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Blogging frustrations

I’m the only one creating content for it. Nobody else is going to write for me. Which, incidentally, is the most difficult part of blogging: writing and creating content. There are so many reasons you can find to not write. And those times when you choose to not write…nobody else does that work for you. In fact, “guest posts” end up being more work than writing my own! (I’m compiling a series of guest posts from small group experts. You can read it HERE).

I’m the only one thinking about the design. And since nobody is volunteering to take on that role, it’ll stay with me.

SEO. If you don’t know what that is, just Google it. Too lazy to Google it? Click HERE. Most days, I just want to write. I don’t want to have to think about the back-end stuff. But alas, I do.

Marketing. I don’t like pubbing my own stuff. It feels self-serving, and that’s definitely not why I write. Not in the least.

Short shelf life. A post is typically is dead after ~12-18 hours. It’ll never be seen again. And though someone could do a search for it, likely it’s going to sit in the archives and gather digital dust.

But these frustrations also push me to make the best content possible. To make the greatest, short-term impact as I can, using this medium.

The impact that any given post can create is exponentially decreasing once you hit “publish.”

Create the best content that you can. Stretch your mind. Share your heart. Make us think.

Are you ever frustrated by blogging?

Have you ever thought about starting one?

Design is crucial. I just wrote about that HERE.

But when it comes to blogging, content is still king.

I have helped a number of people out with their blogs. Making tweaks. Customizing them. Telling them the “secrets” I used to create my blog.

And I’m okay with that.

In the design world, design is sacred. If you design something, you reserve the right to that property…and people pay big bucks for your expertise and creativity. You don’t just give that design away.*

But in my world, I give it away. Partly because I’m not a designer. Partly because I believe that social media is built for generosity. And mainly because, though design is incredibly important and attractive, it’s not king. Content is.

Design may be flashy, but it’s the content that’s driving this blog, not the design. Design is an important aspect, but it’s not the one that keeps me writing.

Design is important, but it’s not why somebody would come back to your site. It’ll only get you (and your readers) so far. I’ve seen some incredibly well-designed blogs…filled with fluff. I don’t go back. I’ve seen some no-design blogs, with lots of great, fresh content. I return often.

People may initially click your site because it looks cool. But they’ll choose whether or not to come back because of the content you produce.

Which is why I firmly believe that the number of subscribers (those who buy in to what you have to say, and return regularly) you have to your blog is more important than the number of blind hits you have.

Are you producing high quality content?

Are your subscriber counts reflecting that?

Do you find yourself working more on your blog design than your content?

Can the same be said of your church?

*let it be known: 1) I’m not a designer. 2) I have no problem with designers charging for their services.

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