There are some common mistakes you should avoid when growing your brand, blog, and social media platforms.
One of my favorite things about this post is that it’s relevant to any blogger or brand that is brand new or has been in business for a while. I feel it’s important to consider what not to do when trying to grow your blog, business, or other platforms.
Comparing Your Journey against Others
Comparison is the thief of joy! It’s so easy to compare yourself to other people especially with you’re in the same niche. Comparing your body, finances, house, looks, family, and material things will keep you from focusing on what really matters, you! Half the people online are taking photos in spaces that aren’t even real. They could be renting spaces or taking pictures in their “always spotless” living room after they spent two days cleaning it. No one’s house is that spotless or clean! Bloggers will most likely show you the best or cleanest room in the house. Don’t be fooled! If you’re working full time and barely have enough time to shower, bathe the kids, or dress them in matching outfits, understand that another blogger may be a stay at home mom or in some cases a nanny at home who can help. A photo is just a quick snap of someone’s real life, don’t let it affect you to the core. If anything, use it for motivation to do something greater. You never know what someone’s life is really like!
Fake or Dishonest Engagement
What is fake or dishonest engagement? Well, that could mean several things. The whole follow, then unfollow is very dishonest! There are so many apps that let you see people who follow you and then unfollow you. Follow people that you want to engage with or share similar interests. You don’t want to be known as the person who is only interested in just likes, comments, and follows. You want people to be genuinely interested in your content because fake engagement will eventually result in low interest, sales/commission, and ultimately spam. Don’t get caught up in the numbers, focus on your content, marketing, email lists, and continued engagement with your real followers. Be authentic in your presentation, content, and engagement with others.
Refusing to Set Goals
Whether you’re blogging or hoping to increase your engagement on other platforms, you need to set some goals. Setting goals and creating methods to achieve them can bring you more success in the long run. Maybe your goals are to gain more followers or post more during the week. Another goal may be to be a full-time blogger or YouTuber and setting daily, weekly, and monthly milestones can get you there a lot faster.
No Niche or Target Audience
Not having a defined niche or target audience can create a bit of confusion especially when it comes to creating content, marketing, sales and providing services. If you are unsure about what you are blogging about or promoting, you may also be undecided about who will buy your products or services. An example would be creating, marketing, and selling organic baby food on a blog with content that focuses on luxury purses.
You Don’t Have An Email List
Not capturing your viewers is one way to lose a potential connection with a follower or subscriber on another platform. Just remember not to spam them with multiple emails. Make them short, sweet, and to the point. When I start getting multiple emails a day from the same source I immediately unsubscribe. Please don’t be that person who fills up the inbox.
Don’t be a perfectionist or obsess too much
I am the ultimate perfectionist. I see everything that is wrong and I immediately try to fix all the errors. While that may work in some areas of my life, it’s kind of hard to be that way in the blogging world. There will always be a typo, or may you forget to fix your chipped nail polish. Think to yourself, is it really that big of a deal? If something is off, and you bring attention to it, you just made everyone aware. Most people aren’t that detail-oriented anyway. I like when bloggers show their messy kitchens or their kids with spaghetti sauce all over their face. It’s real and relatable. Mistakes make us better people and provide opportunities to learn and grow. Not everyone starting in the blogging world gets it right the first time. Many of us had to learn from other experienced bloggers and business coaches.
As always, thank you so much for stopping by! Be sure to subscribe and sign up for emails so that you can get first dibs on information from me! Feel free to share and save this post, and follow my account for more information on how to start and maintain your blog.
XOXO
