> @StickyJesus 13) demystifying: blogging

In celebration of Internet Evangelism Month, this is the thirteenth in a 15-part blog project discussing the book, @stickyJesus: how to live out your faith online.

If Facebook is the appetizer of social media and Twitter is a sweet tweet 😉 , then blogging is the meat and potatoes of social media.

I don’t know that that’s the best analogy, but as Tami and Toni write in @StickyJesus

Not confined to any magic word count, blogs allow you to go deeper into a topic, build relationships, and establish your own library of content.

From a ministry perspective, a blog is a great place to

• Share stories of what God is doing in your life.
• Share other people’s inspiring God stories.
• Share a Christian perspective on current issues or events and facilitate discussion.
• Advocate for a specific cause you’re passionate about and develop relationships with other people who share a passion for that cause.
• Share your concerns and struggles and invite others to share their wisdom in comments.

Blog = Rocket Fuel

As I wrote a few months ago a blog is rocket fuel for social media and search engines. Here’s what I mean:

To succeed in social media, you need to provide value to those you connect with. Some of the most valuable things you can provide to people include original content, a place to discuss things that are important to them, and a place to meet like-minded people. All of these valuable things can be provided through a good blog.

Additionally, if you want to rank well in search engines, you need original content and links to your content. Both of these valuable things can be facilitated through a blog.

(Also see 40+ Ways Blogging Leads to Success)

Content is King, Community is Queen

“Content is king” is a phrase often repeated in the context of blogs. It basically means, creating great, original content is the most important ingredient in a successful blog.

While there’s no denying the value of great content, I believe community is equally important. People are drawn to community. They return to the places where they are known and valued.  And most importantly, you will have a greater impact on the lives of the people who read your blog if you demonstrate you actually care about them.

Here are some tips for developing community on a blog.

• Ask questions in your blog posts that spark conversation
• Reply to people who comment on your blog
• Comment on other blogs that are on similar topics
• Connect with commenters and the authors of similar blogs on Facebook and Twitter
• Offer to guest blog on other blogs, invite others to guest blog on your blog, participate in group blog projects like this one.
• Look for opportunities to help and show appreciation for commenters

Discussion

1. How do you use your blog to minister to others?
2. What other ways can blogs be used for ministry?
3. What things do you to help foster community on your blog?

12) demystifying: Twitter <– @StickyJesus project –> 14) demystifying: content gathering

Paul Steinbrueck

Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com

Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.

An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.

Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.