So You Want to Start A Blog - Time Management

I love that the topics I have planned fall on weeks that I am not really amazing at the topic.  I reckon that is the beauty of blogging though right?  We all have things we can improve on or get better at.

Today's topic is coming at you in regard to the thing that is honestly one of the most difficult to manage and limit: the amount of time we spend working on our blogs.



 

1. Set a time limit 

I set a limit for my self with writing most of my posts to one hour.  that might sound like a  lot for some of you and it might sound like a little to some of you.  Most of my posts are pretty wordy and I want to make sure I convey myself right and spend time editing when needed.  An hour really gives me enough time to write, edit, add photos, and maybe create a photo for the post.  Obviously there are some posts that take a ton more time and need a lot of photos and planning.  If I cannot finish in an hour I will usually walk away and do something else and come back with fresh eyes and finish later.

2. Set aside time to read other blogs

About three times a week I set aside an hour or so to read my sponsor's blogs and all the blogs I love and make a point to comment on them.  Ideally I would do this every day and maybe I will this summer when life slows down.  I have to set time restrictions, because it is so easy to get sucked into the world of blogs and not actually move from the couch for a few hours which is doing nothing for my bikini booty!

3. No words> Turn your computer off. 

I think the worst habit I have is sitting at the computer and dork around for far too long when I do not have a really good idea.  I will check Facebook and see what link my mom sent me about eating more carrots or whatever it is, look at Instagram, read some blogs, shop on Amazon and a few hours go by and I have less money because I impulse bought a heart rate watch and still no post is up.

4. Decide how much time you want to spend sponsoring blogs

Do you want to only spend about an hour a month sponsoring other blogs?  Then just sponsor one.  It takes time to write your guest posts and find cute pictures that flatter you and your dog at the right angle!

5. If you accept sponsors know your limits

I actually am planning on writing on accepting sponsorships next week, but it ties into time management. Accepting Sponsors on my blog has been the best and most time consuming part of blogging, emails, social media, posts, reading blogs  it all takes time.  Time that I like to spend, but it is still time.  Be honest with yourself, if you do not have a few hours every week to dedicate to this then you might need to start small and offer 1-5 spots per month.  It is better to start small and grow than to overdo it and not be able to keep up with what you are promising people.

6. Make some time to make things pretty

Make a list of priorities for beautifying your blog and try to accomplish things one week or month at a time.  Want a new blog button? Great give yourself some time this month to make it happen.  Also hiring a blog designer is a great assets if ou can afford it.

7. LIVE YOUR LIFE!

Like I said it is easy to get sucked into the computer and lose time. I think the beauty of lifestyle blogs is that we are al pretty busy ladies that love to write or take photos and share them with others.  If you are not active in the world your blog will suffer and your content will be stale.  Get out there shake it up, choose life over the computer.  There will always be down time later just grab your computer while you watch the season finale of How I Met Your Mother and pound out a post then.

What are some topics you might like me to address in this series? I have ideas for the next few weeks, but would totally love to know what you think and what you would like to hear about as well.

What are some things you do to help you manage your time with blogging and life?