You know the benefits of blogging.
Blogging generates leads and sales conversions by increasing traffic to your site, enhancing the perception of your expertise, and making your offerings more visible.
But. . . Blogging on a regular basis is very challenging, especially as we get busier.
How many times have you found yourself panicking because a blog post was due and you didn’t have anything ready?
Have you broken your commitment to regular blogging because you just can’t find time to write? Are you tired of stressing out about coming up with ideas for blog posts?
I’ve got some good news for you. There’s a way to make your ideas flow and get your blog posts completed on schedule.
5 Steps For Breaking Through Blogging Blockages
Step 1: Getting Really Honest
Get really honest and clear with yourself about what it’s going to take for you to get your blogs out on a regular basis.
Be realistic about how often you are going to post. What will your schedule allow? What’s best for your readers?
You don’t have to blog every day or even every week, but it’s important that your postings are consistent and frequent enough.
How much time do you need to create each article? What format works best for you?
Is it easier for you to create an outline and then write? Or do you prefer to decide on a topic and then let your creativity guide you?
Do you like finishing your article in one sitting or is it better when you create a draft and polish it off the next day?
Go with what feels right to you. Do you need to coordinate your blogging schedule with someone else?
Are you working with an editor and/or virtual assistant? If so, make sure that their schedules can accommodate your plan.
Hire an intern or virtual assistant to help you with certain aspects of the blogging process (e.g., formatting) if you’re struggling to get your posts out on a regular basis.
Having this kind of support makes you accountable for your part and pushes you to meet your deadline. It’s more effective than willpower.
Step 2: Scheduling
Marie Forleo is so right: “If it’s not scheduled, it’s not real.” You’ve got to set aside time in your schedule for blog content development.
A lot of my clients struggle because they feel like a system might limit their creativity. But the fact of the matter is that their creativity skyrockets once they establish a regular blogging habit. The habit trains your mind to get into the writing zone and gets those creative juices pumping!
Tricks for being creative on cue:
- Are you an owl or a lark? Larks need to set aside a block of time first thing in the morning (before checking their inboxes). Night owls should leave their creative work till much later in the day. Listen to your body to take advantage of the part of the day when your energy (and creativity) level is at its highest.
- Be prepared. It’s okay if you’re not into editorial calendars, but you still need to have a list of topics to choose from when starting to work on an article. Choose your topic the night or day before to let your creative juices start flowing.
- Seize the moment. Sometimes inspiration hits when we least expect it—when we’re exercising, taking a walk or vacuuming. Have a notebook handy or audio recorder to capture the idea. Have an extra minute? Sit down and write the entire article.
Want to earn some bonus points? Batch your writing.
Getting into the “writing mode” takes time. But once you are in the zone, you are good to go for a long time. Save on the “warm-up” and write more than one piece. You will feel a huge accomplishment and relief when you finish.
Step 3: Formatting
Formatting doesn’t have to be a time-consuming hassle.
The trick is to get very clear about every single thing you have to do besides writing the post itself.
This includes things like finding photographs and situating them properly, designing the layout, creating the meta descriptions, checking links, and making sure the post is SEO friendly.
My #1 suggestion is to record your screen and narrate the steps as you’re formatting one blog post. Demonstrate what you do as if you were training someone else.
Use software like Jing, Camtasia or ScreenFlow. You can even get your video transcribed and turn the steps into a checklist. Save it in Google Drive so it’s easily accessible and editable.
Now, formatting other blog posts will be much easier and you won’t waste time trying to remember how to do everything.
Want some even better news? You can now easily outsource the formatting!
Step 4: Sharing
Publishing your blog post is great, but now you need to share it!!!! I highly recommend creating a simple checklist that you can blast through each time your post goes live.
Here are some things to put on your list:
- Send an e-mail out to your list to notify them of the juicy details in your blog post.
- Create short messages about the post to share on your social media platforms.
- Tell people in your circles about your post and ask them to share it with their communities.
- Submit your article to an article directory or bookmarking site, in order to help new audiences discover your post.
Simplify the process by recording these instructions and then turning them into a checklist. To record your voice, you can use Google Play, Audacity or GarageBand.
You’ll no longer have to waste time with guessing—or trying to remember—what you’re supposed to do and can concentrate on your other projects.
Step 5: Put It All Together
Below is an example of how your new blogging system will look.
These five steps are guaranteed to blast through your blogging blockages. Once you optimize and document your process, you’ll fall in love with blogging and find it really easy to keep up with it.
