10 Blogging Mistakes to Avoid When You’re Just Starting Out [2025]
Blogging has been the most incredibly rewarding and challenging journey of my life. It has allowed me to share my thoughts and ideas with the world, connect with like-minded individuals, and even make a living doing what I love.
When I first dove into the world of blogging, I thought it was just about writing great content and hitting “publish.” Fast forward to today—blogging has become my full-time income, and I’ve learned that it’s SO MUCH more than that.
Starting out, I made plenty of mistakes that hindered my progress and growth as a blogger and business owner (yes, your blog can be a business).
That’s why I’m sharing the 10 biggest blogging mistakes I made when I was just starting out, so you can avoid making them yourself and fast-track your success.
Whether you’re dreaming of turning your blog into a thriving online business or simply want to share your passions with the world, avoiding these common pitfalls will save you time and frustration, and help you grow faster.
Let’s go! 🚀
Mistake #1: Not Defining Your Target Audience
When I first started blogging, I made the mistake of thinking I could write for everyone. Spoiler alert: trying to appeal to the masses means you end up resonating with no one.
This is one of the biggest mistakes amateur bloggers make, and it can significantly slow your progress.
“If you try to write for everyone, you’ll end up writing for no one.”
Understanding your target audience is necessary for creating content that truly connects. If you’re writing blog posts that speak directly to the needs, interests, and challenges of a specific group of people, you’ll not only build a loyal readership but also see better results in search engines and overall engagement.
Aim to create content that resonates with your audience, solves their problems, and keeps them coming back for more.
Take the time to understand who your ideal reader is, their interests, pain points, and how you can help them. This will not only help you create better content but also attract the right readership.
Unfortunately, new bloggers often skip this step, thinking it’s not necessary when they’re just starting out.
But defining who you’re writing for from the get-go will help guide your content creation, social media strategy, and even how you build your email list (more on that later).
No matter if you’re focused on simply sharing a passion or something more serious like turning your blog into a business, knowing your audience inside and out is key to attracting the right people and growing your blog in the right direction.
So, how do you define your target audience? Start by asking yourself questions like:
Once you get clear on that, every piece of blog content you create will have more impact—and you’ll avoid one of the most common blogging mistakes that keep people stuck in the early stages for a long time.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Mistake #2: Not Investing in Your Blogging Business
I get it—when you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to go the free route. If you’re anything like I was, you’re likely working with a tight budget.
However, investing in your blogging business is a must if you want to see growth and success in the long run.
This doesn’t mean you need to break the bank, but it does mean that you should be willing to invest time, money, and effort into growing your blog.
The bottom line is that if you want to take your blog to the next level, there comes a point where you have to treat it like a business—and that means investing in it.
First and foremost, invest in your education. Take online courses or workshops to learn about blogging strategies, SEO techniques, and any other skills that will help you create high-quality content and attract more readers (there’s lots of great free content on YouTube to help you accomplish this so the primary initial investment here could just be your time).
Next, consider investing in tools or resources that will make your life as a blogger easier.
For example, a self-hosted blog is one of the most important investments you can make. Free blogging platforms may get you started, but they often lack the customization, control, and features you need to grow.
A self-hosted WordPress blog gives you complete control over your site, from the domain name to the design, and it looks far more professional to potential customers or readers.
Pair that with a premium theme and a good hosting provider, and you’re already setting yourself up for success.
Beyond hosting, there are other tools worth investing in. Keyword research tools, like RankIQ or Keysearch, can help you target specific topics and improve your search engine optimization (SEO).
Related: Is RankIQ Worth It? My Honest Review of This Popular SEO Tool
These tools provide valuable information on what people are searching for and help you optimize your blog posts to show up higher in search results. This leads to more traffic, which, let’s be honest, is what every blogger wants.
The good news? These investments don’t have to cost a fortune. Many of the best tools for bloggers offer affordable options that are designed for beginner bloggers.
Related: 40+ Best Blog Tools and Resources to Explode Your Blog Growth
Mistake #3: Ignoring Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
I know there’s currently a lot of debate about the value of SEO post-Google’s most recent algorithm updates, but trust me, SEO still matters.
While it’s true that some bloggers have recently seen their traffic take a hit, that doesn’t mean you should ignore the power of proper search engine optimization.
Focusing on SEO best practices is still a great way to get your blog posts noticed by search engines and drive consistent traffic.
So, what exactly is SEO, and how do you make sure you’re doing it right?
At its core, SEO is all about helping search engines understand what your content is about so they can show it to people searching for relevant topics. This is crucial because most people use search engines like Google to find information online.
Without it, your blog might not show up in search results at all or be buried on page 10 where no one will ever see it.
And let’s face it, few people have the time or patience to scroll through multiple pages of results. So page 1 is where you want to be!
So how else can you improve your SEO as a blogger? Here are a few tips:
Mistake #4: Choosing a Free Domain Name and Hosting Provider
At first glance, free hosting and domain options can look appealing, but they often come with major limitations that could seriously hinder your blog’s future growth.
Unfortunately, it’s one of the most common amateur blogger mistakes—and it can impact your credibility and online presence in ways you might not expect.
When you use a free domain (like myblogname.weebly.com or myblogname.wordpress.com), it signals to readers—and potential customers—that your blog isn’t a serious business.
Free platforms also often come with limitations on customization, control, resources, and even monetization. If your goal is to turn your blog into a money-making venture, using a free platform isn’t the best option.
For serious bloggers who want full control and the best platform for growth, a self-hosted WordPress blog on WordPress.org is the way to go.
Unlike WordPress.com, which limits your control and flexibility, WordPress.org allows you to fully customize your blog, monetize with affiliate links or ads, and have full control over your site.
This flexibility is crucial if you’re planning to grow your blog into an online business.
I only recommend WordPress. Platforms like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace may seem easier at first, but they simply don’t offer the same level of control and scalability that WordPress does.
When you invest in a self-hosted blog, you’re also investing in your blog’s credibility and long-term success. A custom domain name looks professional, and you can choose a reliable hosting provider that meets your needs for security, speed, and user experience.
Plus, you’ll have access to premium themes, powerful tools like email marketing plugins, and essential features like an SSL certificate to keep your blog secure and trustworthy.
WordPress.org software is free but you’ll need to invest in a paid domain name and reliable hosting provider.
If you’re a newbie blogger, I recommend Bluehost. If you sign up right now through my link, you get a special discount of 75% off a year of hosting at just $1.99/month, plus a free domain for the first year!
And it also comes with the suggested version of WordPress pre-installed.
This exclusive offer is perfect for beginners who want to start blogging without a huge upfront investment.
As your blog grows, or if you decide that blogging is something you want to stick with long-term, you can always upgrade to a more premium host like BigScoots later if and when your needs expand.
Premium hosting options usually come with better features and support and allow you to create a faster, more secure website that is easier for search engines to crawl too.
Your blog deserves the best platform to help it grow, and WordPress is hands-down the best choice if you want to make money and build a lasting online presence.
Mistake #5: Not Building an Email List From the Start
One of the most common mistakes new bloggers make is waiting too long to focus on building an email list. I was guilty of this one myself. 🙋🏾♀️
You might think it’s not that important in the beginning, but trust me—your email list will become one of the most powerful tools for growing your blog.
Unlike social media platforms or even Google, where algorithms constantly change and your reach can be limited at any time, your email list is something you own and control.
It gives you direct access to your readers and enables you to connect with them more personally, share updates, and promote content, products, or services with a higher chance of engagement. It’s one of the best ways to build a loyal community around your blog.
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry—getting started with list building doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to help you kick off:
Now, I’m not saying to start your email list on Day 1, but certainly don’t wait as long as I did before starting one (I waited over a year 😩).
Start as soon as you have a decent amount of content on your blog.
That way, when people are interested in what you’re saying, they can easily subscribe and stay updated with your latest posts.
Once you begin to build your list, you should also get in the habit of regularly engaging with your email subscribers.
Occasionally send out newsletters or updates about your blog and ask for their feedback or suggestions. This will not only help you build a stronger relationship with your audience, it will also give you valuable insights into what they want to see.
Trust me, the earlier you start your email list, the more you’ll thank yourself later! 💌
Mistake #6: Ignoring Pinterest
Many new bloggers overlook Pinterest, thinking it’s just another social media platform—but the truth is Pinterest is actually a super powerful search engine for blog traffic.
And when used correctly, it can drive consistent, long-term traffic to your blog in ways that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook simply can’t.
At the time I successfully applied to and was accepted into the Mediavine Ad Network (a goal many bloggers strive for), about 50% of my traffic came from Pinterest, and the other 50% from search engines.
Pinterest played a major role in helping me reach Mediavine’s 50,000 sessions requirement, and even now, with Google’s algorithm changes, Pinterest continues to be my saving grace.
In fact, my leading traffic source these days tends to be Pinterest, with it often picking up the slack when Google gets a little wacky.
This is why it’s so important to diversify your traffic sources—and Pinterest is one of the best ways to do it.
While social media traffic can be temporary and fleeting, a solid Pinterest strategy can deliver reliable traffic month after month.
One of the best courses I’ve found for mastering Pinterest is Pinteresting Strategies 2025 online course by Carly Campbell. I’ve tried a few different Pinterest courses, and this one has been the most affordable and effective.
In addition to the low cost, another major plus is that the course is kept updated as things change. I wholeheartedly recommend Pinteresting Strategies for beginner bloggers on a budget.
Using the strategies I’ve learned from this course, my Pinterest traffic continues to grow month after month, and it’s been a game-changer for my blog’s success.
So, if you’ve been sleeping on Pinterest, it’s time to wake up! ⏰😄
Mistake #7: Publishing Inconsistent or Low-Quality Content
As a blogger, your content is your product. And just like any other product, it needs to be high-quality and consistent to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
When you’re new to blogging, it’s tempting to focus on quantity—pumping out as many posts as possible in an attempt to grow your blog quickly. But the reality is that quality matters more than quantity.
It’s better to publish fewer high-quality posts than to push out a ton of content that doesn’t add value. (P.S. If you’re taking what you think is a long time to write a post, don’t worry. From my own personal experience, as your writing skills improve, you’ll get faster. 😉)
Plus, publishing weak or low-quality posts that don’t engage your readers can actually harm your blogging journey in the long run.
Not only will low-quality content keep readers from coming back, it also makes it harder to monetize your blog.
Networks like Mediavine and Raptive list high-quality, original content among their requirements for bloggers looking to join their premium ad networks.
So if your goal is to turn your blog into a successful income stream, it’s important to focus on content that adds value for your readers, answers their questions, or solves their problems.
One way you can avoid this pitfall is to create a content calendar.
Planning out your blog posts in advance ensures you have a consistent publishing schedule without sacrificing quality.
Instead of scrambling to post something just to hit some arbitrary deadline, you’ll have time to create well-researched, thoughtful, and helpful content.
This will not only improve the quality of your content but also help you build trust with your readers by showing them that you are committed to providing value.
Focus on writing posts that dive into a specific topic your readers care about. Try creating a few posts on the topic before moving on to the next topic or category.
This helps you create strong content pillars on your site—posts that cover the main topics your blog is known for—and establishes you as an authority on those subjects, both in the eyes of Google and your readers.
This will keep readers engaged and also boost your blog’s credibility to help you rank higher in search engine results.
Another important aspect of creating high-quality content is editing and proofreading. Always take the time to review your posts multiple times before publishing them.
Check for spelling and grammar errors, make sure your ideas flow logically, and add any additional information or resources that can enhance the reader’s experience.
💡Tip: I usually read my posts out loud before I hit publish, to ensure everything sounds natural and conversational.
Building a successful blog takes time and hard work, but high-quality content is one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox.
Prioritize it from the start, and you’ll be in the right place to grow and monetize your blog in the future.
You might also like: Should You Start a Blog? 18 Reasons Why It’s Still Worth It!
Mistake #8: Neglecting User Experience and Mobile Optimization
Most of your readers will be browsing your blog on their mobile devices. That’s why it’s absolutely crucial to ensure your blog is not only visually appealing but also mobile-friendly.
If your blog doesn’t load properly on a phone or tablet, or if it’s difficult to navigate, you’ll lose readers quickly—and they probably won’t come back.
Many amateur bloggers make the mistake of focusing solely on how their blog looks on desktop without realizing how much traffic they’re missing by ignoring mobile optimization.
This also affects your blog’s load speed, which is a key factor in user experience.
If your blog takes too long to load, people are likely to leave before they even get a chance to see your content.
Plus, search engines like Google take load speed and mobile responsiveness into account when determining how to rank your blog in search results.
One of the best ways to ensure your blog is optimized for mobile is to choose a theme that’s designed with speed and responsiveness in mind.
I personally use and love Kadence themes for their fast load times, excellent mobile responsiveness, and easy customization options. Even their free themes are a great place to start.
A well-optimized theme not only enhances the user experience but also helps you create a professional-looking blog that works seamlessly across all devices.
To avoid missing out on mobile traffic, always test your blog’s performance on mobile devices and make sure it’s easy to navigate. Ensure that images and text scale properly, links and buttons are clickable, and your content loads quickly.
If your blog doesn’t perform well on mobile, you’re leaving traffic (and potential income) on the table. 💸
Mistake #9: Forgetting to Include Legal Pages
Another critical mistake amateur bloggers make is forgetting to include essential legal pages.
Without pages like a privacy policy, disclaimer, and terms of service, your blog may not be legally protected. These pages are required by law in many cases, and they help protect both your readers and your business.
A privacy policy informs your readers how their data is collected and used, which is especially important if you’re using tools like Google Analytics or running ads.
A disclaimer helps limit your liability by clarifying that the content on your blog is for informational purposes only. And the terms of service outline the rules for how users can interact with your site.
Not having these pages can leave your blog vulnerable to legal issues down the line, and no one wants to be caught off guard by a lawsuit.
To ensure your blog is fully protected with the necessary legal pages, I personally recommend the VIP Legal Bundle by lawyer Amira Irfan.
It’s a comprehensive and affordable solution that covers all the legal bases for your blog.
The bundle includes everything you need to set up your legal pages in just 15 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right templates or paying for expensive legal fees.
It’s the best value out of the legal bundles Amira offers, and it’s specifically tailored for bloggers. You can check it out here or by clicking on the image below.
Including these legal pages may seem like a small detail, but they’re important for protecting your blog as it grows. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get your legal pages in place from the start and safeguard your hard work.
Related: Don’t Risk It! Legally Protect Your Blog With These Must-Have Legal Pages
Mistake #10: Not Monetizing Early Enough
And lastly, many new bloggers make the mistake of waiting months or even years before they start trying to make money from their blog.
This delay can be due to fear of failure, lack of knowledge about how to monetize, or simply wanting to focus on growing their audience first.
Others hesitate to introduce affiliate marketing, ads, or other income streams simply because they feel like their blog isn’t “big enough” yet. However, you don’t actually need a huge audience to start making money.
The truth is, there are several ways to monetize your blog from day one without sacrificing your content quality or integrity.
And experimenting with different income streams early in your blogging journey can help you figure out what works best for your audience.
For example, you might test the waters with affiliate links to see which products or services resonate with your readers, or even start building up your passive income through ads with Google AdSense, or the newly launched Journey by Mediavine or Raptive Rise.
Both Journey and Rise are great solutions for smaller publishers who don’t yet have the traffic required to join Mediavine’s or Raptive’s standard ad monetization programs.
Plus, as you grow, you’ll already have a foundation in place to scale your monetization efforts, whether it’s with those premium ad networks or adding digital products to your income streams.
The sooner you start experimenting, the more time you have to optimize your strategy. Don’t wait until you’ve reached some arbitrary traffic milestone—there’s no need to miss out on potential income while you’re still growing. Every blog post you publish is an opportunity to generate revenue.
You might also like: Time Blocking for Entrepreneurs: How to Stay Focused and Productive While Building Your Business
Wrapping Up
Wow, we’ve covered a lot of ground! 😅
Blogging can be an incredibly rewarding journey, but it’s easy to make a few mistakes when you’re just starting out. However, now that you know the 10 amateur blogging mistakes to avoid, you’re setting yourself up for success much sooner.
If I haven’t said it already, I want to make it clear that building a successful blog takes time and effort (Sorry, but anyone claiming you can make a full-time income in ‘just 3 months!’ is probably selling you something—patience and persistence win the game! 😉).
That being said, with the right strategies, consistency, and a focus on providing value to your readers as I outlined above, you are well ahead of the game and on your way to growing your blog on an expedited timeline.
And trust me, sticking with it is SO worth it.💲
Focus on things like diversifying your traffic sources, creating high-quality content, optimizing your user experience, and experimenting with different income streams early on. Each small step helps you move closer to turning your blog into a powerful tool that supports your goals.
With each step, you’re that much closer to becoming the successful blogger you’ve always envisioned yourself to be. I believe in you and you’ve got this! 💪🏾
Until next time,
