12 common mistakes new bloggers make

Unfortunately, many bloggers shoot themselves in the foot by making some basic errors that hold their blog back from its true potential.

Knowing how to avoid these mistakes can mean the difference between just another blog, and one that stands out as the kind people notice.

1. Owning your own domain.

Having your own domain—as in, blogname.com—certainly isn’t a must-have for all bloggers. But if you want to be taken seriously, having a professional domain makes that much more likely. The great news is you can even buy a premium domain and use it on free blog services like WordPress.com and Blogger.com.

2. Owning your online property.

For anyone serious about blogging, a self-hosted option is the only way to go. Not only does it give you more options for styling and customization, it shows you’re in this for the long haul, which can be an attractive proposition for brands looking to sponsor blogs.

3. Optimizing your blog’s permalinks.