Let me guess. If you’re a blogger, your goals for 2020 are: to be more organized with your blog, create more consistent content, increase your following and page views, work with more brands or something of that nature? I’ve been blogging for 7 years next year, I’ve read enough “blogging goals for the New Year” posts to know what bloggers are striving for year after year.
And the best time to get your blog ready for the new year is now. You don’t want to get to January and be scrambling for blog post ideas and rushing to get last minute content out that isn’t your best work because you didn’t plan and prepare.
However I’d just like to add before we continue that if that’s your preferred method for blogging and it works for you, banging. But this post probably isn’t for you.
And I know you don’t need an entire new year to change things but I feel like a new year can certainly bring out the best in us. Heck, we’re going to be in an entirely new DECADE. If that doesn’t inspired you to get the roaring 20’s off to a good start, I don’t know what will.
So, you’re ready to take your blog to the NEXT LEVEL in 2020 but need a bit of a helping hand in laying the foundations? I got your back, baby. Here’s how to get your blog 2020 ready:
Set realistic goals
Yeah, I know, I’d love to have a 6 figure brand collaboration with Disney too but is that likely to happen this year? No. I cannot stress the importance of setting realistic goals enough. Dream big, yes. But dream realistically too. Use the SMART goals method to help: are your goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and can they be achieved within a realistic time frame?
When I come to set myself weekly, monthly or even yearly blogging goals, I always think of the different aspects of blogging to help break it down. Looking at the big picture can often seem overwhelming. How many followers would you like to gain this year? Which brands would you like to work with? Do you want to go self hosted?
Get clear on your vision
You’ve set your realistic goals which is fab. But you don’t just want to sit there until new year doing nothing with them. This is the part when I find manifestation comes in really handy and PLEASE BARE WITH ME before you click off this post rolling your eyes.
If you’re interested in how I use manifestation, I use all the techniques from Alyse Parker’s video here. But basically I like to envision my blog, my business and my life throughout the year and use manifestation techniques to solidify my vision. Which helps me get clear on what I really want.
Make a plan
You’ve set your goals and know exactly what you want now what? You sit back and wait for it to happen? Hell no. You make a PLAN SISTA. How are you going to hit those goals? HOW are you going to gain 5 thousands followers next year? Are you going to do the same things you’ve always done? (Answer: no).
Having goals is great but they’re just useless sentences if you don’t plan on acting upon them. If you goal is to work with brands for example, the things in your plan should include: getting your own domain, creating a media kit, learning how to pitch, setting your rates, signing up for outreach platforms, etc. etc.
Schedule blog content for January (and beyond)
This one is huge for me cos y’all know how much of a schedule fiend I am. I love, love, love having blog posts planned and scheduled in advance. It helps me plan out my months of content, get a good range of different types of posts AND it takes a whole lotta stress off your shoulders when you enter a new month (or year) and know everything’s ready to go.
Having a calendar, planner or spreadsheet to keep track of everything REALLY helps with this. Throughout 2019, I used this digital blog planner from Tea Party Beauty. It’s been a godsend. Obviously this isn’t helpful now we’re heading into 2020 but I’m hoping she’ll do another one for this year too.
Change anything you’re not happy with
If there’s anything you’re not happy with in regards to your blog, NOW is the time to change it. You don’t want to be heading into a new year with your goals, your plan, your content scheduled only to click on your blog and think “ugh”. All of that aside, being happy with how your blog looks and your content can do wonders to motivation.
Not happy with your blog banner? I’d recommend Type Gal Studio, who created my new one last year. Change up your theme if you’re not 100% with it. Not happy with your photography? Experiment with new presets and ways to take photos. Photography was a big one for me this year.
Get the boring stuff sorted
Ugh, I’m talking taxes, making sure you’re registered as self employed if you need to be, fixing your broken links, clearing out your emails – you know. All those things we HATE but know we have to do. They’re not doing to do themselves.
Do that thing you’ve been putting off starting
And finally, now is the time to DO THAT THING you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t got around to – for whatever reason. This might mean starting up a mailing list, creating an eBook of your area of expertise, investing in a blogging course or purchasing a new piece of equipment.
I know how easy it is to put these big, daunting things off. They seem too overwhelming and too difficult. But if it’s something that’s going to help you with your blog and help you progress further, they’re always well worth doing.
It is good to get a reminder of what we need to do to grow a blog. I always set goals etc and then I forget about them or just ignore them. It is all a learning curve!
It sure is! That’s what makes it so fun! x
I’m actually spending the next few days editing my blog and the things that I’m not happy with! I love the rest of the suggestions x
Yessss! x
What a great post, this is definitely me right now sitting here working to get sorted for 2020! I’m definitely looking to schedule more posts this new year, thank you for sharing this! xx
My Lovelier Days
Yesss for scheduling more posts!
I think my plan for 2020 is getting half finished posts written, like my holiday and charity walk, great tips thanks for sharing 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Best of luck!
Thank you for the tips! My blog has been pretty dry all month of December because life happened, but I’m excited to start planning content for 2020!
Me too – I’ve had an awful month for views haha!
I’m as unprepared as ever lol I hate being that way as with everything else in life I’m such a planner. My blog though? Nope, I’m a last minute gal. I want to make some changes in 2020 but I’m just not sure what those are ..yet. 🙂
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip || Latest Post
Oh no haha! Maybe you can implement some things you use in other areas into your blog x
It’ll be 2 years next year since I came back to blogging and I really want to start working on some goals! I’ve started loving the idea of envisioning what I want so this is brilliant! Thank you!
Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived
You’re welcome! You’ll smash it in 2020 xxx
I’ve been blogging off and on for ten years and can absolutely agree with this post! I just did a complete re-brand with my blog and really need to make it a priority this coming year. Thank you for all of the great recommendations!
A re-brand can help massively! x
Setting realistic goals is so important! I tried to be sensible about mine last year but still hadn’t really been blogging long enough to fully know what sensible looked like. But I’ve managed about two thirds of them so I guess I didn’t do too badly. I started planning my Veganuary 2020 content with my leftover ideas from Jan this year so for once I’m VERY prepared. Pinterest growth is my main blogging goal for next year so far but I haven’t sat down to do my full list yet! x
Sophie
Definitely not too bad at all!
I’ve not started planning for 2020 yet, but when I’m off work for Christmas, I definitely plan on getting lots done!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
That’s a great time to get loads of 2020 stuff done!
I’m really excited for 2020! I always try to set goals that are challenging, but still realistic. I got back into blogging properly this year, so next year I mostly want to grow my following, work on my photography and post more beauty content. Can’t wait to see what the next year brings!
Challenging but realistic is always good!
I need to start planning what I want with my blog for next year x
I’ve started with blog ideas for next year but that’s it so far x
I am so pumped for 2020!
I have spent the last month creating content, I have a years worth almost completely planned but with plenty of room for additional bits as and when.
My blog is going to be taking big steps next year, and just know that you have inspired that Jenny.
It’s all that BANGING content x x
That’s incredible, I’m so proud! I can’t wait to see your blog grow and grow. I’ve seen it thrive so much this year (in fact, I always make a point to check your page views when I go on your blog and I love seeing them go up and up!) so I know next year will be incredible for you x
Oh bless you! Thank you so much 💕💕
One thing I need to start doing now is to make girls for 2020. When I do, I always set realistic ones at first before beginning to think of the bigger, more extravagant goals! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Starting off with realistic goals is always a good idea 🙂 x
This is such a useful and helpfulpost for all bloggers. I’m going to spending all today planning and sorting my 2020 goals so this post came at a great time!
Alex xx
http://allthingsalexx.wordpress.com/
Go and smash it next year! x
Love this!
Will be setting aside time to schedule content and get my plans and goals written down!
Hope it helps ! x
I need to make some changes to my blog before the new year! Definitely!
Erin || MakeErinOver
Hope you manage to get them done! x
Thank you for sharing these tips – I want to really get things going with my blog in 2020, particularly in terms of working with brands so this has given me some inspiration on how to get organised with it all. I’m eager to get started! x
I’m so glad, good luck with it! x
As SOON as exams are done and term papers turned in, and the 19th of December is behind me (someone please tell me why my uni decided to go all the way up to Christmas???), I have so many plans to work on my blog and get it tidied. I want to work on the SEO of all my old blog posts that got transferred when I moved to WordPress & went self-hosted. That’s going to take ages, but I’m gonna make it happen! Definitely need to start planning & shooting content for January & beyond. I love your tips!! I’m gonna have to refer back to this post when I lose motivation 🙂
Ah you’ve got a busy December! Hope you manage to get everything you want done to your blog before the new year! x
I say I’m going to do most of this every year and then bam is January! I definitely need a day between Xmas & New year to get some bits sorted out xx
December definitely needs a few extra days! x
Having had a break from blogging and now just getting back into it, it’s fair to say that I’m feeling pretty inspired for next year. I’m doing okay on the planning and getting content sorted at the moment, but in terms of setting realistic goals, I’m definitely struggling on that one. Urgh, I need to really sit down and work on links as I know there is stuff that needs to be linked that I haven’t done yet and I keep putting it off. This is such a motivational post – definitely what I needed to read to keep myself focused on where I want to go, thanks!
So glad you found it helpful. I’m glad you’re feeling inspired for next year! x
So many helpful tips! I really need to start scheduling posts in advance, that’s my main goal next year!
Sammy // http://www.sammyetc.com
It helps massively! x
Love this Jenny! I definitely need to set some goals & get some sh*t done so thanks for the motivation xx
Thank you! x
These are some great advice to start the New year. My blog is still so new there is t much to change but I already got a plan for the first months of 2020 and I hope to have some cool content to share and grow with
Good luck with it! x
There are some really great tips here, Jenny. I don’t really set goals for myself for my blog. It’s just a fun thing I do to occupy myself in my free time. Thanks for sharing x
Goals definitely don’t work for everyone! x
I love that these tips are doable and I can actually imagine myself using them and it being attainable – manifestation is so real! I have lots of posts scheduled for January so I’m excited to see how the next year goes blogging wise. I also want to engage with more bloggers next year and take part in more tours etc. I’m so excited to see what next year holds for your blog Jenny – looking forward to reading more of your content and advice xx
Sounds like you’re ready for 2020! x
I’m definitely going to be doing a bit of an email clear out, admin overhaul before the new year! Great tips x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Definitely a good idea! x
I am not sure of a goal for my blog. I would like to do sponsor posts but they mostly want a self hosted blog for that. I will most likely just wait and see what happens
Yeah to work with brands, ideally you’ll need to have your own domain or be self hosted x
I love this action plan for 2020. I’m so excited for what the next year holds for me on my new blog and I’m feeling super motivated with your words of wisdom.
Kate | thelittlecrunch.co.uk xx
I’m so glad! x
Great information, Jenny! Thanks
Thank you x
I really need to start scheduling more posts in advance. I haven’t been on the top of my game towards the end of this year so it’s important I’m all prepped for Jan! I started this recently! This is a great post with some fab advice & I’ll definitely be taking the advice into 2020
It’s so easy to let things slide at the end of a year though! x
Honestly, I’ve been so unmotivated with my blog this past month as I just don’t have the time for it, unfortunately. I definitely need to give it a revamp for 2020 to bring back my passion and excitement – maybe a change of theme! 🙂
Soph – https://girlvsworldblog.com x
Ah that’s a shame, I hope you manage to bring your passion back! x
Ugh as a fellow organisation junkie, these posts make me so happy! I’ve pretty much done most of these, but need to get the tax thing sorted.
Jas xx
Hahah I’m so glad! x
I subscribed to Alyse Parker’s emails a while ago because I really like her content and videos! I’ll definitely check out the link you posted. As for 2020, I don’t have anything scheduled yet, and idk how I’m going to balance blogging with school (full time). This will be my biggest challenge for the new year, and pre-scheduling posts is really smart. I literally take it week by week and often get stressed out. And I didn’t plan for this unforeseen food poisoning/flu I’m currently dealing with. 😭😭
She’s just fab isn’t she! Get well soon too! x
Yessss Jenny!!! You’ve just given me the kick up the arse I NEED for 2020! As I just turned 30 the 2020s are going to be a huge decade for me and I’m determined to make them bigger and better than my 20s were. You’ve got me sat here making plans and getting everything sorted and for the first time in ages I’m genuinely EXCITED. Thank you thank you thank you! xxx
Yassss! I hope you manage it! I’m sure you will xxx
Love these tips! Smart goals are great, as is manifestation. I’ve got a hefty 2020 business planner to get stuck into and I can’t wait!
Oooh a business planner sounds right up my street! x
Check out The Design Trust – I just started using mine yesterday and it’s making me feel so inspired already!
This is an awesome list! I felt fulfilled throughout the period I was reading it. I’ve been away from my blog for nearly five months now, but I feel like I’ve finally found the zeal to resume blogging again. I plan to do this month.
Ever since I made this decision last week, I’ve been working on my blog, writing blog posts ahead of time, and tweaking things here and there in preparation for the new year. In fact, I’ve been doing basically everything you listed. So it feels good to know that I’m right on track.
I’m gonna take all of this on board and make sure my blog is ready for the new year! x
Glad to hear it! x
Great post, I’m living the inspiration! I definitely need to get a lot of the boring stuff out the way and finally get started on some projects!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Agree! Boring stuff first!x
Ah what a motivational post 🙂 I am definitely looking to work on my blog more and hopefully consider self-hosting 🙂 I totally agree that it’s also important to work on the boring bits as well every now and then 🙂 Great post!
Laura / https://www.laustworld.com/
It really is. Hope you manage to go self hosted! x
This is definitely gonna help me out!! I’ve always set goals but they’ve been unrealistic and so I’ve never achieved them!! Maybe this year I’ll hit the goals and do well!!
Ah realistic goals are the way forward! x
Great advice for the new year!
oliviakingree.com
Thank you x
This has motivated me to get setting myself some new goals for 2020! I feel so behind with everything on my blog at the moment with Christmas coming up so I need to set some time aside and just focus! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
It’s easy to let things slide this time of year x