Confessions of a Christian Blogger

What kind of content should we be seeking for our blog posts? Should they be evergreen, that is content relevant for a long period of time? Or should be content that is trending in that moment? I share my thoughts in this episode.Visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com

Many people believe (falsely) that the time of blogging is over. Is it even possible for a blog post still to go viral? I recently had one take off and I could never have predicted it. I share my story.The post I am referring to is this: https://www.stephenjbedard.com/what-actually-happened-in-the-tank-movie/

In this episode, I share the struggles and the joys of creating and publishing a digital Bible study. This is not a testimony of inspirational success but an invitation for you to learn with me in this process.If you are interested in what I have created, you can check it out at my online store. For an amazing 50% off, just enter the coupon "confessions."

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, I get real about the struggles of motivation and consistency in blogging and digital product creation. While I've been making progress on redesigning my blogs and increasing traffic, one area I’ve been falling short in is finishing my digital products for my online store. I have projects that are nearly complete, yet I struggle to push them over the finish line. Sound familiar?If you've ever started a big goal—whether it’s writing a book, launching a YouTube channel, or creating a course—only to put it on the back burner, this episode is for you. I explore why motivation is elusive, the power of SMART goals, and practical ways to fight procrastination. We’ll talk about breaking projects into manageable steps, scheduling time for deep work, and the mindset shift needed to actually get things done.If you're battling the same roadblocks, let’s work through them together—one step at a time. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s finish what we’ve started! I am an affiliate for JetHost Pro. Check out what they have to offer at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/web-hosting

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, we tackle a question that many content creators are asking: Is blogging dead? While the landscape has changed dramatically over the past 15-20 years, blogging remains a powerful and relevant tool—if done intentionally. I share my personal journey of revitalizing my blog, the real results I’ve seen from a more strategic approach, and why I believe blogging still has a place alongside podcasts and video content. If you’re wondering whether to keep blogging or shift to other platforms, this episode will give you the encouragement and insights you need to stay the course.Please support this podcast by checking out JetHost Pro at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/web-hosting

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, Stephen Bedard shares his journey of realizing that his content had become stagnant, despite consistent output. He explores how refocusing on audience interests—by engaging with trending topics and answering real questions—helped him regain traction. Learn key lessons on balancing quality with quantity and how to create content that truly connects. Plus, get a practical challenge to apply these insights to your own content creation! You can find the blog post I refer to in this episode here: https://www.stephenjbedard.com/why-wesley-huff-made-such-an-impact-on-the-joe-rogan-show/ Please follow me at http://www.x.com/SJBedard

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, we explore the five key elements that make a blog post effective—beyond just the content. While it might be tempting to focus solely on the writing, attention to these other components can significantly enhance both your audience's experience and your blog's search engine optimization (SEO). Titles Matter: A strong, engaging title grabs attention and helps with SEO. Titles that answer common questions or use list formats like "Five Reasons Why..." often perform well. Tools like ChatGPT can assist in crafting compelling titles. Formatting for Readability: Breaking up text into short paragraphs and using section headings makes posts easier to scan and more appealing. Readers are more likely to stay if they quickly find the information they’re looking for. Use of Visuals: Incorporate images to enhance your post, whether as a featured image or within the body. Use royalty-free resources like Pixabay, Canva, or AI-generated visuals. Remember to include ALT text for accessibility and SEO. Adding Relevant Links: Link to related content, either your own or others’, to provide more value for readers and boost SEO. Embedding videos or referencing related blog posts can enhance your post’s depth and credibility. Social Sharing Buttons: Make it easy for readers to share your content by including social media sharing buttons. This small step can significantly expand your reach. By applying these elements, you’ll make your posts more attractive to readers and search engines alike. Thanks for tuning in, and see you next time on Confessions of a Christian Blogger! Some links mentioned in this episode: http://www.pixabay.com http://www.canva.com If you are interested in finding a host for your website or getting a domain, consider using Jet Host Pro. They are who I use. Just click on this affiliate link: http://www.stephenjbedard.com/web-hosting

In this brief but impactful episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, Stephen Bedard shares insights on a counterintuitive yet vital principle of social media marketing: promoting other people’s content. While it might feel unnatural for bloggers—Christian or not—to share content that doesn’t directly lead to their own platforms, Stephen explains how this approach builds trust with your audience and strengthens your online presence. He also reflects on the common mistake many Christian bloggers make: writing quality posts but neglecting essential promotion practices. Stephen offers practical tools like Buffer (www.buffer.com) to curate and share valuable content while emphasizing the importance of stewardship in blogging. He wraps up with an invitation for listeners to share their Christian blogs with him for promotion and support. Tune in for actionable advice to take your blogging efforts to the next level and prepare for a follow-up episode on optimizing your blog posts for greater reach. Send me the link to your Christian blog at [email protected] using the subject line "Confessions of a Christian Blogger" and I will share a link at http://www.x.com/SJBedard and http://www.facebook.com/HopesReason.

In this heartfelt and brief episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, the host shares a personal update about navigating a sudden family health crisis and reflects on the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. Acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of unexpected events, the episode emphasizes the value of self-care, adjusting to life's challenges, and giving oneself grace during difficult times. Listeners are encouraged to recognize their limits, prioritize their well-being, and remember that even in the midst of chaos, it's okay to step back and realign with what matters most. Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com Support me through http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, we dive into what to include in your email newsletter to engage your audience and achieve your goals. Building on the previous episode about growing your email list, we discuss when to start emailing your subscribers and how to craft newsletters tailored to your objectives—whether promoting blog posts, products, or personal updates. From frequency to content styles, experimenting with formats, and learning from your audience, this episode offers practical tips and real-life examples to help you create newsletters that resonate. Visit me at my website: https://www.stephenjbedard.com

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, we dive into one of the most critical strategies for growing a successful blog: building your email list. Starting with the four essential words every digital marketer knows — Grow Your Email List — we explore why this is so important and how to get started, even if you're new to email marketing. Why Build an Email List? It helps you connect directly with your audience and ensures your posts reach them beyond social media algorithms. Getting Started with Email Marketing: Use a service like Mailchimp (free accounts are a great place to start). Keep your sign-up forms simple — just ask for an email address and a name. Techniques for Growing Your List: Embed a sign-up form on your website’s homepage. Use a pop-up form to boost visibility (it works, even if you personally dislike pop-ups). Lead Magnets: Offer a free resource (like an eBook, video, or PDF) to encourage sign-ups. Tailor this resource to your audience’s interests to maximize engagement. Ethical Practices: Always get permission before adding someone to your list. Avoid purchasing email lists or adding people without consent — this aligns with integrity, especially as Christian bloggers. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of starting an email list as soon as possible, even if growth is slow. Building a list ensures a solid foundation for future engagement and success. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll discuss how to engage with your audience once your email list is up and running! You can find my embedded form on this page: https://www.stephenjbedard.com/start-here/

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, the host reflects on the process of launching the podcast and the importance of intentional promotion for Christian content creators. Initially planning to discuss a different topic, the host shifts focus to share their experiences with podcasting as part of their personal and professional journey. They describe how their previous podcasts relied on organic growth but emphasize that the increasingly crowded podcasting landscape now requires more strategic efforts to build an audience. For this new podcast, they implemented a launch strategy involving email newsletters, animated ads, social media posts, and YouTube Shorts to promote the content effectively. These efforts resulted in an immediate increase in listeners, highlighting the value of active promotion. The episode concludes with a lesson for Christian bloggers: creating quality content isn't enough—intentional effort is required to get that content in front of the right audience. Listeners are encouraged to take action by identifying something they can launch and brainstorming ways to promote it using existing resources or partnerships. The host closes by teasing next week's planned topic, email lists, while leaving room for flexibility in the discussion. You can find my other podcasts at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/podcasts

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, the host explores a key question: Should Christian bloggers make money from their work? Reflecting on biblical teachings about greed and personal experiences, the host addresses the tension between faith-based blogging and monetization. They explain that while creating content to bless others is admirable, blogging also incurs costs—such as time, research, and technical expenses—that justify earning some income. The host shares their own approach to monetization, including receiving support through Patreon, using affiliate links, and placing Google ads on their site. They clarify that earning money isn’t inherently wrong, citing examples like pastors, teachers, and writers who are compensated for their work. Ultimately, the host encourages listeners to reflect on their own blogging goals and decide if monetizing aligns with their mission. The episode concludes with a call to engage further: follow the host on Twitter/X (@SJBedard) and explore ways to support their work. (http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason)

In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Blogger, I take a trip down memory lane to share how I got started in blogging and podcasting. From my first blog on Blogger to managing multiple niche sites on apologetics, leadership, disability ministry, and Christian history, I reflect on the successes, missteps, and lessons learned. Hear how my diverse interests led to a "beautiful mess" of content and why I'm rethinking my approach to bring it all under the banner of "Thoughtful Reflections on Faith and Life." Join me as I share my journey and plans for the future! Visit me at: http://www.stephenjbedard.com http://www.historyofchristianitypodcast.com http://www.disabilityandchurch.com http://www.jesusmyththeory.com

In this episode, Stephen Bedard shares his journey as a faith-based blogger navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing blogging landscape. He reflects on his struggles with declining views, limited resources, and the difficulty of monetization, while committing to revitalizing his blog and sharing his experiences in real-time. This podcast offers an honest, Christian perspective on blogging, inviting listeners to join him on this journey of experimentation, learning, and perseverance. Visit http://www.stephenjbedard.com Follow at https://www.facebook.com/ConfessionsChristianBlogger and https://www.x.com/sjbedard