Being blog smart is a phrase I just made up. Well, I think I made it up anywhere. It’s possible I’ve heard it somewhere else and copied it but can’t remember. I hope not because I want to keep it as mine. I don’t even know what that means.
Well, anyway, being blog smart is to blog smarter, not harder. Now that’s a phase I have stolen from YouTuber Shaycarl:
Work smarter, not harder.
It’s about productivity, doing the most we can with the time we have.
I get a lot of questions about my productivity. People wonder how I run 3 blogs, work full time, workout.. to be honest with you, I’m not a very organised person at all. I just kind of do it.
The main thing I do to stay organised is to have an editorial calendar plug-in installed on WordPress. This serves as a visual of what posts I have planned, either in draft or scheduled. If I have a post idea, I’ll write the title and stick it in the schedule somewhere to finalise at a later date.
I also use Notes on my Mac to make a list of things I need to do that day. I love this as it syncs between my Macbook and desktop automatically. Everything else is in my head.
Like with everything in life, the more you do something, the easier it becomes as it’s just a way of life. The more you blog, the easier it becomes. It gets easier to articulate your thoughts, you come up with new posts ideas quicker. You learn to take photos in bulk, you schedule Tweets, you get posts to auto-post to Facebook, you work around your schedule and get better at time management.
You find what works for you.
Some people plan everything. Some people plan nothing. I think I’m somewhat in between, with half of my plans in my head, and half on a calendar or notepad.
Are you organised?
Q1: Do you class yourself as an organised blogger?
@skinnedcartree oh yeah. i found a system that works for me last year and have stuck with it since #socialbloggers
— brooke elise (@__brookeelise) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I try to be! Always make little mind-maps with ideas, but get inspired by something else and ignore them :L #socialbloggers
— Rae Coppola (@raethedeer) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Not at the moment but I’m hoping to start becoming more organised this year 😊 #socialbloggers
— Maxine Francis (@ChatterboxMax) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree not really – I’m spontaneous with my posts so I’m bad at planning content! #socialbloggers
— Holly (@iblogthefashion) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree A1) Hell no. I prefer blogging when I feel like rather than forcing a schedule of half hearted posts. #socialbloggers
— anna (@HalfBIoodAnna) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Not at all. I’m getting there.. slowly. (Or trying to)
— gailypi (@SherbetAurora) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Nope I’m not organized at all. Hope to be more organized soon. #socialbloggers
— Jordan (@RetrospectBlog) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I think I am to an extent. I always know what I want to do ahead of time. It’s just getting around to do it #socialbloggers
— Ella Pinto (@ellapintoo) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree A1b. I organise by buying+matching #outfit pieces 4 #OOTD write draft with links+then try 2 take pics+videos #Socialbloggers
— Panty_Buns (@Panty_Buns) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree a1. I’m not organized. I just go with the flow most of the time #socialbloggers
— Ayre (@ariannecruz07) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree The exact opposite… sporadic and ad-hoc #socialbloggers
— Char (@char_x0) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree yes in the sense I make sure I stick to my posting days and keep makeup to photograph etc in a bag ready #socialbloggers
— Chloe (@_chloehx_) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I try to, but it definitely slips at times when I’ve got a lot on my plate #socialbloggers
— Amy Calitz (@amy_calitz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Hell no! But I try! Honest! I’m definitely more organised than I used to be! Got a notebook and everything! #socialbloggers
— Eleanor Rose (@elesaurusrawr) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree not at all, I’m terrible for keeping to a schedule and regularly lose notes for posts! #socialbloggers
— Hannah Webster (@hannahwebs) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Since Dec I’ve made an effort to plan and write, and now I’ve already finished writing everything for Jan #socialbloggers
— Anne ?? (@annesmiless) January 9, 2016
Q2: Do you use any apps to help you with blogging?
@skinnedcartree I haven’t yet, but I’m thinking of getting Buffer to help with scheduling, thoughts? #socialbloggers
— Hannah Pye (@TheLifeofPye_) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree notes on my iphone is great for jotting ideas down on the go!
— Lexie Hatton (@lexiehatton) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I like bufferapp for scheduling social media, Tweetdeck for twitter chats, but nothing really for blogging #socialbloggers
— Up A Nelms Tree (@KimmieNelms) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I love WonderList. The list form helps me organize bullet points perfectly. And I’m obsessed with lists. #socialbloggers
— Rebekah Koontz (@RebekahKoontz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree The notes app and various photo editing apps #socialbloggers
— Char (@char_x0) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Q2 tried out the bloglovin app but found it such a pain! I just use social media apps to promote and network #socialbloggers
— anna (@HalfBIoodAnna) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I use the Blogger app #socialbloggers
— Tshegofatso? (@sempiventures) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Google analytics and canva (for creating blog cover images) #socialbloggers
— Amy Calitz (@amy_calitz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I use notes, and the wordpress app to work out my best referrer is but that’s it- I’m useless with tech #socialbloggers
— Rae Coppola (@raethedeer) January 9, 2016
A2) Not really! I do everything from my pc. I’ll only use apps for keeping up with social media. @skinnedcartree #socialbloggers
— ?Shannon? (@onthelists) January 9, 2016
Q3: How do you balance blogging with the rest of your life?
A3) I make blogging a everyday necessity. Its my water & food. Its apart of me so it comes naturally. #socialbloggers @skinnedcartree
— ?Shannon? (@onthelists) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I prioritise university but I organise myself so that I know when I take photos and when I write posts #socialbloggers
— Kristina ? (@KrisEvilCupcake) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I blog in my spare moments! Life comes first! #socialbloggers
— Holly (@iblogthefashion) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree A3: I blog about how we are doing our first home up so life comes first and I blog about it second 🙂 #socialbloggers
— Kirsty (@kirstyteasdale_) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree very poorly ! I tend to neglect my blog at times 🙈 but helps to plan posts in advance with a schedule #socialbloggers
— Amy Calitz (@amy_calitz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I use most of my spare time to write and take pictures #socialbloggers
— Tshegofatso? (@sempiventures) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I haven’t quite grasped this yet 🙈 I struggle to get 3 posts up a week! #socialbloggers
— Hannah Pye (@TheLifeofPye_) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Sometimes it hard to balance my blog with my life. It feels like I neglect it and don’t post for days. #socialbloggers
— Jordan (@RetrospectBlog) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I write posts on my commute to work to save time #socialbloggers
— Char (@char_x0) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree A3: Le motto: Live first then blog about it. #socialbloggers
— Olive Needs Popeye (@OliveNeedPopeye) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I write my posts on the weekend then schedule them. I also use an app called buffer to schedule my tweets #socialbloggers
— Ciara (@ciaralawson) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree it’s now part of my daily routine! #socialbloggers
— Hannah Crossley (@hcrossley2) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree blogging is reserved for weekends and days off, I work full time and school so thats the only time I can #socialbloggers
— Up A Nelms Tree (@KimmieNelms) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree a3. I added it to my routine so I comment on at least 5 blogs per night. #socialbloggers
— Ayre (@ariannecruz07) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I try to involve the two! I get my kids involved in activities and generally blog about my life. Breaks and coffee helps 😂
— Kiki Blah-Blah Blog (@Kiki_BlahBlah) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree always planning ahead, and having finished ‘back up posts’ I can publish quickly in case something happens #socialbloggers
— Anne ?? (@annesmiless) January 9, 2016
Q4: Are you working on anything to help your productivity?
@skinnedcartree Everytime I have a post idea, I create a draft post so I can come back to it later #socialbloggers
— Anna-bee Beauty (@annabeebeauty) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Yes. Trying to become a morning person. 😖😖😖😖😖 #styleblogger
— Rebekah Koontz (@RebekahKoontz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree just trying to keep myself inspired. Random stuff keeps me inspired which makes me productive! #socialbloggers
— Holly (@iblogthefashion) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Trying to draft my posts a week early! It’s just weather and pics that are being a pain! 😣 #socialbloggers
— Daisy Deebob (@PromptsByDee) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I’ve just bought my own domain name so I’m using the fact I pay for it as motivation to be productive aha #socialbloggers
— Rae Coppola (@raethedeer) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I am using a calendar it has helped so much and lots of post it notes #socialbloggers
— Zeynab (@thebeautyload) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I need to be more organised, I have so many draft posts I haven’t finished #socialbloggers
— Tamzin? (@TamzinSwann) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Honestly, reading your blog helps. It motivates me to write and put more effort into my things. #socialbloggers
— gailypi (@SherbetAurora) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree A4) This year I’m making more effort to interact with other bloggers, it encourages me to keep up! #socialbloggers
— anna (@HalfBIoodAnna) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Liv usually sits at the kitchen counter whilst writing and blogging, no distractions! #socialbloggers
— 73-95 (@73to95) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree as of 2016 I’m organising my agenda differently so I can make a blogging schedule on top of my reg schedule #socialbloggers
— Ella (@EllaWasHereblog) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree trying to think of ideas weeks in advance and have some drafts ready for when I’m too busy to write #socialbloggers
— Amy Calitz (@amy_calitz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I’ve jotted down a couple of ideas and I’m trying to get them all typed out so I can start scheduling. #socialbloggers
— Apoorva (@_lostinthelight) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree i’ve tried to schedule my time a bit better for 2016. other than that, just being less lazy might help #socialbloggers
— LoveLaughsLipstick (@love_lippy) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I try to have pics on reserve that I can post to keep my ig current
— Christina (@stylebytina923) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I bought a notebook! And I actually bulk wrote for the first time last week. I was pretty proud :’) #socialbloggers
— Eleanor Rose (@elesaurusrawr) January 9, 2016
Q5: What is your best productivity or planning tip?
@skinnedcartree Ooh. I’ve got another one: Keep your nails trimmed so you can type fast when inspiration strikes.👍 #socialbloggers
— Rebekah Koontz (@RebekahKoontz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree A5) always seize motivation when it strikes, note down ideas wherever you are, try to keep some backup posts #socialbloggers
— anna (@HalfBIoodAnna) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree jot down your ideas. take your time and don’t rush posts because it’ll stress you out #socialbloggers
— gailypi (@SherbetAurora) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree A5: Don’t get too stressed about it all – blogging is meant to be something you enjoy #socialbloggers
— Kirsty (@kirstyteasdale_) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree take notes whenever, I try to never force myself to come up with an idea and take a break once in a while #socialbloggers
— Zeynab (@thebeautyload) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree a5. Schedule time for blogging in your routine. #socialbloggers
— Ayre (@ariannecruz07) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Break your blog into the themes you chat more about, make 3 lists and ideas to them when they come! #socialbloggers
— Daisy Deebob (@PromptsByDee) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree organise your time & schedule. #socialbloggers
— Hannah Crossley (@hcrossley2) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Taking your time and organization. #socialbloggers
— Jordan (@RetrospectBlog) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree when you’re inspired just go for it and don’t hold back #socialbloggers
— Amy Calitz (@amy_calitz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree take advantage of good lighting! It does wonders for productivity
— IG: closetfreedom (@closetfreedom) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree schedule posts, tweets & when u get inspired write it down! Especially if you’re like me and forget in 5mins #socialbloggers
— Ciara (@ciaralawson) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Don’t stress too much or your content will feel rushed or unoriginal or half-hearted. GOOD content is best. #socialbloggers
— Rebekah Koontz (@RebekahKoontz) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Don’t put pressure on yourself. That’s when it falls apart. #socialbloggers
— Eleanor Rose (@elesaurusrawr) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree Schedule at least 2 days in advance and write a new post every two days if you post often 🙂 #socialbloggers
— 73-95 (@73to95) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree YOU DO YOU! Get inspired by others, but focus on finding a workflow that works for just you #socialbloggers
— Anne ?? (@annesmiless) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree I’d say note down post ideas, take as many pics as you can so you can crack on with your writing. #socialbloggers
— Bex (@bubblybex3) January 9, 2016
@skinnedcartree set reasonable expectations for yourself based on your lifestyle
— Christina (@stylebytina923) January 9, 2016
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This looks like an amazing way to stay organized and to increase your productivity! Thanks for sharing!
Fashion Soup
Almost all my blog are done ahead recipes when I have occasion and the guest find it delicious and agree if I should share on my blog. Great topic.
So interesting to read the different answers to the questions!
I go through periods of being super organised with the blog, and others where I’m not really very organised at all! I’ve got plenty of photos taken that I just have to get around to posting, so that helps as I can schedule in advance. I can only blog when baby naps so that doesn’t leave a lot of time, scheduling in advance is the only way I can maintain 3 posts a week haha!
Loved everyone’s answers…always so interesting x
I use Buffer to schedule my tweets and on top of that, I use my Macbook calendar for everything else so I don’t lose track of the next post. Up to mid of last year, I never used anything to keep me on track, it’s pretty much impromptu but when I started to get more PR samples then I had no choice but to be more organized.
I think I am organised enough to run my blog besides my fulltime job and writing a book :). I use blogplanners, notebooks and the Pocket app.
Great post! I always try to be as organised as doing GCSEs, running a blog and writing a novel can mean I have a bit of a full plate! I mainly use my planner and wall planner and I write out everything I have to do in the day on a piece of paper and tick things off the list. I find that that helps me quite a lot!
Jemima x
anotherrantingreader.blogspot.co.uk
I have never been an organised person, not even when I was writing my dissertation and I left everything to the last minute, I hate it! Being more organised and using time efficiently what I want to focus on, hopefully I will get better with being organised. When I am travelling back from work, I use my phone’s note to write down any idea, or write it to note papers when I’m at work(I end up losing them…). Being determined is important to make things good with the blog. x
http://www.elabellaworld.com
I’m all for working smarter not harder, but I’m still figuring out how to do that with blogging… 🙂
Good to know! Thanks for sharing!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Well, what can I say? I love your blogging posts, they are brilliant! Really enjoyed this one in particular! Have a great week, Corinne!
Ale | http://alemint.blogspot.com.co/
The questions for and ideas from the #SocialBloggers were all excellent! I’ll probably keep coming back to read this post as I feel it will help my blogging. Additionally the #SocialBloggers answering the questions have blogs that are fun to read and explore.
this is a very helpful article especially for a new blogger like me. Thanks for sharing, Corinne! 🙂 New reader here 🙂