Monday, June 11, 2012

What I Have Learned from my First 100 Posts



Yes, I have blogged over 100 posts. Some good. Some not-so-good. How about you?? Was there a point that your posts went over the 100-post mark?? 

Photo Credit: Haven of Rest


How could I possibly learn anything when I randomly write on a topic without a plan?! Everything I have ever learned about writing tells me that I first need to make an outline and from there write my draft, proof-read the document and then read it again. Do you make an outline??

Of course, when I started blogging, I was an amateur, a novice, and had no idea what I was going to write. I had no audience and had no idea how to find one. I didn't even know if I really wanted to have an audience!!

Through blogging and slogging through my first 100 posts, I have found that I have learned more than my readers who were sweet enough to read my humble blog.

I have found five things to be true about the Blogger World:

  1. Some bloggers have a brand (they blog about something in particular) while some bloggers blog randomly.
  2. A blog can have a 'background' that is attractive but free through Blogger or free through another website, or it can be purchased.
  3. Blogs can earn income through adds along the sidebar or affiliate items sold on the blog.
  4. Blogging can take valuable family time or time from home-duties if the blogger does not prioritize her time.
  5. Blogging is synonymous with community and fellowship (just remember the fellowship is virtual.)
Why on earth have I learned more than those of you who are so gracious to read my thoughts?? 

When I homeschooled my children, I prepared and researched and became passionate about the topic I would teach. Have you ever become exited about what you learned and taught it to your children, only to find that they were bored with the lesson?? 

I always learned more than my children because I was the one 'wanting' to learn. That could be the case with you. I might have lost you on the first paragraph (but hopefully not the title!!)

Here are some random things I have learned about blogging that I want to share with you:

  • Pray over your post before you start.
  • Write whether you have something to write or not (it gets those writing juices flowing.)
  • Write a post 4 or 5 times a week (it keeps your followers following.)
  • Have a catchy title or your readers may opt out.
  • Have a topic sentence that draws your reader into your post.
  • Have an image/picture that will engage your reader further.
  • Images/pictures can be illegal to place on your blog (so be careful!!) it is often best to use your own whenever possible.
  • Learn how to use your camera. 
  • Have a body to your post...just like in other writing.
  • Write a conclusion to sum up what you wrote.
  • End with a discussion question-you want to draw your reader into discussion. After all...don't women desire fellowship??
  • Comments are a good temperature gage on how you are doing in writing your posts.
  • Develop a template (plan) for your posts. 
  • Proof-read your posts twice (at least.)
  • Don't stress over perfectionism because this is blogging not a book!! Click 'Publish!!'
  • Blogging uplifts you through uplifting others!! Blogging keeps you joyful!!
  • A post should be around 500 words and no more than 700 words. Keep your post succinct.
  • Use a personal illustration that engages your reader.
I have learned so much about blogging. One thing for sure is that it has given me a passion to study about my topic. It has challenged me to be consistent and live out what I post. I am not perfect, so often do not feel worthy to be writing. I am bought by the blood of the Lamb. That means that I share a post because of Christ working and living in me, not anything to do with my accomplishments or failures. 

Comments are the life of blogging. They give the blog owner feedback which helps to hone their skills in blogging while carrying on a conversation. For us ladies, it also gives us fellowship. I look forward to your comments today.

What have you learned through blogging?? 

Are you a better wife, mother, homemaker, and blogger because you have learned through writing the things precious to Jesus??


In Christ Alone,
Judith



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6 comments:

  1. I had to go to my blog and see how many posts I've written. Somehow they all blend together after a while. I'm over a hundred, too. I loved reading your list of what you've learned. I've learned a lot about myself as I blogged. Blessings on your writing as you continue writing for God.

    Blessings,
    Pamela

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome to my blog!! I stopped by your blog last night to get to know you. I was so blessed by the few posts I read and look forward to reading more. It was late, so I don't think I left any comments. Your high regard and honor you give to your husband really touched my heart. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it.

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  2. Congratulations on your first 100 posts. I am only about half way there. I'm your newest follower. Hope you'll return the favor and follow my blog and/or FB fan page!
    http://www.countrifiedhicks.com
    http://www.facebook.com/countrifiedhicks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome!! I hope you are always blessed when you stop by for a visit. I hope it is almost as personable as visiting in person. Have a wonderful day!!

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  3. This is a great post, but I am sad to say that I'm not doing much of it! What's worse is that I *know* it. I don't post very often, and I can't seem to find my "blog niche" and you'd think I'd know it by now. But my blog doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up....sigh.

    I also have a hard time coming up with a good title that draws people in when I write something random and silly. For example, what kind of a title would interest people in my new purple towel, and who writes about their new purple towel anyway???? (Oh yeah, me....)

    Except for the meme, those titles aren't so hard.

    Oh, and I don't usually have a great topic sentence either! So basically, I am a mess (or rather, my blog is, but maybe we both are), but I DO appreciate you all coming and visiting me anyway, lol! And thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  4. All great tips, Judith. Thanks for sharing them. I always love to hear things others are learning so I can learn more myself. Gail

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If you have gone a little way ahead, O friend, call back --
Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track.

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