Christian Bloggers, Please………

Having a blog does not make me an “expert” on blogging. I am thankful for every person who reads our blog, and this week at the Freed-Hardeman lectures, I have been blown away by the number of people who have said that they read these words from time-to-time. However, just having some readers does not make me some sort of “patron saint” of Christian blogging.

However, I love this medium, and I have noticed some things that I like and that I think are quite effective. I read dozens of blogs (about 90 or so), and I see certain things that help some get read more often….without having to beg for readers.

From that perspective, let me offer some suggestions for Christian bloggers. Whether you are thinking of starting a blog, or just want a few tips, I hope you’ll find these tips both simple and helpful.

1. Keep it positive. It is fine to write about problems at times, and to address some “negative” things. Most people are reading your blog, though, for a quick “shot in the arm” each day. Also, please remember that non-Christians will stumble across your words. If you are doing nothing but running down your brothers, why would someone be attracted to that?

2. Keep it short. 1000 words. Maximum. If it’s longer than that, break it into two (or more) posts. The vast majority of those who read blogs are not actually reading; they are scanning. Write with that in mind. (By the way, that’s why posts with lists are so popular.)

3. Keep it personal (to a point). You don’t need to embarrass yourself, your family, or your friends, but people want your personality to come through your words. Many of your readers–especially at first–will be people you know. They like you, and they want your personality in these posts. Look to your ups and downs for illustrations, but you don’t have to admit to sin. If you like to joke around, write humorous posts. I love family and I love the church being a family; therefore, much of this blog focuses on these things.

4. Keep it focused. What are you wanting to write about? Now, I jump around quite a bit, but I try to write a vast majority of our posts focused on family and the Church, with other things dropped in at times. If you are writing about everything under the sun, people will not come back for long. It might even be worth it to write out a list of just two or three topics you are going to write at least 75% of your posts on.

5. Keep engaged. Blogging is a conversation. People want to comment at times. You need to allow comments, and you need to read those comments…and you need to respond to them at times. You do not have to respond to every comment, but people need to know that you are paying attention. Often, the comments will bring out an idea you hadn’t considered that truly adds to the thought. At other times, a mistake will be pointed that truly needs to be corrected. If people know that you care about their insights, they’ll be more likely to return.

6. Keep it up! Please do not start a blog unless you know you can keep it up. You do not have to post every day, but you need to be fairly consistent. Do your best to post at least once per week, but have a schedule and stick to it as much as you can. I try to post about 3 regular articles  each week, and I’ve found that is not too overwhelming for me.

7. Above all, keep it “Christian.” Somewhere, I heard the good advice, “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” I wish this didn’t need to be said, but it does. If you wear the name of Christ, so does your blog, and it needs to reflect that in every way (words, videos, comments, tone, etc.).

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If you want to start a blog, let me know. I’d be glad to show you how easy it is. I wish far more faithful members of the Lord’s body would flood the web with faithful, Biblical, and encouraging information through this medium.

What other tips would you give?