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).

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 steve@stephenjbedard.com 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.

1. Why Build an Email List?

   • It helps you connect directly with your audience and ensures your posts reach them beyond social media algorithms.

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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/