Let’s be real – blogging is already a lot of work. You plan, write, edit, and finally hit publish… only to hear crickets. Sound familiar? If your blog posts aren’t getting the traffic you hoped for, blog SEO mistakes might be the reason.
Good news: It’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds. In fact, you might just be making a few small mistakes that are easy to fix. Let’s break down the most common SEO mistakes for bloggers (and exactly how to fix them).
1. Ignoring Keywords
Here’s the deal: If you’re not using keywords, Google doesn’t know what your post is about. That means fewer eyeballs on your content.
The fix: Before you write, spend 5 minutes doing keyword research. Look for phrases your ideal readers are actually typing into Google. Then, naturally weave those keywords into your blog post title, headings, and body text. (Not stuffing – just sprinkling!)
Quick example: If you’re writing about “time management tips for moms,” use that phrase in your blog post title, intro, and at least one subheading.
2. Skipping Meta Descriptions
Meta descriptions are those little snippets that show up in Google search results. They might seem tiny, but they’re your chance to convince someone to click.
The fix: Write a clear, compelling meta description for every post. Keep it under 160 characters, use your main keyword, and make it irresistible. Think: “Here’s what you’ll learn and why it matters.”
Example meta: “Learn 5 simple SEO fixes to get more eyes on your blog posts — without tech overwhelm.”
3. Not Using Internal Links
Internal links are your blog’s secret power move. They help readers discover more of your content – and they help Google understand your site better.
The fix: Link to at least one other relevant blog post or page in every blog post you publish. It keeps people on your site longer and boosts your SEO.
Personal tip: I link to related posts I’ve written and my services page – because once readers trust you, they’ll want to know how you can help.
4. Forgetting Mobile Optimization
Most of your readers are on their phones. If your site (and blog posts) aren’t mobile-friendly, they’ll bounce – fast.
The fix: Check your blog on your phone. Make sure the font is easy to read, images load quickly, and there’s no awkward scrolling. Tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can help, too.
Pro tip: Avoid pop-ups that cover the entire screen on mobile – they’re annoying and hurt your SEO.
5. Writing… But Not Promoting
You can write the best post in the world, but if no one sees it, what’s the point? Promotion is just as important as writing.
The fix: Share your posts on social media, pin them on Pinterest, email them to your list, and drop them into relevant Facebook groups. Re-share them regularly – don’t just post once and forget it.
Personal reminder: I set aside time every Friday to re-share one older blog post. It keeps traffic steady without creating more work.
Bonus Tip: Track Your Results
If you’re not checking your blog’s analytics, you’re flying blind.
The fix: Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to see which posts are performing well – and double down on those topics that are already bringing readers to your blog.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to be an SEO pro to get results. Avoid these common mistakes, make a few small tweaks, and you’ll start seeing more traffic (and engagement) on your blog.
👉 Want step-by-step help to make blogging simple? Start by grabbing my free Blogging Made Easy guide — it’s packed with actionable steps to get you moving!
