What to Do When Blogging Takes Up Too Much Time
Are you struggling with blogging because you hate how much time it takes you to write just one blog post?
Any task can take up as much time as you allow it. I'm sure that's one of the main reasons people procrastinate as much as they do. Only when it comes to writing or any type of creative profession for that matter, waiting until the last minute can be a bad thing. You don't know what to write and on top of that you're under pressure to write it.
Waiting until the last minute has the tendency to suck the creativity right out of a writing project. Maybe I'm too soft – not enough experience working under intense pressure and tight deadlines. But I say, why put yourself through that much stress? Unless you find it enjoyable or stimulating…
Anyway, getting blog posts written is much easier for me when I do it ahead of time. I don't feel any pressure to come up with an article that is super interesting because if I'm not feeling a particular topic, I have several days to come up with something better.
But while writing ahead of time will save us stress and headache, it may not make the process go any faster.
Let's face it – you don't have all day to write a blog post. Maybe you have one hour to get it written and set up on your blog and newsletter. But every time you write, it ends up taking more than an hour. Isn't it interesting how tasks tend to take longer than we expected?
There are, however, a few things you can do to make the words come out faster.
- Set a timer.
- Outline topics before you write.
- Stick to your deadline.
If you want to stay under your hour allotment, get the writing done in under 30 minutes. Then take the remaining time to find a photo, set up your blog post, and schedule your newsletter.
As you type your article into your processor or content management system, think about edits, but keep it limited. Set your keywords and article description, find a photo (limit your search – this can be a huge time-suck!), add the photo to your post along with its alternate text, schedule it to go out in the early morning, set up your newsletter, and you're done!
Another big tip is to stay focused. Don't wander off to get a drink or go to the bathroom. I'm serious! Just get it done!
Best regards,
Jody Calkins
Top Photo Credit: Anika
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