Congratulations! You finally started that blog.
The problem is, you haven't gotten much traction yet.
Did you know most new blogs are abandoned in the first six months? I don't want you to be a member of that club so I have come up with what I think are the seven biggest mistakes bloggers make.
Killer mistakes.
Seven deadliest blogging mistakes:

1. Watch that sidebar! It can get cluttered up pretty fast if you're not careful.
   You know.
   Too many banners.
   The ever-growing tag cloud, the long-as-your-arm blog roll.
   It's almost like, if you can't find any other place for something, you stick it in the sidebar! It's not your junk drawer.
   Keep it neat!
2. The opt-in is not enticing.
   Seriously.
   How many tip sheets can one have? Get a cool graphic, put some actual meat into the content that your readers want and put it where they can see it.
   The goal is for them to opt-in, right? Ok, make it compelling, colorful, and worthy.
   (If you don't have an opt-in box, that's your biggest mistake! Put one up immediately.
   )
3. Too much of a good thing.
   How many of you have been to blogs and immediately there's a pop-up at the bottom, another at the top and after you click those off, still another comes from seemingly out of nowhere? Enough already! Don't get me wrong.
   I like the pop-up.
   I'm just saying use some common sense.
   Make it look like a fun addition to what's going on, not a screaming, ranting maniac in your face!
4. Remember who the blog is for.
   It's all about them, not you.
   The blog needs to be written with your reader in mind.
   Don't try to impress with huge words that call for a dictionary and don't ramble.
   Your readers have come for a specific reason.
   Give them that.
   You are here to serve.
   
5. Talking about the wrong topic on your blog.
   Use KISS (keep it simple, stupid) as a rule of thumb.
   Stay in your niche.
   Don't try to promote everything down the pipe just because you think it might be fun and interesting.
   If it's not in the niche, it doesn't belong on your blog.
   It's great to add that personal touch, people do want a glimpse of the real you.
   However, even though you are madly in love with that designer jewelry you bought from a marketing friend and just because you can use an affiliate link, doesn't mean you should.
   Simple is the rule.
   
6. Not having a schedule.
   The best and most lucrative blogs are written consistently.
   That doesn't mean ramble off whatever comes into your brain for the moment.
   It does mean creating content that is usable and informative.
   And posting it several times a week.
   Consistently.
   That's the key word.
   
7. Forgetting to be social.
   Comments coming to your blog? Have the courtesy to respond.
   Not only will you find it fun but it can be an eye-opener.
   You will soon learn what your readers like and don't.
   You also have the added bonus of beginning to form relationships.
   And, that's always a good thing!

Now, you have the list of no-no's for your blog.
Get out there, quickly shape it up and be a blogging sensation!