When I first started blogging I knew nothing about blogging or running a website. Luckily for me there were a lot experienced bloggers willing to share their help and advice. 18 months on and I have learnt so much. I am still learning.
There are some fantastic blogs and resources out there about blogging, and this is me throwing my hat into the ring!
Welcome to the first of a monthly feature where I will be sharing some blogging tips from both myself and some fellow bloggers. This month I am looking at organising your blogging.
1 List List Lists!
I love a to-do list. I am one of those people who will write something on a list that I have already done, just to be able to put a line through it and feel accomplished. Yes, it’s sad, but you are reading a post called blog geeks 😉
What I do dislike about lists is having to write the same thing over and over again. So I created these fab little personalised note pads through Vista Print. I have a weekly Blog list of the things I needs to do, a post edit list for when I am writing a post, and post promotion checklist. They keep me organised and I love the fact they have my logo on. They cost £5.99 each.
(This post is not endorsed by Vista Print, but I really wanted to show off my note pads).
2 Remember Your Ideas!
I keep all my ideas for blog posts in a little notebook. But suffering from mumnesia means if I don’t write it down straight away I will forget. Being that a lot of my blog inspiration comes when I am in the shower that is not always easy! If I’m out and about, or can’t get to my ideas notebook, I send myself a text message so I don’t forget. Sad blog geek fact #101: Some days I only receive text messages from myself!
3 Work Ahead
I try to work a month ahead with my posts. It’s not always easy but it means if one of the kids is ill, or life gets a bit crazy, I have some breathing space, because I know I have enough posts in the bank so to speak. I know this doesn’t work for everyone, but for me I just feel more organised and on top of things when my editorial calendar for the month is full. The only way I got to a situation where I was working ahead was to have two days of straight writing to get those posts in the bank. I then try to ensure that each week I write a new post and edit one of my drafts, to keep me ahead.
Things often change in the schedule, and I often posts in response to a news story or viral post that need to be published immediately, but overall working ahead helps me feel in control.
4 Have a Post Template
I have a draft post saved called ‘Template’. I copy and paste or clone this template whenever I start a new blog post. In the template is my footer that I use on all blog posts.
What you want to put in your footer is entirely up to you. I use it as a call to action, to encourage people to read other posts, subscribe or follow me on my social networks.
I have this footer saved as a template because it’s a great time saver to have it all there already, and it ensures I don’t forget any important links. It also keeps my blog looking consistent which I like.
5 Linky Organisation
I love linkys, but they are very time consuming. One of the things that used to take up so much of my time was copying and pasting the code for the badge into every post I was linking up.
As part of my post template I have this image on the footer of all my posts. It has clickable links on each badge which take you to the hosts site. No more copy and pasting code for every linky I join! That’s no to say I join in with all of these linkys every week, but I’m sure the hosts don’t mind a bit of advertising on my posts.
Although it probably took about an hour to create this image and the links, it was worth that time for for what it saves me on a daily basis. I update the image once a quarter.
There are 4 simple steps to creating a linky image:
- Decide which linkys you regularly link up to and save their badge images.
- Create your linky badges image and upload to your blog. I use PicMonkey to make mine.
- Upload your image to HTML Map Creator and begin adding the individual links to the badges. The website is really easy to use and self explanatory.
- Copy the code that the map creator gives you when complete into the HTML part of your template.
When starting a new post, you will either need to clone your template post with a duplicate post plug in, or copy the HTML text from your template into the HTML part of a new post.
I also have a Linky calendar on my pin-board so I know what is running each day. Again, I created this in PicMonkey.
6 Use Scheduling Tools
Purely because they are time saving. I have yet to find a scheduler that does everything I want it to do, I use a combination of Social Oomph and Tweet Deck for my twitter posts.
7 Plan Your Time
I work on my blog Monday – Friday, Some days it might just be an hour when the little one sleeps, other days it will be burning the midnight oil once the kids are in bed. But however you find the time plan your week in ahead so you know exactly what you need to do. Whether it’s writing, editing, blog admin, brand correspondence. If I know what I need to achieve each day it keeps me focused, and I get less distracted by the temptation of a theme change and constantly tweeking things on the blog and not actually achieving very much!
8 Have a Long Term To Do List
Having a long term to do list for things that aren’t urgent means you keep your weekly to do list focused on things that are time critical. If you find yourself ahead of the game and with some time to spare, choose something from your long term to do list to tackle. I did tell you I love lists didn’t I.
9 Have a Media Kit
And once you have created it, update it once a month with your vital stats. When brands contact you, you will have all your information in one place. I also have a template for a pitching e-mail which saves me lots of time when I am contacting brands and PR companies.
10 Subscribe to Blogs
Do you find that sometime you loose track of your favourite bloggers, or miss a post in your busy news feed? If there’s a blog you love, subscribe to it. For you, it means all the posts are in your inbox when you have time to read them, and for your favourite blogger, it builds their mailing list. Win Win. And on that note you can subscribe to my blog by filling in the subscription box at the bottom of this post 😉
Some Useful Posts From Some Brilliant Bloggers.
- Aby runs a weekly series called Blog Club on her blog You Baby Me Mummy. It’s a must read for any blogger. Aby has become my blogging guru and I have learnt so much from her. You can read her tips for organising your blog here.
- If you don’t know your linky from your elbow, then check out Becky’s post for the lowdown on her blog Cuddle Fairy.
- Amy from Mr & Mrs T Plus Three has a great post on what to include in your media kit. I found this really useful when creating mine.
- And finally, because this is all very serious it’s time for some light relief. if you are reading this post the chances are that you are probably a blog geek. Find out for sure with this quiz from Prabs at Absolutely Prabulous.
Having written this post I realised how much of a geek I am and I now feel the need to go and do something wild and spontaneous. You’ll find me in Paperchase buying a new notebook. 😉
Please let me know if there is a blog geek subject you would like some tips on.
Follow my Pintrest board for more blog geek tips.
Follow Life Love and Dirty Dishes’s board Blogging Tips on Pinterest.
If you like it then you should put a pin on it (Beyonce would) Pin this…
I absolutely love this post, I’m a complete sucker for lists! People I know hate it! haha
This post is really helpful! I’m also a geek so I’ll be printing this to place carefully in my folder 😉
Thank you for writing this
Hi Claire.
Just to say that I’ve finally got around to making my linky map and I followed your posts word for word. I love it and I’m so pleased that I managed as I’m useless at this stuff. Couldn’t have done it without your guide though so thank you so much!
Dawn x
No problem Dawn. Glad it was straightforward. It’s such a useful tool. 🙂
This is brilliantly helpful, so thank you very much. You’ve already answered one of my questions, which was how to make that box thingy with all the linky badges in – Fab! I also love all of you highly visual social media feed links – are they plug-ins? Gorgeous!
Thanks. Yes mostly plug ins.
I used to be organised, but too many holidays has meant that I am posts and posts behind! I underestimated how great it was being organised and ahead. Sigh. I need some more pretty notebooks!
Always full of great knowledge and tips. Those lists are amazing I am huge into list for sure. Thanks for sharing your tips on #ShareWithMe
Thanks Jenny. I love my lists!
This is really fab thank you so much I really need to get organised and I’ve been a bit slack recently with the pregnancy and everything. I use to post a week in advance and I’m desperately trying to get things in so that I can have posts publishing while I’ve got the new baby … So two days it is! Thank you for joining us at #BloggerClubUK hope to see you again this week xx
This was so helpful to me, thanks for sharing! #bloggerclubuk
What really useful tips! I have been using TweetDeck too, but need to move to something else to schedule other social media accounts. You’ve reminded me to look into that, so thank you! I also agree having a template is great for consistency and makes that bit of writing a post so much less stressful! I also have templates for certain posts like #wickedwednesdays and #mysundayphoto so that the badge and my links are there.
Looking forward to the rest in your series x #bloggerclubuk
I really like the link-up images, that’s gonna save me a lot of hassle every week. May I just say, the images in the first sidebar box under giveaways flashing is very distracting and a little painful – you might want to fiddle with the timing that they change a little. #bloggerclubuk
#10: Using Bloglovin is also a good way to keep updated on your favorite blogs. Wednesday is usually my “blog-reading day” where I visit it to catch up on everything.
#sharewithme
I used to use bloglovin, but I think subscribing by e-mail benefits the blogger you are following more.
Hi Claire, you’ve shared some excellent tips. I note blog post ideas on One Note on my phone, so I don’t forget them (I never knew you could send yourself a text!). I admire anyone who has posts drafted for those days when you need them. I do draft ideas, but I don’t think that I could sit and write more than the post that’s in my head.
Scheduling social media posts is a great time saver and spreads them out nicely. I use BlogLovin’ to keep track of my favourite blogs as I found that I rarely read blog posts I received by email. Now I’ve got a system it’s easy to stay on top of posts.
xx
I used bloglovin for a while but prefer getting e-mails. It’s so hard to stay on top of the blogs you love, it’s all about finding a system that works for you and fits in with your life. Thanks for commenting 🙂
I used bloglovin for a while but prefer getting e-mails. It’s so hard to stay on top of the blogs you love, it’s all about finding a system that works for you and fits in with your life. Thanks for commenting 🙂
So many useful tips, I hardly know where to start. I really LOVE your to-do-lists. I have been planning to create something like this for myself, but haven’t quite got round to it yet. You must be super organised to be planning a month in advance! I have a feeling I will be popping back to this post… alot! 🙂 #bloggerclubuk
Glad it’s helpful. I took a lot of work to get a month ahead but it really takes the pressure off if the kids are ill, or life throws you a curve ball!
This is so handy for someone just starting out – thank you! The only thing I do is have a document on my computer that contains a list of URLs for each of my posts, and which Linkys I’ve added them to. I will definitely be employing some of your tips too though now! 🙂
This is brilliant. How organised are you?? Serious inspiration. I’ve stuck this page in my favourites so I can come back to it when I have a day of blogging soon. #bloggerclubuk
This is just what I needed. Things are really picking up with my blog now and I need to get more organised! Thank you sooooooo much xx #BloggerClubUK
Ha ha, you and Prabs are total blog geeks. I feel like I am just dabbling when I read this! I am so disorganised and no-where near committed enough. You are my hero. PS the notepads are AMAZING!!!!!! #fridayfrolics
Some really great tips!! Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll definitely be using some of these!! 🙂
#TheList
Your welcome 🙂
Very very useful tips; especially for new bloggers like me. Thank you!
(I get how organising/ prioritising gets more work done. Otherwise I’m all over cyberspace!)
Cheers!
#TheList
Glad you found them useful 🙂
Very very useful tips; especially for new bloggers like me. Thank you!
(I get how organising/ prioritising gets more work done. Otherwise I’m all over cyberspace!)
Cheers!
Wow. I really need to start taking this more seriously! Maybe when I’m less damn tired! Thanks for the tips #thelist
As someone who can’t even organize her closet, I can really use some of these tips! I’d really like to grow my blog this year, and I feel like your list could help even the biggest procrastinator (me!). I’ve finally started joining in with linkys, and I really need to work on writing my ideas down! Thank you so so much for sharing <3 #TheList
Oh my word look at those notepads – I have major stationery envy now!! I love your tips, thank you, I’m always trying to find ways to get more organised and you’ve inspired me to try and get ahead more 🙂 x x #TheList
I run a business from home as well as my blog so I have to be super organised too! Love this post, totally appeals to the geek in me 🙂 #TheList
Really good tips. Reading your post has reminded me of some of the things I need to work on, as I gradually get back into blogging again. I need to jot down my ideas more and work better with my to-do lists.
By the way, do you know a post duplicator plug in that allows you to input new text into publicize before publishing? #CommentLuv
I use a duplicate post plug in to clone posts such as my Friday Frolics linky.
OMG this is seriously impressive organisational skills! Some great tips. I’m going to be pinning and following! The linky one is great, I’ve not joined in many lately because I’ve not had time but this is a great tip to speed things up! #TheList
Thank you for some brilliant tips in here! I’ll be using them. I’m a bit like you – I LOVE a list – I’ve always got one on the go. I don’t send text messages to myself but I do constantly write ideas down on the notepad section of my phone. I love the idea of working ahead on blogs – I did this last week whilst I was on holiday, but think it could be a good thing to do on a permanent basis. Thanks for sharing. #BrillBlogPosts x
I got a little bit too excited when I saw your personalised lists, these are brilliant! I too love a list and I am forever re-writing the same list, I might have to check these out. Some fab tips here, thank you for sharing x #The List
Amazing post Claire, you are crazy organised! I love your linky schedule board and those notepads are fab. I need to get organised, I use a diary to plan posts and that is about as far as I’ve got. I’m going to share this because it is super useful. Look forward to more geeky blog tips xx #thelist
Thanks. Glad you found it useful. I think I must have planned to take over the world in a previous life 😉
I love this post! Thanks for the advice, I am a big fan of lists too (though maybe not quite as much as you!) I also do that thing where you add something to the list just so you can tick it off – ooh the satisfaction, sad right ? 🙂 The school hols have kinda put a temporary stop on my blogging progress so I like the idea of having blogs lined up – next time! I’ve subscribed to your emails, which I rarely do but I like your style and am looking forward to reading your future posts – Thanks again! #brilliantblogposts
Thanks for subscribing. The holidays are really tough aren’t they.
Love this post – very helpful – i simply need to be more organised
Thanks for the tips! Popping by from #BrillBlogPosts
Thanks Cx
Wow – that’s awesome organisation and some great tips – I LOVE those vistaprint lists you have and thank you so much for the tip about HTML Map Creator – I wanted to do something like this recently and had no idea how to do it – now I do! Thank you so much for sharing Eb x
It’s quite simple to use. I’m hopeless with code and managed it!
Wow, haha I literally blog by the seat of my pants. I did have another blog which was more organised but I’ve started from scratch with this one anonymously so I should probably take some notes. Thanks for all the linky’s that is one thing I’m pretty on top of but agree it is time consuming! #BrilliantBlogPosts
Wow, haha I literally blog by the seat of my pants. I did have another blog which was more organised but I’ve started from scratch with this one anonymously so I should probably take some notes. Thanks for all the linky’s that is one thing I’m pretty on top of but agree it is time consuming! #BrilliantBlogPosts
….that’ll be “during the holidays”.
Ha ha, I forget, do you have a child at school? During the summer holidays i work six months in advance. It’s the only way to keep a blog going for an entire six weeks during hte holds. As for lists, yes, i keep many of them. #blogstorm
My eldest is at school. Holidays are hard to get stuff done. Really hard!
Great tips. I’m hopeless at organising my time and have no schedule at all lol
Fantastic tips and thanks for the mention but OH MY GOD. How organised are you?! Geez my eyes nearly fell out of their sockets. I have been wondering how you do it to be honest. Wow. Now, I think I may have to disown you. Need to buck up and get my act together. Fab post.
This is such a useful post! Chock full of great information for bloggers. Thanks so much for including my linky guide! x
Thanks Becky. That’s high praise coming from someone who writes such great blog tips. X
Good tips! I’ve been blogging on and off (mostly off) for the past five years and find time management the hardest bit. By the time I remember there was a linky, it’s already closed. I love the idea of using templates – might give that a blast later this evening!
That is some pretty mind blowing organisation and hats off to you! I thought I was organised but this really special. I feel inspired! Ooh and I want some notepad thingies. How cute are they?
I really fancy doing a linky footer too but wouldn’t have had a clue how to do it so thanks so much for this. I’m bookmarking this page!
Dawn x
Thanks Dawn. Not my usual post so I was a bit nervous. Especially as I am still learning so much about blogging. I’m glad you found it useful. I really love my notepads!
Wow you are so organised I’m not even half as organised as you I just write stuff and schedule a few tweets in if I remember! I think I need some checklists those are brilliant. Thanks ever so much for featuring my media kit I need to update it so this has reminded me! Fab post x
I love my notepads! I found your post so helpful when I created my media kit.
Good advice, Claire. In particular, having a blog template is a great tip. I’ve been doing exactly that for the past 18 months or so – it has all my social media buttons in the footer and so on. I also have a separate template where I keep useful bits of code that I occasionally reuse, such as how to create a ‘mailto’ click-thru that opens up a user’s mail software and pre-fills my email address – vital for me as I can never remember the actual code!
Thanks Tim. There’s so much to remember, a template helps me not to forget anything!
Fab post huni. Thanks so much for including me 🙂 xx
No problem. 🙂