5 Ways to Make Blogging Easier

For one reason or other (at least three bouts of Tonsillitis - grim) falling back into a tight and regular blogging schedule, since the festive season has not been easy. I have been blogging for close to five years (April 2016 is my fifth year - seriously), as such I have been around long enough to know what to do to keep on top of things. I guess, sometimes when you are under the weather and struggling to keep awake, that all goes out the window. I am however annoyed at myself and such have given myself a firm shake, if you are in a similar position here is what I typically do to get sh!t done...

5 Ways to Make Blogging Easier

1, As simple and obvious as it may be, either grab a piece of paper or your phone and make a list of all the things you need to do. I typically work on a week-to-week basis but urge you to find a pace that best suits your needs, and of course free time. On such scrap of paper, I make three separate lists: the posts I want to do in the coming days, any new post ideas and what photos need to be snapped. I then underline or highlight anything that I deem a priority and then decide what needs tackling when. Basically I break everything into daily, bite sized chunks to ensure I don't become overwhelmed and to ensure I actually have the time to do everything. If you can get your hands on one, a weekly list/notepad/deskpad planner, like this - snap it up, it is one of my favourite blogging tools ever.

2, Take photos in batches; admittedly this won't apply to lifestyle bloggers but for outfits, beauty and perhaps even cookery blogs. I'm all for blogging in the moment but let's face it sometimes that is not possible (particularly in the Winter), if you have photos ready-to-go you may just find that you are more productive - I know I do. P.S if you are struggling with the lack of good natural light, I find that currently just around 12pm/1pm is the best source of light.

3, Use your phone/iPad/Tablet when on the go; I often type up posts and ideas and then email them to myself. It saves relying on my memory and of course makes the most of a boring train or bus journey. I personally use the Blogsy, Evernote and Dropbox apps frequently but would recommend scouring the app stores as there is constantly new and free apps being added. I've also heard the WordPress app is great too.

4, Okay, scheduling isn't for everyone and that is okay but if you do like to schedule posts make sure you use Hootsuite to share your post/s on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram - it seriously is one of the best blogging tools I have ever used. I should also add that this is also available in app form.

5, Let it go - no I'm not turning into a Disney character but has worrying ever really truly solved anything? I truly find that when I worry, I am far less productive and as such worry more - it becomes a viscous circle. I can't stress enough how much planning has helped me - even if it is just a scrap piece of paper to dump my ideas on, I find it frees up my mind and allows me to re-focus my attentions. I understand that jotting down ideas and to-do lists is not for everyone, if you have the time (and gumption) perhaps go for a walk and allow yourself to breathe. If all else fails take a break from blogging, even just a day or two and I'm sure you will find it a lot easier to punch in a paragraph or two.

Now if you'll excuse me, it is time I put some of my own advice into good practise ha!