BLOG SESSION: Balance & Organization

Image via Chapter Friday

In a world of chaos, sometimes it’s difficult to remember every detail of our lives. Whether you’re a professional blogger or blog as a hobby, balancing your social, work, and blogging life can be challenging. Below are a few tips that may help you blog at your pace.

Schedule: Editorial calendars have been suggested by many, but this tool deserves another spotlight. Keeping an editorial calendar can help you maintain a schedule. You can find a free calendar template online or just simply use a desk calendar to jot down your scheduled posts/photo shoots. I tend to use a template so I can make adjustments as needed (without a sea of crossed out words).

There may be times when you’re unable to be discipline. It’s okay! Things happen! But try to make an effort to stay on track if you want businesses and avid readers to take you seriously. I mean, you wouldn’t want your favorite weekly T.V. show to be aired at various times on different days every week, right? So try to apply the same stability to your platform.

Change is Good: When I first started NRJS, I felt pressured to blog every other day to keep up with others. I learned quickly that this schedule was not ideal for my lifestyle. If your current agenda conflicts with your social/work life, do not hesitate to change your schedule, especially if blogging is a hobby. So be consistent and post good content at a pace that suits you.

Let it Go: You may enjoy blogging, but unless this is your meal ticket, try not to consume most of your time behind the computer. It’s important to spend time with your family/friends, and make time for yourself. You’d be surprised how many ideas come to mind when you’re having fun.

Good Idea: As I’ve stated above, ideas can come when least expected. To minimize writer’s block, try keeping a pocket-size memo notebook near to jot down random ideas. Not a fan of writing the old-fashioned way? Just use your notes app on your phone.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week, and I thank you for making NRJS a part of your weekly read. See you next post!

XOXO,

July 14, 2015August 6, 2023 by No Rule, Just Style Tags: Blogger, Blogger Tips, fashion, Style Blogger, Writer 22 Comments

BLOG SESSION: Courtesy & Tips

Image via Milk & Pixels

Contact Me: There had been times when I wanted to reach out to a blogger, but there was no way to communicate with the blogger privately. Sometimes leaving a comment on a post is not the appropriate form of communication. There may be times when other bloggers or businesses would like to contact you. Even if you’re not looking for collaborations or business inquiries, you may miss out on opportunities you never anticipated. Maybe you didn’t get around to it, or it’s just not that big of a deal. Either way, why not add a contact form to your blog?

If you’re unable to include a contact form, find another way individuals can contact you directly. For instance, you can have individuals send a direct message on your Twitter page. If Twitter is not an option, have your email address visible on your blog or other social media platforms.

Schedule: Scheduling posts ahead of time can alleviate some of the stress in our hectic lives. If you don’t have the luxury of completing a post the day before it’s published, work on multiple posts at the same time (in advance). I usually have several articles completed two weeks ahead of time. If this schedule is not feasible, try one week ahead of the published date. Choose a specific day to dedicate your time for editing, writing, etc. For instance, Saturday or Sunday may be a day for you to get everything set up for the upcoming week.

If you’re unable to set aside an entire day, choose a specific time each day throughout the week. For instance, maybe you’re able to work on your post(s) 1 hour each day. Bottom line, create a schedule that works for your lifestyle and stick with it.

Give Credit: Using images on your blog that belongs to another individual should be linked back to the source. Imagine writing a dissertation and someone else taking credit for it. Not a good feeling, right? So why take credit for someone else’s creativity? Some bloggers allow their images to be used as long as you link the image back to their website. However, other bloggers may require permission. In this case, contact the image owner to avoid any violations of copyright laws.

The same rule applies when using an individual’s content. Plagiarizing is also an issue in the world of blogging. Stealing someone else’s work is not a form of flattery; it’s unethical. So do the research but add your spin on the topic of interest. In some cases, it may be wise to site your source(s). Source: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to WordPress by Susan Gunelius

Thanks for stopping by NRJS, and I’ll see you next post!

XOXO,

February 3, 2015August 6, 2023 by No Rule, Just Style Tags: Blogger Tips, Fashion Blog, style, Style Blogger 8 Comments