I’ve been giving this a lot of thought. I have a beautiful new blog. I want to build a wonderful community of like-minded people and I want my blog to do well. I love blogging! I also love photography, getting out in nature, making time for some physical activity, meeting up with friends now and then, and making sure our home life runs smoothly. Hmmm … so how often should I blog and how often realistically could I blog?
Ideally, for a constant blog presence and to set myself up for success, I should publish a blog post at least five days per week but preferably seven days per week! Could I sustain that at this time? No – I don’t think so! Is it necessary to post every single day to have a successful blog? I personally don’t believe so. I believe that a consistent, predictable blogging routine, good content, engagement with readers and keeping the joy and passion in what you do, are they keys to success with blogging. In saying that – I do think you need to blog at least a few days each week to keep your blog relatively active and readers interested!
I know that at this stage, I couldn’t sustain writing 5-7+ posts every week when in addition to my blog, I am in the process of establishing a photography business. However, I’m determined to simplify things and plan in such a way that it is possible for me to have a presence here on the blog as much as possible and to also offer some predictability so that readers will know what to expect from me. My plan is to experiment a little initially with blogging frequency until I find the right balance for me and for my readers.
When I first started blogging I published certain types of posts on certain days of the week and I posted every day – sometimes more than once per day! I was on to a good thing – just too much of it. It wasn’t sustainable for me! Eventually life and photography studies made it impossible for me to sustain that pace so my ‘schedule’ went out the window and my blog posts became more sporadic. With that experience under my belt, for Write of the Middle, I can plan more realistically for a happy balance so that I can do all that I need to within each week without burning myself out!
I’m a seeker of balance of mind, body and spirit afterall, and as Stephen Covey said:
The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.
I do plan to blog with some predictability on certain days but allow for an element of surprise on other days. You will see a pattern emerge and once I find the right balance I will spell it out more concretely here on the blog.
Do you have a blogging schedule or plan or do you blog ad hoc? What works best for you?
Ciao for now,
THIS POST IS LINKED UP WITH – WITH SOME GRACE’S #FYBF
38 Comments
I blog twice a week without fail. Then I try to do a link up either Sunshine Sundays, The Lounge or I must Confess, if I have the time and inspiration. (I do other writing so it all needs time). I like the Monthly link ups, because I can do it when I have the time and leave it for the link up – Reading Writes, A Conversation over Coffee and my own First of the Month Fiction.
Work out what works for you. Have the non-negotiable ones, and then do extra if the mood takes you.
Oh, and I take school holidays off. I just shut the blog, rather than schedule posts (because I want my head away from it)
I’ve never heard of Sunshine Sundays! I have heard of ‘The Lounge’ but have forgotten where it is hosted. I know ‘I Must Confess’. I know Conversations over Coffee and am considering that one for the future! At the moment I’m posting four times/week and linking up one of those posts on a Friday with #FYBF. I have weekends off. Two of the four posts are quick and easy ones. Will see how that goes for a while. BTW – so sorry but I can’t comment on your blog. There is no option there that I can use. I’ve read your post and am sending you big hugs across the inter webs! Min xo
I try for at least twice a week- any more is a bonus! 🙂
Great that you’ve found the right balance for you Amy! 😉 x
I try and blog at least 4 times a week but in the last month or two, I struggled as I was also writing for uni. This month I’ve signed up for Nablopomo and am blogging every day. There is no schedule though and I blog ad hoc. The only time I schedule posts is if I know I’m going to be away or busy all day.
I’m loving your new space! Missed the unveiling on Tuesday.
You’ve done well blogging 4 times per week but I take my hat off to you for blogging every day! I did that for a while and it consumed all my time (too much). So glad you like my new blog 🙂 x
I blog once a week. My theory is quality over quantity.
Plus I sooo agree about the life balance, I like a clean organised home and spending time with my child and husband.
Do what works for you.
Good for you Sally! Quality is important! No point churning out posts every day if there is no thought or substance to them. And of course – life balance – so important! x
At the start of this year I set myself the challenge to blog every day for a year. Not for any formal challenge, just to see if I could do it. I made it right up until August, when the flu hit and it all fell over!
Now I’m trying to find the best balance for me, thinking it’s probably 4 times per week; sometimes more, sometimes less.
The best indicator is if you’re still loving it, I think.
Your space is so lovely to visit Min, so fresh! xx
You did so well Lisa to blog every day of the year up until August! Such a shame you got that horrid flu! I agree the best indicator is if you’re loving it or dreading it! I’m so happy you like my new space here! Min xo
i try and blog every day, but some times we are out exploring and I can’t find the time!! Other days I am too tired from the night before and I have no motivation.
Funny enough I have tried to give up blogging a few times but I always get pulled back into it some how 🙂
You are amazing to blog every day! Blogging gets in your blood I think. 😉 x
I am one of these ridiculous people who blogs EVERY.SINGLE.DAY
It was a goal I set myself for one year, but once I started I could stop! I am now up to over 5 years of daily blogging. And it’s bloody hard! I do it at dawn most days. I have to, because I also run my own consultancy business PLUS I have launched a children’s book series and kids brand. So why the hell do I put myself through so much anxiety with daily blogging which has nothing to do with either of my business endeavours? Well, because it’s my outlet. It’s the bit that releases me I guess.
It’s very therapeutic.
Go for it!
Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
I don’t know how you do it Leanne! Well – I did it for a while but it was too much for me and other things suffered as a result. Blogging is therapeutic for me too. I love it! If blogging every day works for you then go for it. If it stresses you out too much trying to keep up with it – then consider cutting back 😉 Min xo
I’m in almost exactly the same place with my blog! For me 2 -3 posts is the right number of posts that allows me to enjoy blogging while maintaining balance in other areas of my life. Looking forward to reading more from you – and I just followed you back in instagram so I can keep up with you there too 🙂
Hi there Rachel – lovely to see you here on my blog and thank you for the follow on Instagram! I have followed you back. We’re both BrisVegas girls! I’m trying 4 posts/week and will see how that goes. If life gets a little unbalanced then I’ll try 3 posts/week and for a while. Time will tell! Thanks so much for visiting! 🙂 x
I blog every Tuesday without fail and usually on Thursdays but that one’s optional. I find it helps me get into a rhythm but also has an opt out if kids gets sick or life just generally happens.
Hi Bec – good to have an opt out plan. You can’t put too much pressure on yourself when you’ve got littlies! I like to link up with #IBOT and #FYBF and sometimes I might link up elsewhere. I think I need a refresher on what link ups are out there actually!
I kind of fell into mine over a period of time. I always try to post Mondays, I do my mummy must have reviews on Tuesdays (if I have one for the week), my 52 weeks of memories photo challenge posts on Wednesdays and usually try to post Fridays as well. These are the days my blog generally has the most traffic anyway so it made more sense for me to post those days. On the occasional week I may miss a Monday post if I’ve been super busy, but I try to stick to the 4 posts per week. I have a one year old, go out with her all the time and also write for Mothers Joint magazine and am soon to be writing for Huffington Post and another writing gig that hasn’t been finalised yet. I honestly have no idea how I fit it in, but I love writing so I make it work. (A lot of nights I dont go to bed until midnight).
Wow Toni – you sound super busy with all your writing gigs as well as your blog and you have a 1 yr old! Awesome news that you’ll soon be writing for the Huffington Post – wow! I’m not surprised that you have a lot of nights where you’re up till around midnight. With a 1 year old I’m guessing there would be no sleeping in either. Lucky you love writing! Well done you!! 🙂 x
Been blogging forEVER and have never had a schedule. But that reflects my scattered brain!!
Hi Fiona! You must be an expert if you’ve been blogging forever. Must pick your scattered brains! 😉 x
I started out with a great schedule, but then I had a second child and was offered some great ongoing freelance work and the schedule just wasn’t possible, so I’ve just decided to keep things ticking over with one or two posts a week. Interestingly, the blog traffic has stayed the same, but my social media is so much better, which just goes to show this stuff really is about connection and people find ways to connect.
So true Bele – it’s all about connection. I need to work harder at that. I hope to get to some conferences in 2015 (eg Problogger) and start meeting more bloggers in real life and learning from those who know their stuff! Thanks for visiting! 🙂
I blog when I can now that I have a baby and two other cherubs to look after. There are certain days that I like to have a blog post up so that I can participate in blog link ups like IBOT on Tuesdays and Fridays with With Some Grace. Anything in between is a bonus. It’s a beautiful looking blog Min. You should be so proud and work out a schedule that suits you. x
That you even blog at all Bec is super amazing considering you have a new baby and little ones to look after. Links ups like IBOT and FYBF are great for connecting with other bloggers and getting yourself and your blog known in the blogosphere. Thanks so much for saying nice things about my new blog. I love how clean and fresh it is and it still has that beautiful *new* smell *sigh*!! I’m sure a schedule that works well for me will fall into place! 🙂 xo
Min, as you know I write for a living and if I could I would blog for a living but there are times when monetary issues come in to play. I have no doubt you’ll find that happen medium! xx
You still manage to blog alot Em and you know what – I reckon it won’t be long and you’ll be making money blogging. You’re doing really well! 😉 xo
5-7 times a week!!!! My god Min you must have been wonder woman!!!! I blog 3 times a week, Mondays and Wednesdays and then Fridays is our Fabulous Foodie Fridays link up party. That works for me (and I definitely don’t think I could do anymore!!!). Good luck with your photography business. xx
Hi Lucy – no not wonder woman – I was a crazy, disillusioned women who had no idea how difficult sustaining blogging that much would be! I soon learnt! Three times per week sounds perfect and thanks for the good luck for the photog business!! 😉 x
I’m new to blogging and have committed myself to blogging only once a week, every Tuesday. Working part time and raising a family I don’t have time for anymore. I don’t know how the daily bloggers manage it!
Hi there Ingrid – I think it’s fabulous that you’ve found what works for you! Working part-time and raising young kids is huge! Blogging once a week sounds perfect 🙂 x
I used to write all of my posts the night before and I thought that was working for me…until I made the commitment to publish a post a day for the month of October. I managed to get about a week ahead of where I needed to be and it felt so refreshing. Now I manage to bash out a couple of posts in one go and have managed to keep myself nearly 2 weeks ahead. I use the WP editorial calendar so that if a post that is more time pressured needs to be written, it’s easier to rearrange things. I’m publishing a post 6 days a week at the moment and it feels like a good place to be.
Hi Tegan – you just explained my new approach. Now I’m self-hosted I can have plug-ins and I had always wanted the WP editorial calendar and I now have it. I have posts scheduled for up to two weeks in advance but can move them around easily should I want to post something on the spur of the moment. I love it! You’re doing well to publish a post 6 days a week!! I’m sticking to 4 days per week for now 😉 xo
Love that Stephen Covey quote.
Not only do I think blogging every day is unrealistic, it’s just not sustainable. I set myself to blog at least twice a week and anything extra is a bonus.
It’s a great quote isn’t it! You have young twin boys Grace – twice a week is plenty! I’m amazing how you can manage that much! 😉 xo
I have found this post really helpful as well as all the great comments. I have been all over the place with my posting, I aim for two a week but have been struggling with a recent onslaught of visitors. I want to try and use the link ups to give me a deadline and they are such a great way to connect. Life will settle down a little soon, so you have motivated me to have a bit more of a routine and maybe try an editorial calender!
Thanks Beth – all the comments have been very helpful to me also! It’s very interesting to hear how others approach the frequency of blogging and also what link ups they partake in etc. The editorial calender is fabulous. I highly recommend it! 🙂 xo