I know I may not be in the best position to tell what to do and what not to do when you blog, but I just can't help it but to get irked whenever I browse around and see a blog full of press releases, with no "real" content (I'll dig on this deeper later). I know I'm not an expert, nor am I a well established blogger, but I've been around the community for a long time, and I'd like to think that I was able to actually have a ~taste~ for nice blogs as I've gone along the way. (LOL, me and my excuses to rant) Here's a quick list of the things that some bloggers should immediately stop doing (or so I say).
1. Bombarding your blog with press releases.
I'm not really sure on what you are trying to achieve, but creating a bulletin board of press releases from various brands would not bring you real readers, or engagements for that matter. I think most people post press releases for the freebies, but I guess you should also consider why you're into this community -- is it to get money? Is it for the possible sponsorships and brand engagements? If so, you should consider creating a blog with real content that attract real people and viewers, which will help you charm bigger brands and more paid posts.
2. Blurred/out of focus/badly lighted photos.
I mean, really guys? What are you attempting to achieve? I'm not saying that you must take photography classes or equip yourself with a high calibre camera to become a blogger, but you must, at least, try to post quality photos, especially if you're creating a sponsored post. At least try to take decent images that you would like to actually see on your blog. I've recently came across a post with food photos that were so badly lighted, so out of focused, it doesn't look as appetizing as it's supposed to be -- and this was all for a something that's sponsored. The write up was bad too, with "delicious" smothered all over the post, without giving the readers why they even considered the food as such. This is extremely insulting for the brand, and is just plain annoying. Proper etiquette, maybe?
3. Overly promoting your post on social media.
It's totally okay to promote your content but make sure that you don't over-do it. No, I do not appreciate private messages or twitter mentions telling me that you have a new post. Here's what you can do though:
• Moderate your posts on facebook, twitter, and Instagram. Promoting your post once every other day would be fine.
• If you really want to promote your content, join Facebook groups that are specifically made for "blog sharing". They also have syndications/comment exchange threads if you're into that kind of thing.
• Creating a newsletter/e-mail subscription would be awesome.
• Create a facebook fanpage specifically targeted for your blog readers. You can update that all you want, since the people who clicked the "like" button are there because they sincerely want to get updates.
4. Smothering the "Blogger" title all over the place... And becoming extra demanding (not post related, but still).
So I've been invited to events for other things (work/personal blog/as a representative for sites that I contribute for), and I've noticed that some people would use the "blogger" pass to try to get special treatments and goodie bags. I'm not saying that it's not okay to ask for loot bags -- it's totally fine when it's really being given away -- but being rude and extra demanding is not the way to go. Just because you're a ~blogger~ doesn't mean you'll get everything you want. And trying to scare people/brands on putting in a bad review if they don't give you a special treatment is fcking crazy. Get a life.
5. Posting content that you won't read yourself.
The golden rule of it all: Post only what will interest you. Are you sure that blogging about this certain washing machine would be something of your interest (considering that you are a "fashion" blogger)? Just like #1, don't do it for freebies or event invites. Create content and attract real people.
How about you guys? What are the things that you wish some bloggers would stop doing? Comment below and let me hear you! :p
