blogging•blogging essentials•Blogging Freebies•blogging tips
How to Blog and Work Full Time
June 25, 2015I have been pouring over Pinterest (follow me here) trying to get strategies on how to blog and work full time. Let me tell you something, nothing was ground breaking. “Make sure you write good content” “consistency is key” etc etc….yeah thanks, I already knew that. I don’t consider myself an expert by any means but I do consider myself well researched. My two biggest blog building posts on how to grow your blog with pinterest and so you want to start a blog put it all out there. Also where I uncovered the “dark side of blogging” if you will. So here are my tips on how to build your blog while working full time. You all know by now I am the Queen of multi tasking.
How to Blog and Work Full Time
Time Your Blog Writing
I have a tendencies to go on tangents when I write. Ohhhh let’s see what’s going on with tumblr, I think I should change my blog header, let’s watch youtube videos on how to make custom headers in photoshop…….and before I know it, 4 hours have gone by, my butt is numb and I still haven’t finished my post. So I set an hour countdown. Most of my posts take longer than that (like way longer) but if I know I have a deadline, it helps me to stay on task and not procrastinate.
Eliminate Your Distractions
I tend to leave my phone in the other room when I’m writing. It never fails, I sit down to write and then get a text message, which turns into another message and then let’s check pinterest quickly and before I know it….time zapper.
The Only Tab That is Open is My Blog
I know when I have Facebook open or Pinterest, my ability to stay on task completely diminishes. If I’m writing a post, that is the only tab that is open. When I’m done laying down the content of the post, then I will open other tabs to find the links to drop in or photoshop to add my pictures.
You Have to Wake Up Earlier
You probably don’t want to hear this but I wake up 2 hours earlier to get blog work in before I leave for my job. That is the time I am commenting, responding to emails or working on my editorial calendar. When I am at work, I’m at work. I can do some blog work during lunch but my main focus is my full time job and if you want to keep yours, I would suggest the same.
Dedicate One Hour on the Backend of Work To the Blog
I will stay an hour later either at work or find a spot with wifi to work after before I go home. When I’m home I want to be present and not typing away ignoring Mark. Your home hours need to be unplugged or it will lead to burnout.
Have a Blogging Calendar
This took me waaaaaay too long to figure out but seriously what a game changer. I used to just write it in the good ole planner but now I installed Coschedule and I can’t live without it. That way I have an idea about my posts for the month, so I know what I need to be taking pictures of, researching and putting my effort into.
Be At Least One Week Ahead
This is easier said than done and not always realistic but it is a fantastic goal. If you can’t be a week ahead at least have some posts that are prepackaged and ready to go when you have one of those nights where your energy is zapped and you can’t formulate good content.
You Need Buy In From Your Support System
In the beginning Mark would glaze over and not 100% listen when I talked about all things blogging. However, when he saw how dedicated I was and that I was building something that was gaining a following, he started to understand my obsession with it. Also, I think it helped when people would come up to us at Costco or the mall and say how much they loved reading the blog…..it was like I paid them or something…… I think he likes the occasional perks as well “look I got you some high end mens shave gel tell me your thoughts“. Once I got him on board, he has helped with taking my pictures (like the fab ones in this pink dress) and building things like light boxes or waiting for me to snap pictures of food before we eat every time. Oh and when I talk about my girlfriends Paige in everyday conversation or meet B in Boston (literally) or Pamela for drinks…..it’s totally normal behavior.
[bctt tweet=”The secret to how you can build your blog and work full time.”]
Most Importantly. Treat Your Blog Like a Job
If you want to build a blog, you need to treat it like a job. When I started in Cardiology I took courses, read every book, studied under experts…..my blog was no different. I am constantly reading, learning, striving to think outside of the box and picking the brains of successful bloggers. I am also not afraid to ask questions. Like the other day I asked Kiki how she gets her Iceland pictures to come across so beautiful on her blog. She promptly emailed me back with a plugin that she uses and loves. Well now I am using it and 100% agree. Ask questions, most likely someone will know it and if not they will help you find the answer.
Biggest Takeaway Points
I’m not going to tell you it is easy to blog and work full time but if you are committed, it can be done. I have only been blogging for a year and a half and I am very proud with how I built my blog. Are there some nights I am up till one in the morning building collages…..yes……but you know what that’s because I’m a tad neurotic and that is not the norm. I have always lived under the motto, if you are going to commit to something, be fully in. If it was getting up to skate before school started or getting a tutor to make sure I stayed in the higher level class that I agreed to….set your goals and follow through. Prioritize what needs to be done now, what can be done later and what you need to plan for next. Also know that if can’t all be done and sometimes you may need to just call it a night and get those few extra hours of sleep.
I know I get asked that question a lot by y’all “how do you manage to keep it all straight?” I hope that was a helpful glimpse into the whys and hows of it all. All you superwomen out there! How do you manage to fit it all in? What are your secrets? Spill! I’m always open for suggestions! Hope you are having a fab week. xoxoxo
Follow me on Bloglovin || Follow my looks along on Instagram || Get my latest blog posts daily to your email here || Pin along with me on Pinterest || Like Meet @ the Barre on Facebook || Check my latest tweet here
Seriously awesome post girl! You hit the nail on the head with everything. Do I do all of this? No. My life is a hot mess most of the time and I fit in blogging when I can. The kid dictates my schedule mostly. But setting aside specific time really does help tremendously. And my hubby knows all my blog friends by their first names too. :)
Amen to all of this!! I think the biggest thing is a supportive spouse. Josh makes me eggs in the morning so I can respond to blog comments and schedule social media shares for the day while I’m at work. I truly couldn’t do it without him!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
I completely agree with what you and Erin said about having a supportive partner.
As I recently started a full time job I am trying to still figure out where to fit in the blog and how to create a new schedule for myself that will keep me focused on work at work and on the blog when I am not working.
I always find I am most productive in the morning and I think that getting up early and blogging is key – as much as a pain it may be.
The only thing I would add is that I read blogs on my lunch breaks.. so before and after work its me-blog time and on lunch breaks I just open bloglovin and go to town reading and commenting!! :)
Awesome tips gal! I wake up two hours before work as well, that is my prime writing and focus time, and I love those early mornings spent blogging :)
Amen to waking up earlier!! I wake up an hour earlier to read blogs in the morning!!! I agree with you that treating your blog like a job you LOVE is key – such great tips girl!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
And editorial/blog calendar is so important for me- keeps me sorted!
Great tips + post, lady!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Blogging and working full time is definitely no joke, I don’t know how we all do it while also maintaining an active social life but we do :)
Awesome points girl, especially unplugging while trying to write a post. I get super distracted too, and find that if I’m holed up in the office with just the computer (no tv on in the backgroud/no phone/no extra tabs open) I can get my posts done a lot quicker. A LOT quicker…
These are fabulous tips!
I second being a week ahead. I don’t always succeed with that, but I find that it really helps me stay afloat. I don’t feel like I’m scrambling at the last minute.
These are some great tips lady!! I like the Coschedule thing!
Goodness…yes to the that first one! There is always so much that needs to be done when I start looking for it and it’s never writing post. All great tips girl!
Yes to waking up early and being ahead! I get most of my blogging done before 8:30am so that I’m not “that mom” sitting on her laptop while her children are ignored. I don’t know HOW people sit at work and blog and aren’t worried about losing their jobs! Being ahead makes it so much less stressful. When you have time to write and edit a post, it keeps blogging fun and reduces burnout. I would also add that if you need to drop the number of days you post to keep yourself sane and delivering good content, that’s ok! Three days a week of great posts is far better than five days a week of recycled ideas and using images that aren’t your own.
Great post girl! I’m the same way with only having my blog tab open. Pinterest is a rabbit hole that will suck me down! It’s definitely a time commitment, but I love it so much that you just have to make extra time!
My blog has been slacking since my little one arrived, but this just sparked me to get movin and dedicated again! Thanks for your research and sharing!!
You are awesome, lady! These are great tips and I agree about being ahead. It makes life so much easier if you have a few posts just saved in drafts that you can get up quickly if life happens.
This is such a great post! Thank you for such great tips. I really struggle with this and with responding to comments quickly. My major problem is not eliminating distractions. xo
great tips! i work part-time now, but balancing that work with taking care of Violet and trying to fit in some blogging is a challenge. i reduced the number of posts i put up a week and that’s helped me a LOT. i also try to start some of my posts on the weekends when H can watch the baby and I write most of my content on my iphone note app while Violet is breastfeeding — gotta take advantage of any “me” time that I can. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I have a similar post to this in the works and I agree with a lot of what you’re saying!
Some very good tips. I’m going to check out coschedule right now!
This is such a helpful post! I definitely have been feeling burnt out and not into blogging lately, which is definitely a feeling I want to shake since blogging is so fun and important to me. I definitely will be trying out some of your strategies – since I work from home on top of blogging, maybe a change of scenery during the day will help.
This is great!! I would def say you are well researched and all of your tips are spot on! It is so hard to keep up with blogging if you are not prepared!
Blogging is seriously a full time job in itself!! It’s insane how much work goes into everything! Super impressed with how organized you are and how much you manage to accomplish with all of your other commitments – you should be proud lady!
Gosh this is my struggle every day. I think waking up earlier would help me a lot. I also need to start using a blog calendar. And a huge one…my “support system” is not bought in yet…I think he still thinks it’s a bit ridiculous and wants me to focus on my full time job. I’m working on him!
You have some awesome tips here! I am only working part-time right now since I am trying to grow my blog from a part-time income to a full-time income. Even with only working 5 hours a day I still feel like I never have enough time to work on the blog! I need to try setting a timer for writing. Eliminating distractions is one I need to work on, too.
One thing I do is right down a list of 3-5 tasks and give myself an allotted time (say, 1 hour) and try to stay focused and finish everything. I also get up earlier and work on my blog once I’m off like you suggested. Taking time to unplug is huge for me! I usually stop working around 5 or so and go to the gym to reset before taking the night off to spend time with Andrew. I try to take the weekends off as much as possible, too.
You have some great tips! You are always so organized and well researched on everything! I might now always have a post scheduled for the day…who am I kidding…I rarely do. But I make sure that I have blog time every morning after my work out and before work. That is when my creative juices are flowing and I can crank out whatever needs to be done to a post I may have in draft. Love this!
FABULOUS tips, lady!! I definitely have found myself waking up earlier and going to bed later to get it all in. Oh well, it’s worth it! Without a blog calendar, I’d be completely lost – having that is my top thing!
Another amazing and super informative post! You are so right on every point! Can I claim you as my blogging mentor!?? Lol!! Great job Girl!! Love seeing your blog grow and grow!
Great post! You should totally do a tutorial on Co-Schedule. I haven’t really figured it out and would like to maybe play around with it this summer.
Great tips! This is still a huge struggle for me… working on being better though! Xoxo
these are great tips! people don’t want to hear it but getting up earlier and/or staying up later is so important in order to dedicate the time. otherwise you can totally tell when people don’t put as much effort in! on a related note i miss blogging this week! crazy what happens when you are forced into taking time off ha
xo cheshirekatblog.com
I actually have found it is easier to maintain a blog working full time. I just treat it like one more task, assign a certain amount of time to it to complete and that’s it. I absolutely shut everything else down, though, or it would never happen. That being said, the writing is the easiest part for me. Getting it disseminated around social media, participating in link parties, trying to keep up with comments…now that’s a full time job! Thanks as always for sharing on #TBB #LinkLove :)
Working full time and blogging is a challenge! I definitely find getting up early, staying ahead, and having a calendar helpful. great post!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Girl- this post was awesome!! I like the idea of working on it somewhere after work, because I feel like I am so attached to my computer sometimes and want to be more present. I just need to learn how to use my time more efficiently!
I’m totally pinning this – I need to do better – just like you do!! Great post with some new, different, and RELEVANT information!! (because every other post says…. get a domain name!)
lol ‘if you want to keep yours, i suggest you do the same’ so true though. i am able to blog sporadically through the day at work but work comes first, and that’s just life isn’t it! great tips girl!
I have been telling myself I need to set aside a designated time for blog related work so that I can work more efficiently and have yet to do it but this post has re-motivated me to. I am also now more motivated to work ahead…I am currently the queen of waiting until the night before because it forces me to write more quickly (because of the whole deadline thing). We also use a calendar to schedule out our posts! It reeeeally helps to keep things organized and on track. Good points!
Erica
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
EXCELLENT tips (as I type this by butt is in fact, numb, not even kidding)!!
Great tips! It’s definitely not an easy task, but so worth it :) I keep telling myself I want to get up earlier during the week to do blog things before work, but I’m much more of a night owl! Staying behind at work or going somewhere other than home is a great idea though, I get so distracted at home too!
You are absolutely right, it isn’t easy and takes a lot of time and commitment but it is worth every second! Great post! Xo, Stephanie
I needed this post! I am really struggling keeping my blog going now that I am working full time and going to school full time. My school and job take top priority which leaves little to no time for me to read blogs let alone write a blog pots. Learning to schedule time will be a huge help!
look at this site https://top-kasyna.com/