Seth’s words this weekend were more than your typical “goodness” for me as I chewed on his mindfood this morning. How does one create a “Everyone Reads It” publication? How does one go about creating one of those types of blogs?
Probably all of us have a few blogs on our lists that are just “standard” reading if you’re in the web technology space. Blogs like TechCrunch, Mashable, ProBlogger are a few that come to mind instantly.
Then there are a few that come to my mind personally that are probably not on everyone’s list, and that’s because we all have our very unique and specific interests that are probably not as common and/or shared as everyone else.
But how does one become one of those “A-List” blogs that everyone’s got to read? I think there are a number of contributing factors, but one that seems to always be a fundamental characteristic is time.
It just takes time to grow and winning over mass audiences doesn’t happen over night. What other strategies are you using? Do you even want to become an “everyone’s gotta read it” blog? What are some blogs in the Church space that are on your “list”?
[Image from Hamed]
Dan King says
I agree that time is an important factor. I have a friend starting a blog, and I have been able to share lots of lessons learned, but that doesn't mean that they will get the traffic right away…
I also think that another factor is 'community'. I think that the more I can involve other people in the conversation, then the more likely I am to create a place that people want to go. I've been trying new ways of giving other people more of a platform for their voice to be heard rather than a place where they can come to hear just my voice. I think that when all of together can be heard, then the potential is there for something wonderful to happen!
Jonathanj says
I don't think I am desiring for my blog to be one that "everyone's gotta read." I do, though, desire a good number of visitors. I want people to think about the things I post, to interact, to agree, to disagree, debate, etc. But my goal is for purpose and meaning – not necessarily for just "stuff," although I do just write "general posts" for the sake of the blogosphere.
Currently, I have about 14-20 visitors a day. That's a start, but I wished they would comment! lol.
stephenbateman says
Hey Jonathan, I'm in the same boat. At 58p on Intense Debate, you comment *way* more than 95% of your readers. I doubt they have the same philosophy of blogging as connecting (yes?).
I mean here at CC there is fairly healthy conversation, but there are about 1500 lurkers as well! Unfortunate reality.
Jonathanj says
Yeah, I recently got back in to making a point to comment on people's blogs whom I bookmark. I got away from doing this for a while, but I'm getting back in the game! Plus, ChurchCrunch, as well as human3rror.com are both easy to comment on – they're both interesting!
stephenbateman says
It's true. Sometimes I see a post and have to force some weak comment, other times it's simply uncommentable.
But yup, never to hard to find a comment or conversation on this here blog.
Mikes says
hey i want to be part of the A+ list as well and my site to be an "everybody reads it" blog. Maybe aside from time it's knowledge and wisodm. I mean I have seend blogs who have been for 2 or 3 years now but still "unfamous". It takes wisdom and knowledge on what to do and how to do it. Learn…leanr… learn…:)
friar_don says
Honestly, Christian blogging is so much harder to catch on. ere is why: Christians are weird. Some are reformed, some are emergent, others still are lukewarm, and some do not like sinners. Some only read the KJV, others read only The Message.
It is hard to have a blog aimed toward a hugely sub-divided group, you know?
keshav says
An "everyone’s gotta read it" blog does take time to build, as you mentioned. But I think, a blog that everyone would want to read should carry expertise in one field. Like Techcruch is for technology and web startups, Mashable for social media and Problogger for blogging. People know, that whenever they need any advice or new coverage, these blogs should be the first to post it and hence, these "everyone gotta read it" blogs need to stand up to expectations that readers demand. Once you create a reputation for reliability and regularity, you need to stand up for it always, or you fail.
And I think that a particular niche is also important for such a blog because a single blog can't report everything and become a one stop for people of different interests.
friar_don says
I am one who would like more visitors. I know I have a Christian theme going on, but I ope to get more visitors to my fitness themed blog (www.calledtofitness.com) but I know it takes time. I was able to use my Christian blog to catapult people to my fitness one, but I know I need to do more work.
I have two-and-a-half years in at http://www.youseedrybones.com and hope to grow it beyond the 30-40 visitors a day. To do this, I have started to add "how to" types of posts to my blogs. I read from problogger those really help boost traffic. We shall see.
stephenbateman says
On the "everyone must read" list I'd humbly set forth:
-Carlos Whittaker (Great community)
–Mark Batterson (Solid Content)
–Ben Arment (Interesting guy)
friar_don says
You forgot my blog!
friar_don says
You forgot my blogs!
Jim says
my HOT list:
ChurchCrunch
Ragamuffin Soul
DeadlyViper.org
Mashable
Fast Company