Lessons Learned after 15 Years of Blogging

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Can you believe it? Writer's Digest Magazine just announced their 26th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers List. Thanks to all of you, we made the list again! The Write Conversation has been on the list since 2017. I'm humbled and excited by the inclusion.
It's hard to believe this blog began just over 15 years ago. 
There have been some detours and dips in the road, but it's been an amazing journey and I can't wait to see what the next 15 years bring! To celebrate, I thought I'd share a little of what I've learned.
11 Lessons Learned on the Blogging Road
1. Blogging isn’t about what I have to say, it’s about what my readers want to hear. The difference is subtle, but the focus is ALWAYS on our readers, not us.2. Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. We need to have realistic expectations, not wild delusions of instant visibility. 3. There’s more to blogging than just writing. We must know how to craft a compelling title, format for reading on a screen, learn about keywords and even the basics of SEO. There’s an entire skill-set that must be learned to be a successful blogger.4. Blogging has value. Sometimes I’ve written a post and wonder what was the point. The numbers were low and so were the comments. Inevitably that was the post someone mentioned when they shared how God used this site to impact them. 5. Blogging is work. In essence starting a blog is like opening a business. We may be passionate about it, but to make it successful we have to be willing to work and put in the necessary hours.6. Running a blog is about building a community. For a blog to have an impact, it must have readers—returning readers. That means building a community of people who gather together regularly. 7. Blogging requires a commitment to excellence. We must be willing to take the time to make certain what we present reaches a certain standard. That means editing, taking time choose images that make sense, and following a process.8. Blogging is about interacting. We must always be mindful of those who comment on our blogs. If they took the time to write a comment, we can at least enter the conversation.9. An unfocused blog is an unread blog. No matter how compelling the content of a site, if it can’t be found through a search engine, it won’t be read. Sticking to a single category allows search engines the opportunity to become familiar with our content and move it up in the search ranking.10. Change is inevitable. The world around us changes, our circumstances change, even our focus changes. My blog is much different today than it was when I started—and so is my vision of what I want it to be. A successful blogger is one that is willing to embrace.11. Blogging is a chance to make a difference. At no other time in history have writers had the opportunity to impact the world for good without the barrier of physical location or distribution. We are called for such a time as this and we must be willing to step up and let God use us to make that difference.
These are things I've learned over the years. I'd love to know what you'd add to the list. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.