Blogs are a great platform for sharing something you have (whether it be information, insight, enthusiasm or ideas) with others who might want to have a taste of what you offer. But we have to mindful that in the 21st Century, whilst people might be interested or curious, but they're probably also inattentive, or multi-tasking. 

So when it comes to writing a blog, you can't assume that they will read whatever you write, no matter how you write it. 

I'd argue that blogs are the 'meal deals' of the digital world. At their best they are conveniently available, easily digestible, consumable-on-the-move and hopefully containing some nourishment. And in the same way that meal deals are prepared and delivered differently from a sit-down banquet, so too are blogs written and created in different ways to other kinds of writing.

Having spent a few years writing blog-style content for various platforms, I thought I'd draw on my and other people's experience, to offer a few tips on writing blogs that people will read.

Brief Tips

One idea: Have one idea you focus on in a blog (It’s better to write more blogs than stick everything in single blog. You can link people to other blogs )

Be short: Keep paragraphs short, 1 to 4 sentences. (It’s not an academic essay). Keep the blog short, 5 to 6 paragraphs (You can always write more Blogs and add hyperlinks to them). Avoid waffle (so if you find you naturally waffle, write lots and then edit it down). If you are writing longer (Like this) then break in into manageable chunks with subheadings.

Be informal: It's okay to be personal, and write 'I' (Admitting it's your experience or observance adds authenticity). It's okay to be informal in tone and style.

Connect with the reader's life: At the beginning write something that links with their life or questions or problems. At end of the blog write something to inspire, or apply or offer insight into their life. (they need to feel it's relevant to them in some way)

Titles and subheadings are your friend: Write a title that is intriguing but relevant. Using subheadings as sign posts to catch people attentions (they're probably scanning the Blog for things that catch their eye)

Break the rules: of blog-writing and formal grammar if it will help people connect with your message. (You'll spot that I've broken the rule on the number of paragraphs in this blog) But do it carefully.

One image captures a thousand ideas: A blog needs a picture to go with it. Pictures featuring people always grab attention (make sure the people approve). Alternatively use an image that captures the vibe of your blog.

Links are great: It's good to give people links to explore more information, but remember, the majority WON'T click. So make sure the key message is within your blog.

Some Detail about the Detail:

Opening lines: Aim to connect with the reader’s life in first few sentences so they can see how this Blog fits with their life. You might want to ask a question, share a frustration or make an offer. 

• e.g. 'Over the last year onsite at St Denys Church, Southampton we’ve made some small, informed changes to reduce our energy consumption onsite. By carefully tracking our usage and making changes based on the data, we’ve reduced our we've reduced our annual electric consumption by thousands of pounds. We’ve also found that the lessons learnt onsite, can also be applied to our homes. Hopefully this inspires you to see that small, informed changes can make a difference and will give you some ideas of what you can try at church or at home.'
• or 'Here's a question for you: if you could build time into your week to do just one extra thing, what would it be?'
• or 'I'm conscious that it's so important and yet often feels quite hard to pray for the nation & government. So how about using one of the ideas below and committing to pray for the nation and the government for 3 months (1 season).'

Expanding on your idea in the next 3 or 4 paragraphs: In the middle you might want to give practical suggestions, give reasons for something, tell a story that supports your idea, give some examples or generally be enthusiastic. Just remember not to waffle. Every sentence needs to valuable!

• e.g. 'Here are three ideas for what you could use: 
  • Set a reminder on your phone once a week to pray for the nation and government (maybe a Friday, start today!). You could simply pray the Lord's Prayer for the nation and government at that point
  •  Use the 'Prayer Card for the Nation, Government & Wider World'* that I've created to prompt you with daily areas to focus on. You can view it below or print it here. (You get two A5 copies on your print out. I suggest putting a copy on your fridge or above your desk and a copy in your in Bible)
  • Download the 'Time to Pray' app from the Church of England.  The short Day Prayer has 4 or 5 focus areas to pray for each day, in a 7 day cycle. More information here or go to Google Play or App Store and search 'Time to Pray.'

• or 'Lessons on Death and Dying:
  • Make plans.  It is really helpful for loved ones at a time of great turmoil to know something about what you'd like them to do. Plans for funerals, for all the stuff in your house, for your digital world. Your will is the 
  • Give access: Tell your loved ones where to find your will, your plans, your passwords etc.
  • Sort out your stuff. This includes the things in your house and in your digital life. Make it clear what you'd really like keeping (not too much). Give your loved ones permission to give things away or throw things away and to handle your social media accounts. 
  • Be sensitive. It's really important to talk about death and dying and plans. But it's also really hard. And the point when you want to talk about it might not be the point when your loved ones do. So be sensitive and be ready for opportunities that seem good for all of you. 
  • Get help. One of the take away messages I took from the day is that there are people who have journeyed through some really tough experiences of death and dying, and are ready to share the wisdom they have learnt with others going through it. Many have started some fantastic organisations. And if you don't know where to start, you can always email the Dead Good Days team deadgooddays@gmail.com 
  • Inspire, affirm or challenge the reader in the last paragraph''

Ending well: Make sure you final line or paragraph connects with the readers life, and either inspires, challenges and encourages them. 

•  e.g. 'Just give it a go, and join in with God's heart for the nations of the world'
• or ' If this is inspiring you, but you don't know where to start, then take a lot at this blog: 5 Ways to Start with Reducing Energy Use.  And if you want some more detailed ideas about changes you can make (and how much they cost) then check out this blog: Practical Examples of How We've Reduced Our Energy Use.'
• or 'May you dance to the heavenly rhythm, may you know the value of the activity, and the blessing of rest. And if it's all just feeling a bit too much, may you be able to embrace a rich pause.'

Two ways of actually writing the blog:

1)Either write about 15 to 20 sentences (200 words approx) on your blog topic. Then go back over it, breaking the writing into very short paragraphs, and changing the order around so it that it flows from Connect to Expand to Inspire.

2)Or write each section, a chunk at a time. So 1 paragraph (2 or 3 sentences) to Connect your idea with your reader. Then 3 or 4 paragraphs (each one to 1 to 4 sentences) to expand on your idea. Then 1 paragraph (2 to 4 sentences) to inspire, affirm or challenge your reader.

Hope this helps you turn the ideas into your head, into a quality meal deal that people digest, enjoy and are energised by.