Aff links // Last year, I published a post talking about the lost art of blogging for fun. This post got QUITE a reaction, with a lot of people agreeing with what I was saying and also claiming that they need advice on that very topic. There not enough advice available for those who don’t want to turn their blog into a full-time job and because of that, I think we forget that that’s still a valid way to blog. I’m starting my advice today with some time management tips for hobby bloggers.
Photo by Tanya Trukyr on Unsplash
In that particular post, I mentioned I was going to start a series of blog posts for hobby bloggers with advice and tips on how you can grow and manage your blog without the added pressure of feeling like you *have* to make money or take it full-time. And I’m thrilled to bring you the first of those posts todays! And first up, we have…
Time management tips for hobby bloggers
I wanted to address this first because it’s something that crops up over and over again. How to manage your time when you DON’T have all the time in the world to spend on your blog. Most of us have additional responsibilities but if your blog is a hobby, then chances are you also have a full-time job outside of that. Potentially along with kids, pets, husbands, health issues – you name it.
With any hobby, it’s important to find a balance. If something is a hobby, then chances are there are other things that take up more of your time and more of your energy. And there will DEFINITELY be other things that take up more responsibility than your blog. You don’t have all the time in the day to work on your blog – but that’s okay.
Let’s look into some time management tips specifically for hobby bloggers (although almost anyone can take these on board!):
Understand what you want from your blog first
In order to manage your time effectively for your blog, you need to understand what it is you want or need from your blog first. With full-time bloggers, this is much easier to identify. But if you’re blogging as a hobby, it can definitely be a bit harder and take a little more time to decipher.
So I urge you to get clear on the vision you have for your blog and YES you can have a plan and a vision even if you’re not looking to make money or go full-time. What are your core values and how do they related to your blog and what you write about? Do you want to help people with a certain topic?
Don’t spread yourself too thin
Once you have your vision and you know exactly what you want from your blog, it’s time to start thinking about how to best execute that. Let’s not beat around the bush, blogging and all the additional “stuff” that comes with it takes up a LOT of time. Creating and scheduling pins, creating Instagram content, writing blog posts, replying to comments, being active on Twitter. It is a LOT. Especially if you don’t have all the time in the world.
So this is where you’ll need to have a think about your platforms and how they’re performing and think about how to best utilize those platforms for what you want to get out of your blog. You might want to dedicate all your time to your blog and ONE other platform and grow that one to a higher standard before moving on to the next.
The last thing you want to do is half-ass everything and not grow anywhere.
Know where your priorities lie
This point ties in nicely with the above. Once you’ve established your best platforms and methods for growth, you’ll want to evaluate where your priorities lie within those platforms. So whilst yes, you might BE on all platforms (Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram etc), you need to realise where your priorities lie and which platforms you’re going to be focusing on the most.
For example, if you’re blogging as a hobby and have no intention of ever applying for AD networks, such as Mediavine, then getting a HUGE amount of monthly blog views might NOT be a priority for you. So you can put that time and effort elsewhere.
Get mega organized to aid time management
Organization is keyyyyy. If you know me at all, you’ll know being organized is one of my favourite things in the world and I would literally just be laying in bed staring at my ceiling if I didn’t keep my life organized because I wouldn’t know what to do. So for those of y’all who are hobby bloggers and need some time management tips, this is a BIG one.
One amazing tool for organization, productivity and helping you to avoid procrastination that I would HIGHLY recommend is the Perfect Productivity eBook from Planning With Em.
Em is the Queen of productivity and her eBook covers the psychology of procrastination, tips on how to stop procrastinating and be more productive, how to avoid burn out, suggested apps AND additional printables for you to print out to help aid with your day to day productivity.
If you struggle with productivity, this is a great place to start. You can grab Perfect Productivity for just £8.99 here! Productivity is relevant to all areas of your life – not just blogging!
Use tools and resources to help make your life easier
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s absolutely okay to spend money on a blogging even if you’re a hobby blogger. Most hobbies cost. And blogging is no different. So this is where this point comes in. Don’t be afraid to invest in tools and resources to make your life EASIER (if you can, of course).
For tweet scheduling I’d highly recommend Buffer. They have an upgraded version which you can pay for which allows you to schedule a TON of tweets, which would be really helpful for those with limited time throughout the week. Bulk scheduling tweets saves a LOT of time.
I’d also recommend things like Pinterest templates. We all know how much time an effort Pinterest can take so having pre-made pins is SO helpful. I absolutely love this bundle from Amber at The Unpredicted Page and I use these templates regularly. Grab her 45 Pretty Pinterest Templates Kit for just £6.99 here!
Create a blogging schedule
This point won’t resonate with everyone because some people don’t like schedules and that’s fine but it’s something I would highly recommend, especially for hobby bloggers. The reason I’d suggest this is because having a schedule takes away a lot of thinking time. And knowing exactly what you’re posting and when saves a lot of hassle and makes your blogging life a lot more productive.
Schedule your content in advance
And continuing with this point, I’d also recommend scheduling your content in advance. I will suggest this until I’m blue in the face but my GOD it doesn’t half boost your organization and productivity tenfold.
This example above is a very basic schedule that you can create on a spreadsheet to help keep track of your schedule and blog posts. This looks very similar to my own schedule and I can tell you that it helps me stay SO organized with what I’m posting and when.
If you’re a hobby blogger, then I hope you found this blog post helpful in finding tips and strategies to help you manage your time more effectively!
Looking for some more blogging advice? Check out my eBooks here!
[…] organized can enable you to be more productive, have better time management, be more inspired and self motivated and generally experience less stress and burn-out in your […]
[…] links // Last month, I posted my first post in my new blogging for fun series, all about time management tips for hobby bloggers. I explained the need and want for this series in my post The Lost Art of Blogging for Fun, which I […]
This is so helpful and I like your point about not being afraid or unwilling to spend money on blogging.
Thank you (: yes that’s an important point!
I’m not exactly a hobby blogger, but I do enjoy reading blogs to learn and get different points of view. I enjoyed your article.
Thank you 🙂
Lost of information jenny. I totally loved reading this one.Thanks
I’m so glad!
Great first post to the series, I can’t wait to see what else you have up your sleeve. I really need to pull my finger out and get back into sitting down at the computer and writing/scheduling/reading posts.
Hayls | ashtoeva
Thank you 🙂 Second one is out too hope you enjoy!
Jenny, these are useful tips. Thank you for sharing them.
I’m particularly interested with Buffer. I’d love to give it a try one of these days. <3
Tina I http://www.totetallylegal.com
I see SO many posts aimed at full time bloggers and it’s made me so happy to see content aimed at hobby bloggers! Thank you for sharing your tips – World, Meet Dani
You’re welcome! 🙂 x
Thank you so much for this Jenny, id love to be a full-time blogger but at the moment my actual full time job pays my bills and blogging doesnt so it can be hard to find a balance! I love the idea of the spreadsheet to plan a blog schedule!
Thank you, glad this helped!
Having a schedule and sticking to it is so helpful! And I definitely think using the right tools can make life so much easier as well!
Katy | http://www.katystephenson.com
It really can!
Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips Jenny, as a hobby blogger myself I will be following this series with interest. I do already use buffer for scheduling but might consider upgrading now thanks again
Thank you! Glad you found these helpful!
Thanks for sharing, these tips, I find it hard to write blog posts sometimes so pacing myself is def. what I need 🙂
Hope these help!
Such a wonderful post, Jenny! I’ve always said that I’m a hobby blogger, but of course would be so happy if I happened to get lucky and start growing a lot. In any case, I want to be able to put more effort and time into blogging in 2021 and try to continue to find organic growth. This is such a great start to the series; I can’t wait to read the upcoming installments!! x
Thank you so much glad you found this helpful. Looking forward to seeing the growth this year! x
These are very helpful tips Jenny! I consider myself a hobby blogger (at the moment) and I do find that even though I have all the different socials, I do tend to concentrate and a select few rather than all of them. Organisation is definitely key, I am trying to be more organised this year, and I have found that having a schedule for when I post to be really helpful for me! x
Yesss glad you’ve found the benefits of a schedule!
These are great tips! Especially because I think most content about blogging is mostly marketed to bloggers who want to earn and make a career.
Lauren | https://www.wooloftheking.com/
I agree, it really is!
Need this, I’m in such a slump after Christmas – I haven’t started back at work yet because I just have no get up and go xx
Ah Alice I’m sorry to hear that x
My blog posts are always scheduled in advance, usually written 2-3 weeks in advance as well x
That’s great!
Post with good points 👍
Thank you x
Wow, Jenny! I’ve just read this whole post top to bottom and can’t believe how genuinely helpful it is. This may seem silly, but this is the first time I’ve genuinely felt SEEN and validated as I have a full time job and other priorities outside of blogging, so I can’t spend as much time on it as some people! Making a spreadsheet sounds like a fantastic idea too so I’ll definitely be doing that. Thank you so much for this helpful post <3 xxx
Oh my gosh Soph, I’m so glad you feel like that. That’s EXACTLY how I hoped it would come across. I can say the spreadsheet is a GAME CHANGER! xx
Time management is SO important regardless of what you are doing in life. The tips that you’ve shared here are not only going to help a lot of hobby bloggers, but they are also actionable tips that can be applied by full-time bloggers as they are figuring out where to best spend their time. I love that you mentioned social media platforms. There is so much pressure in many corners of the blogging world to be active everywhere, but it’s just not practical – no one has THAT much free time! Instead, we need to identify which platforms will benefit us best and use that time wisely.
I totally agree. I simply don’t have the time, patience or energy to focus on so many social platforms! I’m glad these tips are helpful 🙂 x
These are such great time management tips. Since I work full time too sometimes it is hard to find the time to work on my blog like I want to!
Thank you – hope you found them helpful! x
Thanks! Very helpful tips!
Thank you 🙂
Brilliant post and I look forward to this series! As a fellow hobby blogger it does sometimes feel like a big ball of stress when I work full time, try to have a social life (not so much at the moment), exercise and then blog! I think the main thing for me is trying to comment on others, but I try my best and will do so when I have a tiny bit of time. I agree with being organised though! I always like to have posts done in advance xx
Thank you. I have my next one scheduled for next month 🙂 I’m not a hobby blogger myself but I used to be and these were always helpful 🙂
Time management is a great thing to make into a habit! It is too easy to get roped into dawdling and then being horrified at how much time scrolling has taken up . . . I have a simple blogging schedule and a couple hours a day to get everything done. That is the balance that works for me. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
I agree! 🙂
Love these ideas, that spreadsheet looks like the perfect way to plan posts out, might have to try something similar but in my journal!xx
I would! The spreadsheet is a game-changer!
Some very helpful tips for anyone wanting to start a blog! Blog scheduling sure makes a huge difference
Thank you 🙂
I can relate to all of that and more. It feels that I am in a rat race trying to satisfy everything and everyone than me. My blog has been going for few years now but I am definitely strecthing myself too thin.
I hope these tips help you find a balance!
Oh I love this! I just started my blog and kept seeing everyone talk about how to monetise etc and I was sat thinking but what if I don’t want to? Can I not just blog for fun?! The bit about platforms was really good, I mostly use Twitter but am looking to set up a Pinterest account as a lot of people have said it’s good for blogging! But I absolutely loved this post and will be following your blog for more hobby tips 🥰
So glad you found this post then! Not everyone wants to monetize and that’s absolutely fine. Pinterest is definitely worth looking into!
Very well informative post, Jenny. As a hobby blogger, I agree with the points that you made. This one in particular, I harp on the most: “The last thing you want to do is half-ass everything and not grow anywhere.”
So many people mess this up! How is this concept so difficult for people to understand!? They want to be pros on every platform so they end up being mediocre or below average in everything as a result. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs focus on one thing (two things max) and ditch the rest. People who dominate YouTube for example, don’t usually dominate Facebook, podcasts, blogging, Twitter, SnapChat, e-mails inboxes etc. too.
I want to get good at establishing relationships on WordPress so that’s where you’ll find me. I’m not on social media – it eats up way too much time. One day, I might return to IG once I get better at WordPress. I still don’t have a domain name yet which is why I’m stuck with the free version. I haven’t exhausted the GB storage yet and plan to keep writing until I have to upgrade. Writing is important for my future job and it’s a skill I don’t want to lose.
Thank you. I agree, half assing things isn’t good for anyone, is it? Growing relationships on WordPress is a good idea.
Great post! I use buffer for tweets and facebook posts! This is super helpful for someone who blogs to get organized in their content and help them be successful! Thanks for sharing xo
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you 🙂 I love Buffer!
So, not gonna lie, I’ve read this post three times so far today! It is so useful! I’d never even considered stop trying to keep on top of all the platforms and just focus on what works for you, and definitely going to be changing that now and focusing that time on what actually has a benefit/I enjoy. Also, your thing about hobbies costing even if it’s blogging – I think you mentioned it in a previous post? – literally changed so much for me in regards to investing in platforms that actually help free up time. Can’t wait for the rest of the series, love this!
So glad you found this so helpful my love! Yesss absolutely hobbies can cost money, absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Excited to follow this series xx
Thank you 🙂
I’ve been blogging for quite a long time now and time management was always something I struggled with the most. When I first started I was going to high-school so I needed to focus more on school and now that I’m on my last year at university I always needed to balance both studying and publishing posts. Scheduling content in advance is something that saved me so many times but also something I should’ve done much more.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
I can imagine it’d be so hard to run a blog whilst in school or college. I admire anyone that does or has!
I’ve been so excited for this new series of yours, Jenny. I started out as a hobby blogger although it’s now turned into a part-time job (I know, I’m very lucky) but time management is something I really struggle with, especially with working in the morning and now homeschooling again too. Love these tips, thank you so much! xx
I don’t know how you juggle it all tbh Lisa. You’re a rockstar!
Such a helpful post…I think you covered just about everything! Thank you! 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂
I loved this post! Thank you for the tips Jenny. Can’t wait to read the rest in the series too!
Kayleigh x
https://hazelnutmusings.co.uk/
Thank you lovely! x
Some great advice Jenny!
I use a excel spreadsheet to keep more organised with posts, ads/sponsors etc.
Emma | http://www.lifeofemmax.co.uk
Thank you 🙂 Love a spreadsheet!
As I told you in your previous post, I’m a bit in between a hobby blogger and wanting to do it professionally someday, I’ll see when the opportunity opens up. These tips therefore really fit with my schedule next to my fulltime job, so thanks for sharing!
That’s great that these tips fit in with your lifestyle currently so much!
Great tips! Think I might start a spread sheet, I have a little plan written down with weekly goals but spreadsheet looks more appealing 😊
A spreadsheet is great – it’ll change yo life!
Honestly, these are fantastic tips, whether you blog as a hobby or as a business. I can definitely take away inspiration from this, even though I blog as a career. I appreciate you putting the thought and effort into this post.
Thank you lovely 🙂
I absolutely love this idea Jenny! I currently blog half as a hobby, and I’ve also started building it into something more. I absolutely love blogging as a hobby, and I think these are some excellent tips if you are managing blogging with other important responsibilities. Thank you for sharing x
Thank you lovely. Glad you found these helpful!
These are some really helpful tips. I think being organised is so important, especially if you are a hobby blogger, because you never want it to feel like a chore.
Absolutely! Organization can help so much with that!
A really great post Jenny and one with so many tips that I need to start implementing. I’ve been a hobby blogger for years but really want to challenge myself and push it further if I can. I definitely need to get into the habit of scheduling more in advance too and not just planning.
Thank you. If you need any advice on blogging as a job etc, let me know!
Scheduling content in advance and having weekly priorities helps me stay on top of things & be organized.
Time management is the hardest skill to learn because it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in a day, but this post truly helps.
Thank you Jenny.
I totally agree! Too much to do so little time.
This is so helpful! I swear by a blogging schedule. I love having everything in order and knowing exactly when each post is being published and when I need to plan for future content! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
I totally agree! I’d be LOST without my spreadsheet!
I sometimes schedule in advance but I don’t always succeed in doing that 🙂
You should make that a priority!
Time management tips have given me a wonderful ideas. I will take the benefits out of the tips. Thank you for such post.
You’re welcome!
Thank you for putting this list together, Jenny!
It’s so important to schedule and plan ahead if you don’t have much time on hand! Planning can be such a life saver.
Totally agree it will be a lifesaver for you!
Really useful tips here Jenny, I loved reading this! I think it’s so important to have a schedule if you’re blogging as a hobby and put the time in when you’re able to xx
Thank you 🙂 Totally agree! x
I love to try and be organised, I’ve used a spreadsheet schedule for years x
Same don’t know what I’d do without it!
Thank you for sharing these tips, Jen! Planning and scheduling my contents is something that I like to do every day! I use notion and google sheets for both 😀 feel so organized and productive when I can keep on track my to-do list x
That’s amazing to hear!
Jenny, thank you so much for putting this post together. I found it so helpful, I’m a hobby blogger for the timebeing as I have a full-time job, but since lockdown I’ve had a lot more time on my hands to concentrate on blogging more. Thanks once again!
That’s great! If you need any advice you know where to find me!
Great advice Jenny. My blog at the moment is a hobby and sometimes I feel like I’m to busy to create another post but your planner idea is a great help.
It will really help, I promise!
Brilliant advice Jenny. I am again facing the difficulty of home working and home schooling and my blog feels like it is slipping away from me.
I am using my spreadhseet and a bullet journal to keep my plans in one place and that has helped. I use the scheduler on twitter for my posts now and you can do so many at a time and I have found that really helps.
This is a great series and I am looking forward to more valuable advice that will hopefully give me a regular kick up the bum! I am far too hard on myself x x
Thanks lovely. I love the Twitter scheduler as well, so handy!
What amazing tips! I use Tweet Deck to schedule tweets and I have to admit that it’s my least favourite task, but it really helps and it’s one less thing you have to focus on xx
Haha I hate it too, such a boring task!
This is so useful, thank you! I try to prewrite at least a week in advance and have the rest of the month planned, as I have to balance uni as well. I’ve never thought of making an excel schedule sheet but it looks really good so maybe I’ll do that when I find some spare time…
I’ve never really thought to spend money on blogging (apart from a host) but your right, playing the piano is a hobby that you pay to have lessons for so why shouldn’t I buy an ebook or two to help me blog.
Thank you for sharing this 🙂 xx
Caroline |https://envirolineblog.com/
I totally agree! I’d definitely consider investing in some eBooks there are some amazing ones out there!
Scheduling is something I need to start doing. As I work from home (carer and author) it’s easy to forget the blog and, while it is a hobby, I do want to grow it. That means learning to set time aside for it.
Misa’s Place
You definitely should! Scheduling will be a game changer for you!
Love these tips!
Scheduling in advance is so handy – I’m not so good at keeping up with it but it makes such a difference. It’s easier for me to sit and bash out four or five blog posts at once when I’m on a roll than to stop and start.
One of mine is to have a time to switch off. Blogging is my week-day hobby and I try to stay out of inbox over the weekend.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
I’m the same when I’m on a roll, I love writing loads of posts!
Great post and really useful, thanks 😀
Thank you 🙂
A blogging schedule is a huge help! I couldn’t believe I didn’t start using one sooner after a year or so of blogging. It keeps me focused but also allows me to plan content ahead of time and be organised. You are right when you say organisation is key! It really is, it takes away the pressure and allows you to run the blog in a much enjoyable way rather than it becoming a chore. Thank you for sharing these tips Jenny.
I agree, less pressure equals more fun! 🙂
I have been terrible at spreading myself too thin in the last few weeks and my goodness, it has taken its toll.
I was trying to be everything for everyone and actually, nothing was really getting done. It was very frustrating but it had to stop.
As of January 1st, I’ve been segmenting each job, assigning it a day and not beating myself up if it doesn’t go to plan!
Rosie
https://www.loverosiee.co.uk
Ah well at least you’ve learned now! 🙂
Great article and super helpful for anyone who is starting this beautiful activity! Thanks for sharing and am looking forward to your future blogs.
Thank you 🙂