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The SITS Girls

The Secret to Success is Support

Top 10 Blog Myths… Debunked

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When it comes to blog myths, are there certain beliefs that you have, but you’re not quite sure why?

Today, we’re debunking the top 10 blog myths. It’s time to put a stop to those crazy notions that just aren’t quite right.

blog myths

Blog Myth #1: More Traffic = More Money

This is probably the greatest myth of all. Lots of pageviews does not always mean lots of cash in your pocket. Quite the opposite, in fact. What matters most is not the sheer number of visitors to your blog, but your relationship with your readers and your ability to get people to follow your call to action, e.g., buy your eBook, product, service, etc.

Blog Myth #2: You Should Blog Everyday

For every successful blog that publishes every day (or even more than once per day), there is a successful blog that does not. Give the content that you spend hours creating a chance to breathe. Promote it over the course of several days, across a number of different platforms. You’ll be surprised at how far you might be able to extend your reach.

Blog Myth #3: All of Your Posts Should Be Optimized for SEO

Not everything you write is going to be an SEO wonder. Nor should it be. When you want to rank for a keyword, it’s very satisfying to focus and accomplish just that.

However, sometimes maybe you just want to have a heart-to-heart talk with your readers, announce a giveaway winner, or just talk about your day.

There is not a keyword for that.

Blog Myth #4: If You Build It, They Will Come

Even if you are an amazing writer and create amazing content, those blog posts still have to be found. Now the ‘Content is King’ supporters will argue that great content always gets found. And it usually does, what they won’t tell you is that it might take weeks, months or even years for this to happen.

The bottom line is that you get out of blogging what you put into it. If you want your content to be found, then you need to get off your blog and interact with people on various social media platforms. Consider leaving comments on similar blogs and participating in Twitter chats about the same topics that your blog covers.

Blog Myth #5: Blogging Is Easy

Even though it has never been easier to set-up a blog and start writing, the process of blogging is not at all easy. If you are truly serious about running your own blog, it takes a lot of hard work, tons of dedication, passion for the subject you blog about and most importantly, patience.

You need to spend time producing quality content on a consistent basis, work at driving traffic to your site, and continually learn about the space.

There are a loads of benefits to blogging, but like most good things in life, you need to work for it!

Blog Myth #6: You Should Have A Presence Everywhere

Lots of social networking sites are out there, and obviously managing a ton of profiles isn’t easy. Concentrate on building loyal followings on a few targeted platforms that make sense with your blog. Is your content mostly shared on Facebook? Or maybe you are focused on creating pinnable images for Pinterest. Whatever the case may be, choose a handful of social media accounts and focus your efforts there.

Blog Myth #7: You Must Be a Great Writer

No, you most certainly don’t. As long as you are able to express your thoughts in words you will be in a pretty good shape. You don’t have to be a brilliant writer to start a blog. All you need is a strong will and ability to identify topics that you can create compelling content around.

Blog Myth #8: You Need Tons of Traffic to Be Successful

For me personally, this has been the hardest myth for me to overcome. I’ve long believed that the heavens will open and blogging becomes easier once you pass the 1 MM mark.

Nope.

If you are not getting huge amounts of traffic, don’t stress.

What you actually want is traffic that stays. That won’t bounce off.

Work to get traffic from blogs that you regularly go to, blogs in your niche, not matter how small. Because this is high quality traffic, interested in the same things as you are.

A few hundred engaged readers are way better than thousands and thousands of visitors to your site. These are the ones who are genuinely interested in you, your content and go on to develop a sense of connection with you.

Blog Myth #9: Blogging As A Stay At Home Mom Doesn’t Make Money

That’s just pure fiction. Monetizing your blog has been transformed in recent years. There are plenty of networks now, including ours, that have tons of opportunities for bloggers.

And we’re handing it over on a silver platter.

All you have to do is consistently put your name out there.

Blog Myth #10: There Are Already Too Many Blogs Out There

Are there a lot of blogs? Sure. Is the space somewhat crowded? You could make that argument.

BUT, there is only one YOU. With your unique voice and story to tell. No matter how many blogs come and go, always remember that you’ve got something special to share with your readers.

More Posts Similar to This on Blog Myths

If you liked this post on blog myths, then be sure you keep reading for more great content!

How about you? Got any blog myths you’d like to share? Leave your feedback in the comments below or let’s continue the discussion over on our Facebook fanpage!

About Francesca

Francesca has an extensive background in content marketing, public relations, and social outreach. She oversees all Operations at Sway Group, including our robust metrics capabilities. Prior to joining the online world, Francesca oversaw viticulture and oenology at various wineries in both California and Italy, and managed regulatory affairs and facility approvals at the biotech company, Genentech. Francesca has been featured on CBS Sacramento and Food Blogger Pro’s podcast. She has also hosted an AMA webinar and spoken at Social Media World.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gaye says

    Great list. I’m trying to just keep plugging along on my little blog and focus on creating content that I think is interesting and fun, and enjoying the process as I go. I really appreciate you guys pointing out how to pump up the volume. 🙂
    Thanks again.
    Gaye

  4. Laura says

    I’m glad to know I don’t have to blog everyday, because since I have been in school, my blogging time is limited, but it should pick up over the summer ::)

  6. Shashee says

    This is very helpful! Thank you. For such a long time I was in a little corner comfortable with my few family members and friends reading my little posts. I really thought I knew what I was doing because I have always had a passion for writing. I would think, how hard can blogging be. Ha! But I’m definitely learning and communities like SITS is very helpful with the dos and don’ts of the blogosphere as well as connecting with other bloggers. But I am learning how important it is to network and participate on other blogs. I’m trying….Go Meee!

  8. Michell says

    Love this list Francesca! My main focus is engaging my readers and interacting with them. I mean really, if you don’t respond to comments people take time to leave on your blog, can you really expect them to stay around? I know I wouldn’t….Thanks for sharing!

  9. Kimberly, The Fur Mom says

    I love this post; it’s a great read for when you’re getting a little fed up with blogging. We’ve all be there and we’ll be there again – when these days come, just remember that we do this, because we love it.

    I blog, because I love writing, I love dogs, I love photography, and I love community. Thanks for sharing this myths – it’s funny that I always return to SITS Girl when I need to read a message and you ladies never let me down.

    Thank you

  10. Jill of PJgamers says

    Phew. It’s hard to keep going some days, but I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. Thanks for the words of encouragement and a place to connect.
    ♡ Jill

  11. Kelly @ Lefy Not Beefy says

    Thank you so much for this! Obviously, I don’t get that much traffic as I don’t even know what “1 MM” means 😉 But the desire to grow and get the numbers up has been there, and it’s been hunbling yet freeing to remember, as soemone above stated, it’s more about connections than subscribers/numbers. I’m going to focus on content and trying to really connect and build relationships with my readers – I think they appreciate that more, and eventually, I’m sure the numbers will come (or won’t, but it won’t really matter)

  12. Flora Morris Brown says

    It’s amazing how these myths persist, especially the ones about chasing after traffic and trying to be everywhere. Thanks for exposing and debunking these.

    You’ve proved that when building community is the primary goal, we can enjoy a successful blog.
    Now off to share this with my tribe.

  13. Jen says

    It takes so much work. You have to decide what your goals are and what you want to get out of it. And, just because you build it, it really doesn’t mean that people will come. You’ve got to create a community and engage with it.

  15. Amy ~ True Shining Self says

    I love that I’ve stumbled across this, perfect timing. I’m finding it difficult to balance working on my blog and the social interacting. This highlights that content is foremost so I will plug away at that, put most of my energy into providing value and service to my readers and not focus so much on the interaction side of things. I’m hoping that will flow organically. Thank you for sharing.

  16. Kerry says

    I felt like this post came to me at just the right time. I wrestle with No. 8 and No. 10. I often feel like I came to the blogging space late and so many people are leaps and bounds ahead of me when it comes to followers. Still, I try to remind myself that I got into this space to write and connect. Blogging is certainly teaching me a lot about patience and persistence.

  17. Paulin says

    #4 is my favorite. In the past I spent a great deal of time building and maintaining my blog but didn’t make time for social media. Of course, I wasn’t getting the response I wanted. And didn’t understand why until I became more active in a couple Google+ groups and saw my traffic pick up. That’s when I realized I needed to spend more time becoming active in social media platforms. As soon as I did things started to pick up 🙂

  19. Sierra says

    These 10 myths are ones I have wondered about! Thank you for debunking them and explaining more of how to achieve greater success!

    I’m off to learn some more!

  20. Carli says

    These are all so great! I will say that I am sometimes I’m concerned that I’m picking the wrong social media for my blog. How do I know what’s right for me?

  22. Marie says

    Oh SITS…I’ve learned so much from you! Thanks for this. It makes me feel okay about what I have going on my blog.

  23. Shari Lynne @ Faith Filled Food for Moms says

    I love these Francesca! I especially love #1 I try to make my relationship with my readers at the top of my list..I admit I can get caught up in the #’s game but I really try to focus on my friends first!

    Thanks for sharing this awesome list!
    Blessings!

  25. Kristi says

    So many myths-busted!! Can I also point out that putting yourself out there isn’t easy but like Alison mentions so worthwhile!! It takes a village sometimes. Especially when the opportunity to expand your readership gets shared. It feels amazing and I’m grateful to all that have embraced my blog.
    Thank you for posting these inspiring tips!

  28. Consie @ Atop Serenity Hill says

    I think the hardest part is trying to not get sucked into the daily traffic numbers. For #6, I tend to stay with the social media that I use. You could spend all day just putting out links and comments if you covered them all!!

  29. [email protected] Mom says

    These are such encouraging tips! I really appreciated tip number 6 – I sometimes feel as if I should add some more social media platforms, but then I worry that I would neglect the ones I have already established. It`s good to hear that it is OK to focus efforts on a few.

  30. KC White says

    Myth #11 – You have to be an expert to be a successful blogger.

    I think people get cold feet when starting a blog or exploring a particular topic because they don’t feel qualified to do so.

    For one thing, don’t ‘fake it ’til you make it.’ Be upfront with your readers about your interest in that topic and then approach your next post / series as a case study or something along those lines.

    As an alternative, you could bring in a trusted expert and interview them, or curate a list of great content written by experts.

    No harm in becoming an authority on a topic while becoming an expert. ;0)

  34. vivian says

    thank you so much for this post. i recently started following this blog and it has really given me motivation. i think i probably used to believe in all those myths at one point, especially #9! sometimes i even feel like you guys are reading my mind, and always seem to posts on a topic i’ve been thinking about that day!

  35. Kate says

    Found this very helpful. I’ve been checking my page views over and over again- good to know I can calm down on that one. Thanks for sharing!

  36. Emelie says

    Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. These are things I have been wondering for MONTHS now! Glad to see I’m not the only one! 🙂

  37. Megan Broutian says

    Concur, concur, and concur! No, not all your blog posts will be masterpieces and you certainly don’t need to be a great writer, but you can’t use the blog format as an excuse for not following basic grammar rules. So, essentially, I disagree about #7: being a good writer IS necessary for creating good content (unless your blog is mostly photo-driven). At the very least, make sure you spellcheck and proof your post before hitting that publish button.

    And yes, this totally counts as my attempt to debunk myth #4 🙂

  38. Chris Carter says

    Oh this is SO encouraging to read… thank you SO much for these tips and wonderful advice. It IS hard work to connect and really develop relationships…all the while produce good quality content! But it’s worth every minute! I always worry about my numbers…and how to do it all. Thank you for giving me a bit of peace about that!

  39. Kim says

    I’d change that last one to “Blogging as a stay at home mom/wife…” There are plenty of us with no kids. We should be included too. Just sayin’… =)

    I would also stress that you should at least be a good writer. And by good I mean you are knowledgeable about the basics of spelling and grammar, can properly transition between paragraphs and don’t ramble (I’m guilty of this, hence why it’s there). Just because anyone CAN write doesn’t mean they should. Oh boy have I encountered too many like that. *shakes head* LOL.

    All in all though, I think this is an awesome list. My traffic usually stinks but I admit I haven’t been putting the time into my blog that I should be. I’m getting there…slowly. =)

    • Kate says

      Maybe this is really about personal blogs? I’m not a mom, and I don’t stay at home…. I work full time and my blog has nothing to do with my job, but the same concept about earning money would apply to me…. I think? 🙂

  40. Kimi says

    As a new blogger it’s so easy to get discouraged by all the ‘do’s and don’ts’ that people tell you, and often times I feel like I’ll never get to the ‘level’ that I see many other mom bloggers at. This was a refreshing dose of encouragement, so thank you!

  41. Pam says

    This is a fantastic article. Several of these tips have taken me the last year and half to learn, and I wish I’d known them sooner. And several of these tips have been brand new to me and much needed. Thanks for this.

  42. Kristen says

    These are wonderful tips! And so perfectly true as well. Although, I keep having these thoughts that more opportunities would open up for me if I had more readers. I feel like brands don’t care that I have very loyal readers who come back every day. All they want to see are my numbers, and my numbers aren’t very big.

  43. Charlotte says

    Thanks for this. Sometimes I need a reality check, because I allow these theories to get in my head and cloud my thinking. The numbers/traffic don’t really matter, but the connections do.

    XOXO

  44. Southern Angel says

    SEO is where I am completely lost. I can read a dozen articles about it and still can’t find something to make it work on my blog.I get so irritated because I know what I would look for, trying to figure out how others would word it is where it gets interesting.

  48. Kendra @ Mommy, In Demand says

    Number 10 is something I struggle with. I’m really a go getter and try to be positive about most things but even I get discouraged sometimes and number 10 is usually where My mind goes. It does feel like I’m only 1 in a million. But as you said it’s the fact that I’m 1 in a million that keeps me going!!! Great post! Thanks.

  49. Lisa says

    Thanks for the tips… as a new blogger it can be very overwhelming, exhilarating and frustrating all at the same time. I love to write and my writing has lead to speaking which surprisingly I love too. One of my favorite quotes/ mantras ~ “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” ~ Maya Angelou. Not sure where this blog ride is taking me but happy to have found a community like yours! Cheers, LIsa

  50. thedoseofreality says

    Number five is my very favorite. Honestly, this is without a doubt the hardest I have ever worked (except for being a mom, of course!) because it is so time-consuming to try to do it right. Ironically, though, it is the happiest work I have ever done…so I don’t even notice the time! 🙂 Great post!