How I Run My Blog While Working Full Time

It’s all about the balance…

I really love blogging. I don’t like sitting still, so when I’m not working at my full-time job, I’m plotting away about how to make my corner of the internet the best it can be. And while currently, blogs are not in the picture (when you compare it to Instagram), as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, I do believe blogs are making a comeback sometime in 2019. If the shutdown of Instagram we had a few weeks ago proved anything, it’s that I do believe it’s important to have a presence separate from a third-party platform. Which is why I put so much love and attention into my blog. However, the reality is, it’s a lot of work to run a blog while working full time.

It can be stressful but worth it. Winter is the hardest time. Now the light is staying longer and longer (sunsets at 9 pm are the dream!) I’m finding I’m able to get a bit of extra content making in the evenings after work. Along with this, I have a few more hints and tips on how I blog while working full time. It’s worth noting everyone’s situation is different. For context on what my typical working week looks like- I leave the house at 8:30 in the morning, and typically get home at either 6 pm or 7 pm (depending on if I go to the gym or not). I’m confident that my advice is flexible enough to fit into anyone’s working schedule. And with that in mind, here’s how I juggle the blog and working full-time…

KEEPING ORGANISED.

One thing I have found is that organisation is key. Particularly this week, I’ve got many collaborations I’m working on with brands. All who have particular requests and deadlines unique to them. I use different methods of keeping on top of everything. For me, I have my iCal that is linked to my husband’s calendar so he’s aware of when I’m at certain events so he’s not waiting for me before having tea (this happened way too many times in the past). I have my fabulous notebook from Paperchase which I got all my post ideas down in. In addition, it also carries my content plan for what’s coming up this month. I’m slowly moving this over to a more digital form with Google Sheets. However, even though I love a spreadsheet, I am an old-fashion girl at heart. Pen and paper work the best for me.

My top tip would be to try out different methods until you find something that fits your bests. Test until you have found perfection. One blogger’s method is not the same for another.

KEEP UP THE MOTIVATION AND PRODUCTIVITY.

Motivation is another key thing when it comes to running a blog and working full-time. As with anything, it’s a balance. If I’m truly not feeling it, I will not push myself. After all, this is not my full-time job. Yes, I make money off blogging, but that’s an added bonus, not a necessity. If you’re just not feeling it, then leave it. You’re content will reflect your lack of motivation, and as with anything in life, it’s quantity not quality.

However, when you are feeling it, run with it at with full force. Some of my best Sunday’s working is when my husband and I are blasting out photoshoot after photoshoot for Instagram.

Environment is another huge factor. If I have nothing planned on a Bank Holiday Monday (which I normally don’t as my husband has to work them) I will use this as an added bonus day to work on the blog. I will get myself to a coffee shop and do some laptop club. Also, I also love to try and get the squad together where I can do for laptop club. I have people to bounce off and there’s somewhat a ‘pressure’ not to waste the time and get the work done.

Read more: How to Promote a Post on Instagram.

FIND A ROUTINE THAT WORKS FOR YOU.

I’m very much a worker in the evening. I doubt I will ever be a person to wake up early enough to get up and do some blog work before I get ready for the day. Instagram is more than I can handle before my morning coffee. For me, I find that working on the weekends works the best for me. I can produce a lot of content on the weekend, and sit down and write post after post. I always know I’m in a good place if I have two posts done and schedule before Sunday evening. After work also works for me too. I find I can blast out a good hour or two of laptop time, getting some emails down, doing research and planning.

Also, I also find it helpful to take advantage of any added extra time I have. I usually get to work about half an hour before I need to start, so that’s when I’m usually answering my emails. So if you’ve got five minutes waiting for a friend to meet you for coffee, use that time to comment on peoples posts or questions.

BE HONEST WHEN WORKING WITH BRANDS.

As a Digital Marketing Exec, I can speak on this from both sides. There are certain things that I can’t do because I work full-time. So when I’m working on collabs, I’m upfront about time expectations and when I can do work. For example, if I’m getting sent packages, I usually pre-record my unboxings on the weekend so I can spread the content throughout the week. I also make the PR aware of what days I post on and when I expect the post to go live, usually giving myself 2-3 weeks gap to get the content produced and scheduled.

If you’re honest and upfront from the beginning, the PR will have no problem with your limits. I’ve had a very little backlash about it when I’ve managed expectations. As long as you keep them updated on what’s going on and when the posts have gone live on your blog or Instagram, they’ll be happy as pie.

What are your top tips for running your blog while working full-time?