Monday, November 4, 2013

Blog Planning - What Do YOU Do?

Blog planning is something that is on my mind often.

I think about the topics I want to post about. I try to decide when the best time to post about said topics would be. I make lists on paper. I make lists on my MacBook Pro. I cross out, and I draw arrows. It's a very confusing system I have.

The best way to plan that I have found for myself is setting up a calendar in Microsoft Word. Then, I just fill in the topics I want to post about on which days. I aim for a post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but that doesn't always work out.

After I have my schedule made for the month, I begin writing my posts. I do them sporadically - whenever I feel something strongly, I know it's time to write about it. Yes, I sometimes force myself to cover topics I once felt would be good and later end up not really caring about, but more often than not, I only post about topics when I feel like it. If I'm scheduled to post a recipe or book review, but I'd rather just post a life update or share photos from Instagram, I will put the recipe or book review on the back burner for a few days.

Do you have a better system for blog planning? If so, I would LOVE to hear your ideas! If I receive enough, I will make another post soon sharing the ideas and linking back to your blogs! 


10 comments:

  1. I also do the calendar thing but I printed them off and made up a binder. I printed off calendars for a few months just in case I had topics in mind a few months ahead such as Christmas or New Years posts. I made a list of possible blog posts I would like to do in case I couldn't think of anything "in the moment". I also printed off this blog ideas page where I can put down main ideas of "in the moment" topics. So that way I have all my bases covered and usually always have something to write about. I don't know if my system is the best or even helpful to anybody else, but I figured I'd share with you and maybe you could get some ideas.

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  2. I used to post daily or at least a few times a week. Now I'm 37 weeks pregnant and lucky if I get in one post a week. I like to think my readers understand. But I also have lists of topic ideas in my "go everywhere with me" notebook. I jot down ideas and get around to writing them whenever time permits. We'll see how well I can master the one-handed typing while juggling a newborn song and dance in a few weeks!

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  3. I like the idea of setting up a calendar! Do you use a specific template or just write it down as a list? I have been wanting to post more consistently but I have never gone deep into trying to plan it all out, but it seems like that would be the best way to get myself back on a consistent schedule.

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  4. I put each topic that I know that I'm going to blog about on a paper calendar (i.e. Project 365 and OOTD. I do those posts at least once a week or few times a month). Other than that, I just let it come natural. Some days I don't know what to write about and I don't add anything to my calendar. Other times, it is a last minute thing.

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  5. I love the new look! I always feel like I should be more organized with my posting, but it never seems to happen. Maybe a calendar will be a good thing!

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  6. I like your way! Sounds more organized then my way (just random ramblings all smashed together!) I think I will try the calendar idea!

    xo
    mariahlauren.blogspot.com

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  7. I usually try and plan my weeks out in my blogging notebook. I plan for at least 3 posts a week (sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't!). Usually a couple will be 'what's going on in our world' posts and I try to do at least 1 insightful post a week. I have a running list of things to blog about and if I need a filler post I'll grab one of those to do. I need to get better about writing more posts in advance though! If only I had more free time! :)

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  8. I need to develop a better system. Right now, I sit down on Sunday nights and write the posts I can think off offhand. I would love to use a planner, because right now I just store the ideas in my head! lol

    XOXO
    Chelsea
    http://www.anchorsaweighblog.com/

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  9. I pretty much do what you do but in an actual planner. I write topics on days as I think about them. I try to do at least three posts a week too, but something that just doesn't happen, or some weeks I do more. But like what you said sometimes when I plan something out and then I don't care to write about it when that date comes up. I have a page at the back that I keep a running idea list in case I want to come back to something or need help getting started. I also do everything in pencil so I can erase and move it around if I change my mind or don't get to something as quickly.

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  10. I just started doing the calendar thing, but I print mine out because I'm old school like that haha

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