By Molly Ritvo

[Written with synagogues in mind; applicable for all.]

Like most Jewish organizations, your staff probably has limited time and resources to accomplish everything on your to-do-list. it’s important that staff members use their time wisely to best accomplish your organization’s goal. One cost effective and important task for someone at your organization is to start a blog. Having blog will accomplish many goals for your organization and we encourage you to start one ASAP.

Having a blog will drive traffic to your website and give you the opportunity to create relevant content for your members. You’ll be able to share all of your blog’s content on your social platforms. For instance, once you post a new blog, highlight that on your Facebook page and give your audience a reason to click through to your website. Additionally, post inbound links directly in your blog articles to drive traffic to specific landing pages of your website.

Keeping an active blog will also increase your SEO. Fresh content is still the best way to increase visibility in search engine results pages. Another way to increase your SEO is to use keywords such as engagement, Jewish, digital, synagogue in your articles. These keywords and topics that are frequently placed on your website help Google and other search find your website.

We also encourage our clients to develop a blog because it will position your organization as a Jewish leader. Well written blog articles demonstrate that your organization is ahead of the curve. It shows your community that you’re embracing digital marketing, that you’re tech savvy, and that you are bringing Judaism to the digital age. This will help you build trust with your community. The more that you can show that you are the source of today’s Judaism, the more likely your members – and future members – will trust your organization. Your members will additionally benefit from the content you will provide them.

So, get started! Not sure what to write about? Why not post your Rabbi’s sermons as the first few blog posts. Or share what’s happening at the religious school. Take pictures of an event or program and share that on your blog. Interview an interesting member of your community and post that on your blog. Or simply use the blog to post announcements.

Don’t miss this chance to deepen the connection with your community through your blog.

Molly Ritvo is Partnership Development & Digital Marketing Associate at Jvillage Network.