9 Mistakes Bloggers Make When Choosing a Blog Topic

When I first started blogging, I thought picking topics was the easy part. 

But over time, I realized that even one wrong choice can waste hours of work. 

Many bloggers fall into the same traps without even realizing it, losing potential readers in the process. 

To help you avoid these pitfalls, I’m sharing nine common mistakes bloggers make when choosing topics—ones I’ve either made myself or seen others make.

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9 Common Mistakes Bloggers Make When Picking Blog Topics—and How to Fix Them

Choosing the right blog topic is crucial, but it’s easy to stumble along the way. 

Avoid these common mistakes to keep your content engaging, relevant, and on target for your audience.

Mistake #1: Choosing Topics That Are Too Broad

One common mistake I made early on was picking topics that were way too broad. I’d choose subjects like “How to Be Successful” or “Starting a Business.” 

But the problem with broad topics is they often lack depth. When you try to cover too much, you can’t go into detail on anything, leaving readers feeling like they’ve only skimmed the surface.

When I narrowed down my topics—like focusing on “Marketing Strategies for Small Business Owners”—I noticed my content became more valuable. 

Readers could actually walk away with practical tips they could use, rather than a general overview they’d likely forget. 

A narrower topic allows you to dive deep, making your content more helpful and targeted. Remember, if you’re trying to reach everyone, you might end up reaching no one.

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Mistake #2: Ignoring Audience Interests

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was focusing too much on what I wanted to write about rather than what my audience needed. 

It’s easy to assume that what excites me will also captivate my readers, but that assumption can often miss the mark. 

Over time, I realized that when I focused solely on my own interests, my readership suffered. 

They wanted to read about practical advice, real experiences, and insights tailored to them—not just my personal interests.

To fix this, I began researching what my audience actually wanted. I dove into comments on my posts, checked engagement metrics, and even ran simple polls to get a clearer picture of their preferences. 

This approach allowed me to align my blog topics with what my readers cared about, not just what I was passionate about. The difference was night and day. 

Readers were more engaged, shared my content more often, and kept coming back for more. Now, every topic I choose is a balance between my interests and my audience’s needs.

Mistake #3: Failing to Research Competition

Skipping competitor analysis was another error that cost me time and readership. 

When I started, I would brainstorm topics and write about them without considering what was already out there. 

The problem? 

I often ended up covering topics that had already been written about—sometimes even by top bloggers in my niche. 

Without anything unique to offer, my posts would get buried among similar ones, and my blog wouldn’t stand out.

Eventually, I realized that researching the competition wasn’t just about avoiding duplication; it was about finding gaps I could fill. 

Now, before I settle on a topic, I look at what other bloggers have written. I analyze what they covered well, where they fell short, and how I can add a unique twist. 

This approach has allowed me to carve out a niche within popular topics and add value, rather than simply echoing what’s already been said.

Mistake #4: Not Considering SEO Value

When I first started blogging, I didn’t understand the importance of SEO. I thought if I wrote great content, people would find it on their own. 

But as my posts kept getting little to no traffic, I realized that visibility is key—and that’s where SEO comes in. 

Ignoring SEO is like setting up a store in the middle of nowhere; without the right keywords, readers won’t know you exist.

I started by learning basic keyword research. Now, when I’m choosing topics, I use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords that people are searching for. 

This doesn’t mean I write solely for SEO, but I make sure my topics resonate with search engines as well as readers. 

By incorporating keywords naturally, I’ve managed to increase my blog’s visibility, bringing in more organic traffic without compromising on content quality.

Mistake #5: Following Trends Without Purpose

I used to jump on trends the moment I saw them, thinking it would help my blog stay relevant. 

But after a while, I noticed that many of these trendy posts didn’t perform as well as expected. 

The reason? 

They felt out of place and didn’t align with my blog’s focus. My readers came to my blog for specific insights, not just the latest fads.

Now, before I tackle a trending topic, I ask myself if it fits my blog’s purpose and my audience’s interests. 

If the answer is no, I move on. 

If yes, I think about how I can give the trend my own spin to make it relevant to my readers. 

By only choosing trends that make sense for my blog and adding a unique perspective, I’m able to keep my content fresh without diluting my brand’s focus.

Mistake #6: Picking Topics Outside Your Expertise

In my eagerness to cover more ground, I occasionally chose topics outside my expertise. While it felt exciting at first, it didn’t take long for me to realize the downsides. 

Writing about something unfamiliar made the research process much longer, and my final posts felt less confident and authoritative. 

Readers can sense when content lacks depth, and in my case, it didn’t take long for engagement to drop.

Since then, I’ve focused on topics where I can provide real value. Instead of stretching myself thin, I dig deeper into areas I’m knowledgeable about. 

It’s tempting to chase new and exciting topics, but I’ve learned that credibility and depth make a bigger impact than covering everything. 

Staying within my comfort zone allows me to create richer, more detailed posts, building trust with my audience and keeping them coming back.

Mistake #7: Overcomplicating Topics

I used to think that the more complex a topic was, the more valuable it would be to my readers. 

But I learned the hard way that overcomplicating things can overwhelm people and turn them off. 

Blogging isn’t about showing off how much I know; it’s about delivering useful, understandable content that readers can actually use.

Now, I focus on simplifying topics without watering them down. I break down complex ideas into manageable steps and avoid jargon. 

If I’m writing about something technical, I make sure it’s approachable for someone with no prior knowledge on the subject. 

This shift in approach has made my blog far more accessible, drawing in a broader audience who appreciate clarity over complexity.

Mistake #8: Ignoring Reader Feedback and Analytics

When I first started, I didn’t pay much attention to feedback or analytics. I figured that as long as I was publishing content, readers would engage. 

But over time, I noticed certain topics weren’t performing well, while others did better than I expected. 

That’s when I realized that reader feedback and analytics hold valuable clues to what resonates and what doesn’t.

Now, I regularly check my analytics and listen to reader feedback. If I notice a post has low engagement, I ask myself why and look for patterns.

Likewise, when a topic performs well, I explore it further and create related content. 

This data-driven approach has allowed me to refine my topics, tailoring them to my audience’s interests and improving my blog’s overall performance.

Mistake #9: Lacking Passion for the Topic

I’ve learned that if I don’t have genuine interest in a topic, it shows. 

Writing becomes a chore, and the content feels flat. 

When I choose topics I’m passionate about, though, my enthusiasm naturally translates into my writing, making it more engaging and enjoyable for readers.

Now, I only pick topics that genuinely spark my interest. If I’m not excited about the topic, I know my readers won’t be either. 

Blogging requires dedication, and writing about things you care about makes the entire process more fulfilling. 

My best-performing posts have always been those where my passion shines through, drawing readers in and building a deeper connection with my audience.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right blog topics requires a balance between audience needs, SEO, and personal interest. 

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create content that’s both engaging and impactful. 

Remember, thoughtful topic selection sets the foundation for successful blogging—keep learning from your audience, refine your approach, and let your passion shine through every post.

FAQs: 9 Mistakes Bloggers Make When Choosing a Blog Topic

1. How do I know if a blog topic is too broad?

If a topic seems to cover too much ground or could be split into multiple subtopics, it’s likely too broad. Narrow it down to focus on a specific angle or audience need, making it easier to explore thoroughly and provide value.

2. How can I find out what my audience wants to read about?

Use tools like surveys, polls, or social media engagement to ask your audience directly. Additionally, analyze comments, feedback, and popular posts on your blog to understand topics that resonate.

3. Why is competitor research important in blogging?

Competitor research helps you see what’s already out there, allowing you to identify gaps, explore new angles, and find ways to make your content unique and valuable compared to others.

4. How can I incorporate SEO without compromising quality?

Research keywords that align with your topic, then incorporate them naturally in your writing. Focus on producing quality content first, while ensuring your title, headings, and body text include relevant keywords.

5. What are some ways to use trends effectively in my blog?

When following trends, choose those that fit your blog’s focus and audience. Adding your unique perspective or connecting the trend to evergreen topics can make the content valuable long-term.

6. How can I avoid losing readers with complex topics?

Break down complex ideas into simple, digestible points. Use examples, analogies, or infographics to make the content more accessible to a broader audience.

7. Why is it important to have passion for the topics I write about?

Passion adds energy and authenticity to your writing, which readers can feel. Choosing topics you’re genuinely interested in can make the writing process enjoyable and keep readers engaged.