Blogging: 10 Things Not To Do
Oh look, another blogging advice post. What a surprise. I suppose the internet is awash with such information. Furthermore, a lot of that advice comes from a commercial perspective and the assumption that the writer intends to monetise their blog right from the start. The notion of writing for pleasure or fandom sometimes seems to get drowned out in all the online white noise. Anyhow, I’m going to offer up for your consideration, 10 tips of things not to do when you start a blog. I’m sure I’ve mentioned some before or even written a similar post that is now buried somewhere in Contains Moderate Peril. But good advice bears repeating and it is the first day of Blaugust: Festival of Blogging 2025 I think it prudent to make such a post. Please note these are not technical points such as using SEO or alt text etc. This is more about your approach to blogging as well as some practical logistical considerations.
Don’t spend a penny until you know you like blogging: You have all the tools you need to start a blog at your disposal already. A computer, internet access and a wealth of free online resources. There are numerous blogging platforms that offer a basic free tier of access, so there is no need to buy a subscription or any additional software to begin with. Write in plaintext and edit any pictures using free online apps. First and foremost, find out if you like writing and whether you can sustain it as a hobby. If you do and you can, then you can think about buying a domain and buying any additional services.
Don't write just for yourself: Writing primarily for yourself remains prudent advice, as opposed to chasing what is deemed “popular”. However, it is wise to consider your audience and to follow up on content that has been well received. Write about a spectrum of subjects and see what gains traction. Establish shared interests and then explore them. Also add your voice to topical debates if you feel strongly about them or have something useful to contribute. If you receive any requests from readers to write about a specific subject do give it serious consideration.
Don't be inconsistent: Establish a regular posting schedule and stick to it to keep your audience engaged. Yes, I know this is hard and real life will often scupper your plans but it is an established fact that if you write regularly, your readers stick around. That being said, your schedule doesn’t have to be daily. Once a month is perfectly fine. Ultimately it is the consistency that readers like.
Don’t be afraid to express an opinion: Social media and other online communities can be a bear pit at times. No one especially wants or enjoys internet pile-ons and unpleasant comments. Hence some people won’t touch certain subjects with a bargepole and consider religion and politics verboten. This is a mistake. Treat your blog like your home. “My house, my rules”. You’re not obliged to justify yourself and do not have to tolerate abuse. Offensive comments can be deleted, without the need for a rebuttal. Everytime anyone is shouted down online or the threat of such behaviour actually stops you from expressing an opinion, it is only the bad guys who win. Tread boldly, write freely.
Don’t pander to the lowest common denominator to get clicks: With regard to the previous point, there is a wealth of difference between espousing genuinely held opinions and indulging in “hot takes” and “shitposting” just to get website traffic. The former is a democratic freedom that comes with some degree of personal responsibility. The latter just makes the internet shittier and is the prerogative of gits.
Don't ignore the benefits of networking: Connect with other bloggers in your niche and build relationships. Promote other blogger’s content and vice versa. Make friends with like minded individuals and riff off each other’s work. Be vocal in your praise. This is how communities are built.
Don't ignore analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track your blog’s performance and identify how your writing performs. Such information can provide useful feedback. However, do not become a slave to this data and do not allow yourself to obsess over it. Data is just that and nothing more. Do not take it personally if a post you feel is your best work doesn’t gain any traction.
Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different content formats, writing styles and subject matters. Blogging is a skill that grows over time. Therefore, throw a variety of material at your readers and see what works and what doesn’t. Apply this philosophy not only to your writing but to your blog template as well. There is nothing more frustrating to a blogger than being constrained by the boundaries that you have imposed upon yourself.
Don’t worry about the calibre of your posts: Not every post has to be comparable to the Gettysburg Address or Meditations by Marcus Aurellius. A simple post about your cat or collection of pogs can find an audience just as well as a weighty dissertation on early Etruscan pottery. The internet connects roughly two thirds of the world’s population. That’s 5.56 billion people. If you want to create a fansite about The Littlest Hobo, then you can potentially find an audience.
Don't be discouraged by slow progress: Building a successful blog takes time and effort. In fact the criteria for success is very subjective to begin with and an entire blog post in itself. However, whatever you are seeking from writing online, be it fame or just the pleasure of regularly sharing your thoughts with others, it takes dedication and a lot of writing before you reach the point where you feel that you have “everything at your fingertips”. Instant results are just as much a fantasy in blogging as they are in most other creative endeavours. Therefore, be patient, be consistent and don't give up. Or if you’re a Galaxy Quest fan, “Never give up. Never surrender”.
Enjoy Blaugust.
