10 Lessons I Have Learned Blogging

One year ago today, I posted my first entry on Marking the Times.  I still don’t consider myself a blogger, but I have learned a few things these last twelve months.  I started blogging because writing down my ideas helps clarify them in my mind.  Knowing that others might read my opinions makes me think carefully about what I say.  I never really thought anyone would be interested in my thoughts, but I wanted to contribute to the conversation if I could.  I have been pleasantly surprised (maybe “shocked” is a better word) by the interest in my musings. Most of us like to know what others think about various topics – it helps refine our own thoughts.

I have been surprised to see how steadily the readership has grown.  No big fanfare, no explosive growth – just steady increases.  I am trying to avoid concerning myself with how many people are reading or if the monthly statistics are growing, but I am just as human as the next guy.  I do look, and I do watch to see if people are increasingly interested.

I have become aware of some new-media wizards like Michael Hyatt who have a lot of wisdom about growing a blog.  I found out that I have done a number of things wrong.

1) I don’t hold my blog posts to five-hundred words or fewer.  I should.
2) I am not sure my topic range is specific enough – not sure readers know what to expect.
3) I don’t always blog consistently enough nor frequently enough to give visitors a reason to come back.

I learned that I have done a few things right.

4) I try to provide content and insight that is at least thought provoking and timely.
5) I try to share, as much as possible, genuine human experience.
6) I always credit others if I use their material, and I work very hard to clearly separate fact from opinion.

I have also learned a few things worth noting from studying my blog statistics.

7) Stories from the heart about our human condition as well as living during adversity seem to resonate.  The response to stories about my son’s leukemia has been overwhelming.
8) It is clear that national political issues interest some, but not all, of those who browse the site.
9) I have learned that there is no substitute for a Twitter shout-out from an NFL player if you want to drive page views.
10) Much to my amusement, I have learned that everybody is interested in Bigfoot, but nobody wants to admit it.

In the future, I will continue to stay close to faith, freedom, Christian living, citizenship, character, and current events.  I hope to highlight a little bit of what I think it means to be human.  And I will probably be your surrogate goofy cousin who throws in Bigfoot now and again since “me publick” seems to demand it!

Thank you for a memorable first year blogging!  Please come back soon!

P.S.  I held the above to exactly 500 words!  Making progress…