My Saturday Evening Post | Keys to Improving Your Blogging Experience

I’ve heard it said people don’t read words anymore. Apparently, people prefer pictures. So why blog?

Believe me, I’ve asked myself that question more than once. For me, it’s a way to communicate ideas, chronicle events, and create community.

What we think influences what we say which impacts what we do.

When we think discouraging, defeatist thoughts we yield negative results. We tend not to do that which we know we should do, like devote time to planning our posts, scheduling time to sit down and write, or reading other people’s blogs. In blogging, like all other things, the principle of sowing and reaping rings true.

Part of our responsibility as bloggers, if we want to grow, is to invest time in our growth. This means learning what makes a good blog great. It means developing the skills necessary to understand what improves the chances of our blogpost being read. If I want to become good at tennis, I need to invest time in learning how to play the game and developing the skills needed to play well. As a blogger, I need to learn what makes a blog standout in the crowded blogosphere, if I want my voice to be heard. I reap what I sow.

In order to create fresh content, I need to experience life. This means getting out and about and continually challenging myself to try new things. It may mean that if I’m a homebody I need to push myself out the door and into the world. It also helps to identify those things that I already do that I may have a unique perspective on or special expertise in that I can share with others. I not only need to know what I am writing about but risk being vulnerable by being transparent. It’s imperative I focus on those things in which I am a subject expert while continuing to hone those knowledge areas where I may be lacking. I’ve heard it said though, in order to be great, focus on what you’re good at because the distance from good to great is a fraction of what it is to go from bad to good. But even though the distance between good and great maybe marginal, it can be no less challenging. Rewards come to those willing to go walk the extra mile. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Focus on your strengths and build on them first and foremost. What do you do better than anybody?

The best part of blogging, I think, is the sense of belonging to a community. That belonging prospers when I spend time reading other people’s posts. Over the years of blogging, I’ve noticed that the amount of engagement I receive directly correlates to the engagement I give. Commenting on other people’s blogs is a sure fire way to encourage others to comment on your posts. But be genuine. Don’t write something just for the sake of snagging a bite. Be consistent and remain persistent and be honest and real. Encourage others who are writing blogs because you too need encouragement. This probably means stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t let fear hinder you from being all that you were created to be. You’re the only you there is.

That’s my two cents on improving your blogging experience. Take what you like, leave the rest.

Happy blogging!

The Devotional Guy™

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