Blogging used to be perceived as a mere hobby rooted in the occasional bursts of inspiration. When the immense business potential of blogging was discovered, however, this notion shifted. Writing a blog is much more than random typing from the comfort of your home. It is a demanding process which consumes a great deal of time. 
Thus, jumping on the blogging bandwagon unprepared can only end in falling by the wayside. On the other hand, those who do right by their blog can expect to reap many benefits this activity offers.
Poor Content
One of the first things you should be asking yourself is: “How good my content actually is?” People often overlook the fact that the articles must not only be well-written, but also relevant and interesting. This is the only way to spark attention and direct some traffic your way. Stick to the topics you know forwards and backwards, and things you do best. By providing people with new insights, unique angles, and expert opinion, you earn their trust and build a loyal audience.
No planning
There are millions of blogs out there, and a vast majority of them are failures. Pumping out quality content may not cut it in such an oversaturated environment. That is why those who really mean business must start with a solid plan. So, you need to get a couple of things straight. First, identify who your target audience is and what can you offer it. Second, you need a calendar with posts scheduled ahead of time. Finally, you must have a clear idea about the platforms you will use to promote your content.
Unappealing visuals
High-quality content might be in the spotlight, but a striking design can do miracles for you. A visual appeal is the first impression you make on visitors. Unless you invest some creative thought in it, that will also be the last one you will ever make. Those who are not versed in web design should seek professionals and outsource the work. The power of visual stimuli on human brain must never be underestimated, especially not in a vivid digital realm.
Lack of SEO efforts
Search engine optimization is essential for those who want to obtain a high position on SERPs, and inbound links are still one of the most important aspects of it. Google is making it hard for newcomers, since it demands high quality content around the link anchors. Hence, SEO experts have developed several instruments that can enhance your link building campaign. What you need is a useful link building tool, which spares you the ordeal of doing everything manually. Some of the most efficient link building and link prospecting tool are:
- Google Webmaster Tools aka Google Search Console
- SEMRush
- Ahrefs
- Majestic
- Screaming Frog
- Dibz
- BuzzStream
Boring headlines
Apart from the web design, another essential attention-grabbing element is a headline. So, take your time when figuring out the best solution. People who see a boring and uninviting headline will never bother reading what is beneath it. Research shows that 6 out of 10 readers do precisely that, and move on to the other, more alluring digital avenues. Since the window of opportunity to engage people closes fast, pull them in with imaginative headlines, but also some well-thought sub-headlines. Listen to some additional Headline Writing Tips from Ms. Ileane's Podcast!
All alone
A lone wolf does not get very far in the online community where pack hunting brings the richest catch. It is the connections that create the necessary framework for gaining prominence and establishing a strong presence. 
Connect with fellow bloggers, look for opportunities to guest post, and reach out to important figures and influencers. Share, post and reference other people’s content, and you can expect them to return the favor.
Insufficient motivation
Blogging is not a quick way to strike gold. Yes, such a stellar success is possible, but you better not count on it. People who nurture such false ideas can only be bitterly disappointed. Then again, if you do not believe in yourself, you will hardly find enough motivation to go all the way. To avoid running out of steam early in the process, define short term and long term goals. Remember that even the blogs that managed to hit big had humble beginnings.
Rise and thrive
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Although rookies crave for the uplifting roar of the crowd, they must first focus on the playing field. In this line of work, you need commitment as a basic fuel for your engines. Without it, you will not be able to get your project off the ground and see the picturesque blogosphere from high above. Keep in mind that there is no silver bullet. It is the combination of the quality content, stunning visuals, tempting headlines, and some SEO that will enable you to make a name for yourself. Then, you may witness your blog thriving and attracting numerous eager readers.
Most bloggers will ruin their blogs with these reasons. Adding articles with a mediocre approach, keyword spamming in articles for SERP, but literally that converts into blackhat SEO.
Yes, there is something in what you say. I wouldn’t call it black hat exactly, but a gray area. In the end it all comes down to what your blog is going to be used for, simple money making, or as a mean of conveying your message.
Hi Marcus,
You nailed it.
People think blogging is easy until they try it – and no one shows up.
Even with great content, blogging can be a lonely place.
But avoiding the mistakes that you mention is setting up a great foundation for a successful blog.
Exactly Neena. Thanks for commenting,
Marcus,
You nailed it. Every one of these things can kill a blog and doing all of these things incorrectly will destroy a blog. Motivation and inspiration are very important. You really need to be passionate about your blogging topic and you need to have a long-term view! There is no quick fix and no quick road to riches. You need to stick with it week after week, month after month, year after year! and having the right connections and network is also very important! Thanks for sharing!
~ Jupiter Jim
GOOD point about lone wolfs Marcus. We grow as we connect with bloggers, expanding our presence, accentuating our one-ness. This is the way to succeed; be a connector. Be a friend. Fabulous post dude.
Ryan
Thanks a lot Ryan!
The motivation is so key – I don’t think I really realised how time consuming all the writing and promoting would actually be until I started.
You are correct about that, the thing is that you have to have a clear goal about what is it that you want to get from your blog. If you lack the goal, the motivation is also likely to be out of your reach.