5 Ways to Make Time for Blogging

You've heard me talk about it before. And probably a lot of other people. To grow your business, you've got to connect. Connect with a lot of people. And blogging is one of the best ways to connect with a lot of people. Blogging is how you communicate to your tribe the problem they're facing, the options for solving it, and why you're the right option for them.

And, while you could outsource your blog, I highly recommend you try your best to do it yourself. The value in blogging, especially as a solopreneur or artist, is in bringing your authentic voice and wisdom to your people. A great writer might be able to fill out your outlines or basic topic ideas. But that writer won't be you.

But. You're busy. So what do you do?

Here are 5 ways to make time for blogging.

1. Schedule separate times for brainstorming topics and for writing.
   This way, you never find yourself staring at a blank screen, struggling to figure out what to write about. You'll just pick from your list and go.
   

2. Limit the amount of time you allow yourself to spend on any blog.
   The most common challenge I've helped new bloggers through is the desire to make every blog a perfect masterpiece for the ages. When you sit down to write, put yourself on the clock. An hour is a good place to start. But eventually, you might get yourself down to 30 minutes per piece.
   

3. Get yourself into the habit of logging ideas whenever they come to you.
   Inspiration can strike at any moment. Giving the kids a bath. Standing in line at the ATM. At a meeting. Whenever it strikes, give yourself license to log the idea. Carry a little notebook to jot ideas in. Track them in a notes app on your phone. Email them to yourself. Whatever works. It's just another way to ensure that when you sit down to write, you're free to just write. (PS: If you're trying to go to sleep but find the ideas are popping up, write them down. Don't tell yourself you'll remember them in the morning. You won't.)
   

4. Cut the fluff.
   How much time do you spend each day checking facebook, scanning twitter, or repeatedly checking your email, just because you don't feel like doing the thing you're meant to be doing...or because you've convinced yourself that you need just a five-minute mental vacation. Well. Put all those distractions together and you've got enough time to write a blog.
   

5. Figure out the time of day you're most able to write.
   Maybe the words tend to flow at 5am before the kids wake up. Maybe it's mid-day or the middle of the night. Blogging takes less time when you do it at the time of day when you're able to get into your flow.

Have you come up with more ideas to make time for blogging? Share them in the comments!