The great thing about the connection economy is that anyone can build a platform.  However, only a small percentage of people know what it takes. Today, I thought it would be interesting to talk with someone who has built a platform, and therefore knows what it takes.

Today, I wanted to highlight a recent conversation I had about blogging with Ron Edmondson. For those that don’t know him, Ron is a pastor, speaker, and sought-after leadership consultant. He also happens to be my dad. Ron knows what it takes to build a platform. His blog has been featured as one of the top 20 Christian leadership blogs and is currently getting about 60,000 visits a month.

While most people who blog think that getting 50,000 visits a month is a pipe dream, I don’t think it’s nearly that unobtainable. After seeing all of the hard work, dedication, and commitment that Ron has invested into building his platform over the past few years, I thought it would be interesting to get an inside look into what it takes to get over 50,000 visits a month on your blog.

Here’s an inside look at “the secret sauce” for building your blog platform:

You talk a lot about being intentional about everything you do. How do you keep the purpose for blogging fresh?

It’s hard, but I try to remember the person on the other side of the computer. I try to write for the struggling pastor, the burned-out leader, the young pastor looking for wisdom. Another thing that helps is that I speak from life experience, as I’m learning, so that keeps my purpose in front of me. I try to communicate what I’m learning by doing.

What’s the biggest obstacle you face when you write?

Practically it’s the routine commitment I’ve made to blog almost daily. It can be burdensome at times. In terms of the actual content, the biggest obstacle is trying to remember that what seems simple to me, may not be to someone else who is hearing it for the first time. While it seems repetitious or simple to me, to someone else it might be gold.

How many hours/week do you spend writing, strategizing or investing in your blog?

It varies, but normally an hour per day. For me, the most consistent free time is usually at 9 or 10 at night, hence the typos I try to catch by mid-morning the next day.

Some people might know that you’ve actually been writing for an online audience for nearly two decades. How much do you think your tenure has attributed to your success?

I think the greatest benefit is that it’s made writing easier. I have a fairly solidified and consistent discipline in writing.

 What are three things that you would attribute to the success of your blog? 

  • Writing from an easy-to-read…as I would talk…style.
  • Addressing real-life situations from a personal perspective.
  • Being responsive to my readers…a real person behind the blog.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who feels like they have something to say, but are afraid to start a blogging for whatever reason?

Just start. The beginning of anything is often the hardest part. Don’t worry about numbers or who is or isn’t reading. Just start. Be consistent. Keep improving. Find your audience. You’ll succeed…if you stick with it long enough.

Whatever you’re reason for building a platform, I think there’s some valuable lessons here.

What piece of advice stood out to you most? Are you incorporating any of these lessons already?

Jeremy Chandler is Social Media Director at Ben Stroup Enterprises and  jumps at any opportunity to connect with others. You can connect with him on Twitter, LinkedIn,Facebook, or Google+.

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