by Cori-Leigh | Blogging, Blogging Solutions That Help You to Save Time So You Can Accomplish More |
I work full time from home as a blogger, writer, social media manager, and WordPress web designer. My daily routine starts at my desk with a coffee in hand to jumpstart the day. Truthfully I don’t know what shape I’d be in without that first cup of coffee!
While I love working from home there are challenges. The trouble is there isn’t usually tons of time available to get everything done. Such as how I manage my time and distractions. There are phones ringing, family in and out, and other demands of everyday life.
Developing habits that work for saving time isn’t easy. At least it wasn’t for me. I would commit to more than I could handle. As my workload grew the harder it became to keep up the pace.
There was a time when this created stress, overwhelm and burnout. I was always burdened by things left undone. It got so bad that I almost quit blogging! I had become discouraged and burned out!
I decided it was time to make a few necessary changes. Very quickly the outcome was amazing! I became a happier and more intentional blogger! The jobs I did for my clients were no longer challenged by a lack of motivation. The joy I’d lost in what I was doing for a living came back.
In this post, I offer several tips guaranteed to help you work smarter and not harder.
Create a Daily Plan of Action
Whether you work full time from home or fit blogging into an already busy schedule … you need a plan. Something you can consistently adhere to. I know many writers and bloggers who have full-time jobs outside of the home.
They have to squeeze in the time to blog and write. Usually, they pick a time of the day or evening that works best. This is especially helpful when developing a writing routine.
Developing blogging and writing action plans work! Doing this will be a roadmap for you to follow. Eventually, you’ll form new habits. Resulting in saving time and accomplishing more!
Time Blocking
Blocking time set aside to work on certain tasks has helped me tremendously! I picked up a kitchen timer that sits on my desk. The timer is set to the allotted amount of time for each task. When the timer rings I stop and move to something else.
Doing this has helped me with writing my posts as well. I set the timer for 15-30 minutes and free-write on whatever the topic is. When the timer stops I’m always amazed at how much I wrote.
When I’m working this way I don’t have any other browser tabs open. Allowing me to focus on the one task I’m doing in that moment. Removing online distractions helps me to stay focused.
Take Breaks Frequently
The benefits of taking breaks help your focus, work quality, and motivation. Things that are difficult won’t be as frustrating. We need to step away. Walk around. That break in concentration is good.
I used to sit at the computer for long periods of time. I’d stay there hoping to complete whatever I was working on. Writing a blog post requires focus. I’d stay there writing as much as I could.
The results of my efforts are always of higher quality when I take frequent short breaks.
Sitting for too long isn’t healthy. Our bodies require for movement and exercise. Michael Hyatt solved this issue by using a desk he stands at with the option to sit when needed. You can read the post he wrote about it here.
A popular item sold that has gained popularity is Varidesk referred to as the active workspace. In this digital world where we often spend much time on the computer! Veridesk and other options available to accomplish this can be quite affordable these days! This is a fantasic idea!
Avoid commitment overload
When we over-commit our schedule/routine becomes overloaded. If I commit to more than I can handle I’m thrown off balance in all areas of life. What about you?
Be intentional about how many things you will commit to each day. Less is more and easier to manage.
You can always add to your list of commitments later. It’s more important to know you can keep up with all you set out to accomplish. Stress and burnout happen when we over commit.
When we work from a place of stress and burnout we can’t enjoy what we do. Give yourself permission to do less and accomplish more! Doing this will enable you to have fun while you work and write!
Develop a content creation routine
Blog post routines are certainly important to your audience connected with you! It’s true that keeping a regular tempo of creating quality content is time-consuming. The best thing to do is create a routine you can manage providing consistency to your readers.
I was running three blogs that I have now reduced to two. Writing blog posts regularly for each one can was extremely difficult. While I tried to create a blog posting routine my readers could rely on… this was a challenge with 3 blogs. After reducing to 2 blogs it became much easier.
I don’t publish more than once per week on either one of my blogs currently. It is a consistency that I can manage. That said I guest post on other blogs and accept guest posting on both as well.
Opening up your blog to guest posting has great benefits. Doing this enables you to bring in content from other bloggers in your niche. This helps you to expand your reach to a larger audience. Your guest bloggers will drive their readers to your blog.
Another tip is to batch create blog content and schedule the posts for publication. In WordPress, you can schedule your blogs posts publication in advance.
Utilize Social Media management tools
It’s all too easy to spend tons of time on social media channels. Integrating a few tools that work to save time has incredible benefits.
There are many social media management tools available. Utilizing a few of them can help you to save time by simply batch scheduling content.
Below is a list of a few social media management tools;
Both Hootsuite and Buffer enable you to schedule your social media content to share across various platforms. They are available for free or upgrade to premium.
Tweet Deck is a free social media management tool for managing your Twitter accounts.
Conclusion
Working from home, being a blogger and establishing an online presence is work. Developing work habits that save you time will go a long way in helping you to reach blogging success.
The best part is you’ll have more time to do other things you enjoy!
Join the conversation
I’d love to hear from you!
- What are a few key things you do consistently that help you to blog smarter and save time?
- Do you use any online tools that help you save time?
This post was previously published at PublishousNow.com
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging |
Many bloggers ask me how they can learn to write blog posts at a faster pace! If you’re a new blogger it will take time and practice. Do this enough you’ll be posting content consistently to your blog like a pro!
Writing your blog content shouldn’t be a stressful and anxiety-producing activity. If it is – you’ll continue to struggle with improving your writing speed. A large number of beginner bloggers think they have to frantically rush the post-creation process.
I used to take too long to write and publish my blog posts. They never seemed good enough. Fear crept in and held me back from publishing what I wrote. As a result, I made creating blog content a difficult and unenjoyable challenge. Finally I worked on releasing my writing and blogging fears.
With practice and attention to releasing my writer doubts and fears, I eventually improved! It took time to turn what had become stressful into fun again by making a few changes. There are a number of ways that you can learn how to write your blog posts much quicker!
Show up to write daily.
Keep showing up to write and watch your blog post creation speed improve! The path to succeeding in writing your blog post quicker requires you to show up and write! If you don’t you’ll struggle to write and publish anything at all. The more you write daily the faster your writing routine develops.
Once you do this enough it will feel strange to not write every day. Doing this helps you to form habits to ultimately increase your blog post creation process.
Every pro blogger I know became an influential blogger by showing up daily to write. Each one is committed to writing and publishing content to their blogs.
Let go of the perfect post mindset.
Perfectionism will rob you of time and cause frustration. Blogging fears cause the focus to be on perfectionism. When we change our blogging mindset we release the fears that limit our blogging success. This includes areas we get stuck in creating our blog posts quicker and more consistently.
Your post won’t be perfect because nothing is perfect. The reality is our blog posts don’t need to be perfect. In fact the best posts you’ll ever write will be on the other side of fear and perfection. This is where writing freedom is found. When you are aware of this then you’ll speed up your writing flow.
Create a list of blog post ideas.
Not knowing what to write about will absorb your time and slow you down. Daily activities we do provide countless blog post ideas! Creating a list of blog post ideas that helps you always know what to write about for your next post.
In the backend of my WordPress blog here I have a list of blog post ideas. These are ideas I jot down into my phone, tablet or notebook. I add collected ideas to my post list. You’ll never run out of what to write for your next post! When life gets busy you can be blog post prepared!
Reduce unnecessary distractions.
Eliminating or reducing distractions will help to keep you writing at a steady pace. While it may be impossible to remove all distractions there are some that you can change. The internet is a busy and often distracting place for many writers and bloggers.
Pay attention to how much time you spend on social media platforms and other online activities I achieved incredible results when I began being more intentional about where and how I spend my time online. This is also true for everything we do daily.
It’s important to be aware of your writing distractions. Know what they are so you can focus on what to do about them. Doing this also helps you save time so you can accomplish more! When you minimize distractions you’ll increase the speed of your writing flow. Reducing distractions also works free the mind and allows you to focus your thoughts on writing quicker.
Practice free writing.
When writing our blog posts we often get in our own way. Get out of your own way to allow your thoughts freely flow! Many bloggers and writers restrict their writing flow. I enjoy free writing it allows me to write without restriction.
Doing this removes the pressure of your own expectations. Allowing you to unlock your mind for your thoughts to flow freely. Doing this allows you to ease into a writing flow. Allowing for your words to pour out of you. This helps to get your writing process moving.
Write what you know.
It takes time and practice to freely unleash your unique writing voice. Another way that you can write and publish your posts quickly is to write about what you know. You won’t be an expert on every topic.
There is no need to try to be someone you are not. If you aren’t sure of what you’re writing about this will dramatically slow you down. You’ll spend more time researching topics you’re not experience in writing about.
Instead, be you bringing your unique and genuine self into your writing. Writing about what you already know based on life experience and knowledge in your niche area helps! You will write higher-quality posts too!
Create a quick blog post outline.
Blog post outlines or templates help you to save time and create your blog posts quicker. Write down the main points that you want to cover in your blog post. Creating an outline is nice, as it allows you to spend more time writing and less time thinking about what you want to write about.
Even a blog post you wrote previously can function as a great blog post outline. You can use your post outline as a template for future posts. Filling in the areas is easier and before I know it I have the beginning foundations to a great post!
I start with the following;
- Have a basic general idea as to what I will write about in my post.
- Basic title to tweak later.
- Subheadings to fill in with content. These headings can be worked with more later.
- Short conclusion – doesn’t necessarily have to be written yet but I at least have the subheading.
- Encourage my readers to join the conversation by asking a few questions consistent with the post topic.
Resist the urge to edit too early.
While writing resist the urge to critique and edit. Editing your written work is a separate process. Let go of perfectionism in the blog post writing process. Resist the urge to edit while in the flow of writing your post. Doing this prevents your mind from the distraction of focusing on mistakes. Allowing for free writing and an easy quick flow of thought.
While I’m writing I never interrupt the writing process to edit. This creates a mental distraction as you’ll look at what you wrote with a critical eye. Doing this blocks writing flow.
Keep writing until you have more than the amount of content you need. Take out what you don’t need. If you are a beginner focus on writing shorter posts starting out. This will make the process easier.
Writing and publishing your blog posts at a quicker pace;
Is the result of time spent being aware of where you get stuck. Often it is just a few changes consistently implemented that produce results more rapidly.
You can also try writing shorter posts which can help starting out. With practice and consistency you’ll soon be writing and publishing your blog posts faster!
Let us know in the comments what helps you to write your posts quicker?
by Cori-Leigh | 6 Steps to Starting a Blog, Blogging |
Do you have a blog idea brewing but don’t know where to begin?
Your blog doesn’t have to be perfect it just needs to start!
I encourage you to start the blog you have been thinking about creating.
It will be your piece of real-estate on the web! Your blog will grow with you.
Your efforts will produce results.
You can learn as you go.
It gets better over time.
Enjoy the blog starting process!
Later, you will discover that what seems so hard today has become easier.
In this post, I cover 6 steps that will help you accomplish starting your blog.
1. Find your voice. Discover Your Niche Topic.
Some people set up a blog and seem to already know what they are going to talk about. For others, this can be and often is a very difficult part of the starting process.
Truthfully, many bloggers starting out don’t give enough attention to this step.
You might be asking what does finding my voice have to do with starting a blog?
It has a lot to do with it. In fact, it is one of the most important starting points for every blogger.
It is through the discovery of every blogger’s unique voice that the appropriate blog topic is found. Once you discover your voice you will have a blog that sustains not only your interest but your readers as well. If you haven’t done so already, I’d like to encourage you to take a bit of time to explore this part of starting a blog.
2. Choose A Domain Name
Once you know your topic the next step is choosing a domain name for your site. A domain name is the web address or URL of your blog. If you don’t know much about domain names or how to choose one, you are not alone. This is not always an easy task even for the experienced blogger.
The blogging world has grown considerably in the last decade.
Many domain names we first think of are already taken. Deciding on the right one can be difficult. To read more about how to choose a domain name, click the link below; Choosing Your Domain Name
3. Web-hosting
This point is for those using WordPress.org it doesn’t apply to WordPress.com. Not sure what the difference is between the two? See this video tutorial by Greg Narayan explaining What’s the difference between WordPress.com or .org?
If you choose to use WordPress.org you will need a web hosting company. There are many hosting companies available to choose from. However, it is very important to choose a good one.
3. Choose a Blogging Platform
There are many various blogging platforms to choose from. I highly recommend WordPress. I have found it to be the best place to start a blog. I also recommend using self hosted rather than the free .com version of WordPress.
Not sure what the difference is between the two?
See this video tutorial by Greg Narayan explaining the differences plus pros and cons of each.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org Difference, Pros & Cons
If you choose to use WordPress.org you will need a web hosting company. There are many hosting companies available to choose from. However, it is very important to choose a good one.
While I strongly recommend WordPress – If you feel WordPress is not for you there are other popular blogging platforms;
3. Web-hosting
There are many hosting companies available to choose from. However, it is very important to choose a good one.
Popular choices are;
5. Choose a Theme
There are many WordPress free and premium themes available to choose from. It can seem daunting trying decide which one is best for your needs. Often feeling like your shopping in the wilderness among millions of themes to choose from.
This is a step you want to take seriously as it isn’t a great idea to continually change themes once you’ve already gone live with your blog.
Choose a good theme that it is responsive on all devices
This means it shows up nicely responsively on any device.
While I highly recommend premium themes and page builders there are many bloggers who do choose to go with free themes.
This too is okay but the downside is you have less support with the free versions. That said, I have made many websites for clients with their chosen free WordPress themes.
There are great tutorials to help you starting out;
Check out the following You Tube Channels;
Greg Narayan
Darrel Wilson
Ferdy Korpershoek
WPCrafter
6. Customize your theme
You’ve chosen your theme but now don’t know what to do with it. Whether free or premium all themes need to be customized to create the desired look and feel. Now it’s time to create a simple start blog design.
Less is more starting out when it comes to customizing your blog.
It just needs to be easy to navigate, with simple design and customizations with the addition of your content.
A couple of blog posts and a great about page will be an awesome beginning! The most important thing is you started! Now with time you can grow as a blogger and watch your blog grow with you.
As you connect with others and continue to learn all you can about blogging.
Congratulations if you’ve already started your blog!
What challenges have you faced beginning your blog?
Happy blogging as you begin to build your blogging dreams!
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging |
You worked hard starting your blog. It’s been your baby project. You’ve started, created, and launched. A victory right? A big yes!
The truth is many people set up a blog. Go through the process of developing their blogs. Then discover readers just aren’t showing up! Time passes, and more time passes. You still aren’t getting the desired traffic to your blog.
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by Cori-Leigh | Blogging |
Create a blog with your readers and site visitors in mind. Doing this is essential to your blogging success. Your readers appreciate and notice when you take the time to show you care. Your blog needs to be a place they love to visit often.
I’ve seen many blogs that show just the opposite. A large number of blogs lack qualities that attract readers to return. These bloggers are left to wonder why their blogs are not getting much traffic or loyal readers.
We can’t expect to create blogs that are an instant success. They take time to grow.
For your readers to enjoy coming to your blog there are a few things you need to do.
Create a blog that your readers will love and want to return to often.
Make it about them not you.
Create a blog that’s easy to navigate.
Readers visiting love a website that is easy to navigate.
Make it easy for your reader to find everything you offer.
I visit many websites that are cluttered with unnecessary features.
It isn’t necessary to have too much content on the homepage.
If their first impression offers too much at a glance they’ll leave.
They won’t go on a content hunt for what they want.
Most of your readers will not make it to the bottom of the homepage.
Keeping your homepage to a shorter scroll helps them go right to your content.
Keep the design simple and effective.
Many blogs these days are over designed.
This is problematic for not only your reader but you too.
Your blog readers and followers should see your content stand out!
I visit many blogs that are heavy in design but not content.
Or it’s filled with a ton of posts and other content but there is no organization.
Leaving the visitor to get lost in all the content.
A simple and attractive blog design is inviting.
It’s filled with content rich flow and encourages the reader to come back.
In contrast, a blog that is over designed is a cluttered blog.
This is not a pleasant user experience.
Focus on produces more content and less design.
Creating a place that your readers can enjoy.
You will have a better time managing a simple but effective blog.
Doing this allows you time to focus on creating more rich content!
Be a consistent blogger.
Readers love it when they can rely on your consistent habits of posting and connecting.
They trust you more when you produce content often. Consistent bloggers show up often.
Develop a consistent blog posting routine that you can keep up with regularly.
Stick to a posting habit you can manage rather than posting 1 week but not the next.
Or posting every other day for a few weeks and then not post for a month.
Write from a place of love for your reader.
When you care about someone you show them you care.
You show not just tell. Love is demonstrative.
If you don’t show your reader you care they won’t stay.
Rather they’ll find a blogger who demonstrates they matter.
Make it about your reader.
When you blog for yourself that is how you write.
If you are blogging for your readers it is about them not you.
Readers love posts laced with stories from you.
It helps them see you understand the problem their having.
Make it personal and effective.
Show them you genuinely care for them.
Create quality content.
Give attention to the quality of your posts.
Readers will search for something they need.
A problem they need to solve and are seeking solutions.
The quality of your content will keep them coming back for more.
If you write with your reader in mind they will notice that.
Some of these visitors to your blog will become loyal readers.
Solve a problem.
Do you want to make your website irresistible to your reader? Solve a problem and provide solutions for your readers. They won’t be able to resist coming back.
- Produce valuable content that helps in significant ways.
- Give to your reader generously more than you get.
- Expect nothing in return and just keep providing help.
Connect your blog to social media
Your readers will love to connect with you often.
It’s important for them to meet the person behind the message.
You can do this by responding to their post comments.
It’s beneficial to connect your blog to a few social media networks.
I love Facebook and Twitter as a means of engaging often with my readers.
Conclusion
Ensure a pleasant experience when readers visit your blog and they’ll keep coming back. Your blog will be a place that you and your readers connect often. Give of yourself generously to your readers. Do this and you’ll establish a trust with them.
Let’s hear from you – What is one thing you do to help your readers enjoy coming back to your blog?
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging |
The idea of starting a new blog is exciting! This initial enthusiasm quickly turns to frustration when we realize the many details involved. Designing and customizing a blog is often a challenge for many beginner bloggers.
In this post I share how you can quickly start, create, and launch a blog that looks pleasing to your readers. One that is easier for you to manage when completed. Using a simple start design that works. You can easily build on it over time. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
I remember starting my first blog. As a writer all I wanted to do was write. I didn’t know the first thing about how to begin designing my blog. Visitors would see my site disaster then quickly run for the hills! All I’d seemed to accomplish was a ton of mounting frustration, overdoses of discouragement, a site that looked awful, and nothing was working right!
In this post I provide tips starting a blog with a simple clean design.
1. Why begin with a simple and clean design?
Creating a simple design is the best way to start. In the beginning less is more. Nothing fancy. Especially if you don’t know what you’re doing yet.
Of course we all want great looking blogs. It’s easy to look at the big picture. When we do this we fail to understand the importance of the small steps that lead us where we need to be.
We have to simplify our mindset. If we don’t do this then we can’t enjoy the process of starting a blog. Instead of enjoying the process of starting a blog we can become overwhelmed and stressed.
First impressions count. Have you ever heard the saying, ” You never get a second chance to make a first impression?”When someone visits your blog for the first time they will formulate what they think at first glance.
This is another great reason for a creating a simple start design. By making your blog pleasing for everyone you will be sure your visitors will appreciate it. You’ll have succeeded at making a great first impression!
7. Blog Page
8. Blog Posts
If you want to design a header it is best to keep this simple also.
