Blogging can be a tough craft to master, especially when you’re trying to create a lasting routine- or you just want to make sure you’re spending a little more time on growing your site.
In my experience, at the centre of an effective blogging routine is knowing what you want and need from your blogging day- and knowing how to create an effective, productive system that works for you.
Everyone is different, so below I’ve come up with 6 steps you can follow to create a more effective blogging routine that works for you!
This post contains a few links to my own products. If you purchase a product, I earn a little commission to help me keep running my blog 🙂
1. Choose a time to start
I mentioned this in my post about being more productive during the mornings– but I really do think it’s an important part of creating an effective blogging routine! It’s not about starting early if you find that tricky, or about choosing the same time everyday. It’s about choosing your time, and sticking to it.
You can choose the time you want to start from day to day, and it doesn’t always have to be the same time everyday- especially if you’re fitting blogging around your work, studies, or childcare.
2. Take regular breaks
The secret to a more effective blogging routine is knowing when you need to take breaks. When it comes to blogging, you spend a lot of time talking to people online, or staring at a computer screen. Take regular breaks from your computer and phone, allow yourself to talk to your friends and family, and don’t forget to get outside whenever possible.
Blogger burn-out is very real- and it can lead to a lack of motivation if you don’t allow your mind and body to properly rest. If you want to learn a bit more about blogger burn-out, I really recommend reading Jenny’s post here.
3. Only timetable if it works for you
I see a lot of articles pushing the importance of timetabling your day- and deciding how you should manage each part of your week. If that works for you, that’s fantastic and I know there are some great apps out there that help you maintain a good work/life timetable.
However, I think it’s just as important to understand if timetabling doesn’t work for you! I like to create a vague to-do list, but I find it restrictive to completely timetable my day.
Obviously there will be some jobs you have to force yourself to do, but don’t feel like you have to create a solid, rigid timetable in order to effectively manage your time. Everyone is different.
4. Write whenever you can
This is a big one for me, and it’s been so helpful for fitting my freelance work around my job. I write whenever inspiration strikes- whether that’s just before bed, just before I run off to work, or in between time with my family.
If you’re like me and writing is your favourite thing about blogging- you need to write whenever inspiration strikes and enjoy your writing time.
If you’d like to understand a bit more about writing for your blog and social media, check out my new ebook ‘The Art of Blog Writing‘ all about coming up with blog ideas, writing posts, and creating great social media content!
5. Track your time
This is something I’ve started doing in April- and it’s a great way to create a more effective blogging routine. If you know what you’re spending time on and how much time you’re spending on it, you can create a lasting routine that helps you stick to more productive habits.
I’ve found that tracking my time also means I understand which tasks I need to focus on, and it should help me create a better routine in the coming weeks.
6. Know when you work best
One of the best things to do when you want to create a more effective routine is knowing what you want, and when you work the best. For example, I find it hard to get started with work straight away in the morning and so I prefer to start mid-morning, and then I do most of my blogging in the afternoons and evenings.
That’s just me, so make sure you know when you work best and create your blogging routine around this. There’s no point making yourself work during the evenings if you’ll be too tired, or forcing yourself to wake up super early if you know you’re more productive in the afternoons!
How do you create a blogging routine that works for you? What’s your favourite part of your blogging routine? Do you agree with my steps to a more effective blogging routine?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 
My day to day job has been getting in the way of my blogging schedule lately. I really need to set sometime aside each work to focus on writing content. I used to churn out around 2 posts per week, but now it’s more like 2 per month! Thanks for these tips, will definitely put them to use x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s okay though, any number of posts is still brilliant and it’s all about what you can manage around other commitments 🙂 thank you for sharing x
LikeLiked by 1 person
My big issue is just starting, I really need the structure of a time to start, but even though I know that, I still haven’t done anything about it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I’m the same, especially in the morning!
LikeLike
It’s so important to remember to take breaks when blogging, sometimes you get so stuck into it that you forget to take that much needed 5 minutes! But when I’m on a roll, I can’t seem to stop or don’t want to stop! Having a to do list also helps me to get tasks done in my blogging routine x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true! Yes I’m the same haha, you get so caught up and you end up losing a whole day to blogging without realising it- so breaks are so important to give your head a break 🙂 Thank you Lucy x
LikeLike
Yes! A post that I have been waiting for. I have been struggling these days to be hitting my keyboards and making it into one post. Figured that might have to do with my real fatigue with assignments and intern stuff. You are right that I just have to write whenever I can. Timetable might not be the best one to me, but to know when to blog and the amt of time I spend working on it seem necessary. Thanks for sharing this xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I agree that it’s so important to write when inspiration strikes- especially when you have other responsibilities and you don’t want to force yourself to write at a specific time. Thank you for sharing, good luck 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love these tips! I’m always trying to make the most of my time. I try to do some bits on my phone while I feed my baby and he naps on me I usually write blog posts when he’s gone to sleep at night for an hour as during the day he naps on me. Nightmare!
Corinne x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds great, it must be hard fitting it around him but it sounds like you’re managing your time very well- well done!
LikeLike
These are all great tips! I really need to start tracking better my time as I tend to spend more doing some things more than others and also as you said write when you’re inspired, it’s always the best moment and you’ll appreciate more what you write. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes I’m the same I need to know how much time I’m spending on various tasks because otherwise I’ll end up spending my time too sporadically x
LikeLike
Great article, thanks for sharing. I’m a natural procrastinator so easily spending time ‘faffing’ rather than being productive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 yes I’m the same haha x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never appreciated how important it is to take regular breaks until I was encouraged to in order to help my development and output. I went from a job where even going to the toilet was frowned upon to one where I’m encouraged to go for long walks when I’m stuck and sign off I’m not getting anywhere. Needless to say, my producitivity and happiness has sky rocketed!
Rosie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I think they really help output in the end, and it’s hard to take breaks sometimes when you’re trying to be productive! That sounds awful, I’m glad you’re somewhere more understanding now, you need happiness and relaxation in order to be truly productive x
LikeLike
These are some really great tips! I think it’s so important to write when you can and have some sort of timetable. What I love to do is have a to-do list each day of blogging tasks so I can work them around my job and other things x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I have a to-do list as well, and I work through it whenever I can during the day! Thank you x
LikeLike
I’m considering myself a full-time blogger now and I work from 8 am and take regular breaks in between. I don’t always write (maybe every 2 days) every day, I like to plan my tasks so I know which one to prioritize 😀 Thanks for sharing these tips, definitely helpful for new bloggers x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s brilliant- and very productive! I’ll have to try prioritising my tasks a little more too x
LikeLike
So true! These are the things to do to keep on blogging. Point no.2 & 3 are he most important for me. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve definitely been struggling to get to blogging when working around childcare, freelance work and cooking/cleaning/exercise/getting outside. So many things, so little time! I really like your idea about carving out time specifically for blogging and letting the type of day you’re going to have dictate what time you set aside. I should do this every day to insist I stick to my very minimal posting schedule (once a week). Thank you for the advice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That must be really tough- and there’s definitely other priorities 🙂 Yes I think that really works for me, and once a week sounds perfect- it’s whatever works for you x
LikeLike
I love the draft feature on WP because I can write for extended periods when it’s quiet in my home (like early morning) which helps. Thanks for the great tips!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I do the same thing, you can add to the draft whenever suits you 🙂 thank you x
LikeLike
Great posts! I love how you encourage people to find what works for them! A lot of the blogging routines that everyone recommends you follow, just don’t work for me. I found that the more I tried to force myself to stick to those routines, the less I got done. I had to find one that worked for me. Now I find I’m less stressed and more productive. Thanks for sharing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, that means a lot! Yes I am the same- creating a rigid timetable really doesn’t help me but it might help others and that’s okay 🙂 that’s brilliant I’m so glad you’ve found something that works x
LikeLike
These are some great tips. I need a schedule to keep me on track and it definitely helps to set aside a specific time each day for blogging. I agree, taking regular breaks is equally important. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! That’s great, I’m so glad that works for you 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful post with so much helpful information! I’m big into working in the mornings as well as I find it’s when my creative juices are flowing, and afternoon tasks are better suited for scheduling as it’s less creative driven! I love your tip about not blocking your time unless that works, when I first started I read so much about that and that was the key to success but it didn’t fully work for me so I’ve found a way to block some time but also have flexibility as needed. Thanks for writing this and sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! That’s great, I’m glad you’ve found the time that works for you- I think if flexibility works better for you then you have to respect that- and I’m the same! Thank you for your kind words x
LikeLike
These are great tips. It took me a while to creative a schedule around my job where I can get everything done. I always have a to do list on the go so that I know what tasks I need to do. It makes so much better use of my time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kelly 🙂 yes very true it can be hard to create a schedule that works around everything else!
LikeLike
These tips are so great! Timetabling when works best for you is so key – you need to make sure you’re not getting too overwhelmed! Thanks so much for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 yes that’s very true x
LikeLike
Burn out is very real, and it’s great to stay on top of it to avoid a lack of motivation 🙂 x
LikeLike
I just started timetabling my days and it has helped me so much! Loved the post, xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great! Thank you so much x
LikeLike
Some fab tips. I’ve got a pretty standard routine for most of my working days as it’s my job so I need to have some structure and discipline in place. Finding what works for you is so important!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that’s very true, discipline is so important 🙂
LikeLike
These are such good tips and I always just blog when my baby naps. Routines are currently out of the window!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a lovely idea x
LikeLike
Good tips. I’ve been trying to add at least one new post a week to my blog. However, sometimes I do more if my weekly motivation is high. It can be a tough balance when you’re working full-time and trying to post regular content too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 that’s fantastic, you have to do whatever works for you especially if you’re working full-time! Thank you for sharing x
LikeLike
These are all great tips. I don’t have a blogging routine as such, I just have a very long to do list and I try to get through as much as I can on my days off. These tips are super helpful and I will definitely be trying a few of them out hopefully I will be more productive and get more things ticked off my to do list.
Sarah | http://www.aspoonfulofvanilla.co.uk
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 Yes I’m the same, I try to come up with a to-do list that I work through when I can!
LikeLike
I’ve finally after 3 years of blogging, found a plan which works for me and I’m absolutely loving blogging now. I do little bits at a time and I’ve finally learnt not to put pressure on myself to get a blogpost done all in one go! Little & often is what works for me. These are such great tips! Thanks for sharing Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great, I’m glad you’ve found your rhythm! I agree, you have to take your time and do it when you can 🙂 Thank you so much x
LikeLike
I really needed this. I am trying to find a effective methods for my blogging but unable to stick to anything!
You are right -I write whenever I get the time, it has been an absolute lifesaver, when a inspiration strikes it’s good to write it down so you don’t forget!
Thank you for those tips -very helpful🧡 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it can be really tough! It’s so important to write when you feel inspired, I’m glad this post was helpful x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I allocate a different area of my blog for each day, so writing on a weekend, twitter on a monday etc. and set just a few tasks to keep in manageable
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh I love that idea, as I find it so hard to get distracted- and end up spending too long on one task! Love it, thank you for sharing x
LikeLike
Great post. My big issue is getting distracted and picking topics that appeal to people. I’m very new to the whole thing so I’m keen to attract readers, but feel a bit lost.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha yes distraction is such an issue for me too! I understand that, I recommend reaching out to other new bloggers on social media and blogging sites- knowing others were in the same position as me really helped me feel less lost 🙂 it’s all a learning curve, thank you
LikeLike
Having a routine and knowing when I’m productive definitely helps! I like to work a bit on the blog in the mornings before I start my job as it perks me up, and I’m also more productive in the mornings. Taking breaks is also definitely important! Great post x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, you have to understand your own habits! That’s a great idea, I work on my blog before work too x
LikeLike
Lovely tips, Eleanor! I currently am a full-time Content Creator so I don’t have a routine and currently do things when I can and take breaks when I want to but when I get a new full-time job, I’ll need to establish a schedule! Thanks so much for sharing xx
Lynn | https:/www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I agree, I think because I have more time on my hands I don’t need to be as scheduled- but I am very impressed by anyone who can manage blogging/creating and a full-time job! Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
These are some brilliant tips. I agree that we should do works best for us, and what might work for another person may not work for you. Thanks for sharing and feel free to read some of my recent blogs 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes that’s very true, you have to do what works for you 🙂
LikeLike
I think the most important point is only taking on work you actually have time for ontop of a job and having a social life. Regular blogging breaks should be normal! Thanks for sharing x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that’s very true, and I’m very bad for taking on too much on top of my job haha, for sure! Thank you x
LikeLike
So great suggestions. Number 2 and 3 are really important 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are good tips. They aren’t hard to follow. I also create a blogging plan and timetable for myself to keep me motivated. Good post! Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! That’s great that it works for you, I love using a to-do list but keeping my time flexible x
LikeLike
Hi, Thanks for the post. I too have to fit writing in between my job and family time. It can be tough. It’s also hard to take breaks with the time given, so I’m glad you were able to highlight that in this post. Great tips!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet that’s very hard, but breaks are so important I agree 🙂
LikeLike
I’m terrible for sticking to routines but generally I try to do commenting in the morning and then again before bed! Writing posts, I do same as you and write when inspiration strikes! I find blogging really depends on my mood, it’s such a social hobby so for me when I’m mentally drained I don’t always have the space for blogging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I try to do it in the morning too- and I think at night is something I’m going to introduce in the next few weeks! Yes I think it’s pointless to push myself to write when I’m not inspired x
LikeLike
Great post! Thank you for sharing! This is very helpful! and I will definitely try out some of these steps! I like to write or make notes when inspiration strikes and I also like doing blogging mid-morning time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes I agree, I always like to write my ideas down when inspiration strikes x
LikeLike