Recently Michelle commented on one of my posts asking how it is I stay organised with university, work and blogging daily. I cannot believe I'm actually writing this post because I never thought that I'd become an organised person. I've never handled my life with grace so I'm probably one of the worst to give advice prior to this year. This year I've had to really figure it out. I wanted to commit myself to blogging daily because I'm soooo passionate about it but I also needed to continue with my study and work commits.
LISTS I am constantly writing down lists of posts I want to do in a week, month and then tasks I need to do daily to achieve those long term goals. Breaking it down makes everything seem more attainable and less overwhelming. I rewrite lists throughout the day and have post-it notes all throughout my diary. It may seem chaotic from the outside but as long as it makes sense too you it doesn't matter.
WRITING I only write when I'm inspired and 'feeling it'. I never write a post when I'm unmotivated or don't want too because I feel as though you can always tell when something is forced. Some days I'll write 5 posts whereas other days I'll write none. I know not everyone has the luxury of doing that but I think it's important not to stress or force writing. When you are feeling like it - do it! Even if it's on the train to work use the notes on your phone to write up a quick post and edit it later.
PHOTOGRAPHY I take bulk photos once a week. I usually have two days out of my week where I don't have anything on. I try to dedicate one of those too photography and writing, if I have time. This is really dependent on the time of semester and all that but whenever you're free make the most of it! If you have a list of potential posts then it shouldn't take long to gather up the required products and take a few snaps so you're ahead.
PLANNERS I couldn't live without my 2014 diary. This one is great because it has a month overview included. I write all my posts on that month overview so I can see what is coming up next. I then use sticky-notes to stick a list of each weeks allocated posts on the weeks ahead so I know what I'm doing for that week. It breaks it down but also provides me with an overview. I think having some sort of visual aid for the month is important when staying organised whether it be in the form of a diary or a wall planner.
SCHEDULE I have only just switched to scheduling posts so I'm still really new too it all but I've found it alot easier to have posts uploading without me pressing publish each day. I'm usually three days ahead with posts (or more) so it gives me a bit of space to breathe if I do get busy. I also try to have some sort of post saved in my drafts 'just in case'.
What are your top tips for staying on top of your blog?
Great tips!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this Sarah, I've been trying to get ahead with my blogging as well and while I'm doing similar things to you already it's been useful reading what someone else does because it makes me feel a bit more confident that it can and will work if I just stick with it.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with not forcing the writing and I think this is where I struggle, sometimes I get the urge to write but I'm away from any writing source, by the time I get to a place where I can do something as small as taking notes on paper I've lost the urge and that frustrates me to no end. I think I'll have to keep a note book in my bag for those times.
Could you possibly do a super quick post on how you schedule your posts? I've tried but there must be an issue with time zones because they never go up when I have planned and I can't get my head around it!
I'll send you an email babe :) xx
DeleteGreat post and tips Sarah
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of taking pictures one day and writing on the following
And I really need a diary too to keep myself organised and know what's coming ahead
Xx
A diary is so helpful :) you won't regret keeping one xx
DeleteVery helpful post Sarah! The bulk photos idea sounds very efficient, good to get it all done in one sitting when the natural lighting is good. I like the tip about writing, how you should only write when you are "feeling it". I have a note on my phone with all the ideas I eventually would like to blog about, but whether I actually sit down and write it out properly... is another matter haha. I'm still trying to get my head around balancing it all, but it's inspiring and motivating to read that someone who runs such a successful blog like yourself does it mostly in 2 days every week.. which is the same amount of "free days" I have too haha. Thanks for sharing :) and thanks for the link shoutout aww hahaha :D xx
ReplyDelete♥ Michelle/MICHALOGY
Aww thank you Michelle! I hope you can figure it out for yourself :) it's definitely a trial and error thing though so just give it time xxx
DeleteGreat tips! I'm quite forgetful sometimes, I can't survive without my planner and to do list!
ReplyDeleteLilynotLouise | Beauty and Food
Either can I!
DeleteYou have a very nice set of strategies there Sarah. Mine is the opposite lol. I have like two afternoons where I'm free and I write and photograph all in one for the post I'll put up that night hahah.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Whatever works for you though babe :)
DeleteToday is one of those bulk photo-taking days for me! I love your advice - I definitely need to improve on the list-making one - time to buy a blogging notebook I think!
ReplyDeleteAmy| The Little Koala Blog ♥
Great tips. I always try to take a bunch of photos at once, too, it's so much easier.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely post, due to overloading on uni courses last year I've completely almost abandoned my blog and kind of the lost the motivation. This has definitely inspired to be get back on track.
ReplyDeleteI don't really have an organized plan for blogging. I tend to just "wing it" and blog about what I feel that day. I probably should get a system going, lol. Scheduling would probably work well for me, but I need to work on writing things down. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips! I love blogging, but with school in work- I get so caught up with other things and abandon my blog at times :( This post has definitely inspired me to try and get more organized with my blog! Thank you for sharing! <3
ReplyDeletei have the same dairy as you! its amazing i love typo :)
ReplyDeleteOrganisational skills are useful in every facet of life. You are doing an amazing job Sarah.
ReplyDelete