Staying on top of the blogging world can be an exhausting job. Planning posts, creating content, visiting other blogs… there are many, many steps. One way you can make this easier is by setting a blog schedule.

A blog schedule can be as involved or as simple as you want it to be- and can be organized through using a tool like an editorial calendar. When creating your schedule, make sure that it works for you and your usual routine. You want a schedule to be a useful tool, not a hindrance.

How to Set a Blog Schedule

Consider your current posting routine.

Do you participate in any memes (such as Wordless Wednesday)? Does your blog have a regular feature that you anticipate will continue? Put your static content in place first so you can stick with what you already do with your posting.

Consider your offline life. 

Let’s face it, as organized as we strive to be, life can get in the way. Which days provide you the most flexibility? Which days leave you pressed for time? Consider when you will have the most time to write more in-depth articles when planning out your schedule so you are not left feeling rushed. Then, save your quicker, easier posts for the times when you know your availability is limited.

Remain Flexible. 

Remember, a blog schedule is about keeping YOUR peace of mind. Different things can come up, life may throw you something you just HAVE to blog about, or promotional opportunities may come your way. Whatever the circumstances, remember that a blog is most interesting when it reflects YOU. So, keep that in mind when setting restrictions and constraints on yourself.

What are your tips to scheduling? 

1. Set a schedule

While this may seem an obvious detail, it can actually be one of the most often overlooked things as well. Set aside the times you will spend on your blogging and social media activities. Try breaking it down into several sub-categories, such as time to spend blogging, time to spend commenting and visiting other blogs, and time you will spend on various social media platforms. Keep in mind that this can be used as a guide and does not have to be followed to the second- but, having a written-out schedule can help increase your efficiency.

2. Turn off distractions

What? Twitter can be counter-productive?! While it can be hard to turn away from the latest tweets whizzing by or the most current Facebook updates, turning off any distractions is crucial to efficiency success. Set a timer and write for a designated amount of time- you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you are focusing solely on blogging.

3. Keep posts in draft.

Do you ever have a great idea pop into your head when you are way too busy to stop and write? Or have you ever sat down with time and focus to write, but stumbled into writer’s block? Keep a running list of topics as you think of them, and develop the posts when you have dedicated writing time. Maintaining backup posts is great for times you are unable to blog or are just plain stuck.

What are some of your suggestions for improving blogging efficiency?