One of the best things I ever did for my blog was to create and editorial calendar. The next best thing I did was learn how to get ahead on posts and stay ahead. After years of late nights, last minute crappy photography, forgetting sponsored posts, and rushing to put something anything out there I wised up. Now its your turn. I have 3 tips for getting ahead with blog posts and STAYING ahead. At first it may take some work but guys it’s worth it!
Tip 1: Keep a List and Plan Ahead. I keep a running list on my phone and then add to my editorial calendar. I try to have about 2-3 months of post ideas at a time. Then if a sponsored post comes up I can easily work it in the week it needs to be posted. I believe in having a very loose editorial calendar because things always come up. This is also why I have an editorial calendar. If a post for one week doesn’t work out or needs to be moved you aren’t worried about what to post. You can easily look ahead and post something you planned to post the next week.
Tip 2: Start posts as you think of them. I try to start posts as soon as I think of them. Usually when I think of a post idea I also think of different facets of the post. If I start the post in a draft and even bullet point some items and add a photo or quote etc I feel good about coming back to it later. This way my initial thoughts are all there and I can elaborate when I have time.
Tip 3: Spend one day a week/weekend writing/finishing posts. I tend to spend either a few hours on both Saturday or Sunday or all day Sunday blogging. If my posts for that week are already done, I work on posts for the following week or start new posts and draft them. I work on photography on Sundays as well for any posts for that week or the next week. During the week I try to spend 1-2 hours a day working on content for the blog. Spending this kind of time on writing gives you the chance to not rush and feel far ahead on posts. Now it also may take some time away from other things. However, I feel like it’s worth it.
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Like I said, this will take some work at first and it takes time to get used to. Now these aren’t the only things you can do to stay ahead on blog posts but these 3 tips for getting ahead with blog posts will point you in the right direction and give you evenings back!
Do you have any tips for getting ahead with blog posts? Share below!
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I hope you found this post helpful! If you enjoyed these 3 tips for getting ahead with blog posts make sure to check out my other blog advice posts!
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I always write my posts in advance! Usually they are at least a few weeks in advance and when I get an idea I also have a running list on my phone! It is so much easier to plan than to right last minute posts
I really need to get this going! I schedule my posts in advance but I don’t necessarily write them ahead of time. Hopefully once this semester of grad school ends I can get a few written and start getting ahead.
These are great tips! I usually have a running list of ideas on my phone and some drafts stocked up. Last night though I ran out of drafts and felt too sick to write much…hence my ironic post today about minimalism. 🙂 Almost didn’t post at all today and that’d be the first time ever going off schedule! 🙁
An editorial calendar became a lifesaver for me to post regularly and not stress out over it! I love tip #2. I’ll have to be more diligent about that. I always write down the idea, but I don’t always write down some of the things that I thought of for that post idea. That would be helpful! 🙂
I am trying really hard to get ahead with my blog posts. I post a lot about my current day to day life, so I really struggle with planning ahead. Now, my book reviews? Easy. I write my post as soon as I finish the book while all of my thoughts on what I just read are fresh in my mind and those are super easy to plan in advance. I’m hoping that I can get some serious reading done this summer so I can have about a week or two of book reviews ready to go when I have baby #4.
This is so close to how I write my posts. I just write ideas in a little journal though instead of on my phone. And if I’m near a computer I start writing right away. Great post!
I was so good at this in the beginning. Now I have a list of things to write about but I don’t start writing them much in advance. I need to get back on it!
YES to all of these!! After being super ahead, I’ve been falling behind lately and it definitely stresses me out more during the week when i’m trying to finish up posts, re-arrange the schedule, etc, etc. When I put in a few good hours here or there to get ahead, I am SO thankful later!
Thanks for your tips! I’m struggling with the editorial calendar! I find it helpful to actually LOOK at the calendar! I do like your tip of starting the posts when you think about them. I will try that!
Great tips! I think it’s important to dedicate a day to writing and creating content so you can get ahead that way when life happens you already have content to pull from!
Start posts as soon as you think of them- YES I did this in fact this AM!! I wasn’t going to write today because I have a million things to do but an idea popped in my head and I wrote almost the whole blog post within 15 minutes because it just came out like word vomit!! = PRODUCTIVE (:
You would think that after a few years of blogging and managing a marketing team I would have my own editorial calendar – but I don’t and my blog totally suffers from it. It is my goal this year to be better at coming up with an editorial calendar for myself but we will see how it goes haha Thanks for the tips!
Planning in general is important, but planning ahead is great. I love the idea of starting to draft when you think about it. I usually start jotting notes in my phone, but should start typing up the blog post!
I love these tips! I recently started working full time and also do freelance writing so I’ve definitely fallen off of the ‘on-focus’ train because I feel like I have no time. Hopefully I can put some of this advice into motion. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips, I do these exact things. The minute I get an idea, in it goes to a draft. I like to stay ahead and have at least 3-5 posts scheduled in advance…even if I put in all the text and have to add in images. I try to take half a day and knock out a bunch of posts to be prepared.
I’ve really tried the writing my posts ahead on the weekends. Sometimes it helps me out and saves me time when I am busy during the week. I started to write out posts as I think of them too on my notepad in my phone which has helped out as well.
Thanks for the tips… so far I’m doing good by staying at least two posts ahead. Woo!
Very helpful! I’ve spent the last year posting very sporadic and random posts, rather than following any form of sequence, so I will definitely try and take these points on board for the future.! https://emmarosemurgey.wordpress.com/
xxx
Gonna get on the calendar thing asap! I’ve been really struggling to manage my blog with work and home stuff so I can’t wait to try your pointers out! Thanks a million! xxx
I REALLY need to start writing more blog posts in advance! I imagine I’ll feel so much more relaxed and organized that way. I’ve only every been able to get a few days ahead before falling behind again… Still you’ve inspired me to try a little harder!
These are great tips. I love your idea about starting the blog post as soon as you think of it and bullet pointing the main ideas. Too often, I’ll just jot down one sentence in my blog idea list on my phone and then when it comes time to write the post, I’ve completely forgotten how I wanted to approach the subject. I need to start utilizing that tip. Thanks for sharing!
So Much Yes! I’m a HUGE believer in planning and organizing pretty much everything in life (while still being spontaneous)! My editorial calendar has been so helpful for me that I can’t see how I went so long without it. I’ve found that planning and organizing tasks, helps you to clear your brain for clutter and makes you less stressed. I even have a goal planning worksheet. I write down my goals and it makes me stay accountable to them!
This was so helpful, I feel like I’m definitely always squeezing in something last minute so I’d like to get more organized. I like the idea of starting the post as soon as you get the idea so at least you have something down. Great tips! XO -Kim http://www.thethirtysomethinglife.com
I just started using an editorial calendar this week and HOLY COW I’m so less stressed! Thanks for the advice in this article. I started using Evernote as a place to keep my ideas, blog posts I’m working on, and shortcuts I want to keep track of- it’s really helping! 🙂
Keeping a planner with a blogging content schedule has been a game changer for me and my blog. Instead of having to sit down and think of something to blog about, I have it all planned out. I try to start drafts as soon as I think of them so it’s not an all at once, under pressure kinda thing but I do need to get better about taking one day a week to work on posts and pictures. Thanks for these great tips. I’ve already pinned this for future reference.
An editorial calendar seems to be essential these days! I ‘m thinking of investing in one for the blog!
My tips: I just wear something nice every day that I can, and photograph it really quickly after work. Then I can write about the outfits later that week/end. It works for me and that way I can remain authentic, which is important to me.
Starting a post when I think of it would be so much more helpful for me. I’m notorious for thinking “I don’t need to write this down, I’ll remember it” and then the next second I’ll forget everything!
I love these tips!! As much as I try I can’t seem to ever work ahead and get far enough ahead on my blog posts, love the idea of an editorial calendar!
I am not a planner at all. I write my ideas down in draft but never get around to finishing them until the night before I want to post them! I really need to set a day aside to finish them like you have. And the calender is a good idea too. There is just never any time but I know I need to make it so I’m not up until midnight writing!
Great tips! I started planning out my posts, but I really need to work on writing them ahead of time to avoid last minute crunch time probs. Thanks for sharing.
This is something I really need to get on the ball with. I tend to write my posts at least two days before I want to post them; but when things get busy, I often will forget sometimes. These are some awesome tips! I always try to keep a running list of ideas on my phone with a short blurb so that I always have choices on what I want to write about. Thanks for sharing!
I like the idea of getting most of the post writing done during the weekend. The weekdays are so packed full of things to do. I have started the practice of creating drafts on my phone when an idea pops in my head. It helps, since I always have my phone, but hardly ever have my blogging notebook.
Such great tips!! I have a running list of blog topics I want to write about. However I haven’t gotten to the point to where I have been able to write out weeks of posts ahead of time. I am hoping that I can get to that point.
I always find my blog flows better when I plan my posts ahead of time. I wish I could say I had mastered this skill, but I am still working on getting in the habit of getting stuff done ahead of time. I can tell that my content suffers when I wait till the last minute. I definitely like the idea of writing posts as they come. Thanks for the great advice!
Awesome tips! That was one of the first plug-ins I got when I made the switch to WordPress and I’m so happy I did. I love seeing all the posts laid out for the week and being able to drag and drop them wherever I want.
Great tips! I have been trying over the last few months to build an editorial calendar and stay ahead of my blog posts. I was sick of feeling rushed on Sunday night trying to have a post ready for Monday morning.
I need to start posts as soon as I think of them. I will always plug them into my editorial calendar, but won’t start them until a few days before I want them to go live, and then it ends up being a different day they go live!
Great tips! I really need to work on getting ahead on blog posts. I have great intentions starting at the beginning of the week, but then let other things get in the way. I love your idea of starting the post when you think of it – even if it’s bullet points. I’m going to start doing this!
I love this! I was so excited when I saw this post title because this is something I struggle with SO much especially when I’m swamped with well, everything! I always try and start posts as I get ideas or think of them too. I try and make any product collages that I use and finish any unfinished posts to schedule out on Fridays, blog post picture taking on Wednesdays – and that’s about as far as I’ve gotten with organization 😉 haha! Great tips!!
This is definitely something I needed to read. I keep a running list, but I think I would benefit the most from tip #2 — starting them as soon as I think of them.
I really enjoy spending one day a week on blogging. It makes me feel happy and productive! Side note: I just downloaded the sample pages from the Day Designer yesterday. I think it might be my next planner! Do you like it?
guilty. I have said since January that I am going to get ahead. I have literally 2 in advance and they are incomplete. My goal for May is to really get a bunch finished and waiting to publish. You have me motivated
This is so great! I am constantly behind with my blog and always finishing things last minute the night before. I’m trying to get better at it. Thanks for the help. Just found your blog on BPP. It’s amazing! Would love to have you join our link party! http://www.currentlykelsie.com/2016/04/the-alder-collective-link-party-26.html
Thanks Neely for these tips! I am constantly working on ways to improve how I formulate my content, and I’m hoping that I’m finally on the right track!
This is perfect! I have had such a hard time consistently posting recently. I need to get back into these habits. Thank you for the reminder! Now I have some work to do! haha!
Awesome tips! I definitely need to start posts when I think of them, I’ve so many post titles with no context, when it comes to actually writing them, I can’t remember where I was going with it or I no longer feel like it’s something I want to write about…There have been a few occasions though where I’ve ran out the shower and dove for a pen and paper , so I guess that’s progress? ;’)
I have well over 100 posts in my drafts folder. I always write stuff when I think of it.
I always write my posts in advance! Usually they are at least a few weeks in advance and when I get an idea I also have a running list on my phone! It is so much easier to plan than to right last minute posts
I really need to get this going! I schedule my posts in advance but I don’t necessarily write them ahead of time. Hopefully once this semester of grad school ends I can get a few written and start getting ahead.
These are great tips! I usually have a running list of ideas on my phone and some drafts stocked up. Last night though I ran out of drafts and felt too sick to write much…hence my ironic post today about minimalism. 🙂 Almost didn’t post at all today and that’d be the first time ever going off schedule! 🙁
An editorial calendar became a lifesaver for me to post regularly and not stress out over it! I love tip #2. I’ll have to be more diligent about that. I always write down the idea, but I don’t always write down some of the things that I thought of for that post idea. That would be helpful! 🙂
Great blogging tips! I use my Bullet Journal to write down ideas for posts. I save articles during the week for my weekly link love post using Pocket.
These are great tips! I’ve been struggling with keeping up my writing recently. Inspiration hasn’t been happening as much as it was this winte.r
I am trying really hard to get ahead with my blog posts. I post a lot about my current day to day life, so I really struggle with planning ahead. Now, my book reviews? Easy. I write my post as soon as I finish the book while all of my thoughts on what I just read are fresh in my mind and those are super easy to plan in advance. I’m hoping that I can get some serious reading done this summer so I can have about a week or two of book reviews ready to go when I have baby #4.
This is so close to how I write my posts. I just write ideas in a little journal though instead of on my phone. And if I’m near a computer I start writing right away. Great post!
I was so good at this in the beginning. Now I have a list of things to write about but I don’t start writing them much in advance. I need to get back on it!
Great advice! I am terrible about pre-doing blog posts. I just write when I feel like it, so sometimes my blog goes a whole week with out a post.
YES to all of these!! After being super ahead, I’ve been falling behind lately and it definitely stresses me out more during the week when i’m trying to finish up posts, re-arrange the schedule, etc, etc. When I put in a few good hours here or there to get ahead, I am SO thankful later!
Thanks for your tips! I’m struggling with the editorial calendar! I find it helpful to actually LOOK at the calendar! I do like your tip of starting the posts when you think about them. I will try that!
Thanks so much! (lovely blog, btw!)
I sit down and write each day. My goal is to write one or two posts a day and stay at least a couple days ahead.
Great tips! I think it’s important to dedicate a day to writing and creating content so you can get ahead that way when life happens you already have content to pull from!
Start posts as soon as you think of them- YES I did this in fact this AM!! I wasn’t going to write today because I have a million things to do but an idea popped in my head and I wrote almost the whole blog post within 15 minutes because it just came out like word vomit!! = PRODUCTIVE (:
You would think that after a few years of blogging and managing a marketing team I would have my own editorial calendar – but I don’t and my blog totally suffers from it. It is my goal this year to be better at coming up with an editorial calendar for myself but we will see how it goes haha Thanks for the tips!
Planning in general is important, but planning ahead is great. I love the idea of starting to draft when you think about it. I usually start jotting notes in my phone, but should start typing up the blog post!
I love these tips! I recently started working full time and also do freelance writing so I’ve definitely fallen off of the ‘on-focus’ train because I feel like I have no time. Hopefully I can put some of this advice into motion. Thanks for sharing!
These are great tips! I really need to work on being more than just one post or so ahead. Thanks 🙂
Great tips, I do these exact things. The minute I get an idea, in it goes to a draft. I like to stay ahead and have at least 3-5 posts scheduled in advance…even if I put in all the text and have to add in images. I try to take half a day and knock out a bunch of posts to be prepared.
I’ve really tried the writing my posts ahead on the weekends. Sometimes it helps me out and saves me time when I am busy during the week. I started to write out posts as I think of them too on my notepad in my phone which has helped out as well.
Thanks for the tips… so far I’m doing good by staying at least two posts ahead. Woo!
Very helpful! I’ve spent the last year posting very sporadic and random posts, rather than following any form of sequence, so I will definitely try and take these points on board for the future.!
https://emmarosemurgey.wordpress.com/
xxx
Gonna get on the calendar thing asap! I’ve been really struggling to manage my blog with work and home stuff so I can’t wait to try your pointers out! Thanks a million! xxx
I REALLY need to start writing more blog posts in advance! I imagine I’ll feel so much more relaxed and organized that way. I’ve only every been able to get a few days ahead before falling behind again… Still you’ve inspired me to try a little harder!
Nellwyn | http://www.thecardinalpress.com
These are great tips. I love your idea about starting the blog post as soon as you think of it and bullet pointing the main ideas. Too often, I’ll just jot down one sentence in my blog idea list on my phone and then when it comes time to write the post, I’ve completely forgotten how I wanted to approach the subject. I need to start utilizing that tip. Thanks for sharing!
So Much Yes! I’m a HUGE believer in planning and organizing pretty much everything in life (while still being spontaneous)! My editorial calendar has been so helpful for me that I can’t see how I went so long without it. I’ve found that planning and organizing tasks, helps you to clear your brain for clutter and makes you less stressed. I even have a goal planning worksheet. I write down my goals and it makes me stay accountable to them!
Awesome tips! I definitely need to get better about allocating time to my blog posts
This was so helpful, I feel like I’m definitely always squeezing in something last minute so I’d like to get more organized. I like the idea of starting the post as soon as you get the idea so at least you have something down. Great tips! XO -Kim
http://www.thethirtysomethinglife.com
I just started using an editorial calendar this week and HOLY COW I’m so less stressed! Thanks for the advice in this article. I started using Evernote as a place to keep my ideas, blog posts I’m working on, and shortcuts I want to keep track of- it’s really helping! 🙂
Keeping a planner with a blogging content schedule has been a game changer for me and my blog. Instead of having to sit down and think of something to blog about, I have it all planned out. I try to start drafts as soon as I think of them so it’s not an all at once, under pressure kinda thing but I do need to get better about taking one day a week to work on posts and pictures. Thanks for these great tips. I’ve already pinned this for future reference.
I love the tip for starting your posts as you think of them. I definitely find that having a few notes in my editorial calendar really helps.
An editorial calendar seems to be essential these days! I ‘m thinking of investing in one for the blog!
My tips: I just wear something nice every day that I can, and photograph it really quickly after work. Then I can write about the outfits later that week/end. It works for me and that way I can remain authentic, which is important to me.
Lisa
http://www.theeeverydayelevated.com
It makes such a difference when I plan ahead. Trying to stay on top of that but it can be tough! Great suggestions 🙂
Starting a post when I think of it would be so much more helpful for me. I’m notorious for thinking “I don’t need to write this down, I’ll remember it” and then the next second I’ll forget everything!
These are great tips! I’m always behind on posts and also tend to do things in a rush when a deadline is looming. Going to follow some of your advice!
I love these tips!! As much as I try I can’t seem to ever work ahead and get far enough ahead on my blog posts, love the idea of an editorial calendar!
This is a great way of doing things! I need to get better about scheduling posts.
I am not a planner at all. I write my ideas down in draft but never get around to finishing them until the night before I want to post them! I really need to set a day aside to finish them like you have. And the calender is a good idea too. There is just never any time but I know I need to make it so I’m not up until midnight writing!
Love the actionable steps! Thanks for sharing!
– Rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
Great tips! I started planning out my posts, but I really need to work on writing them ahead of time to avoid last minute crunch time probs. Thanks for sharing.
This is something I really need to get on the ball with. I tend to write my posts at least two days before I want to post them; but when things get busy, I often will forget sometimes. These are some awesome tips! I always try to keep a running list of ideas on my phone with a short blurb so that I always have choices on what I want to write about. Thanks for sharing!
I like the idea of getting most of the post writing done during the weekend. The weekdays are so packed full of things to do. I have started the practice of creating drafts on my phone when an idea pops in my head. It helps, since I always have my phone, but hardly ever have my blogging notebook.
I always try to get ahead on things but then get so busy! I need to get better about writing (or at least starting) some posts in advance!
I always keep an ideas list going to help give me time to think through ideas and work out an outline.
Such a great idea! It does help me to get ahead, I am not as stressed and feel like my content is better that way.
Such great tips!! I have a running list of blog topics I want to write about. However I haven’t gotten to the point to where I have been able to write out weeks of posts ahead of time. I am hoping that I can get to that point.
Girl. I can’t do it. I mean, I can, but I can’t. I am always finishing up at 10 pm the night before. I hate it 🙁 I don’t know how people think ahead.
I totally need your blog help too 🙂 we might need a blog/makeover date
I always find my blog flows better when I plan my posts ahead of time. I wish I could say I had mastered this skill, but I am still working on getting in the habit of getting stuff done ahead of time. I can tell that my content suffers when I wait till the last minute. I definitely like the idea of writing posts as they come. Thanks for the great advice!
#1 is so essential. I am always moving my calendar around haha.
xoxo, Jenny
Your method is a really good one. I have to shut my door, and turn off messages and email, etc. when I’m writing too. I need the focus.
Awesome tips! That was one of the first plug-ins I got when I made the switch to WordPress and I’m so happy I did. I love seeing all the posts laid out for the week and being able to drag and drop them wherever I want.
I have lots of partially written posts in draft. I have obligations to finish first though, so don’t get to the drafts as often as I’d like.
I’m so bad at scheduling posts that I don’t think I’ll ever be 2-3 months ahead! I think I’ll test out your ideas and see if I can get a month ahead!
Great tips! Thank you so much for sharing – always good to plan ahead!
Great tips! I have been trying over the last few months to build an editorial calendar and stay ahead of my blog posts. I was sick of feeling rushed on Sunday night trying to have a post ready for Monday morning.
I need to start posts as soon as I think of them. I will always plug them into my editorial calendar, but won’t start them until a few days before I want them to go live, and then it ends up being a different day they go live!
Great tips! I really need to work on getting ahead on blog posts. I have great intentions starting at the beginning of the week, but then let other things get in the way. I love your idea of starting the post when you think of it – even if it’s bullet points. I’m going to start doing this!
Awesome tips! I like the idea of planning ahead but also not filling up your schedule in case something comes up. Great advice! Thanks :))
I love this! I was so excited when I saw this post title because this is something I struggle with SO much especially when I’m swamped with well, everything! I always try and start posts as I get ideas or think of them too. I try and make any product collages that I use and finish any unfinished posts to schedule out on Fridays, blog post picture taking on Wednesdays – and that’s about as far as I’ve gotten with organization 😉 haha! Great tips!!
Now that I’m done with my blog design, I’ll have time again to write posts! It was so stressful to lose my get-ahead writing time!
This is definitely something I needed to read. I keep a running list, but I think I would benefit the most from tip #2 — starting them as soon as I think of them.
I really enjoy spending one day a week on blogging. It makes me feel happy and productive! Side note: I just downloaded the sample pages from the Day Designer yesterday. I think it might be my next planner! Do you like it?
guilty. I have said since January that I am going to get ahead. I have literally 2 in advance and they are incomplete. My goal for May is to really get a bunch finished and waiting to publish. You have me motivated
This is so great! I am constantly behind with my blog and always finishing things last minute the night before. I’m trying to get better at it. Thanks for the help. Just found your blog on BPP. It’s amazing! Would love to have you join our link party! http://www.currentlykelsie.com/2016/04/the-alder-collective-link-party-26.html
Thanks Neely for these tips! I am constantly working on ways to improve how I formulate my content, and I’m hoping that I’m finally on the right track!
I think we all have big ideas but follow through and follow up are where we lack initiative… having a check list helps
This is perfect! I have had such a hard time consistently posting recently. I need to get back into these habits. Thank you for the reminder! Now I have some work to do! haha!
I need to be better about this, I’ve been a last minute person lately but have so many ideas I want to execute!
Agreed! I am never short on what to write about. I keep a notebook and pen handy at all times for when I see anything that inspires me
Awesome tips! I definitely need to start posts when I think of them, I’ve so many post titles with no context, when it comes to actually writing them, I can’t remember where I was going with it or I no longer feel like it’s something I want to write about…There have been a few occasions though where I’ve ran out the shower and dove for a pen and paper , so I guess that’s progress? ;’)
These are all great tips!! Ever since I started scheduling my posts everything has been much easier! I love being ahead of the game! Less stress!
Great tips! Right now I am thankfully about 2 months ahead so as long as I keep writing the posts I have planned I will stay ahead! Fingers Crossed!
I’m trying to do this myself but I’m definitely having trouble. I need a plan of action and I need to follow it!