So, do you have a plan for your blog?
If you’re wondering why it’s important consider this:
Creating a plan for your blog means the difference between a blog you can be proud of and one you struggle to maintain.
Planning takes effort and it also takes practice. You don’t have to do it perfectly on the first day. You can’t.
Each day you create and use your plan, you will become more confident. Over time you will discover what works for you and what doesn’t. You will begin to see the fruit of your labor. Your efforts will pay off.
It may feel overwhelming to plan a blog. It’s one of the main reasons new bloggers fail. But it doesn’t have to be scary.
Take it one small chunk at a time. Don’t attempt to schedule the whole next year. At least not right now.
Instead, pull out your calendar. What do you NEED to accomplish this week? Don’t forget to add the things you WANT to accomplish to the list. And never add something you think you “SHOULD” do. That’s just a recipe for trouble and early burnout.
But, it is okay to combine your wants and your needs. When you do you’ll probably see that the things you thought were needs aren’t as pressing as first imagined.
Start with one week. When you feel confident with your plan, add another week, and then another.
Don’t forget to assess your progress at the end of each week. What did you do well? What needs more attention or to be tweaked? If you determine these things now you will set yourself up for more success in the future.
To grow a successful blog you need a plan. Your plan must be one that works for you. When you get this element right you will realize you’ve built a blog you can be proud of.
When you are proud of your blog, you want to plan more.
See the cycle here?
Consider these key steps for planning a blog you can be proud of:
Start small
Don’t go buy an expensive calendar and try to plan out your entire year in one sitting. One week at a time is the key. Use a pre-made planner, create your own, or use something you already have. Whatever you decide go slow and start small. Each step gets you closer to a blog you love.
I recommend this kit. It’s got all the pieces you need to become a savvy blogger, including some simple weekly goal-setting worksheets.
Assess your progress
You have to check your progress. Once a week is great because you have time to see what is gaining momentum and what is dead in the water. Make the necessary adjustments. Try again next week and see how it goes. Eventually, you will find your sweet spot.
I recommend tracking in Google Analytics. What? You say it makes your head spin? I’ve got the solution with my Google Analytics Starter Pack. You’ll be a pro in no time.
Learn to prioritize
Not everything is as pressing as you think it is. A task may seem important or difficult to accomplish until you put it next to the rest of your schedule. Give each task perspective by putting them next to each other. The most pressing needs will make themselves known immediately. Now plan accordingly.
Stick to YOUR plan
Your goals, priorities, and plans are exactly that, yours. They don’t belong to your husband, or your mom, or another blogger. Each element in your plan should be specific to your blog. Don’t let your competition, either real or perceived, hijack your plan.
Keep moving forward
A blog plan doesn’t go away after a week, or two weeks, or a month. It’s a long-term proposition. Treat it as such. Stay on course to see results. If you do, you will build a blog you can be proud of.
Growing a successful blog you can be proud of takes more than winging it. You need a plan. If you follow the steps above you will succeed.
Are you ready to plan a blog you can be proud of?
Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash
Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash
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