My Biggest Blogging Pet Peeves

My experience in journalism, graphic design and communications mold me as probably pickier than most when it comes to upkeeping a blog. I take pride in the quality of my posts as well as their presentation, and I take special care to craft great social media marketing strategies due to my studies of advertising.    I retain a mental collection of post ideas, graphic inspiration and blogging role models that sometimes taints itself with small annoyances within the blogging world. My strongest blogging pet peeves range from carbon copy cover images to weak title wording. For the pure intent of bettering blogs and the gutsy guys and gals who produce them, I share these seven sins below:  

1. STOCK PHOTOS

Nothing exudes a lack of originality like using stock photos or those trendy scene generators. Like those hip 90's overalls or even the recently reincarnated high-waist shorts, online trends like these retain a shelf life unbeknownst to their strongest proponents. Learn to take and perfect your own unique blog photos with this how-to from Alissa at The Adored Life.

2. POOR GRAMMAR, SPELLING + PUNCTUATION

Written language skills reign supreme in the blogger's bible. While accidents happen, spell check, online dictionaries and limitless digital resources like my AP Style Cheat Sheet prep an unsinkable literary lifeboat. Even the tiniest of typos dent your credibility, so make a habit out of proofreading at least three times before publishing. 

3. HUGE TEXT BLOCKS 

As visual creatures, people prefer reading shorter sentences and smaller blocks of text. Limit each block to less than six sentences and break up paragraphs with infographics, photos, videos or pull-out quotes. Done and done? Rev up your posts with these 30 copy pick-me-ups you can tackle today in 30 minutes or less.

4. TITLES DEVOID OF KEYWORDS

Neglecting the power of well worded titles will land you among the web's worst in its Hall of Shame. Though our moral code urges us not to judge books by their covers, the natural tendency prevails. So it goes with blog titles, which act as sneak peeks to full posts. Great bloggers craft titles that tease, inform and intrigue both their current followers and potentials ones. Add the cherry on top by incorporating SEO with these tips from blogging guru Amy Porterfield.

5. MESSY BRAND IDENTITY

Save the eclecticism for your Spotify playlists. Blog design should clarify the identify of your personal brand through color, shape, font and other consistent imaging. Stuck in the middle of a blog rebrand? Do your readers a favor and go off the grid until the new look is complete. You wouldn't want your friends walking through your mid-renovation house, so extend to your e-pals the same courtesy.

6. 'PRENEUR'-OBSESSION

Somehow "entrepreneur" has fallen victim to the latest medley of portmanteaus strewn about amidst the blogosphere. Most noted as fluff marketing for bloggers-turned-amateur-copywriters are "solopreneur" (an entrepreneur is a singular being), "mompreneur" and "girlpreneur." I find it irrelevant and a little insulting that the latter two need exist at all. If you find yourself craving these keywords like a slice of chocolate cake, swallow the urge and instead stuff yourself with some good old-fashioned SEO.

7. CRUDENESS

I don't care about your blog traffic, your Twitter followers or your rebellion against social norms. Politeness and consideration will always prove the best track. Don't swear. Don't use discriminatory language. Don't post inappropriate photos. Crudeness may excite 10 of your loyal followers, but grace will allure a thousand. Honey vs. vinegar, right?

Do you have any pet peeves that pertain to blogging or personal branding?  Share you story below!