Thanks to all of you who took the time to fill out my little survey from a few weeks ago. As I read and summarized it, I found surprises, insights and affirmations. Your kind comments warmed and encouraged my heart and your honest sharing fostered a deepening connection and compassion for all of you. Again thank you.
What did I discover?
Affirmations: Most of you like when I post twice a week – just the right amount of time. I reduced the number of posts a few years ago from four to two and wondered how you liked it. I haven’t lost as many email list subscribers that way. People just get so much email I felt I had to be careful with my number of posts. Great feedback.
Also your feedback on my topics was also beneficial and you gave me a wonderful list of ideas for upcoming posts. I also want to do more mini series to provide more depth.
Insights: Your list of spiritual practices both confirmed and inspired my writing. The most used practices are ( won’t be too shocking read this) prayer, bible reading/studying, spiritual reading/devotions, journaling, silence and listening to God and spiritual conversations.
About half you would listen a podcast if I added this to my blog. I am gathering all the info I need to start this so look for this addition sometime in the future. I will probably still write out a post for those who don’t listen to podcasts, then add the recording with more info for others to listen to. I love listening to podcasts when I walk. Makes the time go so quickly.
WOW!!
Surprises: Most of you reported Facebook and twitter as your usual social media but I was surprised that no one reported using Pinterest or Instagram. Every place I read more and more people love visual content so I was amazed to have nobody report using those two mediums. I have recently been exploring live streaming on Periscope too.
And my other surprise was the depth of challenges many of you experience. My heart ached reading some of them. God is with us in all difficulties and it is my hope that maybe in our community on this blog we can pray and support one another. Many of us are walking through difficult relationships, times of transition, and trying to live faithfully in an age of skimming and surviving with shallow and shiny objects attention spans.
No surprise at all: Most of us express a deep desire to grow closer to God, to know him better and to live in his presence in our daily living. Let’s do this together.
So watch for some new things this fall in this space in response to your sharing on the survey. Thanks again and please invite your friends to sign up on the email list.
What new thing will you be doing or trying in the next few months?
When I completed your survey, Jean, I forgot about Pinterest! I do use that platform (Is that what you call it?!), but not a lot. Mostly for organizing recipes, decorating ideas, etc. that I come across on the internet. I very much like the idea of a series, to delve more deeply into topics. I’ll look forward to that! Then again, you could continue with the status quo, and I’d be perfectly content. I am ALWAYS educated, inspired, and challenged by your posts!
Thanks for your kind words, Nancy. I have gained a few followers from Pinterest due to the quote type pin and am interested in developing the infographic ones on some thing. Been listening to live streaming – Periscope very crazy but a place maybe to connect to some new folks. Guess it boils down to using the social media that makes the most sense for your message and that doesn’t control your life. still learning…
Hi Jean! I love how you are investigating new platforms and new ways to get your message out. Wonderful and inspiring to me, as a neophyte to all of that stuff.
I cut back to twice a week about a year ago, and didn’t see much difference in how many people visited. I’ve been thinking about cutting it to once a week, just so I have more time to write, but I’m not sure that’s such a great idea. I don’t want to lose the practice of writing with a deadline!
Keep growing and pushing your comfort zone my friend. I’m glad you learned so much from your Survey!
Blessings,
Ceil
i am finding twice a week a good amount and like you work better with the deadline. That survey really helped give me some new ideas too. Out of my comfort zone I fly – especially with this podcast idea….
I’m two blogs a week, too, and for those same reasons. What great info your survey gave you! Can’t wait to see what is in store! Blessings, Jean!
I am excited for some new series too, Martha. Now if I can just get everything done. LOL. Twice a week is about all I can handle so have been pleased with my email list number stabilizing.
Hi Jean:
Interesting feedback you received. I too cut back on ALL three of my blogs:
–Wisdom and Life down to once a week
–Scranton Page Turner and CJP Photo News down to twice a month.
I’m getting more engagement now on Facebook. Yes I returned after a five year hiatus. I’m on Pinterest but seeing very little traction there. G+ is still on my radar but not as much as I’m losing traction there now too.
Enjoy the day, Jeannie
I am seeing less from Google plus too. Been watching periscope – live streaming but haven’t done any yet. I think that may be a powerful new way to connect with some readers. Try a readers survey someday, Chris. they are very insightful.