Believe it or not, time management is a big thing when it comes to blogging. Since you need to do a lot in such a short amount of time, you have to balance everything so you don't feel rushed or end up skipping something important. Ever since I became a full-time blogger, I had to learn how to manage my time efficiently or I probably wouldn't be where I am today. I would probably still be struggling.
My number 1 tip to time management for your blog is to plan everything out... Well, almost everything. There are somethings you cannot plan for, but I suggest you plan your blog posts, promotion, and giveaways. You can either use a calendar app or Google Calendar so you stay organized.
Taking breaks is another important aspect of time management. When you have been in front of a computer so long you can type perfectly in your sleep, it's time to take a break. It will keep you from making costly mistakes.
Don't rush around, trying to finish everything at once. If you have several pictures that need editing, set time aside to edit those pictures. If you have several posts that need drafting, set time aside to draft them. Group like tasks together will help you stay focused.
Do not feel like you have to take on every opportunity that comes your way. You would not believe how many opportunities I turn away just because I simply do not have the time. If you get a pitch for an opportunity but not sure if you can complete by the deadline, don't take it on. Don't spread yourself too thin.
And last but not least...
If you need help, ask for it! You can lose a lot of time just staring at your computer screen, where go to from there. If you're not sure what to go with next or what to start, ask a fellow blogger for a fresh idea. Plus it never hurts to make a new friend! :)
Do you manage your time well or are you the kind that scrambles but somehow gets everything done on time?
Being new to blogging I struggle in finding a way to get organized. I need the time to sit down and get organized lol
ReplyDeleteFinding this post could not have come at a better time--excuse the pun. As a veteran writer and relatively rookie blogger, I've found that trying to stay focused on one task at a time is the hardest thing! I appreciate the quick, simple tips! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and I look forward to reading more! #SITSBlogging
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! Do you have any other suggestions on how to plan out blog posts specifically? I often write about my day so I find it hard to think of topics in advance.
ReplyDeleteI do mostly diy type blogging im pretty new to blogging.. so it normally requires me building the item and photographing then lots of editing and finding links for tools purchased.. so I normally do a post at night when I have time to concentrate after the kids are asleep.. I have a question I share my post via facebook and other outlets.. do you think when you post plays a factor in views.. for a small just starting out blog... since I normally finish around 12 at night I publish but normally wait till after 10 the next morning to post to facebook.
ReplyDeleteJana,
ReplyDeleteIt really depends on what your blog is about, If your blog is just a personal journal, then you can plan blog posts about a trip you plan on taking, a trip you took about the same time last year and write your memories about it. But for more unique blog posts, you can also find gazillions of blog post ideas on other blogs. My personal favorite one is at Fat Mum Slim- http://fatmumslim.com.au/sweet-ideas-50-things-to-blog-about/.
Camille,
ReplyDeleteSince most readers aren't usually awake until the wee hours in the morning (except for those night owls), when you post can depend whether or not your post gets seen. If I come up with a post late at night, I usually schedule it to be posted between 9am-12pm. That way when I post it to Twitter and Facebook, it is fresh and gets seen by more people. It also allows the post to gain momentum and newer traffic.
The more I blog, it is becoming a lot easier to manage my time well. I am days ahead now with my posts when previously, I would be scrambling around to get it written.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks for sharing. #SITSblooging comment love.
I definitely need to work on taking breaks. Blogging has seriously become an addiction, LOL!
ReplyDeleteBoth. I manage my time well but sometimes I still scramble.
ReplyDeleteI have definitely had to pick and choose what I do. I don't have a lot of time so I have to spend it on the most important tasks. I've played around with different techniques for getting things done but so far what I end up doing is spending time each day. I'd like to start grouping like tasks, like you mentioned, so I could take a day off now and then or once or twice a week! You know - like a real job.
As a novice blogger I have definitely been feeling bogged down by all the connections that are to be made while still keeping up with my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the fantastic advice!! I definitely have to plan better. This is actually the second time I have come across someone suggesting literally writing every task that needs to be down done. Currently, I have scraps of paper here and word documents there that contain everything that needs to get done. I definitely think that in order to not only stay organized, but also to not get too overwhelmed I need to plan it out better.
Thank you again for the suggestions. I am very happy I found your blog because I am definitely going to be returning for future suggestions!
The planning part is what I find tedious..
ReplyDeleteI love this. Especially the tip about walking away from the computer every now and then. I find (personally) that I work best when I take a few short breaks throughout the day. Now that I work from home, it can be tempting to spend hours in front of the computer but then my brain eventually turns to mush.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this!
Great Tips! Thank You
ReplyDeletehttp://www.laramealor.com/new-paths-to-the-fountain-of-youth-2/
Excellent advice Angela. As a new blogger, I often feel the need to do it all and I can easily see how anyone could burnout from trying to create posts, tamper w/HTML and manage social media connections. I've just recently began using Google Calendar to plan "social media days" and if I've registered for webinars I make sure to plan those out as well.
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