Yay! I’ve now written 1,000 blog posts. Since most of my posts average 550 words, I’ve written approximately 550,000 words. It is hard to believe I’ve written that much content over the years, and I’m so grateful to God for His favor to allow this.
Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned after writing 1,000 blog posts:
- Consistency is the number one key to building an online audience.
You could write with the skill of John Grisham, but if you’re inconsistent, it won’t matter. Posting the same amount of times, the same days of the week, allows you to build trust with your audience.
2. Batching blog posts is the biggest key to consistency.
I’ve written about this in more depth here. If you write several posts at one time, then schedule them to release at your designated times, you will save time and stay in your workflow.
- The blogosphere has gotten very muddy, and video is the future.
If you’re thinking about blogging, keep in mind the Internet is shifting further and further into video. Follow the attention of the people and go there.
- Patience is the most important trait in being a writer.
It takes time to build an audience online. A long time. Podcasting audiences take even longer to build than blog audiences.
- Even if you watch your motives as closely as possible, people will accuse you of self-promotion.
This is just part of it. I’ve been accused of it, and every friend of mine who blogs consistently is accused of the same thing. Sure, I’ve been guilty of it at times. Just beware that if you start blogging consistently, your antagonizers will immediately jump to this line of attack.
- Once you start using a content calendar, you’ll write more quickly.
When you don’t have to think through your topic of writing, you can more easily jump into content development.
- There is a weird tension when your blog starts to take off.
I’m sure this is true in other fields, but as a pastor, with people start reading your content, and then you’re trying to focus on leading your flock, there are some people who may feel you should ditch the online ministry to focus more on the church. That’s why it is important to develop your content during non-work hours. That’s what I do, and it removes much of the tension.
- You will, likely, write something you regret.
After having written approximately 550,000 words, I’ve inevitably written things I wish I could take back. There are times I’ve been rude and/or inconsiderate. Now, more than ever, I look at my content and make sure I realize that what I’m posting is for the whole world to consume. When you mess up, apologize, delete or edit the post, then move on from it.
- You can legitimately reach the world via something as simple as consistently writing blog posts.
Out of 195 countries in the world, 165 of them have been on my website in the last 21 months. I’ve shared the truth of Jesus to nearly the entire world via a keyboard. If you write consistently enough, you truly can reach the world. I believe the next global revival is on the verge of taking place as a result of the boom of the Internet.
- When you blog, if you want to be a person of influence, pick your niche and stay in your lane.
I see a lot of people try to enter the discipline of blogging, but fall away because they lose focus of their site. As a result, they shoot off in dozens of directions and end up quitting.
Blogging is one of the best things I’ve decided to do in my ministry. Praise God for the opportunity!
Do you have any thoughts or questions about blogging?
This article originally appeared here.
