In 2019, content production is becoming an even greater area of emphasis for many writers and marketers alike. Per Hubspot marketing statistics, blog content creation was the top inbound marketing priority for 55% of marketers in 2018.
Don’t expect this trend to change any time soon.
Whether you’re a casual blogger or a social media manager, it can be easy to fall behind on blog content. Particularly if you plan on publishing new content daily or every two days, it’s not unfathomable that a day would slip through the cracks here and there.
But you don’t want that, right?
You want to blog consistently, as we all know consistency is a vital element of your brand’s reputability and authority.
A blog can go south, quickly . . . One day passes, then another, and then another. Before you know it, you’ve missed a week or two of blogging; and it can be very difficult to play catch-up from that position.
So, it’s a good idea to start putting good practices in place that prevent leaks in your blog content creation system.
Here are six ways that you can stay ahead of your content schedule and always have an extra blog post (or multiple posts) up your sleeve.
Blog content creation was the top inbound marketing priority for 55% of marketers
in 2018 (Hubspot). Click To Tweet
1. Have a designated time for brainstorming
Did you know that brainstorming sporadically is actually inefficient? It might feel as though you’re saving time by spreading it throughout your day, but you actually lose a lot of creative continuity.
Try setting aside a specific time to brainstorm. It might be a 15-minute block. It might be an hour-long block. But if you save all of your brainstorming efforts for a designated time, your ideas will flow into each other and produce better concepts for your blog.
2. Jot down your ideas throughout the day
Brainstorming is premeditated, but we creatives know that inspiration can strike at any moment and without notice. When a great idea pops into your head, it’s important that you record it before you forget!
You know where I keep all of my content ideas? Not in a secret folder on my computer. Not on a flash drive or in a cloud. I keep all of my ideas in a single page of notes on my iPhone.
I use my iPhone because it’s so easy to open it up and add an idea when I’m on the go. But it really doesn’t matter where you store your ideas, as long as you store them somewhere.
Keep a running list of ideas and see if you can build up an archive of at least 20 pieces that are waiting to be written. If you make a point of doing this whenever an idea springs up, you’ll never have a shortage of great blog post ideas!
3. Make blogging a habit
It’s easy to lose track of time or put off writing for a day or two. Sometimes you’re busy. At others, you’re tired. And then there are moments when you just don’t feel like writing!
Do your best to make blogging a habit. Create some space in your day-to-day schedule and don’t let anything distract you during that time. Turn your phone off. Don’t get up every 10 minutes.
Just write.
Even if you don’t like the content from one of your writing sessions, you contribute to a healthy habit that is going to help you in the long run – a habit that may even help you ward off writer’s block.
4. Set a threshold for pending posts
This is something I do that really motivates me to push myself. Set a threshold for the amount of finished articles you want to have in your back pocket.
Start by setting an initial goal of three posts. This means that, at all times, you want to be at least three posts ahead of your published content. In the case that disaster strikes and you miss a few blogging days, you’ll have enough content to fill in the gaps.
Over time, you can set this threshold at 10 posts, and perhaps even 20 posts after that.
As you grow your blog inventory, you minimize the risk of going without published content.
5. Create a written content plan
By implementing the four points we’ve already discussed, you should have enough information to create a detailed content plan.
People who write spontaneously without fleshing out a written content plan usually don’t have much success in blogging.
If you really want to get ahead on your blog, you need a plan that details what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it.
6. Enjoy what you do!
If you don’t enjoy writing, you’re definitely in the wrong line of work! Writing can be draining. In order to be productive you must be proactive.
This is essential if you want to produce consistent blog content. If your heart isn’t in the work, naturally, your content will be poor, late, and ineffective.
Bonus tip: repurpose your content!
In a previous post, we discussed the power of content repurposing. I highly recommend you check it out! This practice is a major time-saver and will help you get ahead on your blog content quickly.
Writing can be draining. In order to be productive you must be proactive. Click To Tweet
If you commit to using these tips, there’s no reason why you can’t create an inventory of great content.
Outside of regular planning, of course, are there any other methods you use to get ahead on your blog content? Share your best tips!
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