How to run a blog while working 40 hours a week

Let’s be real, we are always on a time constraint! Time is something there is NEVER enough of.

I started blogging because I felt like I had ‘extra’ time on my hands post wedding planning, which I did initially. However, as my blog grew, the amount of time I had to dedicate to it did as well.

Before I started my own blog, I thought all bloggers did were write blog post and post photos on Instagram. I was shocked to find out how much time and effort goes into blogging. So how do I manage blogging, working 40 hours a week, cleaning the house, cooking dinner, going to the gym, and spending quality time with my husband, friends, and family? Below are my tips on how to run a blog while working a full time job.

Captions: I try to write out my captions for Instagram post on Sunday for the week ahead. Then I critique and edit them as the week goes on to make them relevant to what is happening in real life. It’s great to have a base of what you want to chat about versus only outfit details

Photos: I choose 2 days per month where I shoot multiple looks. It’s helpful for me to batch content so I’m never stressed about taking a photo the day of if I’m busy. It’s rare for me to post a true OOTD unless it’s in stories because most of the time I’m in scrubs and workout clothes.

Stories: I record try on session videos on my day off then share them on a work day. Aside from sponsored content, I keep my stories as a place for real life.

Blogs: Write your blogs in bulk, and stretch the content out. For example I went to Greece, and rather than a full Greece blog, I wrote three separate blogs on each city we traveled to. You can always re-share your blogs too and edit them to be even more helpful as time goes on!

Planning: I plan my post for the week/month. There are plenty of apps that allow you to schedule posting, like the Later app or Planoly. Personally I make my own post when I have a 30 minute window to be able to truly engage with my audience.

Engaging: When I take my lunch break at work, I use that time to respond to comments and engage. I also wake up early before work to ‘work’ on the blog.

Time Block: I block out time to accomplish a task. For example, 7am-7:30am edit photos, 7:30-8:30 write a blog post.

Growth: While cleaning the house, or driving to work I will listen to a podcast related towards influencing, branding, growth techniques, etc. It’s important to learn and grow as a blogger!

It can be challenging to stay consistent while working full time, so take a break when you need it! Your audience will still be there for you when you’re back and refueled with inspiration and motivation!

Stay Fearless,

Michelle Foster