I recently read an article titled, Is Blogging Dead? that had caught my eye on a feed, it was discussing what some bloggers believe with the declining number of readers, that it may well be dying.
This particular article raised some interesting points as to whether blogging is relevant for today’s readers or not.
As there seems to be a turning towards the more popular social platforms at the moment like Podcasts, Video clips & HD photo platforms.
I had to ask myself as a blogger the same question; is my professional & personal experience I share here still relevant?
The answer & how we can apply this to our lives is our reflection for today. But first let’s grab our cuppa’s, a treat & get comfy.
This morning I’m having a combination I made, in a Caramel Coffee/Chai Latte with a toasted slice of gf Apricot & Coconut loaf.
What’s your Focus?
As writers we have much to share & we love to hear the impact our words have made upon you, our readers.
Your feedback helps us to refine our art & we’re greatly encouraged when our words have bought you encouragement my friend.
The main issue with blogging is that our Host Blogging Platforms provide statistics each day. In fact that’s the first thing that comes to view after logging into our Host.
While this can be helpful in giving us an idea of where our words have reached in the World.
It can be discouraging if Bloggers have certain expectations in numbers that are not being met within the statistical data, which is what the bloggers in the article were finding.
Personally I discovered in the beginning of my blogging journey that if I became distracted by ‘the numbers’ my true focus quickly faded!
Let me make this personal…
I began my writing journey in 2002, after my late husband passed away from Brain Cancer.
My first book was published in 2007, it was a very personal & also a professional insight into the journey of Grief.
Then in 2017 my second writing endeavour of my NDE was published in a Vinaigrette which you can read Here.
You see I love writing, but more then that I enjoy sharing with you to give you encouragement in your journey.
“…continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity]…” Heb 3: 13 AMP
For I believe we all need a little encouragement to keep on keeping on, especially when times get tough.
And sharing what God has or is doing in our lives we can give each other a much needed boost in similar situations.
And Counting…
This morning, as I was hanging a load of washing on the line, I was reminded to ‘Count my Blessings’ when the words of an old hymn started playing through my mind;
‘Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one…
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!’ Ref
It all began with Prayer…
You see God clearly led me to start this blog, in fact He continues to supply the funds, the electronic Tablets to write upon & the inspiration each week.
As I had specifically asked God, in prayer, for a clear direction in 2017 after the above mentioned Vinaigrette had been published & distributed;
“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he may run (keep on keeping on) that read it.” Hab 2: 2 Ref
So to answer the question; “Numbers, are they important?”
The short answer is Yes & No!
Yes, we can absolutely count the number of our blessings each day.
&
No, we don’t need to look at statistical numbers, whatever they may be, to keep on blogging in faith. We just need to keep our eyes on the Lord & do what He’s calling us to do.
And that my friend is wisdom for living, to keep our eyes fixed upon our Heavenly Father, be true to His calling & count our blessings, naming them one by one.
And you my friend are one of those blessings!
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re also most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2023 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photo by Roman Friptuleac on Pexels.com
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I’m not a numbers person. I never check my stats, probably because I always forget. I may never know who my words touch, and that’s okay, because God does.
Thanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
You’re welcome Paula ☺️
Tim Challies wrote, “Be content to be a plodding blogger and trust that God is glorifying Himself and blessing His people through your faithfulness.” (Not sure of the source of this quote.) I find his attitude to be delightfully freeing–and also something I must remind myself of every now and then!
I love that quote Nancy! Thank you for sharing that with us today. 😊
I blog as a hobby, for fun, when I have time and energy. Stats are less visible to me, (I must use a different system than you) and I don’t expect to have “reach”. When I see page views on a post, (and especially if I get comments) (in the 2 digits or less, typically) I think those people have seen the decor or whatever that I shared, more then the 2-4 cohabitants that I live with!
Blogging was originally meant to link up people with similar interests. Then monetization came, and influencers, etc. The hobbyist model still works, and reaching 2-10 people, or maybe 100, or whatever, is valid. People complaining may be doing it for commercial reasons and finding it frustrating.
As a hobbyist, I am happy to find a small number of views and comments, and see others posts as they navigate our complicated life on this planet. I get bits of news from other states, climates, and countries, and I learn, and I am happy there are others out there sharing. That includes you!
I hope you find this poorly written comment encouraging, it is meant to be. Keep your blogging up and don’t let the # of views get you down. Is 300 really that much better than 50? If you are blogging for money, yes, but if you blog for other reasons, 50, or even 5, might be enough.
Keep blogging on! I enjoyed your post.
Thank you Jeanne, your comment was encouraging & informative! 😊
I’m just happy if I get a few comments and some interaction from some caring readers! I think so many people turned to blogging as sort of get rich quick idea and were discouraged when they didn’t get thousands of pageviews and things– something I never really aspired to.
I agree Joanne! Unfortunely every time I put a comment up on your site it tells me there’s an error 🤔
I say write what you want to write about and don’t worry about the numbers. The only ones who really need to worry about that are those who are blogging for dollars…and there’s plenty of them out there. However, I will admit that the new thing is videos, very popular at the moment. Going to have to check out your NDE, that really interests me. Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedLinkParty 127. Pinned.
I agree Dee, thank you for hosting such a great link up 😊
Such a good perspective on numbers, Jennifer! I’ve stopped looking at my blogging stats because they didn’t change what I wanted to write about anyway. 🙂
Thank you Lisa. 😊
“For I believe we all need a little encouragement to keep on keeping on, especially when times get tough.” So true, Jennifer. Thank you for your encouragement here. Love and blessings to you!
You’re most welcome Trudy, love & blessings to you my friend! 😊
appreciated your post. I have to stop now and then and take continuing on with my blog into prayer. So far I am assured that I can keep on. We never know what impact we may have or who we might meet.
Yes, I agree Elizabeth we don’t know what God is doing with our writing & its impact in other’s lives.