[FAQ]

I’ve recently started my first blog, and while I’m passionate about my topic, I’m not a professional writer. I’m worried that I might be making common mistakes that make my posts hard to read or look unprofessional.

What are some of the most common writing errors that new bloggers tend to make in 2025? I’m thinking about things like tone of voice, sentence structure, formatting for the web, and anything else that might cause a reader to click away.

Trying to learn and improve, so any tips would be fantastic. Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

Developing strong writing skills is key to the success of a blog. Avoiding a few common mistakes can dramatically improve the readability of your posts and how well they engage your audience.

First, one of the most frequent errors is writing overly long paragraphs and sentences. People tend to scan content on the web rather than reading every single word. Large blocks of text are visually intimidating and difficult to read on a screen, especially on mobile devices. You should use short paragraphs, often just one to three sentences long, and vary your sentence length to create a more engaging rhythm.

Second, a common habit to avoid is using the passive voice too often. While it is not grammatically incorrect, writing in an active voice generally makes your content more direct, concise, and powerful. For example, “Our team analysed the data” (active) is much stronger than “The data was analysed by our team” (passive).

Third, many new bloggers adopt a tone that is too academic or formal. Unless your blog is specifically for a highly academic or technical audience, a conversational and approachable tone is almost always more effective. A good practice is to write as though you are explaining the topic to a friend.

Fourth, a major mistake is not using headings and subheadings. A long article with no formatting to break it up becomes a “wall of text.” Using clear, descriptive headings (such as H2s and H3s) organises your content, makes it easily scannable for readers looking for specific information, and also helps search engines understand the structure of your post.

Fifth, you must proofread your work thoroughly. Simple spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can quickly undermine your credibility and make your work seem unprofessional. It is always a good idea to read your post aloud before publishing, which helps to catch awkward phrasing, or to use a reliable grammar checking tool.

Sixth, another common pitfall is burying the main point. You need to get to the subject of your post quickly. Your introduction should hook the reader and clearly state what the article is about and why it is valuable for them to read. Avoid long, rambling introductions that do not provide immediate value.

And seventh, a foundational mistake is not writing with a clear audience in mind. If you try to write for everyone, you often end up connecting with no one. You should always have a clear picture of your ideal reader, and write your content specifically for them, addressing their unique problems and using language that they understand.

The key is to write for the web. Use short paragraphs, an active voice, and clear formatting. Keep your specific audience in mind, deliver value quickly, and always check your work for errors.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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