Hey Friends! How’s it goin?
After my rant on Wednesday, I was all set to get my life back on track and power through everything that was bogging me down.
Wanna know what actually happened? I went to the gym in the morning yesterday and it wiped me the eff out. It’s been so long since I worked out that hard. So instead of going to apartment viewings, answering comments or learning to use my friend’s DSLR, I just slept the day away.
It was a much needed break though, so I can’t complain. But, I know this weekend is gonna be productive. Why?
Blog StayCation
A couple weeks ago, I found out about a Blog StayCation hosted by a group of fellow SITS Girls. It’s basically a weekend-long event that is supposed to help bloggers finally get some stuff off our ever-long blog to-do lists.
There’s a Facebook group, a twitter list, Facebook and Twitter chats as well as a boat load of resources from our lovely hosts.
So, with all this support, I just know I’ll be able to finally get some things done around here 😀
My Blog To-Do List
1. Pre-Write Posts
To me, having pre-written posts just reeks of organization and put-togetherness (is that a word?). I started posting 2-3 times a week a couple weeks back and it’s been HARD. I invariably find myself writing posts at 10am the morning of (ahem, like this one) and then scrambling to promote.
So my biggest blogging goal for this week, is to pre-write some posts so I can have an easy-ish week next week. Even if I ONLY get this done, I’ll be a happy camper after this weekend.
2. Answer Comments
I used to pride myself on answering all the legit comments on my blog, because I honestly love talking to people I meet through blogging. But that when I was getting 10-15 comments on a post per week. Now that I’m posting and promoting more, I’ve been getting more comments. I’m not complaining, cuz – like I said – I love connecting with people through comments, but it’s kind of hard to keep up sometimes. So, I’m going to put aside a chunk of time to tackle comments and then start scheduling ‘Answer Comments’ into my day from now on.
3. Finish Re-Design
I don’t want to do another full blown redesign, but there are some finishing touches I never got around to putting on this design. Once I’ve gotten my posts pre-written and my comments answered, I’m hoping to tackle some HTML and CSS. Sounds like a good time, eh? I’m totally serious; this my idea of a great time…
4. Update Social Media
I mentioned on Wednesday that my social media accounts have been a little lacking lately. So this weekend, I’m going to be scheduling like crazy. There is so much advice out there on how to kill it on different social media platforms and I need to wade through it all and find what works for me.
Check me out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Google+ and tell me how I’m doin’!
5. Network
I’m in a variety of blogging and healthy living groups but I haven’t had much time to really meet and connect with anyone in a while. Connecting with like minded people is one of the things I LOVE about being a blogger but I haven’t been doing my part lately. So this weekend I’m going to join some conversations, Twitter parties or Google+ hangouts and fix that.
What about you?
What things do you have on your blog (or other) to do list this weekend? Are you taking part in the Blog Staycation? Any tips for pre-writing posts or rocking social media?
Share in the comments below!
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This post was added to the following linkups: Friday Features, #FFeatures, Fitness Friday, Friday Five, Weekly Wrap Up
Great list! We try to plan our posts well in advance, especially if it involves recipes or fashion, to allow time to photograph and edit the pics for the post. WordPress has a great calendar plug-in that allows you to see your month at a glance. I find that if I know what I’m going to post, I can bang out a few posts in one weekend, schedule them to publish, and I’m stress free!
Ree recently posted…Guest Post: How to Style Harem Pants for a Casual Look
First of all, I’m so excited that you’re joining us for the Blog Staycation! I’m also working on pre-scheduling some posts this weekend and can’t wait to see your updated media plan!
Julie @ Girl on the Move recently posted…Tour Through Blogland
Before I started blogging I had no idea how time consuming it would actually be! I feel so unorganized most of the time and that I’m doing just enough to squeak by, barely. I love to just sit down for a day and get a bunch knocked out, but I am mainly able to do it as I get the time. Oh well! Good luck on getting things crossed off your list! 🙂
Chelsea @ The Contented Wife recently posted…5 Things I Want to Do This Fall
This is excellent!! I think my biggest thing is pre writing my posts so I am less stressed. I know that its just a silly little blog but I always feel like a “bad parent” when I don’t touch it for a few days 🙁
http://neatly-packaged.com/
Nancy recently posted…Wicked Pinterest Wednesday: Paris themed Bachelorette Party!
not doing the Blog StayCation but what a great idea!! I’ve been traveling lately so haven’t had a chance to get through all of our Friday Five links but that’s my goal this weekend – to comment on all the posts and input some new blogs into my reader that I met at BlogFest!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Blogging Conference Love
Nice list! I use to have section on my blog on my “blog to do list” would be nice to do a little housekeeping/redesign this winter after training.
Hi, this is my first visit here I think. Cute blog! I feel that blogging is like Home ownership, there is always a to do list and you always find something else that needs to be done! (visiting from the Friday 5)
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…The Shoe Guide For Runners
That’s a lot to accomplish which I’m sure you’ll do! When you’re done with your to-do list how about working on mine 🙂
jill conyers recently posted…Fitness Friday {8-22-14}
Hi Giselle,
I totally agree with your to-do list. However, your blog is beautiful but I know we always want to tweak it. Have fun. I’m thinking I might just join in.
Thanks for the heads up.
Patti recently posted…It’s News to Me – Trends in Gardening
Hello Giselle, thank you for sharing your goals. I have some similar goals, I have to complete the redesign of my blog, I wanted to comment on more blogs and participate in a few decor forums. I think that it’s a great idea to complete a few blog posts ahead of time and just push them out as needed, this would help me during the week so I can focus on my other goals. great tips!
GlamistaHome recently posted…How I decorate my nightstand
Love your post. I’m new to blogging so your to do list actually helps me understand what I need to set as my priorities.
Michelle recently posted…Perimenopause symptoms equal HOLY HOT FLASH
Thanks for sharing! I’m relatively new to blogging, so I really learned a lot from your list. I never realized until I dived in just how much work goes into blog design (and re-design). But worth it! 🙂
Kimberly @ Thriftily Domestic recently posted…{Pinterest Picks} 8 Delicious Dinner Recipes
I do love goals- I have noticed that is a go ahead a start a few pre-writes it makes for an easy week (sometimes I forget things) On my list? I what to do a little blog re-design myself! Nice article!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…A positive attitude and the countdown is on!
I seriously need to focus on growing my list (Aweber gives me a headache and I don’t think I am doing it right) and also my Google Analytics-another brain stumper for me 🙁 Stopping by from the SITS Sharefest 🙂
Rebecca “Franticmommy” recently posted…A Mama Can Dream (My New Dream Vehicle): Toyota FJ Cruiser
Great ideas. I love the Blogging Staycation! What a cute idea. I actually plan to not travel on my breaks from work (I’m a teacher, I get a lot!) so I can work on my blog. It’s important to me!
I have to prewrite posts. I make sure I have photos edited and photoshopped with graphics, and I start drafts with the mechanical parts of the post (recipes, photos, headings, links). Then when I write my posts in the morning before work (I write them at 6 am 3 times a week!), all I am doing is adding a narrative. I’ve found this works best, because then the content is current to my life, but it’s fast enough to be able to do it in my busy schedule. But prewriting is a must, or I could never keep up!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Brownie Batter Overnight Chia and Oats + 5 Reasons to Eat Chocolate for Breakfast
What a great idea….can guys go on this staycation haha! I’m in the process of making changes to my own blog and it’s a whole new ball park- here’s to both of us coming out alive!
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Updates and all that jazz
I need to do all of these things… pre-write posts, reply to comments, figure out some design tweeks… I should take a blog staycation!
Cassie recently posted…Coconut Oil, Honey and Sea Salt Popcorn
I will be reading an ebook from byregina.tv on how to make an ebook, scheduling social media posts (I prefer buffer) and mapping out some ideas for my ebook. I also need to clean up a bunch of old posts!
Hi, really great effort. Everyone must read this article. Thanks for sharing.
Denver Nario recently posted…10 Ways To Reduce Tax Burden For Your Small Business
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