If you have just introduced to the domain of blogging or if you have been blogging for a short time and discover that things are not working out as you awaited, it will be valuable your while to drop some time understanding the frequent mistakes that bloggers make, errors that make it hard to love what should be an enjoyable, satisfying experience: Blogging!

The five most common new blogger mistakes are:

1. Diving in!

Many bloggers are so nervous to get rolling that they dive in rather than wading in slowly — its a mistake in an unfamiliar swimming pool or pond and its a mistake when entering a new domain such as the ‘blogosphere.’ Consider these things before you start your Blog:

2. Determine a focus for your blog . . .

a focus that reflects what you know, what interests you and what you enjoy talking and writing about. No topics are sideline: politics, religion, science, sexual orientations, comedy, exercise, diet, diseases, etc., etc..

Take the time to read dozens of different blogs: note the colors, graphics and layouts to get an idea of what appeals to you. Also note that some bloggers are tedious and others are brief and to the point . . . others are just chatty and entertaining and have no particular point to make . . . this too is a personal style you get to choose.

You may or may not want to use your real name on your blog, this depends on many factors, not the least of which is your stance on controversial issues and how publicly you want to be identified with your opinions.
3. Unrealistic expectations!

If you come to blogging awaiting instant results: a big readership and many favourable comments, you may be frustrated. There are tens of thousands of blogs online competing for the same audience. Patience and tenacity are essential on your part. If you write well, find a unique niche to fill, have attracting titles for your posts and tirelessly promote your blog the readership and comments (some of which will be complimentary) will come.

4. Plagiarizing!

There are some great bloggers out there and as you browse through blogs you might find one who said something really good, something that resonated with you and something you want to put in your blog. DON’T just replicate and paste someone’s words in your blog without giving them credit, making it look to the world like the words are yours. If you write it, write it in your own words and write it better, bringing your own thoughts and feelings and then be gracious, mention where you got the idea and provide a link.

5. Ignoring the reader!

Some of the people who read your blog will leave comments; some readers will accord with you and some readers may even praise your insights but most will pick a point you’ve made and criticize it. People leave comments on others blogs for the same reason they themselves blog, to exchange ideas and express their points of view. Always reply to your readers comments; thank them for reading and taking the time to comment (even the severe critics) and then answer, as appropriate, to their comment. If you ignore your comments your readers may end up ignoring your blog.