As I mentioned in my bucket list this month I’ve been trying to plan a blog routine that actually works. So instead of doing a little bit of this or a bit of that each day I have set targets of which tasks need to be done. It sounds a little daunting, but has actually lightened the load. For example on Sunday I know I only have to schedule tweets for the week and write one lifestyle post.
If you’ve gotten this far in my post then you’re probably wondering how my routine works, but I’m going to do one better and help you set out your own routine before giving you mine as an example.
1.Write down all your tasks you need to do in a week, with any deadlines that you have (for example linkies you run or link up with).
2. Make a plan of the week, or if you are a stationeryholic like me use a cute A3 planner from Paperchase 😉 and put the different deadlines you have for each day. For example the days your own linky is and the linkies that you regularly link up to.
3. Next choose the best day to keep clear, you need at least one day with little to no blogging so you can concentrate on family and your own self. I chose Saturday as I normally only link up to one linky and sometimes we’re away over night.
4. Make it manageable, understand how much time you are likely to have and not how much time you want to spend blogging. For me it’s normally an hour throughout the day and 2-3 hours in the evening.
5. Fill in all your tasks onto each day and test it out. Give it a couple of weeks to tweak it and get the right balance.
6. Dont worry if it goes awry and you don’t get the day’s work completed, real life gets in the way and that’s fine!
So here are a few of my days planned out, so you can get an idea of what I’m talking about:
As you can see on Sunday I have three main tasks, the first to schedule tweets for the week, next to write a lifestyle post (to link up to mummy Monday’s linky the following day) and finally to visit posts and comment on my How To Sunday linky. Monday is linking up to two more linkies (if I have posts suitable) and then a craft post for Toddler Approved Tuesday and Let Kids be Kids linkies and an outdoor post for my own Whatever the Weather linky. Tuesday is by far my busiest day, with 3 linkies and commenting and then setting up tweets and the Whatever the Weather linky, but normally I can get a little done during the day when smallest naps and O is busy playing. On Wednesday I had originally decided to comment on all the posts linked up to Whatever the Weather linky, but as we have around 50 at the moment, it’s too many for one day, so I have split it into half and finish commenting on Thursday (unless my day/evening is interrupted!).
Well that’s a snapshot of how I plan my blog routine, what is yours like? Do you plan your blog routine or is it adhoc?
J x
Leandra says
Great post! I’m absolutely a planner, I have to know what I’m doing to get things done and it always works for me. If I try and ‘wing it’ it always ends in disaster! X #thelist
Gemma @ Confessions of a Nagging Mother says
I need to sort a blog routine, I am just all over the place at the minute! Fab post, will be taking some tips on board.
#picknmix
Gemma xxx
Chloe says
I LOVE the a3 planner. I’m definitely a stationary addict too! It’s nice seeing other peoples blogging plans and the way they plan things. I have a plan that’s similar although I need to stick to my routine because my laptop comes out too much during Evie’s time and it needs to stop. This is a great plan though and I’d never thought of scheduling all tweets for the week on one day. It must make things so much easier. x #picknmix
Catherine says
Interesting to hear how you and plan and also to se your schedule. I try and plan, especially buffering tweets but I find that writing blogposts earlier in the week works better for me so that on Friday I can play catch up. I occasionally post at the weekend but generally that is family time.
#PoCoLo
luce says
Great post! I really need to do this and it’s on my list for later today, thanks for sharing your ideas x #PicknMix
Morna piper says
Wooh! That’s really impressive! I have noticed how prolific you are so the scheduling is obviously working well. I just don’t think I have the time to do as much as you do! I’m also very adhoc but I wonder if I need to be more organised- thanks for the insight. #picknmix
Beth says
Such a great post with great advice! Defo recommended to spend at least one day out of the 7 days to spend with family! x
Laura's Lovely Blog says
I do keep trying to get more organised! And not always succeeding. I had never thoughts of doing set tasks on a given day every day before which is a thought, not always easy as my work tends to flex from week to week, but I like this idea. Thanks for sharing #thelist
chantelle hazelden says
I like having a routine when it comes to everything in life so it works well with blogging too. I also have set days for set posts, so reviews all go out on the same day each week etc so readers know what to expect. x
Debbie says
Hi Jenny, having a routine doe make blogging easier, I find replying and leaving comments takes the most time. I’ve just started to get into a blogging routine of sorts after a bit of a break through the summer and it has been a bit tricky, though once I’ve found my feet again it’ll be like I’ve never been away.
I really must try Hootsuite though and compare it to Buffer.
#PoCoLo
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
It’s so interesting to see how other people organise their blogging time. I’ve just bought a book that I am using to plan my week ahead: what I’m writing, where I’m linking up and ideas for future posts. I do feel a bit more organised because of it but I still raely find time to do everything that I want to! Thanks for sharing your approach – very organised! #pocolo
Rachel says
Great idea!! I am in need of one of these. I do most of my blogging at the weekend due to work so a list like this would be really useful #picknmix xx
Lisa - Four Walls, Rainy Days says
Will definitely need to start doing this and get my blog in order! I tend to do most of mine at night but need to start utilising the creche time more to make the most of natural daylight for pics!
Mummuddlingthrough says
All great tips. Think I need to learn how to automate tweets… Hoot suite you say? How many do you schedule? X MMT #picknmix
Julie Downes says
It’s always interesting reading other people’s blogging routines. I’m still fairly new to blogging so apart from my weekly round up my posts are still fairly random! Although I can see myself planning more in the future, once I work out the sort of blog I’d like. #thelist
Jenny Eaves says
It’s best to give it a few months to see how you like to blog, which linkies you use and what days work for you. Planning has definitely helped me focus more, but of course it’s still a little flexible! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
I use Hootsuite although I know some people use other sites like Buffer. I schedule one tweeted post and hour between 9am-6pm, then I tweet myself occasionally through the day and Instagram tweets too. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Yes, most of mine is done in the evening, but I try to do just a little during the day so I don’t stay up so late! 🙂 X
Jenny Eaves says
Hope it helps you! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, yes I hardly ever manage to get everything done as I always have extras planned in too! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
I haven’t tried buffer yet, I should really take a look. Yes, commenting takes a very long time, but of course it’s one of the most important things after writing blog posts themselves. Hope you find your feet again soon. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
That’s a great reason to have posts going out on set days, I like that readers know what to expect. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
If you have just a couple of set tasks a day it might be do-able then, but I definitely wouldn’t put on too much if you don’t know which days you#re working. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thanks! Yes it’s important to have some family time/relaxing time too! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha! I though you must plan as you always have new posts coming out. 🙂 My main things to organise are the linkies and tweets, that really helps! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you, glad to be of help! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
I find it hard to find time to do all the blog posts at once, I get distracted in the evening and little often wakes up, so need to spread out the blog posts really. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
When the boys are happily playing I’ll get the Ipad out to try and comment, but as soon as I sit down I get leapt on so there’s not much point! I tend to do a few little things wjile the boys have breakfast and then when A naps and the rest is at bedtime. Paperchase is one of my favourite shops, such cool stuff! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It’s so hard to try and get the blogging organised and family time too, planning does help me, hope you manage to sort something out. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Winging it used to work, but now I’m doing more blogging I can’t! I have to try and get it all organised! 🙂 x
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) says
Great post Jenny – I find using the editorial calendar on wordpress helps me to plan posts which makes it easier to stay organised but other than having an idea of what I’m going to post when, I don’t have a regular plan like this one. I might have to give it a try and see if it helps me keep on track a little more. Thank you for sharing 🙂
@SarahAnneDG says
These are great tips. I have a blog post plan, but I didn’t think to incorporate things like social media (one of the many reasons why I suck at that side of things!). Thanks for your take on it!
#pocolo
Verily Victoria Vocalises says
I love it so I got myself more organised and have a far better routine – and this is just because I have more permanent job hours! That A3 planner is a great idea. Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo x
A Cornish Mum says
I am completely disorganised I do a bit of everything every day ha! I do have a notebook with monthly sections of what i need to write within that month but I am really not organised other than that. I probably should be!
Thanks for linking up to #Picknmix
Stevie x
Pickinguptoys says
I’m totally disorganised,haven’t really needed to plan as I’m a newbie but now I’m joining up with a lot more linkies I really need to get myself sorted!Great post X #picknmix
Jenny Eaves says
Hee hee, I thought you would be so organised Stevie, you always seem so on top of everything! Thanks for hosting! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you, organisation is great! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thanks, I find social media harder work than the posts themselves sometimes and then to fit it all in to limited time isn’t easy! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
I haven’t found the editorial calendar, will have to have a look, but I definitely recommend a flexible plan. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
That’s the problem, the more you join in and blog the more we need to organise! 🙂 x
Sean says
I’m quite new to blogging, and still trying to fit it all in, I need to have a set plan like yours, should make the whole process easier!!
Jenny Eaves says
It really does help, hope you get it sorted! 🙂 x
Su says
You are very organised! I am still trying to find that balance but it is never easy as I am also trying to learn about “What is Blogging about?” all at the same time. From looking at your layout it is similar to WordPress Editorial Calendar. Thank goodness I found this suggested by Aby from youbabymemummy.com Without it I would be lost like a duckling in a big pond! Thank you for sharing this. It comforts me that I am at least doing something right. 🙂 x #PicknMix
Maria @ Surburban Mum says
I so need to get more organised like this! I’ve just bought a notepad specifically just for blogging so that’s a start at least! I should list down what I’m doing weekly too so I don’t forget to comment on linkys! #PicknMix
theloveofacaptain says
I definitely need to sort out a routine! Trouble is I have too many distractions with little man and also intend on doing one thing and go off on a tangent with another. Must try harder! #Picknmix
Philippa says
I really need to get into planning my blog more, this has really inspired me thank you! #PickNMix
Philippa
-x-
Random Musings says
I love this idea. I have a to do list but I don’t break it down into days. I might give this a go, thanks 🙂 #blogstorm
Debbie
You Baby Me Mummy says
Great tips, it is good to have a plan. I must admit my plan is in my head, which is probably not a good place for it to be! Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, sometimes that’s the best place, easier to make adjustments! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thanks! Hope it works for you! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Glad I could inspire you! Happy blogging! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Yes it is definitely hard with little ones and to stop yourself from going of on other tangents, best to make it a flexible plan! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Yay! Well done for getting a blogging notebook, hope it helps you get organised! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It’s hard isn’t it, blogging is so much more than just blogging nowadays, you really need to be a social media butterfly! 🙂 x
Baby Isabella says
Ours is adhoc depending what we are up to during the week. We only have time to write in the evenings as my mummy works full time! It’s crazy busy to blog at the same time. Sometimes life gets in the way too and for us that’s the priority 🙂 Great post #MummyMondays x
Suz says
Fab list! This is something I really need to start doing! I use to be so good but just now my heads all over the place and o can’t remember anything! Suz X Beauisblue.com
Azaria says
This is just what I need. I am trying so hard with my blog but some days the load of what I am trying to do just gets ahead of me and I find it hard to have time with my little and also concentrate on what I need to do. Thanks for the tips I will definitely be using them!
Azaria
Being Mrs Lynch
#mummymondays
Laura @ Life with Baby Kicks says
I need to get more organised – definitely – especially with commenting seeing as I am so late to the party with this one!! I love the way you have worked things out and have built in that your 2 linkys will take up different amounts of time and so you might have to put something on the back burner or split it over a couple of days.
Jenny Eaves says
Thanks Laura! I know, my commenting can get behind sometime, especially as I have a lot of reviews at the moment, I didn’t factor in how many I would have to do at once! 🙂 x