So, You Want to Write a Blog . . .

2 Corinthians 3:3
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Over the past four years of blogging at Meditations of My Heart and Martha's Daily Devotions prior to that, I've fielded numerous questions from would-be bloggers who are seeking advice about how to go about beginning, and continuing, a viable, intriguing and engaging blog.

In light of this, I thought I would share some of the tips I've been generously been given by fellow bloggers, what I've found from my own experience to be true, and what I've successfully put into practice.

• What is your passion?  Yes!  If you cannot define a passion for a subject in your life, your blog will droop like a sail on a calm sea.  Ask yourself what activities you enjoy the most.  Are you into cooking?  Homemaking?  Arts and crafts?  Photography?  Religion?  History?  No matter what you love do, make that the center of your blog.  You will attract other like-minded individuals who will help you expand your presence in the vast, and sometimes overwhelming, world of social media.
• Okay, I've defined my passion.  Now what?  Set yourself a writing/posting schedule to which you will adhere.  Consistency is especially important when you are getting started as a blogger.  I post twice a week, but I know many bloggers who post considerably more often than that.  You have to consider what's reasonable and comfortable for you.  Set realistic goals that fit with your lifestyle and obligations.
• Keep it short!  The ideal length for a blog post is, in my opinion, between 350 and 700 words.  Let's face it - folks today are busy!!!  They may love your writing, but will often forego reading your post if it drones on and on.  Remember, your intent is to build a base of loyal followers, not discourage their interest.
• Include photos/images.  Obviously, if the intent of your blog is to showcase your photography skills, this is a no-brainer.  Each time I post, I either use an image from Google, my husband's photos, or some of my own.  Attractive images will definitely enhance your message.
• Compose at least a day ahead of your scheduled post.  Serious bloggers (and writers) edit!  Give yourself breathing space between the composition and the actual publication.  You will thank yourself later!
• Befriend and interact with other bloggers.  There is nothing more deflating for a blogger than to have no comments in his/her comments section.  If you enjoy someone's blog, write on their tablets from your heart, in love and support.  To have friends, you must be one.
• Don't give up!  It may take a while for your blog to get noticed on social media.  Try sharing with friends and family first and encourage them to share on their own personal feeds to spread the word.  You can also create a Facebook page where your blog regularly appears and invite your friends to join you there.

Bottom line:  Remember to write not just in ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.  If He has given you the gift of writing, He will make it happen.

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If you already pen a blog, what advice would you add to this list?

Prayer:  Father, let us remember Paul's words that every letter we write may be a message from You.  May our words written in ink be an indelible and incredible inspiration to those who read them.  Bless all those who currently blog and who long to do so.  In Jesus'name, we pray.  Amen.

Meditations of My Heart will be on temporary hiatus until Tuesday, September 8th.  Wishing God's blessings for each and every one of you!