When I started blogging, I quickly learned that SEO was more than just a buzzword—it’s what helps people find your posts. But along the way, I made some mistakes that slowed my progress. Many bloggers face the same issues. Here are five common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Doing Keyword Research
The Mistake: When I first started, I wrote what I thought people would like. I didn’t realise I was missing out because I didn’t know what my audience was actually searching for. Many bloggers skip this step, thinking their content will automatically find its readers.
The Fix: It helps to know what words and phrases your readers are using. This is called keyword research. You can use free tools like Google Keyword Planner to see what people are searching for. For example, instead of using a broad term like “cake recipe,” go for something more specific like “simple lemon cake recipe.” It makes it easier for the right people to find your post.
2. Not Optimising Images and Videos
The Mistake: I used to upload large images without thinking twice. But that made my blog slow to load, and visitors would leave before they even got to read anything. This is a common issue for many bloggers.
The Fix: Resize your images before uploading them. You don’t need high-resolution files on your blog. Free tools like TinyPNG can shrink image sizes without affecting quality. Also, use clear names for your image files, like “lemon-cake-recipe.jpg” instead of “IMG1234.jpg.” If you use videos, host them on sites like YouTube and then embed them into your posts. This keeps your site running fast.
3. Writing for Search Engines, Not People
The Mistake: At one point, I started stuffing my posts with keywords because I thought it would help me rank higher. But this made my writing sound robotic, and readers didn’t stay long.
The Fix: Write for your readers first. Your content should feel like a conversation, not a keyword-stuffed script. When you write naturally, your keywords will flow in without you even realising it. For example, when sharing a recipe, I talk about how I made it, the ingredients I used, and why it’s easy to cook. This feels more engaging and useful to the reader.
4. Not Linking to Your Own Posts
The Mistake: For a long time, I didn’t link to other posts on my blog. I thought readers would find their way around on their own. But often, they wouldn’t explore beyond the page they landed on.
The Fix: Add links within your posts to other related articles you’ve written. This is called internal linking. For example, if you’re writing about a simple dinner recipe, you can mention and link to your “quick breakfast ideas” post. This keeps readers on your blog longer and helps search engines understand how your posts relate to each other.
5. Paying for Links
The Mistake: Buying links seemed like a fast way to improve my SEO at first. But search engines can spot this tactic, and it can actually hurt your site. I’m glad I avoided this pitfall, but I’ve seen others make this mistake.
The Fix: Build links naturally by writing useful content that people want to share. I’ve found that guest posting on other blogs in my niche works well. It’s a slower process, but it’s worth the effort. When people link to your blog because they like what you’ve written, it boosts your site’s credibility. You don’t need to pay for shortcuts.
Simple Tips for Better SEO
Here’s what I’ve learned that can help you avoid these common SEO mistakes:
- Research your keywords. Write about things people are actually searching for.
- Optimise your images and videos. Make sure they don’t slow down your site.
- Write for people, not search engines. Make your content easy to read and helpful.
- Use internal links. Guide readers to other posts on your blog.
- Earn links naturally. Focus on writing good content and avoid buying shortcuts.
When you take the time to do these things, your blog will grow, and so will your audience. It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about steady progress.
FAQs
How often should I do keyword research?
It’s a good idea to check your keywords every few months. Search habits change, and you want to stay updated.
Can I overdo SEO?
Yes. Overusing keywords makes your content hard to read. Write naturally, and your posts will be better for it.
Are backlinks important?
Yes, backlinks help your blog rank higher. But it’s best to earn them through quality content rather than paying for them.
Should I write more posts or focus on quality?
Quality always wins. It’s better to write fewer, well-thought-out posts than many low-quality ones.
How can I make my blog load faster?
Compress images, minimise the number of plugins you use, and consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to help your site load quicker.
This article was written by a human, we hope you enjoyed the read and noticed the difference. Be sure to check out our other blogs and if you need any SEO services drop us a line.
