Ever had one of those days, weeks…even months when you really wonder if this blogging game is worth the effort.
You get up in the morning, punch the keys and it feels meaningless.
That spark that excited you has long been overshadowed by the constant need to crank out content. After all that’s what we’re supposed to do right?
The fact that your backspace key is completely devoid of its identifying features is testimony to your complete lack of faith in your words. Your art. Your commitment.
Could it be you’ve become trapped by the boundaries of your blogging schedule?
Blog Schedule Gone Mad
That self imposed calendar that dictates that we must post 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 times per week, or lord knows we may be exiled to 20th page of Google. God forbid.
In our incessant race to stay on top. To plug our message. Improve our rankings. We forget about what it is that brought us here in the first place.
The love of what we do, and whatever definitions are attached to that for you.
There should be an ease in creating work that matters and brings value to others.
Forcing the issue to adhere to a schedule is completely batshit crazy.
When I look at my history, it’s a wonder readers have stuck with me (thanks guys…I do luv ya) I’ve flip flopped between posting several times a week, to once a week, to even going for weeks with no posts at all.
Every time beating myself up for not producing, or producing work that doesn’t speak to who I am or who my readers are.
Content for content’s sake serves no one. It’s feigned interest, and diminishes your worth. Despite your best intentions.
Better to produce work that matters, pouring yourself into what you create once per month, than dilute the essence of who you are and the message you convey simply to meet a schedule.
Whose Rules Are You Following
There are plenty of players out there that only post when they have something of value to share. Do you think they’re concerned over how often that happens. No. Absolutely not.
And before you hit me up with the argument about them having well established followings that allow them that luxury…just how do you think they got there?
You can be sure as eggs it wasn’t by pumping out substandard content to feed the mechanisms of whats “expected”. At some point they threw caution to the wind and said to hell with it. I’m going to do this my way.
And so should you!
You need to define what allows you to deliver your best work, and I’ll bet its not tied to a schedule. It lies in your thoughts, your genius, your creativity.
Your readers want quality. Whether that comes once a day/week/month or year. And no…they won’t click away if your post surpasses the 386.5 word count either, unless its crap…then of course we deserve it.
I suppose what I’m trying to tell you is to stop following bullshit blogging advice about how often you should be posting. It strips the joy from the creative process that should be defined by you.
You will never find your own success in someone elses design. You have to make it your own.
Take a look at why you do what you do. Who told you it should be so, and why did they tell you that? Are you really doing it your way….really? If not, then why not change it
So I’ll raise my glass in anticipation of your next kick ass post….whenever that shows up 
…oh an when it does, come back and link it up in the comments below. I’d love to help you share your awesome work.
I hope you enjoyed this post and would love it if you shared the love…a little tweet, like or plus never hurt anyone now. Thanks
|
Get TRAction Every Week
With Tips, Tools and Resources To GROW Your Online Biz...plus awesome bonuses too!
|
|
|
No Spam - I Love My Subscribers
|
Tell us what you really think Jackie
I think your article actually brings up an important point. Stop being sheep and take into consideration with whatever tactic whether it works for you, your business and customers. You don’t see this type of behaviour with offline tactics or at least I didn’t. The main problem for some is they can waste so much time or money following what others say.
Susan Oakes recently posted..Step Away From Your Marketing Benches Now
Awww….I thought I did hold back
“The main problem for some is they can waste so much time or money following what others say”….you know the stupid part about that Susan, is that they follow others systems because they think its going to save time and money. Crazy isn’t it?
Since starting my site I’ve read about so many varying strategies and tactics about post-schedules and the like.
You raise a great point here, Jackie. At what point is your creativity and insight being compromised or diluted for the sake of putting up “numbers?”
I think the key is to find a formula that is proven (advice from those who have done it), but is also comfortable to individuals schedule and skill level.
Jason Anthony recently posted..What Do Blind Men, Elephants, And Becoming A Millionaire Have In Common?
I agree Jason, you have to find a formula that works, and that’s the thing. People seem to think by following another persons system they will get the same results, and more often that not that isn’t going to happen. Use their system as a guideline for sure, but always make sure it fits with your own objectives.
When I started blogging, I had no schedule and quite frankly, I didn’t care. I think people have to just do what works for them. We all have different things going on in our lives from day jobs, families and other activities that take our attention away from blogging.
Some people have more time on their hands and where they can pump out posts daily or 3 times a week, but is their content worth a read? I wrote a guest post about this recently and at the end of the day, if you cultivate the community you have, your readers will recognize your posting patterns and accept it.
Stressing about it is pointless because if you post content that adds no value, your readers will start to suspect you are just throwing stuff out for the hell of it. Last Friday I didn’t post anything because I was just too busy with other things. Did anyone cry about it? No, so why should I?
You have to make peace with yourself that there are going to be days when you can’t do it all and get over it. Your readers won’t abandon you just because you didn’t submit a post for a day or too.
Sonia recently posted..2 Smart Tips Why People Buy People
I’ve had those moments in the past Sonia where I’m freaked out because I didn’t have a post ready, and you know what….nobody batted an eyelid.
I’ve seen people burn themselves out trying to replicate what others are doing, and for what purpose…thats what I’d ask them. Not everybody can be Danny Iny…..mmmm I think there might be a post in there
I think so too Jackie! Danny is whole other animal. Consider that I work a day job, whatever pays my rent, always is first priority.
Sonia recently posted..Blogger Spotlight: Sylviane Nuccio, Sylvianenuccio.com
Great post. This is my first time here!
I love blogging, it’s something I do for fun. I used to write diaries when I was a kid, so when I found out about journal-writing online I thought ‘wow, I finally get readers’. Oh! You just inspired me to write that little story on my blog, of how I started blogging! 
Sabrina Sabino recently posted..Scam Alert: soresonlip.com Content Scammer
Hi Sabrina…thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.
Glad you enjoyed the post and it provided you with some inspiration…make sure to drop back and link it up, I’d love to read it.
Jackie, great points all round and it’s nice to hear.
I’d like to add that…
Jon Morrow is a big player who recommends once a week and he has MANY good reasons for this.
Here’s an awesome post on his blog about it: http://boostblogtraffic.com/posting-every-day/
Really, really good post.
Cheers for the hookup to the post on Jon’s blog, it makes some great points, that I totally agree with…and I lurve the closing
I often say to people its a far better use of your time to write one good post and promote the shit out of it, rather than spend that time writing 5 posts in the same period. Your posts don’t get traction, and you limit your potential to promote.
Thanks Jason
Yeup, you and Jon got some great ideas on this stuff
Rock on and ryze up!
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca recently posted..Learn How A Genius Screws Up His Relationships
*Goes to read article* – thanks Jason!
Jackie, I am one of those people who recently started feeling guilty that I wasn’t producing like I used to. I just wasn’t feeling it and needed my time for something else so I didn’t want to just put out crap, er, anything just because…
*After talking with Jason this weekend though and reading this article, I am back on track – #GuiltBeGone LOL
~K
Kesha Brown recently posted..Hi, My Name is Good Manners and I’m Lost…
Kesha we all cycle through this, and its because we let our internal filters become saturated with the advice of others, causing us to put pressure on ourselves.
I’m glad to hear you’re back in the zone, do it your way because its the way you were born to do it. And cut that guilt off at the knees…you don’t want to give it legs…there ain’t nothing to feel guilty about!
Wooo! I can feel the LOVE.
Thanks thanks thanks
I aim to please.
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca recently posted..Vanilla Or Kinky – A Look At Joint Ventures
Jackie,
This is good advice!
I changed my blog posting schedule from every week (1 post/1 video) to biweekly.
This has given me so many benefits, for example:
- Writing better posts
- Work on other projects related to my blog
- Do research and testing
In fact, my guest post related to this very topic is to be published on ProBlogger later this week.
If you want, I can send you the link as soon as the post goes live.
Cheers,
Timo
Timo Kiander recently posted..PSD Video Tip #10: Yet Another Way to Spend More Time With Your Family
Hi Timo
Some people can crank out exceptionally good posts in a short space of time. For the majority of us though, I really think it does take a little longer to do.
I just see so much advice on what you “must do” and people falling prey to it and burning out trying to keep up, that its about time people wake up and take control back of their decisions.
Glad to hear the new schedule is working great for you…and absolutely send me the link to the problogger article, I’d love to read it
I’m actually going to the problogger event (#pbevent) in October….should be a great event.
Thanks for stopping by Timo
Yeah … there are some exceptional people who can post everyday
But yes, I agree. I mean, who sets these rules anyway… you can’t be successful if you don’t post every day (or at least many time per week) …
It is actually very liberating to follow your own rules instead
Cheers,
Timo
Timo Kiander recently posted..PSD Video Tip #10: Yet Another Way to Spend More Time With Your Family
Hi Jackie!
Here it is:
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2012/05/19/blog-better-by-slowing-down/
Cheers,
Timo
Timo Kiander recently posted..PSD Video Tip #10: Yet Another Way to Spend More Time With Your Family
Awesome stuff Timo, congrats on the problogger gig. Have left my comments there and shared
Have a great weekend!
Yes blogging is sucking the life out of me Jackie but in a nice way. I can’t get off this lap top but I don’t want too.
I guess I’m lucky. I just think it’s a great way to make a living. It seldom feels like work to me.
Steve Hippel recently posted..SEO Is Important No Matter How Much Traffic You Have
Oooohhh well I love to hear that kind of comment….I usually hear so many of the other type.
Good on you Steve you’ve obviously found your zone of productivity that works for you, and I agree when you’re in that zone, it never feels like work.
Have an awesome day
Jackie,
Thanks so much for the thoughtful post. I do believe that there is too much emphasis put on how often we blog.
The most important factor like you say is to never let your content suffer. So instead of keeping a schedule of posting three times a week and letting your content quality suffer, post less often and write quality content.
Jordan J. Caron recently posted..Stop Your Search Rankings From Treading Water
Absolutely Jordan, it seems its become a quantity obsessed race, when people are crying out for quality.
Thanks for stopping by, much appreciated
Jackie,
Great points for sure.
I’ve been posting twice a week, but do wonder if once a week is the better way to go. Just not sure, but I haven’t reached the point where I feel I’m just cranking out content with no enjoyment.
I’ve heard both sides, but a guy like Derek Halpern says you shouldn’t post that often and put all you energy into promotion. I’m not sure if that works for someone like me though, who is so new to this. Good arguments on both sides, really.
Craig McBreen recently posted..Do you feel like you’ve arrived? (If not, what is holding you back?)
Craig you’re right there are arugments for both sides, just look at Seth Godin and Julien Smith for example. Seth being a daily blogger and Julien, well he’s just back on the grid today after a pretty long absence..well long in the blogging world anyways
I pretty much read all their stuff, because on the whole they produce really great, thought provoking content. I think its a measure of the right recipe for the right person and the right posting schedule.
If Seth changed his format and decided to post really lengthy posts every day…would I still continue to read his work??? His style is short sharp and quickly digestable, which fits the daily consumption model, and his readers have become trained to expect that…in fact sometimes when he writes something thats say 4 paragraphs…I think..boy this is a long one from Seth today….funny how we do that.
I say do what works for you. Sometimes I can have an epiphany and crank out a few posts in one week, and then I go a little awol in the brain and creativity department for a while, so I just keep to the once per week schedule…that way I’m usually covered for just those moments.
I’ll shut up now…this is turning into war and peace..Thanks for dropping by Craig
Jackie,
Great examples. I enjoy Julien Smith’s writing so will check that out. And Seth is the master of the concise post, no doubt.
Don’t shut up … I needed to read this
Craig McBreen recently posted..Who are your thought leaders?
Hey Jackie!
I love both sides of the story. Lately, I have posting too infrequently and I am hoping to change that. I think at the end of the day it is actually what works for one and what doesn’t. Some people post everyday and doing well; some post once a week and are doing just as well. The whole point is that what works for you and what doesn’t.
Often people think there are just too many “rules” and I really can’t get my head around it. I mean, just focus on what works for you and your blog and what one wants from it and then…. life is simpler!
Hajra recently posted..Over a Month…and a cheap wedding gift
“just focus on what works for you and your blog and what one wants from it and then…. life is simpler!” Amen to that Hajra. Like I mentioned in my comments to Craig, people can have very different approaches but be equally appealing.
Nice to see you again, thanks for the comments
Yes, yes, YES Jackie. OMG. I love this – I couldn’t have said it any better!
Your site, your rules > Embrace it, don’t fight it!
Ameena Falchetto recently posted..How do I find my voice online?
Thanks Ameena
I just get so sick of all the same Bullshit advice. It drives me nuts. When people start out they seem to lack the confidence to make their own decisions…then as time goes by they continue to default to the advice being given without question. I’m up for stiring that up a little, and I think I know where you stand on that too.
Jackie,
I definitely agree that you can get caught in a blog post rat race and that is a terrible feeling when you realize you’re there.
I’ve set a limit 2 posts a week with a wrap-up post on Friday that doesn’t take much time…
I know I could do more but then I would bring pressure into my writing and I don’t want that.
Find what’s comfortable for you and let that be your thing.
Thanks!!
Ryan Hanley recently posted..Opportunity and Success Through a Different Set of Eyes
Thanks Ryan. That’s exactly where I’m coming from. If you can post great content several times a week, then more power to ya, if not ease of the pedal, even though there’s less of them they’ll be more meaningful.
Bam!!! Awesome post Jackie and couldn’t agree more with you. Do what feels right for you? Just like everything in life. Why make blogging any different???
Good stuff!
Chris Nadeau recently posted..Start Printing Money: 3 Steps To Generating Social Currency
Thanks Chris
Its about finding that happy zone, and each of us should follow our own definition of that…not someone elses.
Appreciate you stopping by Chris
…amen
One of the best posts I’ve read for a while…
When I started, I tried to publish 5 posts a week. I kept that up for a few weeks. Sure, I did publish a lot of content (relatively at least), but it quickly became boring. And the quality started to decline, so I stopped. Now I’m posting 1 (or 2) post(s) per week, and I have no intention of posting more often any time soon
Post per day works great if you have 300,000 subscribers and you want those page views, but for the normal people like us, that’s not the reality we live in
Peter Sandeen recently posted..3 Strategies for Email Marketing and How to Succeed with Each
Thanks Peter, appreciate it
5 posts a week….brave man! I’m not surprised you only lasted a few weeks. I would of only lasted a few days!
Glad you found your rythym, and I must say putting out some awesome content.
Thanks for the thoughtful comments Peter, really appreciated.
Hi Jackie! OMG this was timely. I appreciate you! I’m new to this blogging/online world and I am already feeling completely batshit crazy (thank you for cracking me up with that – I needed that!). I needed to be reminded today to just trust that being myself and speaking in my own voice when I have something to say is where it’s at. Big kiss to you Jackie!! All the best, Robin
Robin Hallett recently posted..Intuitive Healing for Everyone
Hi Robin
Thanks! we all have those batshit crazy moments….god I think I do more than most lol.
Robin you’re absolutely starting out on the right footing, between Ameena telling you to find your own voice, and me telling you to post when you damn well feel like it….You’ve got it made in the shade baby! Watch your blog rocket through the interwebs
Big Love backatcha!
Jackie,
I really loved this post. So genuine and real. I find myself feeling that way all the time. I get frustrated at myself, and this post of yours will help me in reminding myself WHY I am blogging. I want to put out great inspiring content. NOT I want to write a post once a week.
Quality not Quantity!
Steve Baines recently posted..8 Lessons My Knees Taught Me About Being A Great Business Advisor
“Quality Not Quantity” Amen to that Steve.
We all have really creative patches and then times when those creative thoughts leave the building entirely. When you’re in the zone you’ve got to rack em and stack em so that you’ve always got a contstant supply, and you’re not putting yourself under pressure to create every single week.
But hey..different strokes for different folks. Find what works for you that’s all that matters.
Jackie,
I love the post and I think it’s great advice. I’m a bit of two minds on this though so hear me out. Most of us could probably be more regular in our blogs than we are, so having a little pressure to publish is a good thing. Balance that with your point here – don’t just write for the sake of filling a post.
At the end of the day, we need to work with a schedule that makes sense for us. The critical point is that it has to be very, very high quality or what’s the point? Excellent post!
Tom Treanor recently posted..The Truth About Pinterest Repinning Etiquette (Too Funny)
I see what you’re saying Tom, but I’d question what that regularity is for. Is it for your reader…are they asking for more posts? If they are then of course you should rise to meet what they want. But from what I’ve seen, the frequency thing comes from the writers side of the fence.
Gaining more readers generally comes from the promotional side of things…not from the frequency or volume of content thats being produced.
So while we may disagree on this point, I do appreciate your opinion, it makes me think harder about the subject which is always a good thing. We do agree on this though. High Quality should overshadow everthing else.
Thanks again for your pov Tom, much appreciated.
Jackie,
I can relate. I launched my small business site, Firmology, in June of 2011. I started off posting 2-3 times a week, increased to posting everyday including weekends and then completely lost momentum once reality set in.
For me, reality is my day job. When my workload increases, there are times I have to put in more hours working evenings and on the weekends. In particular, the busiest time of year for my company is the December holiday period (I work in the eCommerce division of a large public retailer here in the U.S.). Writing on Firmology became an afterthought and my posting schedule became erratic. Part of it had to do with the fact that I couldn’t get into any rhythm or “the zone.”
Months later, I’m pumping out posts at a pretty healthy clip. I get into rhythm by writing as much as I can any chance I get, whether commenting on a blog post, writing emails, updates on Twitter or sending a message to someone on LinkedIn. That’s my warm-up, which helps me get into the zone when I sit down to write a new post.
Best,
Philip
Philip Nowak recently posted..WARNING: Google’s Penguin Search Algorithm Update Hurting Small Businesses
Hi Phillip
It can be tough trying to juggle all the responsibilities of work, building your blog and life in general. Sometimes somethings gotta give.
I’m glad that you’ve managed to find your rythym, and you make a good point. The act of writing in itself generates that creative flow, so can totally get where you’re coming from with the ‘warm up”
When I come back to answer readers comments, if I find there’s only a couple it sometimes takes me an age to write a reply…if there’s a dozen stacked up I always find the process runs much more easily and effortlessly.
Thanks for your comments Phillip, hope to see you around here again.
Jackie,
I know what you mean with multiple comments, emails or tweets. If you have just one, you can over think your response, but if you have many, you can answer them very quickly and instinctively.
I’ll definitely be back!
Philip
Philip Nowak recently posted..Find Your Balance of Mind, Body & Spirit with Tula Yoga Studio Software. Namaste.
Ah the mad world of blogging! What did I do with my life before I blogged?
!! Great post, Ms. Jackie and now I see why the devilish thing in your logo matches you perfectly.
Seriously, I do agree with the stuff you said here and we have to find our own groove and the perfect balance on what works for us…. it TAKES TIME! Patience is also hard to come by some days. Well-said on all accounts.
Farnoosh recently posted..20 Mistakes to Avoid in Running Your Online Business
It is a mad crazy world isn’t it Farnoosh. Sometimes all consuming, sometimes the well is dry.
I see people beating themselves to a pulp trying to produce to someone elses schedule. Why allow someone else to dictate the rules.
It defeats the purpose of what most of us started our businesses for. Creativity & Freedom. You stifle both when you don’t follow your own path.
Thanks for stopping by, lovely to see you here.
Oh…and just wanted to let you know had my first green juice the other day, and it didn’t kill me like my first attempt did. I’m easing my way in gradually and plan on testing a couple of different combinations each week
For real!
I used to blog and write something out of thin air because I thought I “had” to update my blog.
Now, I only write when I feel inspired, that I know for sure it’s something my readers can know it’s from me, about me and something I am passionate about.
That said, yeah the internet has way too much information about blogging.
Alden recently posted..Another milestone for this blog!
Hey Alden, thanks for bringing your bboy self over here
“Now, I only write when I feel inspired, that I know for sure it’s something my readers can know it’s from me, about me and something I am passionate about” and doesn’t that make a huge difference, not only to the way you feel about your work, but the way your readers feel too.
When you work in that zone, creativity rises and only good things can happen.
I can’t tell you enough how refreshing it is to read your newsletters and all the great responses! Going off to do my newsletter with a new attitude!
Thanks Jackie
Thanks Jane
Glad it gave you the spark you needed. Love your designs they’re pretty funky!
Loved your title, had to read. I don’t stress about posting regularly,I do better when life happens and provides me a topic, or when I make mistakes so I can others to avoid them. Afterall, aren’t our blogs our own?
Lisa recently posted..Let’s Make Your Computer Last Longer!
Hi Lisa nice of you to stop by
You’re absolutely right! Our blogs are our own and we definately need to set our own schedule for what works in our own individual circumstances. Many people are holding down one or two jobs and blogging to help build a business in addition. There are only so many hours in the day and the last thing those people need is someone telling them that they must blog daily, or “x” number of times per week.
It just drives me nuts!