21 Time Management Tips for Part-Time Bloggers: Making the Most of Limited Hours
Balancing your passion for blogging with the demands of everyday life can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. The feeling of not having enough hours in a day is real, especially as a part-time blogger with a full-time job and other commitments.
The key to success lies in understanding proper time management. By implementing smart strategies and productivity hacks, you can make the most of your limited blogging hours and still see significant growth.
In this post, we’ll dive into 21 actionable tips to help you efficiently manage your time and consistently work towards your blogging goals, even as a part-time blogger.
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Mindset and Goal Setting
Before diving into specific time management tips, laying a solid foundation with the right mindset and clear goals is crucial. Here’s how to get started.
1. Clarify your blogging goals and align them with your overall priorities
What do you want to achieve with your blog? Is it to share your passion, build a personal brand, or generate income? It’s important you take some time to reflect on your “why”. Next is to craft and write down your specific, measurable goals. Ensure these goals align with your other priorities, like family, career, and personal well-being.
For example, if your goal is to increase your blog traffic, set a target like “Reach 10,000 monthly pageviews within the next 6 months.” This clarity will guide your actions and help you stay motivated.
I have a whole section on the blog here all about goals and goal setting. Feel free to dive into these blog posts, but I invite you to start with this one: Unveiling 10 Astonishing Benefits of Goal Setting
2. Embrace the part-time nature of your blog and set realistic expectations
As a part-time blogger, it’s essential to have realistic expectations. You simply don’t have the same amount of time as full-time bloggers, and that’s okay. Embrace the journey and focus on consistent, steady progress rather than comparing yourself to others. As my blogging coach would say, “Put your blinders on and keep going.”
Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. With your achievable goals clear and a way to celebrate small wins along the way, you’ll maintain a positive outlook and avoid burnout.
3. Develop a growth mindset and view time management as a skill to learn
When it comes to succeeding as a part-time blogger, adopting a growth mindset can be incredibly helpful. A growth mindset is all about believing in your own potential to learn, improve, and overcome obstacles. It’s about seeing time management not as some innate ability that you either have or don’t have, but as a skill that you can develop and strengthen over time, just like any other.
One way to cultivate a growth mindset is by finding resources that can help you improve your time management and productivity skills. This might look like reading books or blogs on the topic, listening to podcasts, or even taking an online course. The key is to approach these resources with an open mind and a willingness to experiment.
Actionable Tip: Set aside time for goal setting at the beginning of each month or quarter. Break down your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps and prioritize them based on their impact and urgency.
By aligning your mindset and goals, you’ll create a strong foundation for effective time management. Consistency is key, and with the right strategies in place, you can make significant progress on your blogging journey, even as a part-timer.
Planning and Scheduling
With a solid mindset and clear goals in place, it’s time to focus on planning and scheduling your blogging tasks. As a part-time blogger, making the most of your limited time is essential. Here’s how to create a system that works for you.
4. Create a consistent blogging routine that fits your lifestyle and schedule
One of the most important time management tips for part-time bloggers is to establish a consistent blogging routine. Look at your current schedule and identify pockets of time you can dedicate to blogging. Whether it’s early mornings, lunch breaks, or weekends, find a rhythm that works for you.
For example, you might set aside an hour each weekday morning for writing and two hours on Sundays for editing and scheduling posts. Consistency is key, so aim to stick to your routine as much as possible.
I have a friend who has a fantastic, “fun” blog, a young family, and a teaching job. She wakes up early, gets an hour in before work, uses her lunch break for blogging tasks, and stays up after her family has gone to bed to work on her blogging business. How does she keep going? By taking lots of naps! I love how she makes it work for her and her family.
The most important thing is to aim for consistency, whatever that looks like for you. When you’re able to establish a regular blogging routine, it can help you build momentum, stay on track, and make steady progress toward your goals, even if you’re only able to dedicate a few hours a week to your blog.
5. Use time blocking to dedicate focused work sessions for writing and other blogging tasks
Time blocking is a powerful technique for maximizing productivity. It involves dividing your day into dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks. By focusing on one task at a time, you can minimize distractions and make significant progress.
Start by listing out your essential blogging tasks, such as writing, editing, social media promotion, and email outreach. Then, assign each task to a specific time block in your calendar. Be sure to include breaks and buffer time for unexpected tasks or emergencies.
Of course, everyone’s approach to time blocking will look a little different. The key is to experiment and find a system that works well for you and your unique needs and preferences. With a little trial and error, you may find that time blocking is the right approach for you when it comes to planning and scheduling.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article might include affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission without any extra cost to you when you buy something through these links. It helps me continue creating useful blog posts for you. Thank you!
6. Plan your content in advance with an editorial calendar
For part-time bloggers, an editorial calendar can be a valuable tool. By planning your content in advance, you can ensure a steady flow of posts and reduce the stress of last-minute scrambling.
Take time each month to brainstorm post ideas, research keywords, and outline your content. Use a spreadsheet, calendar app, or content planning tool to map out your posts and set deadlines for each stage of the process.
I like to use Asana for this in combination with Airtable. In Airtable, I have my blog post ideas, a list of keywords to use in upcoming blog posts, and my list of published blog posts. Once I have my blog post ideas, I put them in the calendar view in Asana, to further manage them from there.
Get my FREE Ultimate Blogging Checklist
There are so many moving parts in creating a well-planned, researched, engaging, and optimized post that it’s easy to forget one or two steps.
But this checklist makes that process a lot easier!
7. Schedule non-negotiable blogging time and treat it like any other important appointment
To make your blogging routine stick, treat your scheduled blogging time as non-negotiable. Just as you wouldn’t skip a doctor’s appointment or important meeting, prioritize your blogging commitments.
Communicate your blogging schedule to family and friends, so they understand and respect your dedicated work time. If possible, find a quiet space free from distractions and let others know when you’re in “do not disturb” mode.
I have such a sign on my door. When I’m in the zone of writing blog posts, I want my family to leave me alone. So I have the “Busy Bee… buzzz off” side turned at writing times. When it’s ok for them to come in, I have the “Queen Bee… come in and worship” side showing. It’s just a fun little sign I bought on vacation once but it’s a nice way to communicate with the family.
Actionable Tip: Experiment with different planning and scheduling methods until you find a system that works for you. Don’t be afraid to adjust your routine as needed to maintain a healthy balance between blogging and other responsibilities.
By implementing these planning and scheduling strategies, you’ll create a solid framework for balancing your part-time blogging pursuits with your other commitments.
Prioritization and Focus
Now that you have a solid planning and scheduling system in place, it’s time to focus on prioritization and maintaining focus. As a part-time blogger, it’s essential to make the most of your limited time by focusing on the tasks that will have the greatest impact on your blog’s growth and success. I’m going to share with you 4 ways how to prioritize and stay on track.
8. Prioritize high-impact tasks that drive traffic, revenue, or growth
Not all blogging tasks are created equal. Some activities, like creating new content, optimizing for SEO, and promoting your posts, will have a more significant impact on your blog’s growth than others.
Make a list of your blogging tasks and rank them based on their potential impact. Focus on the top tasks that will help you reach your goals faster, such as writing epic content, guest posting on high-traffic sites, or creating a lead magnet to grow your email list.
I do this by writing all my goals for the month down and giving them a color-coded asterisk for “must-do”, “should-do”, and “stretch-todo”. That way, I know which tasks are most important, and I start the month working on my “must-do” tasks first. Knowing these tasks are taken care of, I can further continue working on my other tasks providing there is time.
9. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to identify urgent vs. important tasks
The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple but powerful tool for prioritizing tasks based on their urgency and importance. Divide your tasks into four categories:
- Urgent and important (Urgent and important tasks that need to be done right away)
- Important but not urgent (Important tasks that aren’t necessarily urgent but still need to be scheduled and completed)
- Urgent but not important (Urgent tasks that aren’t actually that important and could potentially be delegated or minimized)
- Neither urgent nor important (Tasks that are neither urgent nor important and could potentially be eliminated altogether)
By focusing on tasks in the first two categories, you’ll ensure that you’re making progress on your most critical blogging activities while minimizing time spent on less essential tasks.
My friend and blogger Shannyn has a great blog post all about the Eisenhower Matrix. She talks about the 4 quadrants in more depth, the benefits, and the challenges that come with using this tool.
Of course, like any productivity tool, the Eisenhower Matrix is just one approach to prioritizing your blogging tasks. Some bloggers might find it helpful, while others might prefer a different method altogether.
10. Minimize distractions by creating a dedicated workspace and using website blockers
Distractions are the enemy of productivity. To stay focused during your blogging time, create a dedicated workspace that is free from clutter and outside distractions. If possible, find a quiet room or use noise-canceling headphones to minimize interruptions.
Use website blockers like Freedom or RescueTime to limit your access to distracting websites and social media during your work sessions. By eliminating these temptations, you may find that it’s easier to focus more deeply on your blogging tasks and get more done in less time.
To make it harder to log into certain apps on my phone, I use OneSec. The second I try to click an app (which I selected beforehand), I get a screen that asks me if I really want to log into that specific app. It gives me a moment to think it through, and 9 times out of 10, I don’t need to actually go to that app. This is especially handy for the social media platforms that lure you in from time to time.
Of course, everyone’s ideal working environment and productivity strategies will be different. Some bloggers might find that they work best in a bustling coffee shop, while others might prefer the solitude of a library or home office. Experiment and find what works best for you.
11. Implement the Pomodoro Technique to maintain focus and avoid burnout
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to stay focused and avoid burnout during your blogging sessions, the Pomodoro Technique might be worth exploring. This time management method involves working in focused 25-minute intervals (known as “Pomodoros”) followed by short breaks.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose a task to work on
- Set a timer for 25 minutes, give your task your full attention until the timer rings
- Take a short 5-minute break to rest and recharge before diving back in for another Pomodoro
- Repeat the process for four Pomodoros, then take a longer 15-30 minute break to really step back and recharge
Working in short, focused bursts and intentional breaks will help you maintain your energy and focus throughout your blogging sessions, even when tackling large or complex tasks that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
I like to work in a minimum of 50-minute sprints. Then after this block, I get up from my desk and take a 10 min break. I fill my beverage, walk around the house to stretch my legs, and, in the meantime, declutter a little bit. But I stay in the zone of the task at hand. That way, I can jump right back into the next block.
Actionable Tip: Create a “distraction-free zone” in your workspace by closing unnecessary tabs, silencing notifications, and keeping your phone out of sight during your blogging sessions.
By prioritizing your tasks and minimizing distractions, you’ll be able to make significant progress on your blogging goals, even with limited time. Remember, it’s not about how much time you have, but how effectively you use it. Stay focused, stay on track, and watch your productivity soar!
Productivity Hacks
As a busy blogger, you’re always on the lookout for ways to work smarter, not harder. Productivity hacks are small changes you can make to your blogging process that can lead to big gains in efficiency and output. Here are some favorite hacks for part-time bloggers:
12. Repurpose content across multiple platforms to save time and reach new audiences
If you’re looking for ways to save time on content creation while also expanding your reach, repurposing your existing content across multiple platforms could be a smart strategy to explore. For example, you could:
- Turn a blog post into a YouTube video or podcast episode
- Create an infographic or slideshow from a tutorial post
- Excerpt key points from a post and share them on social media
- Compile related posts into an ebook or email course
By repurposing your content, you can save time on content creation while also reaching new audiences who may prefer different formats.
My friend Sarah does an amazing job turning her podcast episodes into blog posts ànd sharing the information through her newsletter.
13. Use task batching to group similar tasks and minimize context switching
Task batching is a simple but powerful productivity hack that involves grouping similar tasks together and completing them in one go. For example, instead of writing and editing each blog post individually, you could batch your writing tasks and complete all of your drafts for the week in one sitting.
By minimizing context switching and focusing on one type of task at a time, you can work more efficiently and get more done in less time. Plus, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you check off multiple tasks from your to-do list.
I always batch the first part of the blogging process, so coming up with a list of potential topics, doing keyword research, outlining the posts, and creating drafts. Then, I jump into each post individually to finish them one by one. I have learned this process works best for me.
14. Leverage automation tools for social media, email marketing, and other repetitive tasks
As a busy blogger, you likely have many repetitive tasks on your plate, such as creating content, social media scheduling, email marketing, and engaging with your audience. These tasks can be time-consuming and take you away from more important work.
That’s where automation tools come in. For example, instead of manually scheduling out your social media posts each day, you could use a tool like Tailwind to automate your Pinterest scheduling. Or, instead of manually sending out emails to your new subscribers to welcome them to your community, you could use a tool like Mailerlite to automate your email welcome series.
By using tools like these, you can streamline your workflow and free up more time for content creation and promotion.
15. Develop templates, checklists, and SOPs to streamline your blogging processes
Another way to boost your productivity is to create templates, checklists, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your blogging tasks. For example, you could create:
- A blog post template with your preferred formatting and structure
- A blogging checklist to ensure you don’t forget any important steps
- SOPs for tasks like keyword research, image creation, and post promotion
By standardizing your processes, you can work more efficiently and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Plus, if you ever decide to outsource some of your blogging tasks, having clear SOPs will make it easier to train your team.
Actionable Tip: Take some time this week to identify your most repetitive blogging tasks and brainstorm ways to streamline or automate them. Even small changes can add up to big time savings over the long run.
By implementing these productivity hacks, you can work smarter, not harder, and make the most of your limited time as a part-time blogger. And if you need more information on creating your own SOPs, check out my friend Lindsay and her blog, which is solely dedicated to creating SOPs.
Get my FREE Ultimate Blogging Checklist
There are so many moving parts in creating a well-planned, researched, engaging, and optimized post that it’s easy to forget one or two steps.
But this checklist makes that process a lot easier!
Outsourcing and Collaboration
As a part-time blogger, you may find that there aren’t enough hours in the day to tackle all the tasks on your to-do list. That’s where outsourcing and collaboration come in. By partnering with others, you can lighten your workload, learn from your peers, and grow your blog faster. Here’s how to get started.
16. Identify tasks that can be delegated to a virtual assistant or freelancer
One of the first steps in outsourcing is to identify which tasks you can delegate to others. Some common tasks that bloggers outsource include:
- Social media management
- Graphic design
- Editing and proofreading
- Email management
- Research and data entry
Take a look at your blogging to-do list and highlight any tasks that someone else could handle. Do some research on, for example, Facebook, where you can find groups dedicated to offering VA services. I’m sure you can find a good fit for you and your blog.
17. Collaborate with other bloggers for guest posts, interviews, or joint ventures
Collaborating with other bloggers is a great way to expand your reach, build relationships, and create new content for your audience. Here are a few ways you can collaborate:
- Guest post on each other’s blogs
- Interview each other for your blogs or podcasts
- Co-create a product or course
- Host a joint webinar or challenge
- Promote each other’s content on social media
When looking for collaborators, focus on bloggers in your niche or related niches who have a similar audience to yours. Reach out with a personalized message and a clear idea of what you’d like to collaborate on.
I’m in a blogging group where we do freebie swaps. We promote each other’s freebies in our newsletters and reach new audiences that way. It’s a really fun way to work together with other bloggers.
18. Participate in blogging communities or mastermind groups for support and accountability
Blogging can be a lonely pursuit, especially when you’re doing it part-time. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded bloggers.
Look for blogging communities or mastermind groups where you can connect with other bloggers, ask questions, and get feedback on your work. Some popular communities include:
- Facebook groups for bloggers in your niche
- Blogging forums
- Paid membership communities
By participating in these communities, you’ll stay motivated, learn from others, and make valuable connections that can help you stay on track and reach your blogging goals.
Actionable Tip: Make a list of 3-5 bloggers in your niche that you admire and would like to collaborate with. Reach out to them this week with a personalized message and an idea for a collaboration.
I found my blogging group on Facebook: Passive Income Pathways: Money Making Ideas + Blogging Tips. From this free group, I joined the paid mastermind from PIP, and it’s a fantastic bunch of bloggers.
Outsourcing and collaboration are all about working smarter, not harder. By delegating tasks and partnering with others, you can free up more time and energy to focus on the parts of blogging that you love most. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or reach out to others – you never know where a simple connection might lead!
Self-Care and Balance
As a part-time blogger, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and grind of creating content, promoting your blog, and growing your audience. But here’s the thing: if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to sustain your productivity and consistency in the long run. That’s why self-care and balance are so important. Here’s how to make them a priority:
19. Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and hobbies outside of blogging
Blogging is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. To avoid burnout and maintain your creativity, it’s essential to prioritize self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
What does self-care look like for you? Maybe it’s going for a run every morning, practicing yoga, or taking a relaxing bath at the end of the day. Ideas often occur when we relax in the bathtub or under the shower, right?
Maybe it’s pursuing a hobby like painting, gardening, or playing music. Whatever it is, make sure to carve out time for it in your schedule, just like you would for your blogging tasks.
A fun idea is relaxing and taking care of each other. Natasha and Dan have a great post all about indoor date nights. I like to take a nice walk with my puppy or dive into a good book. Whether it’s an ebook or an audio one, it helps me relax.
Actionable Tip: Schedule a self-care activity that you love into your calendar this week, and treat it like an important meeting. Whether it’s a yoga class, a coffee date with a friend, or a solo hike in nature, make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for your long-term success and happiness as a blogger. By prioritizing self-care and balance, you’ll be able to show up as your best self, create amazing content, and build a thriving blog that you love.
20. Say no and set boundaries to protect your blogging time and avoid burnout
As a blogger, it’s easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to every opportunity that comes your way. But if you’re not careful, you can quickly become overwhelmed and stretched too thin.
That’s why it’s important to set boundaries and learn to say no to things that don’t align with your goals or values. This might mean:
- Turning down a sponsored post that doesn’t fit your niche
- Saying no to a collaboration that doesn’t excite you
- Setting realistic deadlines for yourself and communicating them to others
- Limiting your time on social media or email
Keep in mind that your time and energy are precious resources. By setting boundaries and being selective about what you say yes to, you can stay focused on your priorities and avoid burnout. And if you say yes to something, make sure it’ll benefit you and your blog.
21. Celebrate your progress and milestones along the way
Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re not seeing the results you want right away. That’s why it’s important to celebrate your progress and milestones along the way.
Take time to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Did you hit a new traffic milestone? Did you get your first affiliate sale? Did you receive a glowing comment from a reader? Take a moment to savor those victories and give yourself a pat on the back.
By celebrating your progress, you’ll stay motivated and inspired to keep going, even when things get tough.
Usually, I celebrate by telling about my progress to my accountability buddies. They know exactly how big of a deal something can be for me and my blogging business. And then I make myself a nice cup of tea with a little chocolate!
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My Final Thoughts
From setting clear goals and creating a consistent blogging routine to prioritizing tasks, collaborating with others, and taking care of yourself, there are so many ways to make the most of your time as a part-time blogger.
Here are a few key takeaways to remember:
- Clarity is key. When you know your “why” and have specific, measurable goals, it’s easier to stay focused and motivated.
- Consistency beats perfection. Showing up regularly and creating content on a schedule is more important than getting everything “just right.”
- Work smarter, not harder. By batching tasks, automating processes, and collaborating with others, you can get more done in less time.
- Self-care is non-negotiable. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential for your long-term success and happiness as a blogger.
- Progress, not perfection. Celebrate your wins along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Every step forward is worth acknowledging.
So, what’s one thing you can do today to start implementing these time management tips in your own blogging journey? Maybe it’s setting aside some time to clarify your goals or reaching out to a fellow blogger for a collaboration. Whatever it is, take that first step and see where it leads you.
Because blogging is a journey, not a destination, there will be ups and downs, challenges, and triumphs. But with the right mindset, strategies, and support, you can create a blog that you love, even if you’re doing it part-time.
So keep showing up, keep creating, and keep believing in yourself. You’ve got this!
If you are interested in more tips to up your productivity, fill in your name and email below. You will get a list of my most helpful tips to tackle time management. Little secret? Tip #4 is my favorite, but I couldn’t do without tip #7!
