Hi friends! Hope you had a nice Memorial Day. We’re coming up on 6 months into 2017 and for us that means reevaluating our goals and checking in on what we set out to achieve that the beginning of the year. We have a lot of big plans for TBM, which means we really have to stay on top of our priorities. So I wrote this post for anyone else who might be checking in and wanting a better way to check all those tasks and goals off the list.
Keep readers engaged
What keeps viewers visiting and reading your blog? If it’s new posts daily or weekly, you’ll want to prioritize this. If you are tracking views or working toward goals (such as X number of visitors per month), prioritize the thing that will keep that happening. All of the other tasks, like updating your blog, will be lower on the list. For TBM, it’s actually not always new posts that keep readers coming. We have a few super popular posts that draw in a lot of traffic, so if we’re on a tight schedule and can’t commit to writing new content that day, we look for ways to promote an old post. In that case, our priorities are a little different!
Stay on top of social media
If you read our post on what beginners should know about social media, you’ve heard us stress that social is something you have to keep building off of. It’s not just a task you complete and move on, but an ongoing effort alongside blogging. We prioritize our social media right up with our post schedule. It’s actually helpful because if there are days we don’t get to new content, we can stay active on our social channels and it won’t seem like we’re leaving our readers in the dark! It helps that we are only active on Instagram, twitter, and Pinterest–you want it to be manageable if it’s going to be a top priority. If that’s tough, prioritize the network that brings you the most traffic or helps you connect with followers. We’ll guess that’s the Insta for most :)
Organize tasks into categories
Our main priorities when running TBM fall into three categories: 1) Keep the site up and running, 2) Keep content fresh, and 3) Stay active on social media. Obviously, if we’re experiencing technical difficulties we go straight to solving that. From then, it’s just all about posting consistently on our channels. The countless things we do beyond that–like emails or minor updates–are pushed aside until our top priorities are covered. And while design is a priority to us, it’s not something we do day-to-day.
Prioritizing the small stuff
What about the smaller things that keep your blog up and running and help you stay connected?
1. Start with the high stakes task. If you’re getting paid for a post, collaborating with another blogger, or have promised something to a reader, get this out of the way first!
2. Plan ahead. When you get a moment to work on one of your lower priorities, spend enough time on it that you get a handle on it. For example, a lot of bloggers schedule social media posts promoting their old content so they can keep their profiles active and ensure old posts still get seen. If you do this, do it in a big chunk so you don’t have to worry about it for awhile.
3. Do something fun! We’ll never stop saying it, blogging should be fun. If all these “should do” tasks are weighing you down, carve out a little time for something lighthearted like gathering inspiration or brainstorming in your notebook. I never regret time spent getting inspired!
My biggest problem is that I have trouble tearing myself away from tasks until they’re 100% complete. I end up working for several hours on one thing when I should move on and come back later. Anyone else struggle with this? Or have tips to share?
Kassandra says
I am struggling with finding time to enjoy blogging (and ideas). This is a great way to understand from a successful blog’s experience what should be prioritized. Thanks for this post!
Kelsey says
I also have a problem with staying on one task for too long! Once I’m in the zone, it’s hard for me to stop and work on something else.
I think staying on top of social media is the hardest thing for me to do at the moment. I’m not a huge fan of any social media, but I understand how important it is. Maybe that should be my priority right now. :)
Angela says
I understand! I’d rather be writing posts than doing the social media for them any day. But if I block out time to do as much at once as I can, I feel a lot better :)
Alexis says
I can not emphasize plan ahead enough! Like plan two weeks ahead at all times! Keep a note book for when you have a random blog topic come to mind.
Personally my best topics always pop into my head when I’m not ready for them!
Great post thanks for sharing.
Alexis||https://lidsandtricks.com/
Angela says
Keeping a notebook is so important! Thanks for sharing!
Dan says
Another category to list would be to continue to market your pages via other means, such as guest posting or buying SEO.
Lauren says
Planning ahead is so important! If I have some easier entries written up and scheduled to be posted, then that gives me more time to work on longer, more involved entries. Plus, it gives me more time to post on social media.
Mia says
Loving your blog so much! I always find such amazing information, especially as a new blogger. Finally feel like I can create a system for accomplishing all the tasks I have set out for myself. Thank you xx
Angela says
Thanks Mia, glad it helps!