5 Tips for Organizing and Writing your Blog Posts
When I was getting ready to start my new blog a few months ago, I was very excited about starting a new phase in my career, but one of my big fears about blogging was – what will I write about? I did have some ideas, of course, but I kept wondering if I had enough good ideas to sustain the blog. I also wondered how do I keep track of the blog post ideas that I have?
Here are a few things that I have found helpful for keeping blog post ideas organized. I do have to tell you that I’m very old school. I’m sure many of you will want to use your computer or smart phone for some of these tips, but I’m a paper and pen kind of gal.
5 Tips For Organizing And Writing Your Blog Posts
1. Write ideas down when you think of them. If you think of a great idea for a blog post, make sure to write it down right away. That way, the great idea won’t slip away. (Ask me how I know this!) I keep paper and pen close by wherever I am, in my purse, on my nightstand table, everywhere. I also keep a notebook on my studio desk, so that I can jot down ideas as I get them.
2. Beef up your blog post ideas. Occasionally I will go through all of my jotted down blog post ideas, and try to expand on the idea if I didn’t have time to when I first wrote it down.
3. File the ideas so they are easy to find later. I blog about several different topics, and I figured out pretty quickly that I needed some way to organize all the different blog post ideas I had written down. Now when I have an idea written down, I try to file it under the appropriate category, or sub-category. For instance, if I have an idea for a blog post about sewing a pillow, I would file it under Sewing/Pillows.
4. Use an editorial calendar to schedule blog posts. I’ve heard that you should schedule your blog posts for a whole year, but that’s more than I can handle! What I can manage is to schedule blog posts for a month or two. I like to print out my monthly calendars, and then write the post ideas in pencil for each month. I know that there are plug-ins that you can use to do this process on the computer too.
5. Write like you talk. This tip is about how to write your blog post, now that you’ve come up with that great idea for a post. I have never thought of myself as a good writer, so I was a little concerned when I first started blogging, about whether I could write my blog posts well. I finally figured out that I need to write my posts like I talk. It would be very hard to try to write in somebodies else’s style. Much easier, and more genuine, to write in your own style.
Jann Newton shares home decor, DIY and sewing tips on her blog, Newton Custom Interiors. You can find her at Google+, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
October 16, 2013 @ 8:32 am
I NEED to be this organized! Love this and pinning!
October 16, 2013 @ 9:37 am
Thanks Kristin! I have to be organized, or I go a little crazy! 🙂
October 16, 2013 @ 2:04 pm
I keep a small notebook with me at all times so that way when an idea hits I can write it down. The funny thing is, that when I’m cleaning is when my inspiration hits the most. And I hate cleaning! Guess that should be more motivation to get my house cleaned! 🙂
October 19, 2013 @ 8:22 am
Victoria, it’s hard to get motivated to clean my house too! Funny, I think of a lot of blog post ideas in the shower!
October 17, 2013 @ 7:02 am
I’ve just started my blog so really thanks for your advices, so useful!
kiki
October 19, 2013 @ 8:23 am
Kiki, I’m glad this was helpful. Good luck with your new blog!
October 17, 2013 @ 10:41 pm
Thank you so much for this post. Very helpful.
Ellya
October 19, 2013 @ 8:25 am
Ellya, thanks. I’m glad it was helpful to you!
October 18, 2013 @ 6:51 am
I can always use help organizing, and I love the idea of printing the calendar! As much as I love Excel and the computer, sometimes I think you just have to have those hard copy notes! Thanks for the tips! Found you over at Reasons to Skip the Housework!
October 19, 2013 @ 8:26 am
Megan, yes, I have to have the hard copies!
October 18, 2013 @ 7:50 am
Great tips! Love the file idea…will have to get one started! Thanks!
October 19, 2013 @ 8:27 am
Thanks Abby!
October 18, 2013 @ 9:07 pm
Great post! I created a binder to keep all my blogging stuff organized. If I’m out somewhere and have an idea, I sometimes email myself from my phone. Sounds weird but I actually do it a lot and then when I check my email, it’s right there.
October 18, 2013 @ 9:25 pm
That’s not weird at all – I email myself reminders all the time – then it’s right there in front of me when I have to remember what to do today.
October 19, 2013 @ 8:28 am
Bonnie, that is a great idea!
October 19, 2013 @ 8:02 am
Writing down blog ideas is finally something I’ve started doing after realizing that I don’t do well holding all ideas in my head. Good simple tips you offer!
October 19, 2013 @ 8:29 am
Lulu, that’s exactly why I started writing the ideas down. My head was spinning with trying to remember them all!
October 19, 2013 @ 10:40 am
What great advice! Thanks Jann
October 21, 2013 @ 11:23 am
Thanks,I’m glad it was helpful!
October 19, 2013 @ 11:11 am
Thanks for sharing your great ideas – I have a new notebook and pen at the ready to get planning! 🙂
October 21, 2013 @ 11:24 am
Thanks Lisa, happy planning!
October 19, 2013 @ 3:20 pm
These are great tips! I never thought of filing my ideas but I can tell it is definitely needed because I have just been writing down my ideas on scratch paper..this way I can organize them!
Have a great week!
Marti
October 21, 2013 @ 11:25 am
Thanks! It was a light bulb moment for me when I finally figured out that I needed to file all of my different ideas.
October 19, 2013 @ 7:57 pm
file folders. GENIUS! i have a never ending notebook but never thought to file the ideas. thanks for sharing this thanks for linking up to the all things pretty party!
October 21, 2013 @ 11:26 am
Thanks Chrissy!
October 19, 2013 @ 8:12 pm
I enjoyed this post. I can see the value of planning posts ahead. I”ll have to work towards that. Love the idea of making files for my ideas.
October 21, 2013 @ 11:28 am
Thanks Pamela! Planning my posts ahead of time is a struggle for me. I’m hoping I can get better at it, and eventually plan a few months out.
October 20, 2013 @ 9:21 pm
Great tips and yes, I follow most of them, except maybe the previously-scheduling my posts, I just go and I do one any time I’m ready and know what to do, lol! I also write as I talk, I was concern too about the writing situation when I started, than I said…’I’ll just write as it goes’ and that’s it! I also love the idea of making Little notes, caz I do forget my ideas…hehehehe Have a lovely week.
FABBY
October 21, 2013 @ 11:29 am
Thanks Fabby!
October 21, 2013 @ 10:56 am
Thank you for the helpful tips. I really like the idea of scheduling posts. I have tried to get into a routine of types of posts, but have never actually scheduled them.
October 22, 2013 @ 9:06 pm
Thanks Rennata!
October 21, 2013 @ 11:04 am
Thank you, Jann and Deby! This is simple enough to follow!!!
I have a schedule ( that I haven’t really followed) set up. I’m supposed to write once a week about my furniture, then once a week about a vintage item. I love cooking, so I used to write about that, too. My table settings showing off the recipe would include some vintage items, since that’s is pertinent to my business, upcycling. I’m going to set a side a notebook right now! I love that you recommended to write as we speak! I so that!
Thank you so much,
Claudine
October 21, 2013 @ 11:32 am
Thanks Claudine! I love that you show off some of your vintage items in the picture with your recipes.
October 22, 2013 @ 10:18 am
I really like that filing idea. I have so many posts that I want to do in so many categories that I have a hard time staying focused and organized. I think that will help. Thanks!
October 22, 2013 @ 9:03 pm
Susan, the filing system really does help me stay focused and organized.
October 22, 2013 @ 8:21 pm
That’s mighty impressive that you have a filing system going for your blog ideas based on topics. I was surprised to see that one. I have many ideas leave me because I don’t write them down like I should. Thanks for the small but swift kick in my behind.
October 27, 2013 @ 5:40 am
Thanks JayNine!
October 23, 2013 @ 2:06 pm
The last one about writing how you talk is sooooo true. I don’t know how else to write!
October 27, 2013 @ 5:42 am
It really makes it easier to write a post!
October 23, 2013 @ 3:17 pm
Great tips, my blogging has become so much more streamlined since I started an excel document schedule, with added pages for bigger concepts, blog promotion etc… found your post via #BlogStalkerLinkParty
October 23, 2013 @ 7:40 pm
These are fantastic tips! I’m always looking better ways to get organized. Thanks for sharing at the Krafty Inspiration Thursday Link Party, you have been chosen as one of the top 5 featured posts at tomorrow’s party.
Have a lovely evening!
Maria @ Krafty Cards etc.
http://kraftycardsetc.com/
October 27, 2013 @ 5:44 am
Thanks so much Maria!
October 23, 2013 @ 10:46 pm
Thank you so much for these tips. Being new to blogging I am still learning all the ways to stay organized and on top of my posts. I love your file folder idea. I can’t wait to try it. God bless.
October 27, 2013 @ 5:47 am
Thanks Katheryn! I am constantly amazed at how much there is to learn about blogging. Good luck with your new blog!
October 25, 2013 @ 12:25 pm
I just stumbled upon your blog and this post, from linesacross.com and I am so glad I did! The information you shared here is valuable and applicable to my specific circumstances. I had sooo many ideas when I first started blogging and bye bye, all gone due to my lack of organizational skills. I thought I’d just wake up each morning and write whatever was in my head…problem. There’s a lot going on up there most days! LOL! I was so caught up in reading and writing down your ideas (I’m an old fashioned paper/pen gal too), that I wrote #6, looking for & expecting MORE!! Many thanks for the inspiration and clear cut simple instructions. I will follow them and hope to see you around the WordPress circle still!
Jeanine
October 27, 2013 @ 5:48 am
Thanks JayNine! I’m glad the post was helpful to you.
November 21, 2013 @ 6:41 am
I am not al all organised … I have my editorial calender but end up writing a topic I havent even added in my calender ..:P and yes I love to have the hardcopiesd in my hand
November 28, 2013 @ 8:24 am
I managed to plan and write posts per week … it is great idea to have post ideas organised. As Bonnie – I am writing e-mails to myself to remeber or take a picture. With new technilogy it is sometimes easier. I have a small notebook and pan to write down ideas as well.