When I first started out, I thought posting every single day was the only way to be taken seriously as a blogger, can you imagine!
How misguided I was with that mindset. needless to say, It didn’t last long. For the first twelve months of my blogging journey, I was beyond fanatical about having a schedule and getting my blog posts up and published before 8 am, and on weekdays only.
“I thought I could get as many page views in as humanly possible in one day by publishing early in the mornings, I was so strict with myself”.
Looking back at the pressure I put myself under I can’t help but ask why? I mean really, who even notices what time or day our latest post goes up? I’m not one of those “big bloggers” where their readers/viewers are more expectant. I Follow lots of smaller bloggers as well, but I’m not sitting here tapping my watch thinking – oh, their post is late, or, so and so hasn’t published today – shock, horror. I do actually have a life! Saying that, I believe it’s a good thing to have some kind of blog schedule but if you can’t stick to it for whatever reason, then it shouldn’t have to be a problem.
I used to see other bloggers posting at all kinds of random times or days and think to myself – oh wow, you’re doing it all wrong but, little did I know.
There’s only one situation where I’ll get a post up and published on a specific day or time and that’s when I’ve promised a brand/PR. Other than that, I’m taking a more realistic and relaxed approach to blogging and it’s making me a lot happier.
“I publish my posts at a time which fits with me, if that means no particular schedule, then so be it”.
If that happens to be before 8 am or after 8 pm so be it. I try to keep to a basic schedule of Fridays and Sundays because that works for me, however, If I miss a day, I won’t lose sleep over it. I experimented with posting on the weekend around lunchtime as a trial to see how views were affected – Newsflash – they weren’t affected at all and if anything, improved. This is mainly because as my blog grows, posts are showing up more and more in organic searches and so even on days when I’m not “on it” I’m still getting views. I’m not as heavily reliant on social media to drive traffic to my blog as I was in the early days.
I always allow around four weeks to try new products so that gives me plenty of time to get the photos done and the copy written. Having loosened the time-constraint shackles, I’m actually enjoying blogging much more than I did before when I felt under pressure. I’m finding a more relaxed approach to my blog schedule is better all round.
“I plan on making the most of summer”
I’ve already decided I’m going to spend more time outside this season, instead of sitting in the house tapping away on my keyboard as I was last summer. I intend to make the most of the warmer months with my family and keep things in perspective.
Do you stick to a strict blogging schedule? I’d love to know your thoughts. Why not have a read of another of my blog maintenance tips.
I was posting constantly when I started blogging (7/8 times per month) but then I stopped and started posting once every 2 to 3 months (which wasn’t good at all) but ever since I started to get into a routine, I feel more relaxed and happier now. I only post once a week and it works perfectly for me. Also, like you I don’t expect social media to drive traffic to my blog! To be completely honest, I need to get back into Instagram and Twitter – I haven’t used those for ages lol! Great post as always xx
New Lune | http://new-lune.com
Author
I’m glad you agree, It’s so much better isn’t it! Personally I see the need for endless posts, I couldn’t be happy with rushed content. This was only a short one but I like to mix it up a bit! Thanks for stopping by lovely. X
Yes I agree, I don’t have a strict routine to blogging. I try to post at least once or twice a week
Author
Works best doesn’t it! x
I must admit it’s nice not knowing the exact time and day someone you follow posts then it’s always a unexpected surprise when you get the notification they have posted something! Xx
Author
This is true. The element of surprise is always a good thing! Xx
Loved reading this as always Samantha, I totally agree! When I first started blogging, I always stuck to a strict schedule but now I’ve realised that the world isn’t going to stop because my blog post isn’t up by 5pm for example so now I much prefer publishing posts around the same time each week but it can vary slightly and isn’t set in stone which makes me feel a lot more relaxed xxx
Author
I suppose we learn as we go along. Exactly what you said – the world isn’t going to stop if we miss a post so why stress over it! Xx
Couldn’t agree with this post more!! I was constantly scheduling and stressing about it. Now I try to do a big binge on tweet deck at he start if the month and schedule as and when! I have a stockpile of popular tweets and posts so that’s how we do! Amazing difference to my life!
Author
Thank you! I need to get into scheduling tweets, I’ll have to try Tweet Deck. Buffer didn’t work for me! Anything which takes the pressure off is great. X
Totally with you on this! Last year I was quite strict with myself on posting Monday – Friday but this year I’m being much more laid back about it. If I miss a day then I do, it really doesn’t matter, nothing’s going to happen if I don’t post! X
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Author
So true! It seems when we start out we just blog like crazy but as time goes by we realise it’s not necessary. Thanks for reading! X
I agree so much with your point about publishing at a time that fits you! I usually stick to posting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays but the time I post ends up changing a lot. I feel like it’s nice to have that basic sense of structure but to also be able to work on your own time! Great post!
Author
It’s just so much nicer, honestly I feel like a weight has been lifted! But, there needs to be a basic schedule like you say, not set in stone though. Glad we’re all in agreement! x
I tried to have a schedule but I’d get stressed out every time I didn’t post on the right day. So now I make sure I’m still around on social media and I post when my mind is fresh and positive ?
Author
I was the same, I used to get worked up and stressed when I hadn’t posted. Sounds like a plan you have there! x
I used to be so strict on myself with my blog. I’d post a minimum of once a day, and if I hadn’t, I’d feel like such a failer. Now, I post every other day, and if I have a day off, so what! Team relaxed all the way. xx
Brooke // http://www.brookeclarke.com
Author
It’s so true, we feel like a failure for not posting on schedule. I’m over all that! Glad you’re finding a way which works for you lovely and thanks for stopping by xx
I completely understand this feeling. I have worked to get a month in advance so I do not feel as much pressure so I can have a break and it won’t effect my site. I only post twice a week and that is hard enough.
Author
I agree, I try to get some draft posts completed too. Makes it much easier when you know there’s posts ready to go. I personally think two posts a week is plenty but it is hard to maintain. Thanks for reading x
I don’t blame you! After blogging for six years now, I’m doing the same. I post when I can, at what time I can. I’m a lot happier and it really takes the stress off.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Author
Six years! Wow that’s amazing. Do you find relaxing your schedule has affected anything negatively? x
I used to have a strict schedule but that takes the fun out of blogging for me. I generally try to post every second day but some weeks, I have more to chat about and some weeks less. I had a break for my holiday recently and then took an Easter break but am getting back into blogging again this week! xx
Beautylymin
Author
I definitely think it’s good to have time off for holidays etc. Every second day is good going! xx
I don’t personally understand the need for posting everyday unless each of your posts is sponsored….
Since i put in a lot of work into each post i feel that having a gap between each post means more have access to read it rather than just going to what is current. x
franklyflawless.com
Author
Definitely. I like to spend time on my content too so leaving time between posts allows for that. I think we’re all in agreement on this. Plus, as you say it gives readers the chance to find it before moving on to the next post! X
I’ve tried to relax my schedule too. I find it takes some of the fun out of it, when you’re more focused about having a post up ‘on time’, when most readers don’t know when your schedule is haha! Great post xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
Author
It really does take the fun out of it. I’m getting on much better with mine now. Glad you relaxed yours too! x
I was posting once a week last year and I even struggled doing that so this year I have relaxed it a little to every week if I can otherwise every 2 weeks but I am not going to beat myself up about it.
Author
Good for you, sometimes it’s a struggle as you say! x
I typically do try to stick to my blog schedule, but for me there’s always an exception and that’s that first off my mental health comes first, and also when I’m on a holiday overseas I typically won’t post for a while!
Julia // The Sunday Mode
Author
For sure, you have to put your health (and holidays) first!
Thanks for reading lovely x
I love this article! I’ve also relaxed my blogging schedule, a lot! And, I feel happier as well. I’d still like to get some schedule back as I started posting basically whenever I felt like it or found the time.
Author
It’s definitely the way forward. There’s no need to put ourselves under so much pressure! Glad to hear you feel happy doing the same. Thanks for reading x