdebtb
July 25, 2016 at 11:26 pm #
A great post and list Donna, for all of us to keep in mind. I think that these things can happen to any of us anywhere down the road if we aren’t paying attention. That’s why I think having a plan in place is crucial. That way we keep our goals, purpose, and target audience right in front of our face each day to remind us why we are blogging!
My blog is just about ready for monetizing. I haven’t done this in awhile so I have to add that next level to my plan. Monetizing, ads, search engines, marketing programs — all ever changing and each type isn’t a great fit for every type of business or business plan.
Newbies do need realistic expectations or else all the rest of it will go nowhere. They will give up before they’ve even started by being overwhelmed or not getting the results they thought they’d get.
Deborah
Deborah A. Ten Brink recently posted..Weakness of Attention, Poverty of Imagination – My Journey
Hi Deborah,
You raise a great issue. Each type of marketing and monetizing plans are ever changing and each one isn’t one size fits all.
Newbies as well as seasoned people out here do need to do their homework before spending wasted money. I still do lol. The more a business grows, the more it will need to get results.
Love that input
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: ravichahar27
July 25, 2016 at 10:36 pm #
Hey Donna,
We all are human beings and do mistakes. But when it comes to the newbies in the field of blogging then people should take care oof many things.
Most of the bloggers don’t even have an idea about blogging. They should have a clear vision.
Monetizing is something hard for beginners. They need to learn about the process.
Thanks for this wonderful article.
Have a great day.
~Ravi
Ravi Chahar recently posted..How To Add Favicon In WordPress Site From Admin Panel?
Hi Ravi,
I know that newbie pain so well because I was in that spot when I started. A clear vision of what one wants to achieve and marketing plans are essential for a blogger to monetize.
Nothing comes easy, but it is worth someone going over your work that has done it than getting lost all by yourself.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: BaksiPriyam
July 25, 2016 at 10:21 pm #
At first, a Great article, obviously,
And second, it’s absolutely valid and I also saw likewise, that bloggers who are barely new in blogging, often trip through niches to pull in more guests, yet they don’t understand it can demolish their blog’s categorization online.
Anyway, much obliged for sharing this astonishing piece.
Priyam Baksi recently posted..How to Make Your Readers Dream About Your Blog in Broad Daylight
Hi Priyam,
There are so many new bloggers per day coming in its crazy! I can see the many mistakes they are making as I browse through some of them. I also see it with seasoned bloggers that are jumpers. What I mean by that is that they will jump from one niche to another and reading their posts are confusing.
Thanks so much,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel
Twitter: msellithorpe
July 25, 2016 at 10:06 pm #
Hi Donna,
I know I’ve went through each one of these. I still sometimes think it’s too early to try and monetize my blog, so much that I think I probably may have lost some sales.
I am definitely seeing a difference since I’ve finally found my focus but I see every day as a new day to improve on things.
Have a great week.
Hi Monna,
Every day IS a new day to improve on things. That is the attitude we all have to take.
These “mistakes” are quite common, but as long as we learn from them and move forward, the better we become.
When it comes to monetizing our blogs, it does take a lot of marketing know-how. Not an easy task, but it sure can be done. I still hire mentors along that path myself. It is always great to have an unbiased person review our work and help us spiff things up.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Blogs That Rank High On Google Search
Twitter: leadingedgeadv
July 25, 2016 at 6:33 pm #
Hi Donna,
I was a victim of the first one for sure. My expectations were way off. I think it came from falling for the whole idea of if you build it they will come. I thought just because my blog existed people would somehow magically find it, rather quickly at that. I knew marketing would help but didn’t think my blog would be such a ghost town without it.
~Lea
Lea Bullen recently posted..Get Unstuck: 8 Things You Need to Do Each Day for Your Future
Hi Lea,
Isn’t it amazing how we can look back and resonate with our mistakes? This is why I just had to write about this topic not only for newbies, but also for those of us who have been around for a while.
We can share our experiences here for others to learn from so they won’t do the same thing as we did.
My expectations were way off too by the same as yours.
Thanks for your input.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Blogs That Rank High On Google Search
Twitter: marquitaherald
July 25, 2016 at 5:17 pm #
Your list of newbie mistakes sounds all too familiar, and I agree with another reader that most of us have made them at one time or another. As a reader, I can say, without doubt, that underdelivering is a real turn off for me and it’s one of the reasons I so seldom subscribe to a list anymore. As a writer, identifying and focusing on my target audience is paramount. It’s quite a feeling of freedom to get to the point of accepting that your audience isn’t “everybody”. Thanks for the inspiration!
Marquita Herald recently posted..Reflections on the Power of a Willing Heart
Hi Marquita,
Those newbie mistakes….I’ve made them myself and it is so familiar. But..as long as we can remember them and pass our mistakes on to others so they won’t go down that “rabbit hole” It is a great share to newbies as well as some seasoned bloggers.
Focusing on your target audience is paramount. Once we accept that it isn’t everyone it sure gives us that great feeling.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Blogs That Rank High On Google Search
Twitter: joyhealey
July 25, 2016 at 4:24 pm #
Hi Donna,
I came into blogging with totally unrealistic expectations – fuelled by hypey offers and promises. It took me a long time to realise that I wasn’t the only one not making a fortune out of blogging!
My first blog was total rubbish – now dumped into oblivion (phew) and I’ve had various subsequent stages, each hopefully getting a little better along the way.
Yes, I’ve switched and swapped direction quite a lot – but have learned at each stage.
I struggled really badly with the technical aspects for a long time because I kept getting hacked and moving hosts and it was all so terrible that I couldn’t find time to concentrate on anything but technical problems – I run my blogging business part-time alongside a full-time offline business.
Earlier this year I got my technical problems sorted and I’ve been so much happier about “things” since then, and can really concentrate on fixing my mistakes and focussing on a target audience and better monetization methods.
Joy – Blogging After Dark
Joy Healey recently posted..How To Make Good Decisions As An Entrepreneur
Hi Joy,
Thanks so much for your input here. It illustrates what most of us do when we start. We kind of feel our way around until something “hits” us and we go on that path.
Doing this business part time as you do is difficult. The technical part of it all can drive one crazy – I know I won’t touch it….rather outsource it to trusted people and/or services. If I had to do it all alone, I would be writing my 10th blog lol.
There will always be mistakes along the way, but as long as we learn from them, move on and like you, focus on your target audience and better monetization methods we all will be much happier about things.
Thanks again!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Blogs That Rank High On Google Search
Twitter: corinnekerston
July 25, 2016 at 3:07 pm #
Hi Donna, I think your top 5 are spot on. I do think the many posts and courses out there with promises of getting thousands or subscribers in a month, or make thousands with your blog perpetuate the unrealistic expectations.
Beyond that, I think not having a well-defined purpose, as well as knowing your unique value and what makes you different, is probably one of the biggest mistakes. So many bloggers flounder around not knowing exactly what they’re doing or who they’re doing it for (I made this mistake FOR. YEARS!) it’s a huge time and money waster.
Even now, I still remind myself of what my big message is every time I write a blog post. It really helps to make sure everything I write is for my target audience, but also because it can be really easy to lose focus and derail! Especially when you see such awesome blog posts out there and want to cover a similar topic.Or maybe I just have no attention span …. which is totally plausible 🙂
have a great week Donna!
Corinne Kerston recently posted..21 Days to a Better Blog: Take the Challenge!
Hi Corinne,
One in the blogging world for a while would think that those empty promises of getting thousands of subscribers or worse…make money fast would have gone away. But no, they are still out there unfortunately.
Even the most advanced blogger has to still remind themselves of that big message every time we write a post…I do lol.
I try to set up themes during the week, and then spread it out over the months ahead. I may not always work, but at least I’m on track. We have to keep ourselves tuned in to our target audience.
Blogging is not an easy task if one really wants to do it as part of their business plan. It does work, but there is so much to learn before spewing out content.
Thanks for your lovely comment.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Blogs That Rank High On Google Search
Hi Bren,
It i so true! So many people come into the blogging world without thinking anything through. But usually its not their fault, many were told by others about a get rich quick scheme, or some other mis directed guidance.
You are right…Newbie or Veteran, we all go through periods of this in one way or another.
Happy Monday to you!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Blogs That Rank High On Google Search
Twitter: Virtual_Bren
July 25, 2016 at 12:15 pm #
Hi Donna,
I think a lot of newbies are blinded by the thought of blogging and making money and don’t thoroughly think the entire process through. You nailed it on the head so much that it took me back to my beginning. Newbie or Veteran, I think we all go through periods of this.
Thank you for writing this. Passing it along. Happy Monday!
B
Bren Pace recently posted..3 Ways To Find Humor in the Challenges of Aging