Have you ever come across Christian blogs that are difficult to read and understand due to poor structure? I certainly have. Many Christian bloggers overlook the importance of crafting a well-structured and coherent blog post, and this can have a significant impact on their audience.
When starting a blog, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is crafting posts that truly connect with your readers. Regardless of how inspiring and spirit-filled your words may be, their impact will ultimately depend on how effectively you present them.
As Christian bloggers and writers, we sometimes use the excuse that our words are inspired by God, but this doesn’t mean we should settle for mediocrity. On the contrary, we should strive to present God’s message with wisdom and excellence.
If you’re looking to start a Christian blog and are unsure where to begin, I’ve created several blog posts to guide you in setting up your own platform.
- How to Start a Christian Blog in 2023
- Christian Blogging Strategies for your Blog
- Christian Blogging Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s start by asking the question, What is a Blog Post?
According to HubSpot, A blog post is any article, news piece, or guide that’s published in the blog section of a website. A blog post typically covers a specific topic or query, is educational in nature, ranges from 600 to 2,000+ words, and contains other media types such as images, videos, infographics, and interactive charts.
To align with the focus of a Christian blog, we can define a blog post as an article or guide published on a blog that explores a specific topic or question, with the primary aim of educating readers about Christ or spreading knowledge about taking the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
If you’re planning to start a Christian blog, the insights gained from this article can help you write your first post. Similarly, if you already have a blog, you can apply the knowledge gained from this article to restructure your existing posts for greater impact.
Let me walk you through how to write a Christian blog post
CHOOSE A TOPIC
When it comes to writing a Christian blog post, the first step is to determine your topic. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic for your Christian blog post:
Pray for guidance
Prior to brainstorming topics for your blog, take some time to pray and seek guidance from God. Ask Him to reveal the message He wants you to convey to your readers. This step is critical, as God may have a specific topic in mind that He wants you to address. Failing to align with His plan could mean missing the message that God intends for you to share, and also potentially missing out on an opportunity to bless the individuals whom God intends for you to reach.
Consider your audience
Consider your target audience and their interests when brainstorming blog topics. Are they new believers, mature Christians, or a mix of both? What are some common spiritual questions or struggles they may be experiencing? I discussed this in detail when creating a “Souls Persona.” Adjust your writing tone depending on whether your audience consists of believers or non-believers. For instance, when addressing non-believers, it’s generally best to avoid including excessive scripture verses.
Choose a topic that draws from personal experience
Share a personal experience that relates to your faith. This could be a time when you felt God’s presence, a moment of spiritual growth, or a time when you overcame a challenge with God’s help.
Choose a topic that addresses current issues
When selecting a topic for your blog post, consider addressing current events or issues from a Christian perspective. This could include social, political, or cultural issues that are relevant to your readers. As a Christian blogger, though addressing current events, your approach should be grounded in biblical principles and scripture.
Pro Tip: Start by writing a blog post that answers a question or solves a particular problem
Examples:
- How to Break Free from Masturbation
- Effective Tips for Raising Godly Children
- How to Memorize Scriptures
When selecting a topic for your blog post, consider targeting common questions that people are searching for on Google.
Be mindful of your keyword research and the specific phrases or questions that people are using to search for answers. For example, someone might search for “how do I break free from masturbation?”
Writing content that addresses these common questions can increase your visibility on search engines and attract more readers to your blog. It’s called keyword research, we will talk about that on the blog.
For more information on Christian blogging SEO, check out our blog for additional articles.
RESEARCH AND GATHER INFORMATION
After selecting a topic for your Christian blog post, the next step is to conduct research and gather information to support your writing. This stage should focus on information gathering rather than actual writing. By gathering information on your chosen topic, you can ensure that your blog post is well-informed and backed by scriptures and credible sources.
Here are some tips on how to do this using the Scriptures:
Read the Bible
Begin your research by reading relevant Bible passages that relate to your topic. Take note of any verses or themes that stand out to you and write them down. By incorporating biblical principles and teachings into your blog post, you can help readers to better understand and apply the message you are trying to convey.
Use study tools
To deepen your understanding of the Bible passages related to your topic, make use of study tools such as Bible commentaries, concordances, and online resources. These resources can help you to better understand the context and meaning of the verses you’ve selected. By gaining a deeper understanding of the biblical principles and teachings related to your topic, you can create a more impactful and effective blog post.
If possible consult with other believers
Reach out to other believers who may have experience or knowledge on the topic you are writing about. They may be able to provide you with additional insights or perspectives that you had not considered before.
Keep notes as you research scriptures and other sources for your blog posts.
The next stage is to create an outline for your blog post
DRAFT YOUR OUTLINE
We’re now approaching the main part of the writing process, which is the actual composition of your article. Brainstorming is a critical first step, but once you’ve generated some ideas, you’ll need to create an outline as a roadmap for your writing. Skipping this step can be a costly mistake, as it can result in disorganized or unfocused content.
The type of outline you create will depend on the message you want to convey to your audience. For instance, if you’re tackling a broad topic, your outline should help narrow down your focus to the specific message you want to convey.
If God has inspired your topic, it’s likely that He has specific areas He wants you to address. For example, if you’re writing about parenting and your topic is “How to train godly children,” God may want you to focus on certain areas such as “discipline,” “the word of God,” “dedication to prayer,” or “family altar.”
The general format for a Christian blog post typically includes the following:
- Introduction
- Hook or attention-grabbing statement
- Background information/context
- Summary of your main point or central message
- Body Paragraphs
- Subheading 1
- Topic sentence for the paragraph
- Explain your main point or central message
- Supporting with scriptures if necessary (some blogs like this blog will not need scriptures)
- Topic sentence for the paragraph
- Subheading 2
- Topic sentence for the paragraph
- Explain your main point or central message
- Supporting with scriptures if necessary (some blogs like this blog will not need scriptures)
- Subheading 3
- Topic sentence for the paragraph
- Explain your main point or central message
- Supporting with scriptures if necessary (some blogs like this blog will not need scriptures)
- Subheading 1
- Conclusion
- Restate the main point or central message in different words
- Summarize the main points of the body paragraphs
- Provide a final thought or call to action
While this outline template is useful for creating structured blog posts, it may not be appropriate for certain types of blog posts such as personal testimonies or interviews. For those types of posts, you may need to adjust the structure and format of your outline to better suit the content.
However, having an outline is still crucial, even for these types of posts. Without an outline, it can be difficult to organize your thoughts and effectively convey your message to your readers.
When creating an outline for a blog post that doesn’t follow the standard structure, you may need to consider other elements such as:
- A narrative structure for personal testimonies that includes an introduction, the main story, and a conclusion that highlights the message or lesson learned.
- A conversational structure for interviews that includes a brief introduction, a series of questions and answers, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the interview.
Regardless of the structure, a clear outline can help ensure that your post is well-organized and effectively communicates your message to your readers.
An outline is a helpful tool that can keep your writing organized and focused.
Use these steps in creating an outline
- Organize your thoughts: Organize your thoughts into a logical order by breaking down your thesis statement into several subtopics or main points. This will help you to ensure that your post flows smoothly and that your readers can follow your argument.
- Use headings and subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to break up your post into sections. This will make it easier for your readers to follow your train of thought and to find the information they need.
- Provide evidence: Use the Bible passages and other resources you gathered in the research stage to support your main points.
- Conclude with a call to action: End your post with a call to action that encourages your readers to take the message of your post to heart and apply it to their lives. This will help to reinforce the main point of your post and to inspire your readers to action.
WRITE AN INTRODUCTION
I enjoy beginning my blog posts with stories or thought-provoking questions, as I believe this helps to captivate my readers’ attention and pique their curiosity about what’s to come in the post.
This is especially important for Christian blogging, as it can help to engage your audience and draw them into the message you’re trying to convey. By beginning with a compelling introduction, you set the stage for a meaningful and impactful message that will resonate with your readers long after they’ve finished reading.
Here are a few ideas and steps in writing an introduction
Start with a hook
Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing sentence or statement that relates to your topic. This can be a quote, a question, a personal story, or a surprising fact. The hook should be relevant to your topic and should entice the reader to continue reading.
Introduce the topic
After you have hooked your reader, introduce the topic of your blog post. This can be a brief summary of the main point you want to make or a statement that sets the stage for the message you want to convey. Be clear and concise in your introduction, and avoid going into too much detail.
Provide context
Depending on the topic of your blog post, you may need to provide some context for your readers to better understand the message you are trying to convey. This can include scriptural references, background information, historical context, or relevant facts and figures.
State your thesis
In the introduction, state your main point. This is the message you want your readers to take away from your blog post. Make sure your thesis is clear and concise, and that it relates to the topic of your blog post.
Preview the post
Finally, give your readers a preview of what they can expect to find in your blog post. This can include the subtopics you will cover, the tips or advice you will provide, or the stories you will share. The preview should be brief and should entice the reader to continue reading.
WRITE YOUR MAIN POINTS (BODY OF THE ARTICLE)
The purpose of selecting a topic, brainstorming, and creating an outline is to ensure that you are able to clearly and effectively convey your message to your readers through your main points. This involves presenting your ideas in a way that is both explanatory and easy to understand.
When writing your main points, keep your target audience in mind and adjust your tone and language accordingly. For instance, if you’re writing for teenagers, using complex language and grammar may make your writing less accessible and less likely to engage your audience. Similarly, if you’re writing for adults, using overly simplistic language may come across as condescending and cause readers to lose interest.
To create a successful blog post, you must devote considerable effort to developing your main points, as they form the crux of your impact on your readers. By crafting well-articulated and persuasive words of God, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience and inspire them to take action or think differently about a particular issue.
You can use these points to also develop a blog main post
Develop your subtopics
Based on your outline, develop your subtopics into full-fledged main points. Each main point should be relevant to your readers. Make sure your main points are clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Use scriptures
As a Christian blogger, it’s important to use scripture to support your main points. Look for verses or stories from the Bible that relate to your topic, and use them to illustrate your points. This not only adds credibility to your post but also helps to deepen the spiritual connection with your readers.
Provide examples
To help your readers understand your main points, provide real-life examples. This can include stories from your own life or examples from people you know. By providing examples, you make your post more relatable and help your readers to see how your main points apply to their own lives.
Give practical advice
In addition to providing examples, give practical advice that your readers can use in their daily lives. This can include tips, tricks, or actionable steps they can take to put your main points into practice. By giving practical advice, you make your post more actionable and valuable to your readers.
Stay on track
Finally, make sure your main points stay focused on your thesis. While it’s okay to go into some detail and explore your subtopics, make sure your main points don’t stray too far from your main point. This helps to keep your post focused and engaging for your readers.
Pro Tip:
- Keep paragraphs short
- Use your headings and subheadings
WRITE YOUR CONCLUSION
To put it simply, the purpose of a conclusion in your blog post is to leave your readers with a lasting message to contemplate after they finish reading. This is especially important in Christian writing, as it is an opportunity to convey the message of the Gospel and leave a meaningful impression on your audience’s hearts.
Your conclusion should summarize the key points of your post and reiterate the main message you are trying to convey. It’s important to leave your readers with something to reflect on or consider further, whether that be a call to action, a challenge to change their perspective, or an encouraging message to uplift their spirits. By doing so, you can help to ensure that your readers leave your blog feeling inspired, motivated, or spiritually nourished.
For your conclusion, you can
- Briefly summarize the key points you made in your post. This can help remind readers of the main ideas you discussed.
- Emphasize the main message or theme of your post. This can help leave a lasting impression on your readers.
- Encourage your readers to take action based on the message of your post. This could be anything from prayer to volunteering to make a positive change in their lives.
- End your post with a statement that leaves readers thinking. This can help inspire them to continue reflecting on the topic even after they finish reading.
- Share a relevant Bible verse that reinforces the message of your post. This can help leave readers with a sense of hope and encouragement.
EDIT AND PROOFREAD PUBLISHING
Once you have completed writing your Christian blog post, take time to edit and proofread it. Editing helps you refine your message, improve the structure, and ensure that your content flows smoothly. Proofreading helps you catch any errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, or syntax.
To edit your post, start by reading it through from beginning to end. Pay attention to the structure and flow of your message, and look for ways to improve it. Consider whether you have addressed the message God intended effectively and whether you have included all the key points you intended to make.
Next, read through each paragraph and sentence, focusing on the details. Consider the language you have used, the clarity of your message, and whether you have included enough examples or supporting evidence. Look for ways to improve your messages, such as by adding more detail, rephrasing sentences, or reorganizing paragraphs.
Once you have finished editing your post, it is time to proofread it. Start by running a spell check to catch any spelling errors. Then read through your post carefully, looking for errors in grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Look for common mistakes such as misplaced apostrophes, comma splices, or subject-verb agreement errors.
It can also be helpful to have someone else read your post, as they may catch errors or make suggestions that you didn’t think of. Take their feedback into account and make any necessary changes.
In conclusion, editing and proofreading your Christian blog post is an essential part of the writing process. It helps you ensure that your message is clear, concise, and impactful and that your readers are able to fully engage with your content. So take the time to edit and proofread your post, and ensure that your message is the best it can be.
Pro Tip: You can use Grammarly, Chatgpt, and Quillbot to check your errors
USE IMAGES AND MULTIMEDIA
Images give life to your blog post. Make sure the images you choose are high-quality and relevant to your topic. You can use free stock photo websites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Pexels to find images that fit your message.
Use multimedia wisely
Adding videos, audio clips, or other multimedia elements can help break up the text and keep readers engaged. However, make sure they are relevant to your topic and not too distracting.
Optimize your images for the web
Large, high-quality images can slow down your page load times. Use image optimization tools to compress your images without sacrificing quality.
Use image captions
Captions can help explain the context of the image and provide additional information to readers.
Be aware of copyrighted images
Going to Google to download any image won’t help your credibility. I shared a couple of websites you can explore to download free copyrighted images for your blogs
Attribute sources
If you are using images or multimedia from other sources, make sure to attribute them properly.
Finishing: Once you’ve written, edited, and added images or multimedia to your Christian blog post, it’s time to publish and share it with your audience.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, after following these tips and guidelines, you should be better equipped to avoid common errors when writing a blog post and to create a fresh, well-articulated piece that engages and inspires your readers. Remember to carefully consider your topic, audience, and purpose, and to craft an outline that effectively conveys your message. With these tools and strategies, you can write impactful blog posts that effectively share your ideas, insights, and Christian message with the world.
What are your thoughts, let me hear them in the comment section below
