I think I’ve made it abundantly clear that I write most of the content on this blog in advance.
How far in advance?
Well, let’s just say you’re reading this post in August, and I’m currently writing it in early July.
Okay, okay. I’m not always that over prepared. But for the most part, I like to have my content planned out and written well in advance.
I think this really has to do with how my personality works. I’m a planner. I’m someone who likes to get things done as soon as possible. And with something that I’m as passionate about as Currently, Lately, these traits come into full use.
That being said, today I thought I would share the benefits I’ve found in blogging ahead. I’m always curious to see how other bloggers blog, and since I feel pretty strongly about this topic, it seemed like it would be interesting.
I know blogging ahead isn’t for everyone. It’s kind of like peanut butter or coconut. It’s something you really love or something you really hate. No ands, buts, or in-betweens. But if you’re someone who doesn’t think they’d like blogging ahead and you haven’t actually tried it, here are a few reasons why you might want to give it a go.
Feeling less pressure
Having blog content prepped and ready at any given time takes LOADS of pressure off you.
It allows you to give your readers brand new posts even when you’re overwhelmed, even when you’re busy, or even when you’re going through one of those heinous blogging ruts.
Essentially, it gives you a lot of flexibility.
I like to write the majority of my posts when I’m experiencing particularly creative periods. The way I see it, writing as much content as I can when I’m feeling my best enables me to put out my best work possible, while giving me leeway for when I’m not feeling creative.
Plus, blogging ahead means your posts will go up without fail.
Haven’t gone on the internet for three days? Your post will still go up.
Too sick to sit down and write something? Your post will still go up.
I think you get the picture.
Not feeling the pressure to write something and post it the same day gives you the ability to keep working on something until you feel as though it has reached its best possible form.
Having time to brainstorm
Another benefit about blogging ahead is that it gives you more time to brainstorm content ideas.
I like to take some time at the beginning of every month to sit down and write up as many potential post ideas as I can. I assign the ideas I like the best to specific dates in my planner. Then, later when I go to write, I already know what I’m going to write about.
This is great because it eliminates those moments of staring at my computer screen with a blank expression on my face, having no idea what to write. In the earliest days of my blog, I used to have these all the time. It was such a nuisance, and it made writing even harder once I finally got an idea down.
Even if you don’t write your posts ahead, I highly recommend you plan your posts ahead. I know a lot of creative people prefer spontaneity over planning. But when you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours, waiting for the perfect idea to strike, it gets old. You’ll thank yourself in the long-run this. Trust me.
Being able to spontaneously blog (on occasion)
Funnily enough, blogging ahead has actually made it possible for me to spontaneous blog as well. As I’ve talked about before, while my Tuesday and Thursday posts are written in advance, my Sunday posts aren’t done until a couple days before they’re published.
I really love this posting strategy because it still gives me the ability to write about things that are currently going on and read responses in real-time. The one major drawback to blogging ahead is that it doesn’t allow you to receive feedback from your readers until weeks after you’ve written a post. And while it’s still exciting once that post does go up, sometimes you just want to hear from other people instantaneously.
That’s what makes Sunday posts so enjoyable for me. Being able to hit publish almost immediately after something is written is a wonderful change of pace. And even if I’m unable to post every single Sunday, I still know that content will be going up at least two other days a week.
Thank you for reading!
Do you blog ahead?
I have started to plan ahead and it’s making me feel so much more productive and on top of everything Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know, right?! It’s so nice having a plan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so helpful for me! I’m still pretty new to blogging so it’s taking me a while to get into the swing of things and get on top of my posts.
Paige x
https://paigesummerx.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m so glad! And it definitely does take some time to get in the swing of things!
LikeLike
I definitely blog ahead. Mostly because if I don’t write when I’m feeling inspired I won’t have any new content lol
LikeLiked by 3 people
I can definitely relate to that lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this! I used to blog ahead of time but lately with everything going on, it’s become more of a spontaneous thing and I find myself falling behind. It’s funny, I’m only accountable to myself given mine is just a personal blog, but I find myself feeling awful when I miss the target days I’ve set for myself and I really miss writing regularly and having that flexibility to brain storm and write without pressure. Today’s goal: create a new writing schedule. Thank you for this kick in the pants!! 😊❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I feel the same way when I miss a post day too! Good luck with your goal! 🙂
LikeLike
Great post, it’s interesting how we can focus on different aspects of blogging and what works for each individual. I blog ahead if I’m going on holiday but generally I just do day to day. I have intentions to plan out themes or posts but never get down to it!
Thanks for sharing 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! And it really is interesting how different the process is for everybody!
LikeLike
YESS – I absolutely plan posts many weeks ahead. I try to do as much as I can on the weekend so I can post everyday.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m the same way! The more I can get done on the weekend, the better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right.. I myself have prepared a lot of post that I don’t know which to post first
LikeLike
I usually don’t plan my blog posts ahead, but I think I should try.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s really what works best for you and your schedule! I would definitely give it a try! 🙂
LikeLike
I also schedule my blog posts in advance (Unless I fall behind/have a sponsored or brand post going up for a deadling) and I completely stand by it! It’s so much less stress and means I never have to force content so that I have something going out!
Jas xx | https://thoughtsfromjasmine.co.uk
LikeLiked by 1 person
It definitely is a lot less stressful! And that’s so true about not having to force content that way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love blogging ahead too, but I struggle to find the time to do so aha! Great post lovely! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely a challenge! And thank you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Paige, I think you are doing great by writing your posts in advance. I agree it gets you more prepare for things. I am one of your follower and also a new blogger and glad that I read your post. I would love to have you on my blog whenever you get a chance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you ..that was really helpful 😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love to plan ahead and write posts in advance, it’s just so calming because I don’t have to worry about it, though for me advance typically means like a week. I’m really trying to get to a point where I am two or three weeks ahead but haven’t worked my way that far ahead, haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It definitely is so calming! And I hope you’re able to get there! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m working on it, getting there slowly but surely.
LikeLike
Great post! I’m relatively new to blogging and have lots to learn. This is something which I’m defiantly going to try👍Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 🙂
LikeLike
I’d love to plan my blog posts and write them a long time before but I still have to fix a schedule for that… I plan everything in my life except for my blog hahha, maybe not the best choice but trying to change that 🙂
LikeLike
This is my problem right now. I seem to be writing on the day of posting a lot. And since I’m pressured to publish as scheduled, it’s not enjoyable anymore. 😐 So today I’ll make a schedule of what I’ll write. And as you said I’ll write in bulk when I feel extra pumped. 😁 Thanks for this post. Very helpful!
LikeLike
Wow you’re so organised! Whilst I have around 50 drafts (mostly just the titles) haha I do have some content pre-written but juggling work, home life a husband and child, oh and two dogs and two bunnies it’s not always possible to post religiously. I’m trying though!
Samantha x
Thebeautyspyglass.com
LikeLike
I definitely have a lot of drafts with different content in each, but it’s not really written out. Do you actually finish it off or make it into points at first like I do
LikeLike
Planning ahead is a very good idea. I really felt that when I was so busy with work and other stuff for past few months. I was completely shut off from the blogging world. And when I came back, everything feels so alien to me. Planning the posts ahead will definitely help in these situations.
LikeLike
I always try to plan ahead. Write as much as I can on my free days, to avoid rushing later on. Or at least write down some ideas or a quick draft. When I started my blog I still had my full time job on the side aswell. I wanted to upload the first few post as soon as it was possible. So i woke up around 5 every day, started my job at 7 am till 3 pm, went home, opened my laptop around 5 pm, closed it at midnight… then waking up at 5 blabla. It was exhausting. But lately I always have like 2-3 posts ready or almost ready, so actually I have options to choose from too, according to my current mood 😀
LikeLike
I think this is such a good idea. It sounds like it would have taken a while to build up to being so far ahead but am sure that buffer is great when you are busy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLike
I try to blog ahead though I am not very consistent, but I can tell you that it does ease off a lot of pressure. Great read.
LikeLike