I have had way too many discussions with churches, pastors, and short-term enthusiast that are looking for a quick and simple way to send their message, product, or service. They see lots of success with many different bloggers that are currently only having to blog three times a week or fewer and that really is not too hard, right? The problem is that the process is not quick or simple.
The reality is that the unspoken conversation actually goes like this:
“We need to get our church website up and running today, but don’t expect me to take any time away from my sermon to do anything with it afterwards.” I tell them everything that they need to hear to be successful and then end the discussion with, “and if you do not keep updating it, you might as well delete it because you are showing that you do not care.”
Unfortunately, about 50% of the blogs I have helped setup still die a silent and lonely death.
Qualities of a Great Blogger
While I would love to say that blogging is for everyone, it is not. Here is a long list of qualifications that an amazing blogger should have to be able to stay on top of their game. You do not need to have every one of these qualities to begin, but you should work toward many of them:
- Have a passion about a topic that cannot be quenched by day after day of blogging.
- Being a content expert. This does not mean that you have revolutionized the field, but you have experience on what you are talking about as opposed to talking from a place of reading about it (Too many pastors talk about God, but not as many have actually experienced it).
- Read up on the latest content from other authority speakers.
- Dedication goes beyond mere enthusiasm into those moments you do not want to blog or feel like something else takes a priority over your blogging.
- Time-management skills and proper priorities allow you to make the necessary commitment to your writing.
- Planning will add to your longevity as you rely on your creativity, but in a smart process that maximizes posts and prevents the urgent and writing-blocks that prevent great articles.
- SEO, target audience, a blogging strategy will help you understand where you want to go, when you succeed and fail, and how to alter course. Need help with this? I would love to offer my services.
- Marketing is a two front attack. You need to focus within your church as much as you do online with social media with those that may never see your church.
- Good people skills allows you to engage with people well and quickly who comment, whether they bash you ignorantly or deeply and thoughtfully add to the conversation.
- A global mindset lets you think outside your own little world in the suburbs or the inner city or the middle of Europe. Think about the context of the whole world as the whole world has access to your blog now.
- A social butterfly goes out to engage, network, and comment on other people’s blogs and social media accounts. Go out and have fun.
What would you add to this list for being a great blogger?
Chip Dizard says
Jeremy,
I think your list covers it all. I have seen many church leaders stop blogging when they get no comments. The fact is, you never know who is reading your stuff, of course you want engagement, but many give up right before a breakthrough.
I also believe in guest blogging, that’s why I am happy to write for many sites, and especially Churchmag. It can give you a broad audience than you currently have.
Jeremy Smith says
I also would add to your comment that if you want comments, you need to create a blogging strategy around that. If you want more people in your church, be intentional about presenting it that way. So if you mention your blog from the pulpit, include them to leave a comment or without an action item, you will not get the results expected.
Dan Stephens says
Love it! This covers not just a to-do list to become a good blogger, but a set of attitudes to have about doing it. Thanks for your thoughts.
Jeremy Smith says
Agreed. Great observation.