Imagine how when you enter a store, even if online, you would not feel like shopping there just because the first impression about the store is not up to the mark? Similarly, when someone sees your blog, they must feel like continuing to read it and for that, the ambience that you set in the blog must be the right one.
What would be such a set-up for the reader to make this kind of a decision? You can find many pointers as to what needs to be written. However, you must also be aware of what does not need to be written, or in simple words, what you must avoid writing in your blog.
To err is human. At the same time, the ability of understanding is what makes human beings stand out in the world of the living. Hence, let’s understand the content writing mistakes you must avoid while writing your blog.
Avoid these 6 blunders:
1. Zero Research
If you have no idea about the content that you are going to showcase, there would be much ambiguity in the matter you write. What you would display for the relevant category of audience is a must to be identified before proceeding into building a framework for your content. What will impress them? What would make you stand out from the competition? What must not be revealed?
Many such questions need to be answered through appropriate research on your subject beforehand. Vague content would always get skipped otherwise. Conduct a thorough research on what topic you could write on. Shortlist the most sought-after areas and narrow down into the one you need to start with at that moment.
Also ensure that there would be sub-topics under the heading that could also be expanded for further perusal of the audience. If you are unable to come up with any sub-headings, then you might need to consider other main topics to work on.
2. Not knowing your audience
Even if you are aware of the topic that you plan to write on, it is crucial to know who you want your readers to be. Just spotting the audience is not enough. Knowing what their interests would be in connection with the content you would be making for them, is mandatory. Also, ensure that you are providing the content for their benefit instead of for yourself.
For instance, if you are a crocheter who makes videos to share on social media, you cannot expect a large number of people of similar interest to watch it unless it is instructional or self-explanatory. If the video consists of simply you crocheting a beanie, the tendency to skip the video would be more than to stick to watch till the end.
3. Ignoring SEO
SEO plays a significant role in online content. Using the right keywords in the most appropriate headline should be a priority in this phase. At the same time, making the content keeping only SEO in mind as the major reader will be a blunder!
The audience decides eventually how successful the article is; SEO would be only secondary. Otherwise it would be like a person trying to write their first book only with an illogical perspective that it would be converted into a movie as soon as it is launched, instead of working with the ambition of becoming a renowned author.
4. Being too salesy
In today’s world, all of us have at least one interaction with a salesperson of any kind, on almost a daily basis. Even when you go to the salon for a short service, they might annoy you with their upsells with products you wouldn’t have even imagined to ever come across. Similarly, making content to sound like how it could be helpful to the audience should be done in the most gentle way.
Make sure to not make them feel that the content would only get them trapped in yet another purchase. Instead, make a connection with them so that they can go through the content without any hesitation about coming across such gimmicks.
5. Using too much jargon
A jargon itself may sound as a jargon to some: complicated phrases or words relatable only to the relevant experts in the area. Avoiding the usage of jargon is one of the best ways to retain viewership. The audience would feel comfortable in returning to view your content again as they could easily understand the same, and so would feel free to refer the piece to others as well. Unless absolutely necessary, jargon must be avoided. A footer in tiny letters would suffice to show an explanation to the jargon.
6. Lack of proofreading
From the historical times when the first lot of print presses were established, the section of proofreading has been a crucial part. Unless the matter that was supposed to get published was proofread and approved, it could not be entered for printing. The print culture has gone through a number of advancements ever since, but the need for proofreading has never faded away.
Not every time when we write we sit down at a stretch to do so. We might take breaks and the flow of writing could be affected. Proofreading becomes important after finishing the write-up therefore. What could happen if you did not proofread your content on time?
– Spelling errors could not be corrected
– Unnecessary content would not be removed
– Mistakes could be published leading to miscommunication
– Format or structure of the content might be accidentally altered
– Such an insincere approach to your work could make you look unreliable, etc.
Conclusion
Apart from the above, there could be more mistakes that should be completely avoided for your content to become successful and well-received. However, these six are the most important ones. It would definitely help in building credibility and viewership. Presenting your content without such mistakes can prove to be groundbreaking ultimately.
PS You can even get help from content experts if you would like.
