Tips to Help Make Your Writing More Effective and Increase the Traffic Flow on Your Blog

1. Spelling and Grammar Count. It is the biggest problem when it comes to blogging. All of us are seceptable to it. Too many grammatical errors, and your blog maybe unreadable. In fact it is possible for people to skip your posts, if they know it has too many spelling and grammatical errors; it is harsh, but so very true. Best idea, proofread your post before you finalize it. Have a teammate or leader look over it; another set of eyes will make sure your message is clean and clear.

2. Paragraphs. It is hard to read a post where it is one lump paragraph. You know the kind, fifteen sentences in one big paragraph. To avoid this problem, every four to six sentences, try to break it up into another paragraph. Spacing helps the reader take a break in between points.

3. Tell a Story/Convey an Idea. You have something to share. This is where the creativity comes in. And yes, you are creative. Find something throughout you week of ministry, something you did as a team, or an insight the Lord has given you into your own personal walk. This is where you share with us the times and trials of being a missionary, relate to us an experience you had, or educate us to a revelation you walked through.

4. Stick to One Story/Idea. Really, tell one story or convey one idea. If you do too many ideas or stories, it becomes long and boring. If you have a lot to share, write another post. Seriously, if you need to blog two-three times a week, go ahead and do so.

5. Wear your Emotions. Explain your heart. Tell how you felt. Use stories and points, that the readers can feel. Bring us to the point where something broke your heart, how excited you were, when you experienced some irony, or had an epiphany. Help us feel how you felt.

6. Engage your Audience. You are writing to an audience, not to yourself. Reel them in. Use words and phases that enage them. Ask questions that get them to think. The best questions get them to respond to your blog. Again, you have something to say, therefore, encourage your readers participation.

7. Font, Colors, Sizes. This is either never utilized or used to much. When it comes to fonts, pick something you like, but remember, "who is reading my post?" Make sure it can be read. Some fonts are tiny and require a magnifying glass to read. If that is the case, change the size to something a bit larger.

Colors are great. They add a flavor to your post. Font colors can help you highlight key words in your post or distinguish a quote in a paragraph. Just remember this, a little color goes a long way.

8. A Snappy Title. Titles are where real creativity kicks in. In keeping with engaging your audience, use titles that draw them in. Fun examples from past participants:

There Is No Plan B, Dont You Know Who I Am?, I Do Believe In Fairies I Do I Do, Uncomfortable Chaos, Where's the nearest strip club?, Have you "cleaned" your house?, If God doesn't show up, we're screwed, Rain is NOT a Good Thing, Luke Bryan, Do You Know What You Are Getting Yourself Into?

You want something that draws them in, where they have to actually check out the post. I hope these give you a better picture.

9. A Photo. Photos help readers visualize the points you are convey or the story you are telling. Good rule of thumb, include a photo. Now granted, in some countries, internet connection is less than great. If at all possible, give your readers a photo.

10. Link it to Facebook, Twitter, etc. Do you use social media? You can link your blog to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. This increases traffic on your post. More traffic means more views of your post. Also email your post to family, friends, and supporters. They may not know where to look for your post. This way you can make sure they see it.

...lastly and most importantly,

11. You Have Something to Say. You have a unique voice; a way of conveying ideas, telling stories, and expressing emotions. God created you that way. Therefore, speakup, we want to hear from you.