Many people joined the blogosphere for different reasons – hobbies, income supplement, ranting (strange, but true) – while juggling with a day job or a demanding family. Add blogging into the list and you’ll find them multitasking almost up to the neck.
Does this sound like you? Then check out these 5 tips that will help you blog better amidst the busy lifestyle.
(1) Don’t Just Plan, Set a Reminder
One of the biggest challenges for busy people is getting things done on time. Planning is simple; carrying out the action is what makes the difference. So instead of just writing down what to do in the next few days set a time reminder and commit yourself to making it happen.
For example, I divide my blogging time to a.m. and p.m. so I know I have distributed my task evenly throughout the day. Besides that, I also use a mobile application called ColorNote (for Android) as a reminder.
It looks very much like your typical calendar which allows tasks to be color coded so they stand out every time you look at it. The free app is very simple to use and I am sure you can find similar application in other devices too.
(2) Put It on Paper
Be it writing or researching, I am pretty sure that you have acquainted with a lot of ideas during blogging. How do you keep up with them?
As a busy person, I choose to put my information – pen and paper style – on a notebook before it goes to my laptop. Although it’s old school, it works perfectly well as compared to mobile devices because;
- You can focus on your (busy) thoughts better without all the distraction from mobile devices such as phone calls and social media notifications.
- You don’t actually need a WiFi to write your blog post.
- You can write and think for as long as you want without the limitation of battery powered devices.
- It’s easier to lose your mobile devices (due to theft or sheer carelessness) as compared to a notebook.
Having said that, a durable notebook with good quality binding and solid covers are great because we tend to accumulate (and crush) our belongings when we are busy, don’t we?
(3) Research on the Go
Nevertheless, we should still take advantage of what mobile devices can offer. Files like PDF, MP4 audio and podcast are great to carry along on a mobile device, granted you have a power bank backup (I have two of them).
During my 30 minutes drive to work, I would plug in my audio to listen to a blog topic/tutorial and would do the same on my way home. Without losing my focus on the road (speaking about the art of multitasking), I could easily complete 5-6 hours of resourceful audios per week.
So by the time I get all the ideas for my blog, I can actually start the writing process instead of indulging in the never ending thoughts aka the writer’s block.
(4) Less Is More
In the initial stage of blogging, we are like a sponge, wanting to absorb it all. Ask yourself if you are guilty of the followings;
- You rush to download free software on your PC or on your website because it’s rumored to ‘bring more traffic’ to your blog.
- You are constantly checking out free tools and applications because “Hey, it’s free!”
- You joined so many social circles because they said bloggers ‘should network’ frequently.
- You signed up for all sorts of ‘blogging secrets’ newsletters only to find them sitting in your inbox for 3 months – unread.
And the list goes on. In case you haven’t noticed, one of the most common habits that many busy people share is the take-first-do-it-later attitude. While it’s not entirely a bad thing, the lack of understanding what you are ‘taking’ in – malware, spamming unintentionally, junk mail, etc. – can all lead to information overload and disrupt your blogging routine.
At the end of the day, it’s far more important to focus on the qualities – not the quantities – that can help you write better blog post. When you acquire less ‘shinny objects’, you will be more focused to work effectively on one single task.
(5) Follow the Right Training
Being a busy person, the time you actually spend on building your online presence becomes very precious. Ideally, you would want to follow the right type of blogger, interact within the right network and most importantly, follow the right training. ‘Right’ is pretty stereotype, but you get the idea.
Many bloggers started out by clicking all over the web, believing all the hypes and consuming more than they can handle (refer to point 4) without following a proper program. As a result of that, you are less likely to research on a topic thoroughly or master a given online skill. So even when you think you have given 200% of effort, you are still far from achieving 2% of your blogging goals.
Tips : Interested to get on the right training program? Check out how I started my online business here.
Take It Slowly and Skillfully
There’s nothing wrong with multitasking, but my main point is, don’t rush through blogging or make it a do-or-die kind of routine. Just like driving a car, blogging is an acquired skill. Trying to achieve it all is like pushing yourself to run a full marathon when you are just learning to warm up.
So while you are busy at work, groom your skills steadily and blog at your own pace. Enjoy the ride and you’ll be surprised how blogging can actually make you a more productive person overall.
Are you a busy blogger looking for some kind of direction?
Hop on board Wealthy Affiliate, your one-stop platform that brings together some of the finest training, tools and community that can put your blogging skills back on track. Do you have any thoughts or questions about this topic? Please leave them in the comment area below and I’ll get back to you.
What a great idea to listen to the audio trainings while driving… that’s something I’ve never done, although I do donate blood and plasma once in a while and I find that to be a great time to do research and catch up on trainings also. Bathtub time on the smartphone is great also! And I am married to my timer… the days I don’t use it I find the time runs off into HOURS for a task that should be wrangled within 30 min or so.
Really good tips! -Alexx
Hi there Alex, this reminds me of a saying I heard on a podcast not long ago. “If you wait until the last minute, it only takes one minute.” Procrastination is so unproductive.
Hi Cathy!
You have some great advice in this post. I will definitely check out the app you were talking about because I have been making new efforts lately to get organized around a good schedule.
Yes, I also agree. Less is more. I have embraced a more minimalist lifestyle in recent years and that includes my blogging efforts.
Thanks again for all the great tips! Stella
I love your suggestions, Cathy.
A plan is not the same as doing it. I will set a schedule and a reminder for it. And yes, using a pen and paper definitely have their own magic. I have found out that I worked better when I write my thoughts first.
Other suggestions you mentioned, I will try them out. Thank you.
Hello Cathy,
I can tell you have been blogging for a while. I found it easy to read your words. I have only been blogging for 5 months and it is tough. I have a full time traveling job too.
I will be implementing these tips into my blogging to try and be more productive. Thank you for the tips and advice. I will be reading more of your site to help me with my blogging.
P.S. I really like the rules of writing.
It was tough for me initially too Billy since I work 6 days a week. Crazy, uh? I know, but I just do whatever I can to keep my blog going. It must be hectic, traveling and blogging at the same time. I think pen-and-paper style and audio training will work well for you on the go. The more you do it, the easier it would become.
Less is more is what I think I struggle with the most. I found that particularly in the beginning of my Wealthy Affiliate training that I was signing up for every platform and affiliate program. So many distractions and so much to manage. Simplify and succeed is what I am trying to live by now.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi there James,
That sounds a lot like me too. I remembered spending weeks browsing through affiliate networks, applying for various affiliate programs especially those that are auto-approve. I didn’t care to read much about the products – just wanted the affiliate links. At the end of the day, I had quite a list, but then I realized I still need to write content – which I wasn’t doing very well yet – to really make good use of the links.
Now that I have passed that gluttony phase, I am able to appreciate the value of reading and writing good quality information for my readers. There are more satisfaction to gain over those auto-approved affiliate links.
Hi Cathy! Learned a lot from your article and a reminder about a few things I’m actually not doing (yet!) I’m curious about the ColorNote app. I have an Android phone so it might work out for me.
Hi Alanna, ColorNote is a very clean and simple app to use. I have used it for almost 2 years now and it never fails to remind me about my daily task. I am sure you’ll find it helpful too.
Hi Cathy!
I like your idea of “5 blogging tips for busy people”. I work from 8.30am – 5pm (5days/week), by the time I arrive home that would be 6pm (if I am lucky) or otherwise by 7pm due to the massive traffic jams! And I’ll be dead tired to do anything else, so I have problems organizing my schedule.
I’ll be sure to apply your tips and let’s see how it works for me 🙂
Hi Nancy, I work 6 days/week so I can totally understand where you are coming from.
Sounds like you spend a lot of time on the road. Perhaps listening to some audios would be a great option for you. In addition, try to see if you can sneak 30 minutes from your lunch time to come up with some ideas for your blog and when you get back home, convert them into a draft before the energy drains out from you.
And by the way, limitations are only the boundaries that you set for yourself. Speaking from experience, I know you can do better. If you need any help, just drop me a message at WA 🙂
Hi again Cathy! 🙂
Yeah, I might just do that, draft some ideas during lunch break, then convert it into my blog later at home. Save me some effort to think of what to write, which probably put me off to sleep instantly LOL. Listening to video tutorial is a good idea too, at least I have ample time to learn while on the road.
Fantastic website and great tips! I will definitely browse through your blogs again for latest updates.
Great tips Cathy!
Personally, I prefer Google keep, both to keep notes and set reminders. I listen to podcasts all the time, especially on the go! Not enough people are doing that.
Hey Guido,
Audios are great to spend your time while commuting. The fact that most of them convert easily into mobile devices format makes it even more convenient to do so.
Thanks for introducing me to Google Keep. I didn’t know about that app. Will check on that. I am using mostly Google Drive to organize my blog articles and I like it so far.
Hi, Cathy
These are some excellent blogging tips for busy people 🙂 I must confess that planning hasn’t always been one of my strongest points, but since blogging, it has forced me into the habit of planning and recording information down on either paper, my computer or smart phone. As the saying goes: “If you’re not planning, then you’re just simply planning to fail.” This is so true because without a real direction, failure is around the corner.
I can also relate to the “less is more” bit, since I too have drowned in a mountain of newsletters and stretched myself too thin within a number of communities. Time to ditch a few things, I think!
Great to hear from you again, Neil.
Yeah, get rid of some up-selling newsletters, but keep those that are relevant because they can provide you with some new ideas when your thoughts are running dry. I usually store them in my ‘Idea’ folder.
Writing down my plans has helped me prioritize a lot better. I spend less time shopping, chatting on Facebook and eve in the shower too! Every extra hour that I have besides working on my job, I dedicate it to building my blog business. They say, “You reap what you sow.” Well, we’ll see about that 🙂
Thank you Cathy!
Some really good advice. I started a new job so my time online is very limited. But I’m trying to write half an hour in the morning before I go out of the door. Sometimes, I make my research in the evenings. My goal is to make a minimum of 2 articles per week; one on Thursday and one for Sunday. But I’m not quite got there yet.
Hi Steen,
I totally hear you. When I first started on my online business, I was only writing 1 measly article per week. After several push factors, I got myself to write 2 articles and at this moment, I am transiting to 3 articles/week. What I found out was if I make the effort, I will find the time to write.
As a result, I could actually do better than I thought. I believe in you too, Steen so keep pushing forward and don’t give up 🙂
Hello Cathy,
Thanks for this information. I can definitely relate to what you’re saying. I try to do so many things at one time that I wind up not getting anything done. I do have that folder with all the FREE ideas to make my online journey better that I will get to later. They are still there.
Absolutely a great idea Joe,
I have a similar folder like that too where I keep interesting newsletters from other bloggers. Tonnes of great ideas for writing new articles and lots of interesting keywords as well. You just got to learn to read between the lines.
I used to subscribe to too many newsletters and want to read everything. Now, I’ve accepted I can’t read absolutely everything and try to only focus on what’s most important to read and do.
Hi Martina,
While it’s impossible for you to read everything, have you ever thought of skimming through certain articles instead? It trains your eyes to pick up certain keywords which can give you important information and ideas. I personally have a few success with this quick method and I would recommend that you give it a try too when you have little time in your hand.