5 Ways You Can Organize Your Blog Tasks to Get More Done
5 Ways You Can Organize Your Blog Tasks to Get More Done
There are few things in life that will teach you about time management the way that a move across the country does. We recently moved from California to Michigan for my husband’s military reassignment and I learned a lot in the process – including how to keep up with two blogs while living in chaos. (Seriously – we lived with a stranger and slept on an air mattress for a month.) I thought I’d take a moment and share a few of the things that kept me sane, organized, and blogging during this chaotic time.
1. Make your editorial calendar work for you.
I’m a huge fan of using an editorial calendar to keep track of blog posts each month. In fact, I know which posts I’m writing at the start of every month. The process for this one is super simple and you don’t really need any fancy tools for it – all you need are a pen, a calendar, and your brain. I picked up a calendar for each of my blogs at the dollar store to keep me organized. I start by simply writing down all of my ideas on a sheet of paper. Then, I figure out which ones I’m most passionate about and I assign them different days on the editorial calendar. Keep in mind that you don’t have to blog everyday but it is a good idea to follow a pattern for your readers. For example, new posts only go up on Tuesday and Thursday for one of my blogs. I told you this one was easy!
2. Organize your posts with a writing list.
I love my editorial calendar as I mentioned above. However, it doesn’t always have a spot for guest posts and other things that I’m writing, so I also use a writing list to help me keep track of what still needs to be written and scheduled. I divide my list into three columns – Hodge Podge Moments, The Coastie Couple, and Guest Posts. I also include deadlines on the list as needed. When I find some time to write, I reference the list to see what needs to be written first. After something is written, I remove it from the list and keep moving forward. I like to schedule far in advance and this chart really helps me keep that goal.
3. Create a social media plan. *happy file*
I cannot stress how important it is to have a plan for your social media. I’m not going to go into details on how to create one but I am going to say that having a plan and using schedulers will save you a lot of time in the long run. I have a file available in The Happy Files that can help you get started on your plan. Pinterest is also a great place to search for social media plans that others use.
4. Set aside special times for different tasks.
We went a month without having internet access at home. This taught me how to utilize my time wisely because my access to the internet was limited to short work sessions when I could use public wifi. (Not a lot of plugs led to the “short” part of those work sessions.) I learned to give my work sessions a purpose to help keep me focused. For example, power hour for me is a time when I don’t allow myself to check email, social networks, or other distractions. I also implemented learning hour for all of those posts that I pinned but never read. Even now that we have wifi at home, I still try to assign different work sessions with a specific focus and task. It really helps increase my productivity.
5. Prioritize your to-do list.
This last one is my absolute favorite tip for increasing productivity. In fact, I have a great printable in The Happy Files that can help you with this one. I basically write down all of my tasks for a given day. Then, I go through and assign them a number from 1-4. Those that are most important (perhaps with a deadline attached) get a #1, while those that can be put off for a while get a different number. I don’t allow myself to move on to the tasks in #2 until all of the ones under #1 are done. I’ve found that giving priority to certain tasks makes them a bit more urgent to complete.
These are just a few of the things I do to keep myself on track and consistent with two blogs and various other projects. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what works for you when it comes to keeping your blogging life organized and productive!
big thanks to our guest blogger
Pamela Hodges is the creative mind behind Hodge Podge Moments and The Coastie Couple (okay, her husband helps with the creativity on this one). She currently resides in Michigan where she spends her days trying new things and enjoying life with her husband, two dogs, and growing baby bump (due February 2017). Her mission in life is to inspire others to find their own happiness by changing the way they look at life. She’s currently working on a book on this exact topic. She loves meeting new people and would be delighted if you stopped by to say hi!
