By Are you struggling to make money blogging?
Is your site traffic and ranking continuously diminishing?
And are people finding it difficult to connect with you?
If yes, it’s possible you’ve been an amateur blogger and you never knew it.
Reading a blog post managed by an amateur blogger can be very irritating. If you stumble on their blog while surfing the internet, I bet you, you will most likely regret the few seconds you will spend there.
First, you will notice a lot of things that suck. Secondly, they don’t even know that these things suck so they go on to amplify them in all their contents.
If you want to grow a highly profitable online business, you must stop blogging like an amateur and start running your blog like a Pro.
You can’t continue to be an amateur blogger and expect things to magically change. You need to learn why your bounce rate keeps increasing, you need to learn why people don’t click on your affiliate links, you need to learn why nobody cares about your blog and you need to learn how to make your blog (online office) a fun place to visit and recommend.
However important learning these things are, you can’t help yourself get off the amateur blogging zone until you know how to quickly identify an amateur blogger when you see one.
Whether you want to start a blog, hire a blogger to help in managing your site, run advertising campaigns or learn how to monetize your blog, you need to be sure you are not dealing with an unprofessional blogger.
To quickly identify an amateur blogger so that you don’t fall prey to them, here are 4 things you must watch out for.
Most Amateur Bloggers Have Bad Communication Skills
Table of Contents
Blogging is all about communication. The blogger with the highest ability to effectively communicate the thoughts going on in their brain to their audience wins. Little wonder Paul J. Meyer said that, “Communication is the key to personal and career success.”
Bad communication skills I often notice most amateur bloggers use include: words that are derogatory, words that make their audience look insecure, words with no definite intention to help but to mock, fallacy of generalization and words with no iota of empathy.
When you use such words, your readers not only see as a disgusting blogger, but they will also make themselves a promise never to visit your blog again, irrespective of what you’ve got to offer. You and I know how this will affect your overall success as a blogger. Often times, it’s a sign that a blogger will fail.
Blog marketing will be a total failure if there’s no good communication. So, if you want to stop annoying your readers, you must master how to be a good communicator. Get your idea across to your audience is a well-organized manner so that they will see you an expert blogger you are.
Unprofessional Bloggers Hate and Scare Away from Guest Blogging
Though guest posting doesn’t necessarily guarantee you the problogger badge but it’s obviously one of the things people look out for when identifying professional bloggers. People want to know places you’ve been featured and mentioned in.
When you work your way into becoming a contributor in an authority blog, it plays a key role in boosting your social proof. Aside the ability to appear in so many places almost at the same time, viral guest blogging ability is one of the reasons I respect Ryan Bidduph. Another person that has made so much impact when it comes to guest posting is my freelance writing coach, Onibalusi Bamidele.
Despite the opportunities guest blogging present, many amateur bloggers still don’t find any need to have their posts published in another site that is not theirs. They hold themselves down with too many guest posting myths that in reality don’t make sense.
Referral traffic gotten by guest writing for another site with a higher domain authority can go a long way in boosting your page views and search engine ranking.
If your article gets published on a site with hundreds of thousands of page views in a month, there’s no way 10 in every hundred who read your post will not check out the author – especially when you have a stellar content.
Guess the amazing thing here? Anyone that checks you out and eventually subscribe to your mailing list (subscribe to get a template for developing a profitable blog business plan) becomes very easy to convert from a mere prospect to a loyal customer.
If you want to push through the fear and get your first guest post published, I recommend you read what Susan Velez has to say on that.
Amateur Bloggers Enjoy Keyword Stuffing
Keyword stuffing! Keyword stuffing!! Keyword stuffing!!!
Most desperate bloggers who want their content to rank on search by all means often get themselves involved in keyword stuffing – irrelevant use of keywords.
Before I proceed, let me briefly tell you what keyword stuffing is, why it is dangerous and how you can totally avoid it.
What is Keyword Stuffing?
Keyword stuffing is the desperate attempt made by most bloggers to rank high on search engine for specific search phrases by loading the webpage with that particular keyword(s) more than it is necessary. They do this by overusing those search phrases in an unnatural manner that makes it annoying to readers.
A typical example of keyword stuffing is:
The reason most Nigerian bloggers find it difficult to make money as Nigerian bloggers is because Nigerian blogs do not rank well in Nigeria especially when you are using some specific Nigerian keywords that other Nigerian bloggers are also using to blog in Nigeria. – Emenike Emmanuel.
How does the above quote sound in your ears?
Unnatural right?
That’s exactly how it is. It’s simply annoying. But guess, what? Most amateur bloggers are damn guilty of it, and they enjoy it as though they are taking chocolate.
If you are guilty of keyword stuffing, please top. In fact, go back to your old posts and start editing them right away.
You know, why? If Google’s hammer has not landed on your site, wait for it – it’s coming. Google shows no mercy when penalizing blogs guilty of keyword stuffing. Here’s what Matt Cutts has to say about keyword stuffing.
How to Avoid Keyword Stuffing Totally
In order to totally avoid keyword stuffing, here are things you must do:
- Write naturally
Simply put, write the way you talk. Let your post be natural. Don’t try to force keywords into inappropriate places. If you do, your readers will find out and Google will also penalize your site. Most blogs have been blacklisted for life just because they are guilty of keyword abuse.
- Spread your keywords across the headline, subheadings and body of your article
The most ideal way to use any keyword you want to rank for on search engine is to put it in your headline, subheads and the body of your content. Spread them. I often recommend you have one in every 300 words. Doing that helps to boost your keyword density.
- Master the art of using long-tail keywords
Long tail keyword should not be new to you if you have been blogging for quite some time. Long-term keywords range from 3 and 4 words upward. Take for instance I want to create long tail keywords for this post title, I might have things like:
What Amateur Bloggers Do
How to Know Amateur Bloggers When You See Them
Why Many Amateur Bloggers Fail
17 Reasons You Shouldn’t Be an Amateur Blogger
How Not to Be an Amateur Blogger Even If You Are Just Starting Out
Hope you got the idea here? (If you want to learn how I generate powerful blog post headlines, read this post).
An Amateur Blogger Don’t See Anything Wrong with Plagiarism
It’s a big risk on your blog to get yourself indulged in plagiarism. The impact most times is not funny at all, especially when you do that to a blogger that has read my long-form post on how to deal with people that use your content without your permission. Trust me, if they implement the strategies I listed there, you can’t succeed it.
To an amateur blogger, he sees nothing wrong if he decides to copy someone’s post in part or in full.
When you see a blogger that does nothing but duplicate other people’s post on their blog, you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that he or she is an unprofessional blogger.
Avoiding plagiarism totally is possible if you can pay more attention to what your audience want, read and write in a conversational manner so that writing won’t look like one huge job to you.
In Vincent Spivey’s publication where he talked about how to make your blog free from plagiarism, (you may like to check it out) he shared insights that were also related to what Marsha Kelly told us last time on how you can generate blog post ideas.
You can’t get all of these information and still be stranded on what to write that will evoke interest and drive massive traffic to your site. Never.
Conclusion
Becoming a Problogger is possible. You don’t need to spend years to attain that level, though having mastery on blogging is a continuous process. But at least, people, especially prospects won’t see you an amateur blogger again if you paid rapt attention to what I and other bloggers in the comments below shared.
Let me hang it here. I’d be glad to hear your opinion, friends. Are there other things you think most unprofessional bloggers do? Put them in the comments below.
[…] some myths are going around which cause amateur bloggers to either stay away from guest blogging or execute it poorly. And believe me, improperly […]
[…] read this blog post, I want to believe that you are seeking for ways you can find justice against amateur bloggers that do nothing but copy posts from your blog and claim ownership of it on their own […]
Hi, Mr Emenike Emmanuel,
I am a regular visitor of your Blog and I must mention that it is your outstanding, invaluable posts that make me keep coming back.
I don’t think there’s anything You have left out in the list.
I will share this to the world so newbie and other Bloggers that don’t live up to the name will learn.
– Ope ODUNLAMI.
Hi Ope,
Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate your visits to my blog. I’m glad you love what you see here each time you visit.
Best regards…
Emenike
Hello Emenike,
Great informative tips over here 🙂
Yeah there are many bloggers who write amateur blogs, their writing speaks behalf for them.
The main thing is that, no matter if one is amateur, they should admit it and stop pretending that they are into this
profession for a long time. This leaves a very bad impression behind.
Admit the truth, start learning from the top notch bloggers, establish a healthy relationship with them and they are surely
going to help us out.
Great add up on here, every things are being covered up here on your side.
Thanks for the share.
Shantanu.
Hi Shantanu,
Thanks for your awesome contribution. You know this, “fake it until you get it” mindset is actually why so many amateur bloggers don’t like it suck it. Owning up can really help if done in a mature way.
It’s a pleasure to have you around again.
Emenike
Hi Emenike, I find amateur bloggers have a lot of ads in their posts and on their sidebars. I find them quite annoying!
Other things I find are too small text to read, white text on black background – I just stumbled on one yesterday and could not believe they would still have their color combo for their blog.
Great tips for newbies Emenike. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be sharing with some new bloggers!
Hello Lisa,
You are right. That black background kind of blog can be so annoying. One of my students used a yellow background and when I confronted her, she told me that she likes it. But I had to curse the shit out of her. One question I asked was this: “How many of the probloggers you admire are using coloured background?” She thought about and quickly understood my opinion was professionally valid.
You see, in blogging, just like every other business, it’s not about what we want but what our clients/customers and prospect want. That’s if truly we know our market and we are ready to serve them.
As for having numerous ads you mentioned, it’s simply a sign of desperation. I understand where most of them are coming from – they want quick money from their blog. But if you see a problogger who sells high ticket courses and speak at events, you will also notice a different thing in their blog. They don’t stuck up ads everywhere.
It’s awesome having you around. Thanks.
Emenike
Hi Emmanuel,
Great Post you have up here.
I agree with all you,’ve mentioned here especially the keywords stuffing aspect.
Do have a nice day!
Hello Prosper,
Thank you too. Good to have you on my blog. That keyword stuffing sucks. Aside Google being against it, it’s not even good for the reader – it normally sound like a rap sometimes.
Keep shining.
Emenike
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog, and i like the quote, it’s also cool to know of your love for trump, nice to have you!
Hi Adeniyi,
Thanks for those awesome quotes. Most of Trump’s quotes keep my fire burning. He speaks boldly.
Emenike
Hi Emenike,
There are many ways to move from amateur to pro in the blogging world.
I coach many bloggers who are totally amateur when they come to me.
But just a few tweaks can quickly make them truly pro bloggers.
It’s surprising what a fine line there is between the two.
So often somebody’s getting no traction at all with their blog.
Yet, there’s just one or two little things to refine and it all changes.
So amateur bloggers need to read this blog post and understand what it is they can do to improve their game.
You’ve given great advice especially that about guest blogging.
That said, I don’t really do any guest blogging to speak of.
But not everybody can follow the same path.
Just gotta find your own and stick to it 🙂
-Donna
Awesome, Donna.
Good to have you here.
You don’t do guest posting but you ultimately know the impact. You’ve gone Pro and always busy. But for the amateur, their problem on guest posting is that they consider it as a waste of time.
Yes. One touch can make one blog like a professional. Even at my experience as a blogger, I still pay attention to details on my blogs of my mentors.
That one touch is what I have vowed to continue doing on my blog.
Thanks.
Emenike
Holy Batman, I can feel my blood boiling every time someone says guest blogging is a waste of time. And sometimes this comes even from experienced bloggers, thats the puzzling part.
It’s one thing if someone is expanding their blog/business through other means; in this case, then yes…. guest blogging may not be ideal for that blogger in particular. But to generalize simply because they’re not a fan of this practice? That’s both amateur and immature.
Lol, anyway. Rant over.
Very good read as usual 🙂
Haha… “Amateur and immature,” that’s serious and funny.
But you are right anyway. The power of guest blogging can never be neutralized especially when you are able to get on a popular blog with a higher domain authority.
Guest blogging has helped me and will continue to help me. As far as I know, one must be missing so much opportunities if they don’t guest post.
Thanks for coming around, Elvis.
Emenike
Hi Emenike,
Great tips for anyone who wants to become a pro blogger. Anyone who is just starting blogging can use this post to do what not to do and what they can focus on.
I totally agree with you about keyword stuffing. While we all want to rank for certain keywords, keyword stuffing won’t help us get those high rankings.
Thanks for sharing these tips on how to improve our writing and make sure that we’re not making these amateurish mistakes.
Have a great day 🙂
Susan
Thanks Susan,
It’s a pleasure to have you here. Yes, it’s a great manual for new bloggers. I saw so many of them making these mistakes. So I decided to write about it.
I’m glad to know you like it.
Emenike
That of Keyword stuffing is the most annoying part. It makes articles uninteresting just to be noticed by google.
Thanks for sharing
Hi Anyaogu,
That’s very true. Many bloggers are guilty of that. Thanks for stopping by.
Emenike
Hi Emenike,
It has always been great reading your articles here.
One thing I love most is your communication skill. Its helps me know where I’m heading to, even without reading till the end.
You are such a powerful influencer. Much respects. I look forward to facing this JOB with you brother
Valentine Nnanyere
Wow! Thank you so much, Valentine.
It’s always a pleasure having you around. Yes, we will work it out. There’s so much to tap from blogging.
Keep it up.
Emenike
Hi Emenike,
Believe me, this is one of the clearest blog posts I’ve ever had my eyes on.
Bro, this is nice😎
Hi Nzekwe,
Thank you. I’m glad you like the post.
Emenike
So amateur bloggers need to read this blog post and understand what it is they can do to improve their game.