I taught a class this morning on how to successfully use blogging and social media for ministry. I shared a few points on what I think makes a successful blog. Here were my points…
- Make your posts relevant. Give me stuff that applies today and is relevant to me as a Christian, husband, father, etc.
- Make it short. No one, including myself, has time to read LONG blogs. No matter how relevant and important a topic, if it’s really long, I’ll skip right over it.
- Make me laugh. I love blogs that make me laugh. Allow your personality to come through.
- Challenge me. Don’t just give me some information, but challenge my thinking, my lifestyle and my way of life. Challenge me to be a better person, husband, Christian or father.
- Be open. Let yourself come through. Tell us about who you are, what you like and what you don’t like. Anonymous blogs are nice, but if we don’t know you, we won’t become attached.
- Update regularly. Nothing is more frustrating than finding a blog you love and it’s only updated once or twice a month.
These were a few of my thoughts on what make a successful blog. Do you agree? What attracts you to a blog?
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
All of what you said, including interaction with responders. I like it when people respond to my comments, and I try to respond to those who leave comments. In doing so, I have developed wonderful relationships with people I’ve never met.
I agree totally, Greg. I like the community and friendships with people, many whom I’ve never met.
I read to find out about you and your family. Is this short enough? Love you all.
Well!!! Guess that mean’s you did NOT read my self-titled “World’s longest blog post” I put on my blog last week………
Or WAIT!!!! Is that where you came up with bullet point 2?!?! — Never mind — don’t answer that……..
Now that I know your blog critera -Thank you Mr. Fancy Pants for popping onto my blog occasionally! I am honored.
You must remember, my dislike for LONG posts is just my opinion. I think it may be because I’m a little ADD at times
Mr. Fancy Pants,
Glad someone put your blog on my favorites list a few years ago.
Me too
i’m with you on almost all these points, trey. this one i’m unsure about, though:
“Make it short. No one, including myself, has time to read LONG blogs. No matter how relevant and important a topic, if it’s really long, I’ll skip right over it.”
i haven’t decided where i land on this issue. in a recent “survey” my “readership” said long posts were great, as long as i changed up the length frequently. i myself read long blog posts pretty often — i may set them aside until i have more time, but if i’m interested in reading on the subject (or if i generally enjoy the author), i’ll read it. and i know many others do as well. my blog is not the most popular on the web, but i have some pretty long posts that still get a lot of reads — or comments, at least.
do you think people comment on things they don’t read? that might change my mind…
James, I honestly think some do comment on things they don’t read. Even the short posts. And as for the long ones, it’s just my opinion, and I struggle to keep my attention for that long.
I think I just want someone to be open and honest with me, and to be real. No fakey stuff.
And I love photos.
And I love to hear about the grace of God.
That’s all.
Trey
I am also more attracted to terse blogs.One exception is oneinjesus.info.Jay’s is a teaching blog and tends to length.The comments show where the church is in conservative v. progressive.
love and good fortune,George
Jay has an excellent blog, George. I always enjoy when you leave a comment. Tell your wife, “hello” for me.
Love this blog. Easy to read and follow. I like Jay’s blog too, but it’s harder for me to follow, but because it’s a teaching blog, it encourages me to study and learn. Your blog is uplifting and almost always, without fail, makes me smile and want to be a better Christian.
Thank you Rachel for your sweet comment and kind words.
*hangs head*
I do long blog post. But I’m okay with that. I have a wonderful bunch of readers following me.
But honestly, the reasons I like your blog? It’s about your life. It’s honest. It’s not splattered with tons of swampige. (blog confetti)
I like clean. I like daily updates. I like receiving notifications that the blogger has replied to my comment. Which means, I have been meaning to reply to the comment you left on my blog the other day.
Expect a reply shortly.
It is cool that some crazy guy across the USA is living for God and sharing it with the est of us.
Good list. I an most drawn to blogs that have something important to say, but are able to say it in very few words. I read enough books, so I am drawn to simply-worded posts…..
….like yours!
Thanks Adam.
i agree with all your points (even as i, too, post lengthy blogs–and only really read them that once because i have little time for long posts and am off to read others’ shorter posts).
i find you have a really accessible blog, with really friendly and/or witty readers in the comment section. i like to read your posts, and the comments to follow.
Thanks for the kind words, Leslie.
Great tips! I will try to incorporate these into my own blog writing. I might need to work on the length one, however. It is a challenge. I’m long winded, especially when telling a story.