After completely rebranding my blog and getting the inspiration to start blogging again, I was reminded of just how much work it takes to be a blogger. I'm known to be a type-A gal, so notebooks and to-do lists can be seen all over my desk. I thought it would be super fun to share how I organize my blogging life and ask other bloggers how they organize as well!
Personally, I organize my blog three different ways. I use Google calendar to mark the general post title each day. This is great for when I'm on-the-go and can quickly add or change blog posts for certain days. I have a large planner that I also use to write blog posts for each day along with a couple of notes to include in each post. This guarantees that I don't forget to include certain things in each post. Lastly, I have a notebook that I use to write down everything I need to know for blogging: in-depth blog post ideas, notes for blogger collaborations, blog to-do list, etc. This makes sure I never forget anything having to do with blogging! I also have an email specifically for blogging (see how to make your own here!). This helps me to keep track of emails from companies and other bloggers so they don't get mixed up with junk emails on my personal email.
If you're looking for some tips, feel free to use my idea above or check out what these fabulous bloggers have to give for advice!
“Each quarter, I print out a free printable calendar template for the upcoming three months. I use a bright colored pen and mark up holidays, major sales, and things going on in my personal life. From there, I start to plot out what posts will happen on each day. I write all of it out in erasable pen, and when I've completely finished writing a post and scheduled all of the social media to go with it, I highlight it off on the calendar. I keep my calendars folded up in a tiny gold and white striped notebook that I keep with me at all times. I keep a running list of post ideas in the notebook, so when I'm lacking inspiration, I have a list of ideas ready to go!” -Dana, Seersucker Sass
“I organize my blogging life by pre-planning all of my future blog posts on Google calendar and having different colors for published, draft, and idea posts. I also keep a running list of post ideas on Google doc. I always try to keep my email up to date and reply to emails ASAP!” -Katie, Chic in Carolina
“I try to write down blog ideas in the notes app on my phone whenever they come to me during the day. If I decide to schedule a post in advance or I am working with a company, I keep track of post dates in my Erin Condren Life Planner (along with every other detail of my life!).” -Sammy, Preptista
"I don’t organize my blogging life. Despite the fact that it can be conducive to some very hectic nights and frantic last minute posts, I just cannot find it in me to make an editorial calendar. I’ve learned that inspirations strikes when it does and that I need to capitalize on it when it does. I try to plan each week out to the best of my ability, but typically only do so in my head. If I do anything, it is make a giant to-do list and give myself a set time frame to complete it within. Self-discipline can go along way!" -Jamie, The Fashion Newcomer
"It all starts with my planner! I find it extremely helpful to map out what day I want to write/edit the post, what day I want to take pictures for it, and what day I actually want to post! Seeing as I'm really busy (especially during the summer), setting these deadlines for myself helps keep everything on track! In regards to managing social media for my blog, I make it a point to write down weekly goals in my planner, too (i.e. post once a day, gain xx many followers, etc.). This motivates me to ensure I'm growing my social media presence in addition to my blog! Finally, when writing about all of things related to my blog in my planner, I use a specific colored pen so as not to get confused with other things I need to accomplish. Being able to visualize how much time I need to spend on my blog by just looking at the one color is super helpful!" -Ciara, The Clumsy Clover
"To organize your blogging life, I think what's initially most important is just to understand what that means to you. I consider my "blogging life" to be a lot more than simply my blog and writing posts for a little spot on the corner of the internet. In fact, my blogging life is everything that isn't attached to my personal brand, or personal life. My blogging life includes Instagram posts, tweets, Pinterest, Snapchat, emails, working on design and HTML codes, creating graphics, researching, scheduling posts, shopping and budgeting, shooting photos, and so so much more. There's a lot of work that goes into my blog, and a lot of behind the scenes activity that I know all bloggers can relate to that isn't 100% visible to a reader but makes such a difference in the outcome of one's blog. When it comes to organizing everything I have to do to make my blog most successful, I would say creating to-do lists and managing calendars are the most important tools I use. I create and categorize lists of tasks that I aim to cross off each day to maintain my blog and the various platforms it stands by, and I find that managing and organizing calendars helps so much to make sure everything is done/scheduled/posted by the date it should be. Organizing my blog and my blogging life is complex and sometimes challenging, but I love doing it because I love to blog, which makes everything so worth it." -Frannie, The Blonde Prep
"Unlike a lot of bloggers I know, I'm not very good at keeping up with calendars and planners. What I do instead is stick to the "Notes" app on my iPhone. Whenever I have an idea for a post, I put it in my Notes. I have different notes for different categories - for example, I have one "note" labeled Fashion Posts, and another labeled Travel Tips. I also keep track of my posts in a separate note where I type in which posts I'll be writing for the week." -Caitlin, Your Typical Prep
"I'm the kind of person who loves the idea of living an organized life, but really has to stress and work to get myself together and check things off my to-do lists. Without planners, calendars, notebooks and bunches of lists my life would be absolute chaos. Not to mention my blog.. Oh goodness, what would my life be like without sticky notes, pens, colorful sharpies, and washi tape in it? My blog would be more all over the place than it already is, for sure! When I organize, I color code and underline the most important things I have to get done, and I cross out things as I finish them so as not to confuse myself when I'm looking back through the to-do's. Another way I make sure things get done for the blog is by listing them EVERYWHERE. I'll write to-do's on sticky notes so that everything I need to get done is BAM right there in my face!" -Cathleen, Classy Cathleen
“I’m a super organized person so when I started blogging I kept my blogging and personal life separated in two different planners. I found that this wasn’t the best way for me to balance the two because of all the other stuff I have to get done on any given day so I decided to have EVERYTHING in one planner! This might drive some people nuts, but it allows me to effectively plan out what I have to do each day. I also keep a smaller planner in my purse at all times since it’s annoying to have to lug around my regular planner, and I just keep the important stuff in it. Appointments, post deadlines, etc. I will use Google Calendars every once in a while when it comes to sharing my schedule with others, but I found that a physical planner works best for me!” -Rachel, Seashells & Sparkles
"I absolutely loving using a notebook to keep my ideas in and Google Calendar. I recently just tried Google Calendar and it has changed my life. I especially love the app you can get on your phone. It makes it so much easier to keep track of your posts. As for my notebook, I bring it everywhere with me. If I don't have my notebook, then I have a section in my notes app on my iPhone specifically for post ideas." -Sophia, California Belle Blog
How do you organize your blogging life?
