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Purpose not Perfection | Faith, Home, & Family

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

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Have you ever wanted to start a blog? Or wondered what it takes to run a successful blog? I get emails all the time from women who want to start a blog or who have recently begun a blog and feel lost.

This is will be an ongoing series for those of you who want to know more about how to start a blog or desire to take your blog to the next level. I’m excited to share my experience with you!

How to Start Blogging as a Ministry @ AVirtuousWoman.org

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I began this website back in 2001. And before that I had a small website where I sold handmade baby items. And before that I had a site called, Keepers of Their Homes… which really eventually became A Virtuous Woman!

Anyway, I’m one of the old timers.

I was just 24 years old when I started writing online and over the years I’ve learned a lot! I’m excited to share what I know with those of you who are interested in blogging – whether you want to blog  as a full-time ministry or even as a way to support your family financially. Or both!

Running A Virtuous Woman is one of my passions! I believe with all of my heart that God called me to blog here at A Virtuous Woman. I remember way back in 1997 having this dream in my heart to run a website. The thing was, I had no education, no computer experience at all and very little working knowledge. But I had the one thing I always tell my kids that will take them further than anything in this life and that’s DETERMINATION.

When I started A Virtuous Woman computers and blogging in general was quite different. I had to teach myself code and build my own website from scratch! These days, with WYSIWYG {what you see is what you get} editors, blogging is so much easier.

A lot has changed over the years, but my love for blogging has not. It’s so easy to get started. If I can do it, anyone can.

For me, blogging was a way I could encourage other moms through my writing. From the time I was a little girl I knew I would “grow up” to be a writer.

You know you’ve been called to ministry when it’s not easy. I was a teenage mom. I wasn’t able to finish high school, I wasn’t good at anything except writing, and I wasn’t even that great of a housekeeper. And for some reason I felt in my heart this pull to teach other women. Crazy, right?

To see how God has worked over the last 15 years, and to know how many women have been touched by this ministry, not because of anything I am or have done, but because of everything God is and has done… it’s a powerful thing!

How to Start a Blog

Getting started blogging can seem overwhelming, but it’s really a simple process. I’m sharing my step by step how you can start blogging as a ministry. Be sure to let me know in the comments what questions you have. I’d love to answer your questions!

1. Decide WHY you want to start a blog.

What will be the purpose of your blog? Here are some reasons you may want to start a blog:

  • to encourage other moms
  • share your crafting skills and tutorials
  • to hone your writing skills
  • create a platform for the book you hope to one day write
  • to write Bible studies for young women
  • to create and share recipes your family loves
  • to share how God has transformed your life
  • share fun kid’s activities with other moms

There are as many reasons to start a blog as there are people. I began A Virtuous Woman because I believe Proverbs 31 is relevant to today and I wanted to teach women how to apply Proverbs 31 to their lives. One of the first articles I wrote was the 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31. Fifteen years later, the 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman is my purpose statement and helps me to stay on topic when writing new blog posts.

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If you’ve heard it’s easy to make money blogging and that’s the sole reason you want to start a blog, I can tell you right now it will fail. You have to have a passion for what you are writing about. I’ve been writing under the umbrella of the 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman for 15 years. I never get tired of it and I never run out of ideas.

What could you write about every day for the rest of your life? That’s what your blog should be about.

It’s true that you can make money blogging and blogging is a great option for women who want to work at home. But, the money doesn’t come immediately. It takes a lot of work up front! However, it’s definitely possible to make a good living if you work smart and work hard.

2. Choose a domain name, registrar and hosting company. 

I’ve been using GoDaddy.com to both register my domain and for hosting for about 14 years now and have been very pleased with their service. A lot of my blogging friends are hosted through BlueHost.com and love them.

Your domain name is the URL address of your blog. For instance, my domain is: avirtuouwoman.org.

The hosting company is where your website lives.

WordPress is the best platform for your blog. Some folks will recommend other systems or companies like Squarespace. If you do decide to start with another platform, I’m fairly certain you’ll regret it later.

You could create a free blog on Blogspot.com or WordPress.com, but if you are serious about blogging, it’s better to go ahead and get things set up right in the beginning so you don’t have to go through the headache of moving your blog later if you decide you want your own domain. Your blog address would look something like this: BestBlogEver.Blogspot.com or BestBlogEver.Wordpress.com.

But the thing is, you could start your own self-hosted website for less that $10.00 a month! It really is better to own your own blog right from the start. And instead you’ll have your own website address like: BestBlogEver.com. See the difference? You can name your blog anything you want – as long as it doesn’t already exist and you’ll be the sole owner of it.

Choosing the name of your blog can be a lot of fun and challenging. Give it some good thought. Ask your friends for ideas. Pray about it. And then see if the domain is available. If it is, grab it!



You can go to the hosting company of your choice and check for domain availability. It’s not hard. Once you purchase your domain name, you can set up hosting and install WordPress with a click of a button. If you aren’t sure how to do that, you can call the support number for your hosting company and they will be happy to walk you through it.

3. Choose your blog theme/ design. 

This is where it starts to get fun. Once you’ve purchased your domain name, set up a hosting account, and installed WordPress, you’ll want to choose a theme. A blog theme is basically the way your blog will look.

WordPress has a lot of free options which are great when you first get started. WordPress really is press and play. You’ll find the free themes in your Dashboard under “Appearance.”

If you want to give your blog a custom look, you’ll likely want to purchase a theme. But it’s totally not necessary until you feel your ready!

Feminine WordPress Themes

Some of my favorite places to find pretty themes are:

I have used themes from each of these companies over the years. I am currently using a theme from Pretty Darn Cute which requires the Genesis Framework – or Parent Theme. Genesis is amazing and I highly recommend it! Basically, this means you need a parent theme which is like the framework that your child theme is built on. It’s not hard – you just install the Genesis Framework and then install your theme and activate it. Once your theme is activated you can customize the header, colors, and more. I’ll talk more about that in an upcoming blog post!

4. Write your first blog post.

Writing that first post is a little scary, but just jump and say hello to the world. Create ell your future readers a little bit about yourself on your About Page. And really, just start writing. You may want to write several blog posts before you start sharing your blog on social media and with your friends. But either way, just write what’s on your heart.

To write a blog post in WordPress, in your Dashboard click on “Posts” in the left menu and “Add New.” The WYSIWYG editor is simple to use. Click “Add Media” to upload photos to your blog post. Play with the buttons a little to figure out what they do. No one willsee your blog post until you click “Publish” on the right side of your blog post text editor.

Whether you want to use blogging as a way to minister to other women, make new friends, build a business, or just as a hobby, it’s a great way to share what God is leading you to say and do. And you just never know where blogging will take you, who it will bless, or where you’ll end up.

If you’ve felt pulled in the direction of starting a blog and it just won’t let go, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Plus, let me know any questions you have and I’ll answer them!

P.S. If you found this article helpful, would you do me a favor and share it to Pinterest? Thanks so much!!

P.S.S. The links in this blog post are affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you purchase a product through my links. I only recommend products I use or have used in the past. Thanks for your support!

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About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose, that's why I created Purpose 31 Planners... I know you'll love them!

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paige

    Sorry for this not very smart question, but what is "hosting"? I understand that is where the blog lives, but that is confusing to me if you blog at Wordpress...isn't that your "host"? Why would you "host" somewhere else and then install Wordpress? I thought Wordpress was a "host". Guess I have lots to learn! Just trying to figure it all out! And would you need a separate "host" if the blog is on Wordpress? Thanks and take care, Paige
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Hi Paige! There are NO dumb questions! :) So, yes, Wordpress can be your host. There's two types of Wordpress. Let me explain. Wordpress.com is a free "hosting" site similar in nature to blogspot.com. If you host at Wordpress.com you will be limited in what you can do, you can't install purchased themes, install new plugins, or even run ads. And your blog URL will look something like this: MyAwesomeBlog.Wordpress.com Wordpress.org is the open source software that Wordpress.com is built on. Except that when you purchase self-hosting at a company like GoDaddy or BlueHost you own everything about your blog and can do whatever you want to with it. Bluehost and GoDaddy {as well as other hosting companies} usually have a control panel where you can click a button and install the Wordpress {open source software} onto your hosting account which then creates your blog. And it belongs to you! You blog address will look something like this: MyAwesomeBlog.com. Installing Wordpress onto your hosting is free. You only pay your hosting company for the server space - usually for 1 or 2 years at a time - or on a monthly basis. Does that help answer your question? If you're still confused or have other questions, just let me know!
      Reply

  2. Megan

    Hi, Melissa! This is such an encouragement to me! I've been wanting to blog for a while, but always get bogged down about what topic to choose. I enjoy doing so many things and trying new things. I just purchased a domain name this month and hosting through bluehost, and God is leading me through a huge life transition where so much is up in the air right now. So I think I'd like my blog to be for young women who are struggling between who the world wants them to be versus who God has made them to be. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for your dedication to helping and teaching others. You're being used of God for sure.
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Aw, thank you, Megan! I'm so glad to hear you've been blessed by A Virtuous Woman. Starting a blog can be overwhelming, but just like anything in life, you focus on one thing at a time, make short term and long term goals as well as action plans and then just start writing and checking things off your list! I am sure God will use you to touch the hearts of many! Narrowing your niche down will be a big help. Write out a mission statement for your blog to help you stay focused. I'll be writing more about that in the days to come. If you want to be informed of when new posts go up, be sure to sign up for my newsletter! Thanks!
      Reply

  3. Anesia

    I have had thoughts about starting a blog for a long time, writing isn't a passion per say ( I don't hate it I just don't know how to start) but I love to help women. I was and am fortunate to work pt to be able to stay home with my 4 children.. My first 3 were in public school because I worked there so I could keep an eye on things, but with my 4 child we decided to homeschool. Didn't like the way things were going. I remember how I was feeling when we made this decision, how would we be able to do this, adding an expense to our budget. Anyway I want to show women that they can do it. One of the things I miss as and adult was when I was younger I remember the older women in the church taking the younger ones under their wings and guiding/metoring them. This is what I want my blog to be as well as a source of income for my family. I don't expect to be making thousand right away but would hope to start having some income withing 6 months. Do you feel this is attainable?
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Anesia, you can definitely earn a small income within the first six months. If your goal is to earn a living, it will take hard work, a solid plan, and a lot of dedication - but all of that hard work will pay off if you stick with it! If you let God lead you, He'll show you the way! Let me know if you have any other questions!
      Reply

  4. Ashley Bufe

    I would love advice! I find myself writing blog posts out in my head, but I never actually make the time to type and publish them. Right now I only average about one a month. My desire is to do one a week, but I haven't been able to make that happen. How often do you post? Do you have a certain number per week that you try to publish? Or do you just write when it comes to you? Thanks!!
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Ashley, this is a great question. How often you post really depends on your goals for your blog. If you want to increase your traffic and eventually earn an income you need to post at least every week but more likely at least every other day. Last year I was publishing a new post 6 - 10 times a week. This year I'm averaging about 4 posts a week plus emails several times a week, to my email list. If you're serious about blogging, you'll want to hone in on your writing skills. I can sit down and write anytime about whatever subject is in front of me. I've learned to do that by practice - lot and lots of writing. When I first began blogging it was harder to stay consistent until I made a decision to be consistent and created an editorial calendar for several weeks in advance. I treat my blog like a business instead of a hobby. I know what I need to do so I sit down and do it. It takes practice and sometimes I really don't feel like writing. But usually if that's the case it's because I need a break and I'll take some time off. Also, I remember when I first started blogging and I would be so excited about everything I wrote... so sometimes I would post two or three times in a day and other days nothing. It's much better to hold your excitement, write the three blog posts but schedule them out over the course of a few days. :) I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
      Reply

  6. Maribel Hughley

    Hi Melissa, I wanted to thank you for this post because it truly encouraged me to pursue what has been in my heart for a while, and I truly feel the Lord calling me to this. I wanted to ask you 2 questions. I started my blog, but I see how you and other wonderful bloggers set up posts. Can you guide me as how to set up good posts including pictures? Where do you find good pictures to edit? Also, you mentioned above about making an income in the first 6 months. How does that work? What do we need to do to make that happen? Thank you again for all you do. Maribel Hughley
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Hi Maribel! Good photography is a must if you want your blog to get noticed by a lot of people. More and more the internet is a very visual place. So, you really have two options. You can take your own amazing photography or you can find stock photos to use. I purchase most of the stock photography that you see on A Virtuous Woman. This past January I finally purchased my first DSLR camera - a Canon Rebel T6i - and I'm learning to take better photos with a goal of one day being able to take most of my own photos instead of needing to purchase stock photos. It important when choosing photos that you only use photos that you have permission to use. Unless a photo is under the common creative license, it is probably copyrighted and you can get in a lot of trouble for using photos that don't belong to you. Never do a Google image search for photos to use! Those photos all belong to someone. There are a number of free stock photo sites that you might like to use. I used free stock photos for years before I got to the point where I needed to purchase photos. Be sure to read the license agreement when downloading photos to be sure you are using them correctly. Making a small income in the first six months is possible - but not the norm. It takes a lot of work and commitment to get to the place where you are bringing in a decent salary blogging. Some things that will help you get to that point are: 1. Have a clear vision of your purpose. 2. Decide who your target audience is and what are they needing help with. 3. Put out as much amazing content as possible. I would suggest that you publish a new blog post at least 3 days a week if not 6 times a week at least in the beginning. 4. Have amazing images and utilize Pinterest as much as possible to drive traffic to your blog. 5. Set up a Facebook page and post regularly/ daily and push new blog posts with great images to Facebook. Ask your friends and family to share, like, and comment on your Facebook posts. 6. Join Facebook groups for bloggers and network. Once you have a decent amount of traffic coming to your blog you can start thinking about ads, affiliate marketing, and more. You can pitch brands for sponsored posts. But your first order of business before you ever make a dime on your blog is going to be writing great content and focusing on great images. If you want your blog to a business one day, you have to treat it like a business. I'll be touching on these topics more in depth in the near future! :)
      Reply

      • Maribel Hughley

        Oh my...thank you so much for all this good information. I will keep that in mind and get to work. I'm super excited for both the ministry part and to see how far it goes in business. I look forward to learning more from you. :)

  7. Aimee Walters

    Thank you so much for this article. I have recently started my blog and love getting advice from other experienced bloggers like yourself. I am also hoping to use my blog to help other women stay organized with their lives for themselves and their families. I love your blog and website and I am a current subscriber. I look forward to reading more articles about blogging and being a proverbs 31 woman.
    Reply

  8. sheila

    GOD had me start a blog at the end of last yr. I had NO IDEA how or what, but I moved forward and figured out all that technical stuff finally! I knew He wanted me to share my personal testimonies of what He has done in my life. I did that with gusto...at first. He then began calling me to do 'in person' ministry and I followed that leading and it has been AMAZING! I know without doubt that it is HIM who is leading these ministries, but my problem now is TIME. I work FT and feel He is calling me to ministry FT thru online & in person/real life....BUT I am so very torn not knowing how the bills will get paid. I am praying constantly and have many prayer warriors on this too. I KNOW He can and will provide, but it is such an illogical move when I cant see it. PLEASE pray for me as I try to follow HIS guidance in this situation. I know others make a 'living' doing this, but....can I just ask you to pray for me?. Thanks. ps. any advice would be welcomed also.
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Hi Shelia! That's so exciting that you've had the opportunity to share your faith and testimony. I'm don't have an answer for you, but I know God does! You can make money speaking and blogging, but I don't have an experience as a professional speaker. I believe there are associations or directories you can join that will help you find speaking gigs. I will be talking about monetizing your blog soon. :)
      Reply

  9. Keshia

    Thank you so much for sharing your insights. For many years I have wanted to share, grow, teach and learn using the internet (social media and blogging) as my platform however it has never worked out. In the last few months (since I have been taking the time to speak with God) I have felt called to the idea of online ministry. It is scary. I am very unsure of myself and I wonder why God would want me to put myself 'out there' and yet the idea keeps bothering me. I decided to do some research and your link came up on Pinterest and it was like a voice said: You're worried, so look here is a blueprint for the first stage. So, thank you.
    Reply

  10. jackie Pippin

    Hi, I think yours is the kind of site I have been looking for! I know I will enjoy getting your blogposts! In the confirmation email I did nt click anything because a am not interested in the kitchen planner ( I think that's what what it was ). Do I need to come back and sign up through one of the areas that say you will get a free blog planner?
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      You can certainly sign up for the free blog planner. Also, if you confirm your subscription, you do not have to download the kitchen planner if you do not want to. I'm glad you're here! Thanks for subscribing!
      Reply

  11. MONIQUE FLEMING

    Hello Melissa, I am so excited I have bumped into your blog, God has definitely been speaking to my spirit about blogging and my goal is to ministry to marriages, I am so excited about this new journey in my life, God has placed a name for my blog but was not sure if I can call it a ministry due myself not being a certified minister, however its part of the name he's given me I have used the name but not in the fashion God has told me but its weighing on me to change it and just let God handle the rest. your blod is very encouraging, and helpful I truly appreciated you sharing how to start a blog which I will be doing very soon, I have started a social media group on facebook called Graceful wife, which is geared towards my blog. God goal for me is to encourge marriage through a sprirtual based setting, its time for wive to do the will of God and I truly believe this I am going into my second marriage almost three years, my husband and I have had trying time however, when we finally put God in our marriage, we were able to see differently and God has had this ministry on me for a while, I would never do anything about but now he requiring me to stand firm on his word on give back to the community, I believe it going to go far, and I will encourage women and save many marriages. Please feel free to take a look at my site and comment back to me I have so many ideas about my blog I am very excited about getting started. Thank you again for sharing your story.
    Reply

  12. Bernice A.

    Wow! This blog was ON-TIME! I was just surfing Pinterest when I came across your blog and it really spoke to me! I am definitely going to start a blog! I have an idea for a platform, but need to really fine-tune it a little more. And I'm keeping this before the Lord. I was kind of wondering the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. And if the org is free as well. I'm still brainstorming for a name, too. And a mission statement. So I still have some homework to do before embarking on this endeavor. But I thank you so much for your devotion to the Lord and your ministry, for I have been truly blessed to discover this! Take care and God bless you, your family, and your ministry!
    Reply

  13. Martika

    Hi there! I'm so glad I ran into your blog post. I've just started a blog literally a month ago and reason for it was because I too felt called to do it. God has been tugging at my heart and I finally listened. Just there are days that I feel like I can't do this but God proves me wrong when he leaves things in front of my face like this post to keep me going. I enjoy writing and enjoy learning His Word and speaking His Word. Thank you for sharing this! I defiinitely will be sharing on Pinterest! Many blessings to you! Martika
    Reply

  14. Reem campos

    Hello! I have a christian ladies Facebook page that I have been running for a couple of months now, I post on there reguarly and have written a handful of posts on different christian topics that I would like to turn into a blog. I'm a little nervous to start but I feel like I can be helpful to other christian women out there, and I was wondering how I could gain exposure from christian websites or other christian bloggers who are looking to host guest bloggers? Any advice is appreciated. I would also love some feedback about my page, I am new and still learning :) if you like it please share with other ladies, thank you! Www.Facebook.com/blueflowerladies
    Reply

  15. Hope Randall

    Hello Melissa, I hope this message finds you doing well. I want to first thank you for sharing your wealth on how we can build a blog and a business. This has been on my heart for a while and I know that God is calling me to do a great work with this blog. I am not experience in creating this blog, but I am relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and direct my footsteps. Again, thanks for everything
    Reply

  16. Chris

    Melissa, I'm really wanting to start a ministry blog, it's something I've been wanting to do for a while now. My big hang up is that I'm afraid my writing won't be very good. I'm a terrible speller (I realize there is spell check) I'm just afraid that I won't be taken seriously because of spelling or grammar errors, or my odd writing style. I know this will get better over time. Do you have any suggestions for overcoming this fear?
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Chris, like anything, practice makes perfect. Just get started and learn as much as you can about blogging and writing in general and you will see improvement. You could ask a friend or spouse to proofread your blog posts before you publish too which can be helpful. Good luck!
      Reply

  17. Vicki

    I was married at 20 and he started cheating less than 2 months later. He constantly told me how other women wanted him and that nobody else would ever want me. 7 1/2 yrs later we had two boys and I was 120 pounds overweight! We had really been working on our marriage and my husband was really trying to be a better husband. He was going back to church with us and had gotten himself right with God. That is when I received the phone call that shattered my world...He had been killed in a car accident!!! I had no money, he had no life insurance, I had nothing!! I prayed and God gave me a promise! 19 years later I am remarried with 2 beautiful girls and God is still keeping his promise, even though the devil has really been attacking me at every turn lately! I have a heavy heart for widows and those that are depressed and being attacked by Satan. Do you think that I have a good foundation for a blog? I have really been feeling this pull to blog for awhile!
    Reply

  18. Jennifer

    Melissa, Your blog has been a huge encouragement for me getting serious about writing a blog as a ministry. For years I have got back and forth and struggled with actually being consistent when I start one. I am currently alongside my fiancé who is a youth minister and it has been on my heart to start the journey of blogging as a ministry for the church we are serving in the hopes that it will become just a ministry for anyone who stumbles upon the blog. Having found your blog I am finally feeling motivated and a bit more confident that I can make a difference through a blog. Thank you!
    Reply

  19. Yvonne

    Thank you! Thank you! so much for sharing this. When I came across this article I kept thinking where has this post been all my life! I am currently a blogger and desire to make it into a ministry, it is called thechristiansinglemother. I completely feel led to do this by God's calling for me to use it to minister to women who are single mothers. I am currently a single mom and everything I been through is a life changing testimony and God has made it clear that He wants me to teach women all the things He has blessed me with to be able to overcome the challenges of single motherhood. Right now, I am using a free hosting for my blog on WordPress. But, how do you really network your blog especially when it is a free host. I plan to own a domain just financially I am unable to at the moment. Yvonne
    Reply

  20. Christina

    I am in the process of starting up a blog. This post is so helpful! I am a youth pastor who loves to preach and teach the word of God, but the funny thing is, I'm great at speaking, but writing all my thoughts down on paper (and especially writing college essays) has always been more difficult for me. Yet I have always wanted to start a blog, and feel encouragement from God and others to start it. I honestly feel like i'm in over my head here, but I have a passion to make a difference in the lives of women and young adults. And I LOVE sharing advice for how to save money and live practically! I think once I get in a habit of writing and just go for it, it will become easier for me. Do you have any tips for a speaker who wants to become a writer? Thank you!
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Hi Christina, the great thing about blogging is that you want your writing to be natural and conversational. Your readers should hear your voice, so write like you speak. There are great programs like Grammarly that can help you with the technical proper way for writing if you need help. Like anything, if you have passion and determination you'll succeed!
      Reply

  21. Chalimar

    Hello! I am just now starting to move. I felt, years ago, that God was preparing me to lead women. As he's worked in me since then, preparing my own heart to be strictly for him, now I feel he's calling me to step out and battle cry. Only....I have no clue what I'm doing. I have no set plan because....well, I have no clue what I'm doing. I have taken steps to create a facebook page called Holy Women of God and I also created a group called Woman of God. This is as far as I can make myself go without knowing more!!!! I feel like the next step is to start writing....and prepare some topics. But, blogging......it seems so daunting. I feel like Moses (Humbly) 'God, are you sure this is what you want ME to do? Arent' their people out there better equipped with this knowledge?" And he consistently tells me, "I will be glorified in your not knowing" And so I plow ahead. Prayerfully seeking His will here. Just drifting along......
    Reply

    • felicia davis

      Well, im blessed that God has given me this encounter to read this. I am very passionate about writing. I have been writing as long as I could write. I write literally about life. im good at being imaginative however writing about real life in many different forms is my thing. God has blessed me to be a very intelligent, easy understanding there are a lot of people that say I have a gifted way of speaking and putting the pin to the paper. so I believe the LORD always said I could write a #1 best seller. I was recently incarcerated and the LORD keep dealing with me on my writing as I haven't wrote in a while. I believe the spirit to me to take my passion to the next level. Childrens books came up as I am a newly aunty. however I have sat on that. The other was some kind of journal entry. I began to write journal entries everyday. I have about 20 entries. and from there grew the desire to start a social media page as well. I have not been on social media for almost 2 years and I want to share with the world who GOD is and show how thru our lives we all are going through things. so in my spirit came IME MINISTRY, AS I already have a ministry called unrestrained and unashamed ministry(dance ministry)I have a passion to inspire,motivate and encourage others. so my mother suggested maybe I start a blog because I wanted to do fb,instagram and twitter, do videos, and just have a page focused on encouragement GOD will be all in the center.so I came across this. I don't know if the blog is something like the social media thing but if you have some insight I would love to speak with you. also as you bless the many woman and even men who read this HE is going to be more faithful even through the the enemy trying to come against you.
      Reply

  22. Paige Gregg

    I have been interested in blogging and enjoyed writing my thoughts on paper for quite sometime..I would like to start my own blog (start a ministry), I have no idea what I'm doing or what or whom I would like my ministry to focus on, but feel the tug to start a ministry. I plan to continue to pray about this and figure out what my next step is. I believe that blogging would help in many aspects in my life and feel excited about learning more and what God has in store.
    Reply

  23. Monica Chege

    Hey am monica and i would like to start a blog to help young people in their christian walk i have gone through so much in life that i feel i should share my experiences and anything that can help young people in the 21st century, i look forward to partnering with people who have the same purpose i have. blogging is the way to go
    Reply

  24. Melanie

    Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for this post! I have been interested in blogging for quite some time now and have recently decided to start a ministry with my blog. I am in the process of starting my blog and all I want to do with my life is inspire other women. I was wondering if you could maybe take a look at my blog and offer some advice? I would greatly appreciate It! Thanks so much!
    Reply

  25. Adam

    Hello, your article is a fantastic resource for starting a blog. Thank you. I have been feeling that pull to start a blog for quite a while now and am about to take the plunge. I believe I have my niche or theme if you will and my question is this. I know that there is not a set number of blogs that you should have planned out before you start, but I would like to have a head start so that I don't easily get behind. I am not a stay at home mom. I have a full time job and I pastor a small church as well and would like to extend the ministry that God has given me to the internet as a sort of mission field. About how far do you think is a good time to plan out? A quarter of a year? Half a year? Full year? And then just start releasing them on schedule? Thank you.
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      I like to plan several months out in advance or keep a running list of ideas for blog posts to work on. Keeping to a schedule is a good idea - at least to begin with. I fail to stay on schedule a lot so it's not absolutely necessary but it is helpful when you are trying to grow your blog and get started.
      Reply

  26. Megan

    I've been following your blog for a few months & just now discovered this post! (I love your blog.) A few years ago God laid it on my heart to ministry to women who have trouble conceiving, miscarriage, & infertility. I have a blog at blogspot I started shortly after this calling. I struggle with blogging daily. I love it & I feel it in my heart but finding time to get it done is a whole another story.
    Reply

  27. Malynn Percy

    God has told me to write about where he's carried me...I feel lead that it is supposed to be a blog that turns into a possible book. I love women and encouraging them, kids, being a swim/boy mom and cooking. I have wanted to be a mon and wife since I was little. I do have a Facebook page already owls4c and have written and shared on there but not consistantly. In fact I was sitting idel for quite a while. There are so many things that God teaches me daily! Currently God's doing a work in me about obedience. I need to get out of the boat and on the water. Thank you for sharing this and making it understandable. I have been reading g so much about all the dots and don'ts I have stalled myself and delayed my obedience. This is the kick start I needed.
    Reply

  28. Carole Anne

    Thanks so much for sharing this info! I've been blogging for a while through Blogger but would like to switch to a domain and Wordpress to simplify things. It's a scary step for me, but I think your post has convinced me to try. Finding a name is also a challenge these days because so many domains are taken. What suffix do you recommend (.com, .org, .net, etc.)?
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Hi Carole, if you are able to get a .com domain, I would go for that. When I purchased my domain way back when I didn't realize I should have purchased the .com and .net as well as the .org which is what I went with. I wish I had! The others in my opinion are less professional - .biz, .tv etc. But that's just my opinion. :) Let me know if you have any other questions.
      Reply

  29. Matthew Parr

    Wonderful post and thanks for the tips. I have already setup my domain, but I dont know how to reach readers. I don't like to beg or advertise myself. It sounds obnoxious. But I don't want to waste money either. Any tips on how to get my blog seen?
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Join facebook groups related to your niche, and offer good advice but don't spam! Create a facebook page. Utilize Facebook Ads. Create a twitter account and use it. Use Instagram and Pinterest too. :) It can be slow to get started but the work will pay off. Good luck!
      Reply

  30. Kate Hiller

    Thank you for this encouragement and guidance. Do advertisers ever do the "seeking" or do bloggers have to seek them out? Did you feel like you blogged a long time without anyone noticing? :)
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Hi Kate, I've been writing here at A Virtuous Woman since way back in the early days before Google was a household word. But, I did write for a long time without a lot of feedback from readers. Advertising has changed a lot since I first started my website. There are companies now that will help match you up with advertisers or sponsors. I currently work with AdThrive who manages all of my ads and pays me each month. It can take a while to start making an income, but if you're consistent you'll see your hard work pay off. :)
      Reply

      • Michelle

        Hi Melissa, thank you so much for this post. Over the last month, I have finally committed to doing what I believe God has called me to do all my life - write. I have seen so much info regarding the above and they all say pretty much the same thing. However, yours has stood out to me and I feel lead and comfortable enough to comment and ask you a few questions. You are a blessing. I'm really passionate about creative writing and devotionals etc. But I've seen how blogging is a good way to get yourself out there. So while I am excited to blog I am more interested in writing short stories and eventually books. My goal is to inspire, encourage and empower women. My questions are how can I eventually use blogging to shift to my real goal as explained above or how can I use it to be a complement. I also want to make a living writing. What legit websites can I check out that pays for and encourages submissions from beginners like me? Thanks so much for your answers in advance. I pray that God continues to pour into your life and business as you expand your borders and share and care for others. God bless you.

  31. De Andra Mayo

    I have been wanting to start a blog about parenting and now recently since my separation co-parenting. I feel that many parents allow their grief from a failed relationship effect how they raise their children, together. At the end of the day, family is family, no matter what that looks like and for the child, it should look as healthy as possible!
    Reply

  32. Joani

    Hi, I'm not a new Christian, but have just recently rededicated my life to God. I'm 43, and been through the mill at my own hand. The past few months has been revitalising to say the least. I've always been a slow learner, but once I get I GET it. I have a very curious but suspicious nature. I don't think I ever really new who I was, definitely not in Christ. The woman I'm getting to know and find is amazing. I have so many beautiful talents that I've misused over the years, but God is gracious. I have many thoughts and questions and am just looking for a place to share and talk.... So this week, I figured, why not blog? Any advice would be much appreciated.
    Reply

  33. Jenny

    I really appreciate you sharing so succinctly and honestly. I have looked for this advice for sometime. I've felt a pull on my heart to write a blog but wasn't sure if i could make money, I'm the provider in my family. Over the years God has used my life in miraculous ways as a single mom raising my daughter on my own now for 8 years. I briefly wrote a blog when we drove across country for 30 days-the company went out of business that i hosted my blog on but I have all my files to repost. I am a web writer by profession! But for Fortune 500 companies and my contract will end in a couple months. I want to write what's on my heart-what I see people struggling with-finances, parenting, dating. And how God is the perfect guide for all these struggles. And I found your blog because I was reading Proverbs 31 this morning and then looked that up! Thank you for your blog!
    Reply

  35. subihealth

    Thanks so much for the empowering and encouraging words to motivate others to pursue a Hod- given talent. Your gift has truly blessed me and I, too, view blogging for Christ as an ” on- line ministry! Keep up the fruitful work in the Lord….it truly has been a blessing to me and others I’ve shared it with. Online Ministry
    Reply

  36. Britasia

    Hi! I'm new to online blogging and this has blessed me and encourage me to pursue my dreams. I have been constantly thinking about creating a online ministry, clothing business too. Thank you for your help. You are such a blessing
    Reply

  37. Leslie Bizzell

    Hi Melissa, I am so happy I found your website this past week. And I do so hope you have time and will prayerfully read this and reply if you can. I was actually praying and asking God to please give me a confirmation that He does want me to pursue my own blog which I have been holding onto for the past 5-6 years as a desire in my heart, I have started a couple of times only to become very overwhelmed with the whole thing and put it aside yet again. One thing I wanted to be sure was that the desire was from Him , not just something I personally wanted to accomplish. So I asked him for either a confirmation or to take the desire away completely. Well I know He confirmed it for me this week. When I found your website and you actually emphasized “If you feel like you are supposed to blog as a ministry” out of all the blogs I have read and almost every blog out there christian or not has a section about teaching others to blog but none approach it the way I have always wanted to and the way you presented it so I told my husband and he for sure thought that was a confirmation for me to move forward. We live in the Atlanta area and we also homeschool, well my kids go to a hybrid school, where I work 2 days a week to help with tuition. Our ages are 28,22,17,14,10 Our last son is adopted and we had 5 miscarriages along the way. the younger 4 still live at home, our oldest son lives about 1.5 hours away in Chattanooga. We have lived here almost 14 years, God moved us from Memphis all those years ago, it was truly a trust and obey "Are you willing?" from God, and we said yes not knowing what He had for us. Now the reason I why I wanted so desperately to connect with you. I just don’t know how to do this:( I mean I have plenty of technology experience and have even built some websites so that is really not my issue, my issue is how do I do this?? I mean I think I am an organized person but when I read even what you wrote this morning about pictures and memories I do go to take pictures now a days. We lost our job almost 10 years ago and with it over half our income, and through these past 10 years God has had us on some kind of journey, He is our provider but we do have battle wounds and debt I might add as a result. Well almost 5 years ago He led us to step out to open our own business, in the same field my husband had always been in and has over 30+ years of experience but if we could have started with less I don’t think it was possible, but we are still going and growing Praise God! But still not recovered financially, so I not only work part time 2 days a week at my kids school, I also work with our business, and we have for the past 2 years been running our youth ministry at church, which is supposed to end at the end of this year when we will step back into just helper role not in charge so that is a good thing. So there is part of a very long story but hopefully you get the gist of where I am. I know God has called me to encourage and share with others all He has done in our lives and can do in theirs as well. But I am still just stuck on how to do this, I mean do I just give up sleep from now on:)) ? I just don’t know how to structure it or if I have the time. When I read blogs like yours and one other that I really like, Amy Lynn Andrews - not sure if you are familiar with her or not but similar story she homeschools and like you started blogging many years ago and to be honest you both make it seem very easy which I know it is not but from my perspective it seems that way. So I apologize for being so long, I do love to write and communicate with others, part of my desire to share and connect. I would so appreciate any honest feedback you have. One last thing I have always been tempted to join these classes people go on and on about but the cost is outrageous and not something I could afford anyway, so any thoughts on that would be great as well. I pray you have a very blessed day and thank you for your ministry. Leslie
    Reply

    • Melissa Ringstaff

      Hi Leslie, I think it's wonderful that you feel led to blog as a ministry! I am very familiar with Amy Lynn - I love her blog and get her emails. :) So, with anything, it gets easier in some ways over time. You just have to START. It doesn't get easier unless you actually start. And yes, honestly, depending on your goals you may need to give up sleep. I have given up A LOT of sleep over the years to make this work. I read about blogging as much as possible. I have spent years just reading other people's thoughts and ideas on the subject. I work at learning something new and implementing it as often as possible. But the implementation part is super important because reading and learning does nothing for you if you don't practice what you learn. And it's the practice that makes blogging get easier over time. There will ALWAYS be new things to learn and changes you want to make to your blog. Always. You just have to bite the bullet, put yourself out there and get started. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. :)
      Reply

  38. Leia

    Woo. I finally got tired of feeling convicted and putting off starting my blog. So, here I am! I was amazed at how many feelings of nervousness and inadequacy left once I finally got my domain. Here’s to new adventures with God
    Reply

  39. M Scully

    I want to share my story with others and encourage them to find out who they are in Christ, so that they can live a fulfilling and healthy live. My next step is to start blogging but I need to get over the fear of taking the wrongs steps setting up thus losing money and confidence. I thank you for this inspiring article. Can you send me to a step by step guide to blog? Do I start with go-daddy or blue host or somewhere else? What are the best plan to start out? Thank you & God bless you.
    Reply

  40. Jilliann

    Hi Melissa, It's taken five years of preparation, writing a memoir and now working on a speaker platform but I am finally ready to launch a blog. I loved your article and wonder if your Blog Planner is still available? Jilliann
    Reply

  41. Camille

    Being led to do something is so strange. I used to blog years ago. I do love writing but life always gets to be too hectic so I don’t anymore but this blog idea has been nagging me agin. Now my dilemma is what should the focus or theme be. It’s hard to choose by myself. Then I wonder about my family’s privacy. So many decisions then at 6am I find your post on Pinterest
    Reply

  42. Christina M Sturgeon

    After many years talking about starting a blog one day, dreams about the blog, and friends dreaming about our blog, 2 weeks ago we took a leap of faith snd started our blog. It's an intercessory team blog. We say we had a baby named Ezekiel, birthed through prayer and prophetic dreams. It's been a busy couple of weeks, the blog is full of writings, but now we are looking at other content and trying to write our about us, and following your posts for help. We want to know about ads and free printables. You've done AMAZING! Any and all tips are so greatly appreciated!
    Reply

  43. Ash

    Thanks for this article! A few of my dearest, sweetest friends and I have started a ministry blog . Our focus is on encouraging women with God’s Word, with an emphasis on bible study, and certain seasons of life,. The 6 of us are very passionate about God’s Word as well as marriage, fostering/adoption, raising our children to love Jesus, etc so we are putting our wisdom together to encourage women. www.jewelsonpurpose.com
    Reply

  44. Lori

    Hi, Melissa! Have been contemplating back and forth whether I should start a blog for the last 2 or 3 years - just like many of your followers. I, too, kept asking God to make it so evident that that's what I am supposed to do. I brought back a prayer ministry in our school, and our church leaders have asked my husband and I to be the prayer leaders of our church. I am starting a book on how to have a simple prayer life, and hope to have it published soon. I have read many of your posts, and today, I went with it. If I'm not mistaken, you are an affiliate for Bluehost, and I wanted you to be the one who would gain from being their affiliate. I wanted to go through a sister in Christ, and I believe God laid your name on my heart as to whose advertising for Bluehost I should click on. So, today, I finally made the move. Thank you for being obedient to what God lays on your heart to share with all of us. You are an inspiration to me. Lori P.S. Would love to travel through your countryside with our fifth wheel sometime. That's what we love to do in the summer....visit places all over the U.S. when we are both not teaching!! God Bless!
    Reply

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