Even though blogging may be just a hobby for most, it can actually become like a full-time job. I wish that there were more ‘behind-the-scenes’ posts published on blogs, so everyone could appreciate how much effort blog writers put into them. As well as creating content for your blog there’s also the blogmin, running a house and working full-time too. I’m not complaining at all because I feel a deep sense of gratitude as to where my blog has taken me and the amazing doors that it has opened for me. I’m also grateful to my amazing readers, because it’s your incredible support that has allowed my blog to grow the way it has.
What I wanted to touch base with today is the issue of blogging and remaining organised as part of a busy lifestyle. I’m extremely fortunate that I can now work from home, but not so long ago I was commuting to London everyday and waking up and getting home at ridiculous o’clock most days. Like many of you all know too well, this combination can make for a very tired blogger. I’m sure many of you have had times where you didn’t feel like blogging at all because it wasn’t feeling like a hobby anymore. It can definitely ‘zap’ the fun out of blogging and become overwhelming sometimes. Blogging should be fun, not a chore. There are now lots of resources out there that can help you run your blog and stay organised. Here are a few things that I have found really helpful and I hope you will too:
Use a blog post planner
More often than not, there are lots of ideas for my blog floating in my head. Currently I have a list of blog posts that I want to write that is as long as my arm. To help to maintain my sanity I use a planner to schedule my posts week by week. I personally find this way so much easier than just having a long list of post ideas jotted in my notebook. It allows me to plan ahead, see what is coming up on my blog and fill in any gaps that I may have. There are some cute printable blog planners around and I love some of the ones in this round-up.
Set time aside to write your posts in advance
Something that really helped me (and still does!) was setting time at the weekend or in the evening to write my posts for the week. This isn’t for everyone, but I found that writing my planned posts at a designated time at the weekend freed up some time in my week, especially if I knew that I would be busy. I still do this now and it allows me to be one step ahead of myself each week.
Schedule your posts
Linked to the point above, I’m not sure about Blogger, but WordPress allows you to schedule when you publish your posts; such a handy tool to have! If you have written a bundle of posts in advance, you can decide when you’re going to publish them down to the very last minute.
Write a to-do list
The good ol’ to-do list, what would I do without you. I love a good list, sad I know! At the beginning of the week I write down my tasks for the week and every morning I will make a to-do list based on this list, breaking it down into manageable chunks. It’s so satisfying crossing things off my list and it keeps me organised.
Buffer app
I’ve already spoken about Revive Old Post on the blog, which is a plugin specific to WordPress. Buffer app is a universal online feature that links to your Facebook and Twitter feeds. It’s not necessarily going to keep you organised, but I thought that it was worth mentioning because you can pre-schedule posts to your feeds. If you haven’t got time to update your social media feeds this is a great way to keep them active with enticing content that hopefully your readers will enjoy.
These are just a couple of things that I find helpful to keep me organised. We’re all different, so I know that these will not work for everyone. Honestly you guys are probably doing a better job of it than me. Hopefully you found some of this helpful and I’m sure that we can all relate to the blogging/life balance issue.
How do you stay organised where blogging is concerned? Do you find it difficult at times to manage your blog and everyday life sometimes? How do you manage?
Fortunately being organised is not something I have struggled with, but I do think lists and scheduling posts definitely helps.
Well done for being so organised and thanks for the tips. I am definitely not very organised and I need to be. I spend far too much time on all the blog stuff – as you say, it’s not just about writing the posts!
Happy Blogiversary Month! This is my first time here and yay! This post is excellent. Great tips. Thank you!
I need to get organised thats for sure, I am either super organised or totally unorganised I need to find a balance!
I just signed up to Evernote so I have a blogging notebook on there for posts that I am going to write. Much easier than a physical notebook, although I do like the satisfaction of crossing things off a list instead of just deleting them!
We pretty much do the same things when it comes to staying organised! I hadn’t heard of Buffer before though, I will check it out. xx
http://healthjen.blogspot.co.uk
Lots of great tips here Jemma. Like the idea of the Buffer App
Nothing can beat a to-do list or the feeling of checking off completed tasks! It’s gratifying AND you accomplished things. I agree with Maria below that Evernote is incredibly helpful.
Great tips! I use Hootsuite to schedule my social media + blog updates…such a time saver!
First let me say HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY!!!!
Secondly- I think I am obsessed with those printables. I see a new project in my future.
This is something I need to focus on more. Organisation I’m rubbish at it
I definitely fell you on being busy!! I use a simple checklist app on my phone to keep track of blog ideas. I will often use draft posts as well as a way to joy down ideas for posts
I haven’t tried Buffer but have used Hootsuite. I keep meaning to see if I like Buffer better. I need to look into the Revive Old Posts plugin. Sounds super helpful!
Great tips!
Staying organized in blogging is so important! I am a big person about that!
Thanks for recommending “revive old posts” to me it has been great help especially lately when i have had the blogging bug and not having fun blogging. I have a little note book i jot down ideas and before i used to be like you schedule my posts both on wordpress and blogger but now i am lucky to even feel like blogging
This is awesome advice dear! I like to format all of my recipes in advanced when I’m doing baking tutorials so I can focus on assembly and photos! It comes in SO handy!
Ooh I love Buffer! That revive old post feature sounds amazing!
Great tips. I’ve been trying to get better with blog organizing, it’s not easy.
These are great tips. I’ll be holding on to them for when life gets crazy right away – thank you!!
Brilliant tips Jemma, I’m loving this series! So I totally agree when you say blogging can be a full time job, especially when you have social media accounts and emails to attend to (not saying I don’t love it but there’s a lot of work that goes in behind the scenes).
I’m still new to blogging so I’m in the thick of it all really. I’m usually good with time management but right now I’m trying to regain some type of structure with blogging especially since I’m the midst of revamping my website, with a full time job and fitting in my own personal hobbies/interests. I think once I’ve got the website format and pictures sorted I’ll resume with being more organised.
These are all great tips! I already use most of them but will def. have to check more into the revive old post plugin. It won’t connect to any of my social accounts. 🙁
thanks for these tips. im really working hard to become a good full time blogger, than i can hopefully one day generate a revenue from (even just a small revenue.)