by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

“If you’re a writer, you need a blog.” Have you heard that? But do you think, “I just want to write.” After all, writing on a blog takes time away from writing books. So why have one? 

Why Should We Start a Blog?

Instant encouragement. A blog gives us the opportunity to encourage our readers. We don’t have to wait months for a book to be published. We can encourage readers today. We can share insights, apply Scripture to daily life, pass along strategies to overcome challenges, comfort hearts, and take time to connect with our audience. 

Great practice. A blog also gives us the opportunity to grow in the writing craft. I started blogging in 2010. The posts were extremely short and to the point, but the important thing is that I started. Blogging regularly builds our writer muscles. It gives us valuable practice in streamlining our thoughts and finding just the right words to make a message appealing and powerful.

Undeniable proof. A blog shows editors and agents that we’re serious about writing. It shows that we’re willing to spend the time to minister to people’s hearts and to help them find what they need in God. Blogging regularly also shows that we can handle a fixed deadline, and we care about building up our writing ministry. Our blog posts give editors and agents a taste of our message and personality, and it helps them to see our passion for God and people.

What Should We Blog About?

What do you enjoy studying in Scripture? What topic do you like to journal or pray about? Can that topic become the theme for a blog, your go-to topic? 

Try this. Write down a topic that you would enjoy blogging about. Then write down some sub-topics or categories under the umbrella of that theme. Think about how your topic relates to our daily lives. Think about the concerns of your audience and the challenges that they may be facing. Now look at your list. Can you envision multiple blog posts about these sub-topics? If so, then you just might have enough material to start a blog on your topic. 

Because I saw life as an adventure with God, my first blog was “Life with God.” That was pretty broad though. Years later, when I thought about what I always wrote about, the answer for creating a new theme came easily—victory. My blog theme is now, “Winning the Victory,” which also happened to be the subtitle of my first book. I’ve been able to write about spiritual victories ever since. Since that’s where my mind goes, there’s always plenty of material. 

How Often Should We Blog?

The best answer I know? When you’re starting out, try once a week. If you blog more than that, you may get burned out quickly. Blogging weekly is normally expected from new writers. But do what’s good for you. Consider how packed your schedule already is, and be wise. What can you handle? As long as you blog regularly, you’ll be able to encourage hearts and show industry professionals that you’re serious about writing.

I blogged every week for about eight years. After that, I realized that my posts were starting to lose some fervor and meaningful application. I didn’t have enough time for writing books, building a platform, and taking on new assignments. So I started blogging every other week, and that became my happy spot. I even asked friends to guest post for me once a month. Find what works for you. 

This is the first post in a series on How to Start a Blog. Next month, I’ll share which websites can host your blog, what to include in a blog’s sidebar, and how long your posts should be. May God guide you if you’re considering starting a blog soon. I’d love to hear about your plans, so please leave a comment here. 

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She loves connecting with writers and working alongside them in compilations, such as Feed Your Soul with the Word of God, Collection 1 which is a 2020 Selah Awards finalist. She recently started The Lighthouse Connection, a monthly writers’ newsletter including writing tips, inspiration to write, and news of submission opportunities.

In addition to online magazines, Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, and three blogs on writing. She loves to spend time with family and friends, take acrylic painting classes online, and do yard work in the morning sun. Connect with her at her blog, Winning the Victory, and on Facebook and Twitter.