Friday, August 28, 2015

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.

~

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!

24 comments:

  1. Excellent tips! Thank you, I think a lot of people wonder about this, I know I will certainly put some of these to use.:)

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    1. So glad you found this to be helpful, Colleen! I'd love to know how these ideas work for you. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Hi Martha! I just met this morning with a woman who wants to start a blog. This post would be perfect for her, and I'll send your address along to her. We all learn so much from our experiences, it's great that you are sharing yours with all of us. We need to help each other!
    Thank you for generously passing along your hard-won wisdom,
    Ceil

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    1. Is this perfect timing, or what, Ceil? Surely do hope the info here will help your friend. And I can't help but pass along the wisdom others have so generously given to me over my blogging years. It's been invaluable.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Excellent words Martha. I might only add how much of an encouragement you have been to me as we've established a 'cyber-friendship' over the years. B Blessed!
    -Mike

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    1. I can't begin to express how much your words mean to me, Mike. It's all I've ever wanted to do with my blog - encouraging others on their Christian faith walk and inviting others to join in this incredible journey with God. Likewise, my friend, your posts never cease to inspire me, and I am grateful for you!
      Love and blessings!

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  4. great tips. I have read Google search does better with longer posts but I agree with you - keep them short. Add lots of photos and keep learning.

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    1. Short, photos, and engaging prose (Oops, forgot to include the last above). Jean, I'll have to look into that Google perspective, but all I know at this point is what has worked for me. Love your posts, always!
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Martha, Great tips for those who are just getting started in the world of blogging. I'm still trying to figure things out; mostly on the technology side. Thank you for your support and encouragement as I delve into the world of blogging!

    The one main thing I'd add to your list is: prayer; lots and lots of prayer (at least for the Christian blogger). Believing in your God given talents and abilities is helpful too!

    Love and blessings!

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    1. Ah, yes, Kim, prayer is a necessary requirement for the Christian blogger, for sure! I cannot begin to tell you how many times I asked God for guidance before I sat down to actually write out a post. I could be cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry, or relaxing on our deck, but I was tuning into Him for inspiration.
      You are doing fantastically with your blog. God is certainly using you in marvelous ways, my friend!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  6. These are good tips! I have thought about writing a blog but with three kids I worry about having the time to keep up with it. But your ideas have me considering it.

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    1. Sarah, there are many young moms out there who regularly post blogs about the realities of family life. Photos and stories of events are essential to making something like this work. However, until you all can get a PC, I would wait to launch an official blog. Do take notes in a journal and catalog photos. Would love you to join the blogosphere!
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Very nicely detailed for a budding blogger Martha loved it. Sharing it on my social media for one and all.

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    1. Thank you, Privy!!! Such an honor to have you share!
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Thanks, Martha. I'll highlight your post on the Christian Poets & Writers blog - http://www.christianpoetsandwriters.com. God bless.

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    1. Thank you so much for the highlight, Mary. So honored by this!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Thanks, Martha, for all these reminders. I will use many of them to update my blog and make it more user friendly. I especially need to stick to a writing schedule.

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    1. I'm so glad you found the post helpful, Frances! Yes, I've found that setting aside a specific time each day to write is crucial; not that you can't write any time of the day, but you are more likely to if you contemplate ahead of time what you want to write about and use the time you set aside productively.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Great advice, Martha! If I was to add anything to your very comprehensive list, it would be this - to look for blog hops and link-up parties. They are a very good way to spread the word about your blog, and to interact with others. And, they're really a lot of fun, too!!

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. That's awesome advice, Sharon! I'm sure it will be useful for the readers/bloggers.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. Great advice. The best advice I can give is to keep at it, be consistent, and interact with you readers. Always...quality is better than quantity. :)

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! Yes, consistency is so important as is responding to comments on one's blog.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Thank you, Martha! No better place to get blogging advice than from one of my favorite bloggers. Blogging can be a chore if it's a topic you're not passionate about. IF you love the topic, it becomes a milion times easier. I always suggest people writing 5-10 posts before they start blogging. If they get sick of the subject, they know right there not to start a blog. If they love, it, then go live and keep going!

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    1. You are too sweet, Vishnu; thank you! And oh, how I love the advice you have given here about writing 5-10 posts before even starting a blog. That can be very telling about our passion for a topic. Thanks for the input!
      Love and blessings!

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