#socialbloggers 23 – Keeping Content Flowing
WOOO 23rd #socialbloggers chat HELLO! 23 is almost 26. And 26 is six months. SIX MONTHS WHHHAAAATTTT.
Anyway, let’s get to it, shall we? On Saturday we focused the chat around how to keep the content flowing. From how you come up with fresh ideas and how you organise them, to what you do when you feel demotivated to blog.
I’m quite lucky in that I have many idea for my blog. The struggle for me comes with having the time to write the posts and being able to take the photos I need. I can’t always get into the living room to take photos if a housemate is home so I sometimes have to quickly change my schedule. Also, I don’t always have the time to write the posts as some of the ideas I have do require me to do some research.
What I tend to do is use the Calendar app on my Mac, as it syncs up with my Macbook, iPads and iPhone. I’ll usually put in any posts that I need to posts and then fill in the spaces around that. I can have anywhere from a weeks to 4 weeks posts planned in advance. I will move them around if I need, but at least I know what I’ve got planned. I then plan when I’m going to take the photos and write the post around my work schedule and do try to get the photos uploaded as a draft and half write posts in advance.
I also use the ‘Notes’ app on my Mac which also automatically syncs up to my Macbook. On this, I have a lists of post ideas, also lists of the #socialbloggers questions and various other notes. I’ll delete something out of the list when I’ve wrote it and will look at it if I’m feeling stumped.
If I feel demoted, then I read this post about what to do when you’re in a blog slump 😉
Q1: How do you come up with ideas for blog posts? #socialbloggers
@bloggerforums sometimes I get an idea just pop into my head, most times from reading other blogs. Or I review stuff #socialbloggers
— Emily (@emyleyblog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums in my case they usually document artprojects I work on, I just let my creativity guide myself! #socialbloggers
— Aïcha (@AichaVienne) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I’m always thinking about my blog and what I can post, taking inspo from media and surroundings #socialbloggers — Danniella Josephine (@_famousinjapan) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums They pop up in my head, also when I read blogs or post something I try to make it different #socialbloggers — Christina Sylvester (@lifenluxe) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I try to keep a journal of ideas for when I’m stuck but most of the time I write about what I’m doing #socialbloggers
— Becky Beloved (@beckybeloved) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I get ideas from other bloggers and think, oh I could do this but with my own twist kinda thing. :3 #socialbloggers
— Letitia (@letitiaharriet) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums usually I just write about stuff I’ve done, or reviews so it just comes from there #socialbloggers — Alison Hope (@AlleyHope) July 26, 2014
@AichaVienne @bloggerforums Everyone gets inspired by other people at the end of the day! #socialbloggers — Letitia (@letitiaharriet) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I base them on what’s happening in my life. I just did an end of summer post and am doing back to school. #socialbloggers
— Chicademics (@chicademics) July 26, 2014
Q2: Do you plan posts in advance? #socialbloggers
@bloggerforums I have a list of post ideas which I refer to time to time. #sociabloggers
— Somdyuti Datta Ray (@hellodyuti) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I have a notebook where I list ideas then can put a date on if I write them. Goes everywhere with me! #socialbloggers — Alison Hope (@AlleyHope) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I have an ideas notepad and sometimes I’ll just write a post and post it other times I’ll write loads and schedule
— Emily (@emyleyblog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I have an ideas list and pick some, or I get random inspiration! Depends on my mood. #socialbloggers — Lissy Beauty (@LissyBeautyBlog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I don’t plan my posts cause I don’t like it sounding too structured like an essay..I just kinda roll with it #socialbloggers
— Ambe? ? (@AmbiiSmiley) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I recently started planning and it has made life a lot easier but i still keep an ideas log for slow times #socialbloggers — My Legendary Style (@Legendary_Style) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums A2: I write down my post topics for the whole month down but only write a weeks worth at a time. #socialbloggers
— Jessica (@thepyreflies) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums a2) I usually plan posts at the beginning of the month & then about half way through I give up & post w/e….#socialbloggers — Sally (@Wheelingalong24) July 26, 2014
@AmbiiSmiley @bloggerforums I plan mine but write them spontaneously when I’m in the mood #SocialBloggers
— Becky Bedbug (@BeckyBedbug) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I plan posts in advance but sometimes they’re just spontaneous #socialbloggers — Fran (@frxncxsca_) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I never plan in advance, my posts seem to be better when I just create them when I feel like it! #socialbloggers
— Aïcha (@AichaVienne) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I keep about 5 or so draft posts where I just throw ideas down until I have time to write the post out. — Charlotte Steggz (@charlottesteggz) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I write everything in a draft in a queue, and add to it until it’s finished. #socialbloggers
— Chicademics (@chicademics) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I’ve got a blackboard that I use to write ideas on in my office #socialbloggers — Simone (@30SOAP) July 26, 2014
@IndiaBenjamin@bloggerforums I know, if I get a free evening and I’m on a roll it’s great! #socialbloggers
— Letitia (@letitiaharriet) July 26, 2014
Q3: How do you prevent yourself and blog becoming stale and predictable? #socialbloggers
@bloggerforums take a break from it 🙂 come back with fresh eyes ?(?_?;) #socialbloggers
— Danniella Josephine (@_famousinjapan) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums intriguing question – I will perhaps post something really random at times that I like & what to express #socialbloggers — Ludo / Animation (@aminae14) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I’m a fan of controversial or ‘out of the blue’ posts, something a bit different to mix up the routine #socialbloggers
— Christina Sylvester (@lifenluxe) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums Q3. By writing about anything I fancy instead of pigeonholing myself I think my blog is quite exciting! #socialbloggers — Simone (@30SOAP) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I check which posts my readers have responded well to, as well as running ‘mini series’ on my blog! #socialbloggers
— Jenny (@healthjenblog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums taking a break!.. Ive just scheduled the last two weeks of I could just chill out #socialbloggers — Alice Anne (@alicespake) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I try to come up with a variety of posts and mix them up, so it’s not all beauty or all fashion etc #socialbloggers
— Lissy Beauty (@LissyBeautyBlog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums A3: mine’s “predictable” I write a specific topic for each day. Like video game outfits are every Friday. #socialbloggers
— Jessica (@thepyreflies) July 26, 2014
@emyleyblog @bloggerforums You don’t want your blog to be static. #socaibloggers — Little Bit Pixie (@LittleBitPixie) July 26, 2014
@healthjenblog@hellodyuti@bloggerforums Im going to do a mini series on beauty samples, as I have loads that need using! #socialbloggers
— India Benjamin (@IndiaBenjamin) July 26, 2014
Q4: What do you do if you’re struggling for fresh ideas? #socialbloggers
@bloggerforums I find that I get my inspiration from taking photos so I like to play around with photo ideas #socialbloggers
— Anoushka Loves (@AnoushkaLoves) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums Thats when you go back to your handy dandy list of ideas you’ve been saving for a rainy day #socialbloggers — My Legendary Style (@Legendary_Style) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums movies, magazines, go to museum, look through old clothes, draw or collage (even though i never show then) #socialbloggers — Nicole Ranger (@Nikki_Ranger) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums have a look through my piles of stuff… I’ll find inspo eventually #socialbloggers
— Alice Anne (@alicespake) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I take a walk around the town centre or buy magazines, as I find inspiration from all sorts of things! #socialbloggers — Lissy Beauty (@LissyBeautyBlog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I like see what other bloggers are writing about and try to get ideas from them. I dont copy but take ideas from them.
— Emily (@emyleyblog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums For me personally brainstorming sessions really help to spark new ideas! #socialbloggers — Jenny (@healthjenblog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I have no idea bc it has not quite happened yet, maybe it is bc my mind just has too much going on #socialbloggers
— Ludo / Animation (@aminae14) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums A4: when I’m stumped I play video games! My blog is geeky so it helps me! #socialbloggers — Jessica (@thepyreflies) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I go out for a walk, I experience something new and then I tend to get inspiration. #socialbloggers
— Daisy (@prettygreentea) July 26, 2014
@AlleyHope @bloggerforums haha yes!! Naps help everything! I’ve woken up with some good ideas from a nap! #socialbloggers — Jessica (@thepyreflies) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums a4) take a break. I only seem to struggle for ideas when I’m extra tired so I rest….or do some shopping 😉 #socialbloggers
— Sally (@Wheelingalong24) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums sometimes I’ll ask my twitter feed. Sometimes I just need to take a step back and look at a bigger picture. #socialbloggers
— Tilly (@PaperCrowned) July 26, 2014
@sophieintsticks @bloggerforums being busy doesn’t always give stuff to post – might be the blogger doesn’t want to share it — Amber Love (@AmberLove146) July 26, 2014
@J4mieJohnston@LissyBeautyBlog@bloggerforums I love magazines. Sometimes I find skimming through headlines equally helpful #socialbloggers
— Somdyuti Datta Ray (@hellodyuti) July 26, 2014
Q5: What spurs you on when you’re feeling demotivated?
@bloggerforums As a health blogger – the fact that my blog and readers expect me to do my workouts and to write about them! #socialbloggers
— Jenny (@healthjenblog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums comments, and that “so and so has followed you on Bloglovin..” email. #socialbloggers
— Tilly (@PaperCrowned) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums I either listen to music or go to the gym. I also feel most mostivated after going to the gym #socialbloggers
— Emily (@emyleyblog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums definitely a new comment or a new follower, makes me feel like people like reading my blog! #socialbloggers
— Lissy Beauty (@LissyBeautyBlog) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums the people who read my blog. There are some amazing women who read & I don’t want to let them down #socialbloggers
— Sally (@Wheelingalong24) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums reading others’ blogs or just catching up with things I love to look at, like @weheartit , having some froyo #socialbloggers
— Ludo / Animation (@aminae14) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums #socialbloggers not sure, usually when something sparks, makes me angry or I feel passionate about something 🙂
— Amber Love (@AmberLove146) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums just the general enjoyment of taking pictures and writing. I’ll take a break ’til I miss it #socialbloggers
— Alison Hope (@AlleyHope) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums looking at the quote section on Pinterest! Makes me feel so much more motivated and happy 🙂
— Jess Hayes (@jesstastics) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums A5: visitors… New followers, readers who have become good friends! #socialbloggers
— Jessica (@thepyreflies) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums Comments from my readers. It always cheers me up. Or talking to my bloggy friends. Because they ‘get it’. 🙂 #socialbloggers
— Somdyuti Datta Ray (@hellodyuti) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums shopping. Then I have things to blog about. Win win!xx
— Anoushka Loves (@AnoushkaLoves) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums a new follower or a tweet from someone saying they liked a post, always puts a smile on my face #socialbloggers
— Michelle (@MLouiseLove) July 26, 2014
@bloggerforums other peoples great posts! #socialbloggers
— Laura Rogan (@lauraroganxo) July 26, 2014
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Corinne
1. noun: a female blogger that writes about her own experiences, observations and opinions. 2. verb: to act like a complete idiot or to do something stupid. e.g: She did a Corinne.
13 Comments
KizzyDoll
I usually get inspiration from anywhere. If I feel like there is nothing to blog about, I just go for a walk or go do something and a topic pops in my head. I think if you try too hard for a topic, it’s harder to find one. And creating one different from everyone else helps too. xx
Jackie Harrison
Nice interaction.
http://tifi11.blogspot,com
Hollands Reverie
This was great! I just started a blog about six weeks ago, wanting to document life and leave something behind for my littles, unfortunately other bloggers made it look to easy, it really is quite difficult and a lot of time goes into planning, so this was so helpful, I definately need to start getting ready in advance! Thanks for the advice!
http://www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com
gogui
Absolutely love the theme of your blog! This post was very usefula nd incredibly informative! Thanks for your lovely comment in my blog! I am now following you to keep in touch with your recent updates!
xx
http://timeless-look.com
Camila Faria
Time to blog is my biggest concern! I wish I had more free time to focus on that!
stephanie
I really loved this post! Somedays I have a ton of ideas running through my head. Other times I can’t find any!
Stephen
So many good pointers that I could have done with a few weeks ago. I find that as soon as an idea comes into my head, I write a post and as soon as the post stops flowing, I just leave it a a draft and go back to it.
Jen
Didnt even know about this chat will definitely have to try and make future chats. Thanks for sharing.
Jen x
http://jenjbboutique.blogspot.com
Karen
Great summary – I really enjoyed taking part in this chat! 😀
http://stylesunrise.blogspot.co.uk
x
i.s.
good post x
http://www.vicariousLA.com
June
Everyone here is definitely more organized than I am. I had no schedule or plan earlier but now have nights when I get bursts of creativity and end up planning about 5-10 posts in a go and then just name them all and keep them as drafts so that I dont forget the topics. Then I just pick one at a time and write the content and add photos and post 🙂
Lucy
A good chat, surprised how many people write content in advance I am always playing catch up and finding any time to write is a challenge. But being organised is clearly the way forward Lucy x
A Very Sweet Blog
I have so many topics and ideas, but I never have time to write them. I’m away for the Summer so that really is making me blog less. I usually write all my ideas in the notes section of my phone.