I usually get one or two emails a day from readers who have caught typos in my blog posts. Most go out of their way to apologize for bringing the subject up. Regardless, I am always appreciative. I fix the error, thank the reader, and move on.
However, on occasion, I get an email from a self-appointed member of the Grammar Police. They feel compelled, not only to point out my errors, but to chide me.
In the last few months, I posted several video interviews with authors (e.g., interviews with Todd Burpo, Guy Kawasaki, and Scott Schwertly). Personally, I think this is more interesting for my readers than simply reading a written review. Both have their place, but a video interview provides a unique perspective on the book from the author’s vantage point.
Initially, I had a difficult time getting used to the lower production quality. These kinds of video interviews are no rival for professionally produced ones. But I think it actually works in this case and adds to the credibility of the author and the message.
Recently, my daughter Marissa asked my advice on starting a blog. What I told her is very different from what I would have said a year ago. Many experienced bloggers might disagree with me, but I thought I would share my advice here.
Many people get excited about blogging. When they start exploring the options, an entire world opens up to them. There are so many choices to make. For example:
In case you missed them, I have listed my top ten posts for February 2011, along with my top ten commenters. I am sending each of the top commenters a free copy of The Noticer: Sometimes, All a Person Needs Is a Little Perspective by Andy Andrews.
Here are my top ten posts. I wrote five of these posts more than a year ago. If you are a blogger, you can continue to generate significant traffic for old posts, provided you are intentional about it. (I outline my strategy in a blog post called, “Recycling Your Blog Content.”)
Ten days ago, I launched my 2011 Reader Survey. This is the third consecutive year I have done this exercise. I have benefited enormously each time. Ultimately, I think it also benefits you, because it helps me improve my blog and my writing.
In my original post, I promised to summarize my results. I also want to share the conclusions I have come to as a result of the data. As a point of reference, more than 1,200 people have completed the survey so far.
I want to make my blog more relevant to your needs and interests. To do that, I need to know more about YOU. As a result, I have created my 2011 Reader Survey.
In case you missed them, I have listed my top ten posts for January 2011, along with my top ten commenters. I am sending each of the top commenters a free copy Eric Metaxas’ New York Times bestseller, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.
Here are my top ten posts. I wrote four of these posts more than a year ago. If you are a blogger, you can continue to generate significant traffic for old posts, provided you are intentional about it. (I outline my strategy for that here.)
Recently, my friend Philip Rothschild asked if I would write a blog post on “the anatomy of a 500-word blog post.” He said that he sensed I used some kind of template. He thought it might be something that would be valuable to others, as well as something he could use with his students.
I do, in fact, use a blog post template. I don’t follow it slavishly, but I always start with it. It includes all the elements that I have learned make for an effective post. It also helps me write faster, because it provides me with a track to run on.
In the last 30 days, I have seen my blog traffic jump by 81.3%. I have seen steady growth since I converted from TypePad to self-hosted WordPress two years ago (up 338.6%). But the last 30 days represented the largest single jump in my traffic ever.
I want to share why I believe this has happened, so that you can apply what I have learned to your own blog. Hopefully, you will experience similar results.
I recognize that all that I have—including my platform—is a gift. I am a steward not an owner. As a result, I enjoy using what I have for the benefit of others. I want to be helpful and generous.
But, no, I won’t retweet you.
I have written before about SoChurch, a new Web-based communications tool for churches. I serve on the Advisory Board. It has been a delight to watch the SoChurch team turn their dream and into reality. The product officially launches on Monday, January 10th. In a moment, I will tell you how to sign-up before then and get a 25% discount.
What is SoChurch? As they say in their marketing copy.
