It seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue nowadays and I get this question from my blog & biz coaching clients all the time:
“How can I be a successful blogger when I’ve got limited time to work on my blog because of family commitments / day job / the need to actually sleep? There’s just not enough time in one day!”
Do you ever feel like that? I was right there with you once upon a time.
Here’s the thing, though, no matter your particular situation or scenario, if you’ve ever asked a variation of that question, it’s not time you’re lacking… it’s strategy.
You have the time. The same 24 hours in a day that we all have.
Even if you have a day job, family commitments, and whatever else, you can be a successful blogger if you just focus on doing the things that actually matter.
The tasks that move your blog toward your big targets and have the biggest ROI (return on investment).
How do you do that?
You need an action-focused big picture blog strategy
Let me explain.
If you’re not sitting down to actually plan out your blog’s big picture or long-term targets, you’re not taking action towards something in particular on a regular basis.
If you don’t put a destination address in your GPS at the start of a cross-country road trip, you won’t get there, right? Right.
Blogging strategy works in much the same way. Strategy is really just a word, that can have scary connotations for some, that describes a way of doing things to move you forward toward your ultimate goals or targets.
It’s a master plan.
Struggling to be a productive blogger? It's not time you're lacking, it's STRATEGY! Click To Tweet
Ready to put one together for yourself?
Here’s what I want you to do:
1. Sit down and write out where you want to be in your blog 2 years from today. Your goals are going to vary widely depending on your niche and what stage you’re at in your blog but, if I may, I would suggest throwing in a few tangible numbers like social media reach, email subscribers, page views/mo, income/mo, etc… as well as any soft targets you have in mind.
2. Now, write out where you want to be in 1 year from today using the same criteria.
3. Repeat for 6 months from today.
4. Repeat for 3 months from today.
5. Review your timeline to be sure that everything is realistic and that each milestone is bringing you closer and closer to your 2-year target. Adjust as needed.
(We do this backward and start with the BIG targets so that you can maintain perspective & stay realistic.)
Constructing a blog strategy doesn't have to be scary! #yougotthis Click To Tweet
Now, sleep on it.
Wait, what?!
Yep, step away from it for at least 12 hours. Even better: leave it be for 24 hours before taking on the next steps. You want your brain to be able to marinate in your plan a bit. I’ve also found sleeping to be a wonderful way to gain clarity if something isn’t quite right.
6. Adjust again as needed.
7. Write out the actions that you’ll need to take each month over the next 90 days to hit your 3-month targets.
Use your big picture Blogging Strategy guide to create your weekly schedule or to-do list to ensure you’re always actively working toward your targets.
Hang your timeline somewhere you can see it when you blog to help keep you on track.
Repeat this exercise every 90 days. Set an appointment in your phone to remind you.
PSST…Want more detail on creating your big picture blog strategy?
My Big Picture Blog Strategy Workbook will guide you through step by step on breaking down your blog & biz targets to set yourself up for success. Plus, it’s free for now, just ’cause I like ya. Enter your info:
Voila! You now have a basic blog strategy.
See? Strategy doesn’t have to be scary.
Yes, there’s a whole lot more that goes into a robust blog strategy but at least you’ve now got the basics down.
Tell me in the comments: What actions are you going to take this month to get you closer to your targets?
Perfect strategy! This will help any newbie or expert grow their blog!
Perfect breakdown!
Love this! So many times I think we just need to stop and write out goals – for blogging and just about any goal we want to accomplish in life.
Great point, Ashley! Thanks for taking the time to swing by.
I’ve been meaning to do this and just not put in the time yet, thank you for that little extra push. The more strategic I’ve been in prepping our blog the more it seems to be coming along. And being someone who loves creating lists I know it’s something I can and should be doing.
Aha! Freaking amazing – I’ve been thinking ”I need a strategy” and this is whip-smart and do-able. Love the GPS analogy, too.
Thank you, Cynthia! If you have any questions along the way please feel free to reach out. Cheers!
Awesome post, Jenn!!!
Having a clear cut strategy makes the whole blogging process so much easier. There’s nothing as good as having a road map with a big X marking where exactly you’re meant to go.
As 2017 is drawing near, I’m definitely going to work on my strategy.
Thank youuuu! <3
Hey, Vicky! Thank you. Agreed- now is the time to start to work on the strategy for 2017! Thanks for stopping by!
I like the idea of the biggest goal first! It makes it easier to see that the little steps you’re making will accumulate into something bigger:)
Hi there, Sam! Absolutely, begin with the end in mind. Thanks for taking the time to comment today!
I love love love your action packed posts Jenn. This one especially with the “sleep on it” reminder!
Thanks, Lindsey! Haha, that recommendation of sleep on it comes from experience. When I become too “in my head” with a project, I always regret something! 🙂 Thanks for popping over!
Enjoyed the read, Jenn.
Sue
My pleasure, Sue! Thanks for stopping by!
An awesome resource! I look forward to using it.
This is so great! I’m getting started on this tonight. Thank you!
Happy to help, Cassie! Let me know how it goes.