I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Turner, a seasoned blogger whose journey from obscurity to success offers invaluable lessons for all aspiring bloggers. Jessica candidly shared her experiences, revealing the hard truths she learned about why her blog initially failed and how she turned it around. Here’s what she had to say.
“If your blog is barely getting any readers, let alone making any revenue, then you are probably doing something wrong, but you need to know what that is if you want to fix it, right?” Jessica began, setting the stage for an enlightening conversation.
You’re as Niche as a Tofu in a Butcher’s
Jessica admitted that her first blog was centered around her quirky sock collection. “It was fascinating to me, but clearly not to many others,” she chuckled. “The key is finding a niche that not only excites you but also has a broader appeal.” She explained how she transitioned to blogging about sustainable fashion, a niche that balanced her interests with profitability.
Your SEO Game is Weaker Than Weak
“SEO was like a foreign language to me,” Jessica confessed. “I had no idea what keywords were or how to use them.” She emphasized the importance of learning basic SEO techniques. “Once I understood how to optimize my posts, it was like my blog was finally visible to the world.”
You Post as Often as Christmas Comes Around
Consistency was another hard lesson. “I posted sporadically, and my readers had no idea when to expect new content,” Jessica explained. “Now, I make sure to post at least once a week. It keeps my audience engaged and coming back for more.”
Your Social Media Presence Is All Ghost, No Town
Jessica highlighted the importance of social media. “I used to post once and then disappear,” she said. “It’s vital to engage with your audience regularly. Social media is where you build relationships and drive traffic to your blog.”
Your Content is Drier Than British Humor
“Initially, my content was informative but dull,” Jessica admitted. “I realized that to keep readers, I needed to infuse my personality into my writing. Now, I make sure my posts are engaging, with a touch of humor and relatability.”
You Ignore Your Analytics Like Spam Emails
“Analytics are crucial,” Jessica stressed. “I used to ignore them, but now I regularly check my blog’s performance. Tools like Google Analytics help me understand what works and what doesn’t.”
Your Site Design Belongs in the ’90s
Jessica laughed as she recalled her early blog design. “It was a mess! Modern, sleek design is essential. First impressions matter, and a visually appealing site can keep visitors around longer.”
You Don’t Know Your Audience
“Writing for everyone is like throwing spaghetti at the wall,” Jessica said. “I learned to define my audience and tailor my content to their interests. Knowing who you’re writing for makes a huge difference.”
No Call to Action – Are You Even Trying?
“Every post should have a call to action,” Jessica advised. “Whether it’s asking readers to comment, share, or subscribe, giving them a next step is crucial for engagement.”
You Forgot About Monetization
“If you want to make money, you need a strategy,” Jessica noted. “I started with affiliate marketing and sponsored posts. Diversifying income streams turned my blog from a hobby into a business.”
You’re Not Networking
“Blogging is a community,” Jessica emphasized. “Networking with other bloggers, guest posting, and collaborations have been instrumental in growing my audience.”
Your Blog is Monommedia Dull
“Text isn’t enough,” said Jessica. “Incorporate videos, infographics, and podcasts to enrich your content. Multimedia can significantly boost engagement.”
You’re Not Hosting Webinars or Live Sessions
“Hosting webinars or live Q&As can set you apart,” Jessica suggested. “It’s a great way to interact directly with your audience and establish yourself as an expert.”
You Don’t Offer Freebies
“Everyone loves free stuff,” Jessica pointed out. “Offering downloadable resources like e-books or templates can attract and retain readers.”
You Never Refresh Old Content
“Don’t let old posts gather dust,” Jessica advised. “Updating them with new information and better SEO can attract new readers without creating new content.”
You Haven’t Let the Readers Do Their Bit
“Encourage reader contributions,” Jessica recommended. “It provides fresh content and makes your audience feel like part of the community.”
Have You Conducted Surveys?
“Surveys are invaluable,” Jessica said. “They provide direct feedback and insights into what your readers want.”
You Need a Challenge, Right?
“Creating interactive challenges can boost engagement,” Jessica suggested. “Whether it’s a 30-day challenge or a contest, it encourages participation.”
You Never Write Response Posts
“Responding to trending topics can drive traffic,” Jessica explained. “It shows you’re up-to-date and adds value by providing your unique perspective.”
Accessibility? What Accessibility?
“Make your blog accessible to everyone,” Jessica stressed. “Use alt text, ensure good contrast, and have a clean design. It can expand your audience and improve SEO.”
You Give Up Too Easily
“Patience is key,” Jessica concluded. “Building an audience takes time. Keep improving, stay persistent, and success will follow.”
Jessica’s journey from a failing blog to a flourishing one is a testament to the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. By addressing these common pitfalls, you too can transform your blog from blah to brilliant.
Emily Parker
