Last Updated on January 1, 2023 by Ellen
What needs to be done for a blog? love blogging. I’ve never had a job that I enjoy more, but I am the first person to agree that it can take tons of time. These are the things I’m doing less of.
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5 Blog Things I’m Doing Less Of
For those that don’t blog, you may not realize it, but it’s not a matter of just publishing a post and forgetting about it. There are all sorts of little tasks behind the scenes that go into putting the post together and letting people know that it exists.
Running six blogs takes a lot of time. Yes, I could eliminate a few of them, but they all make me happy, so I have no plans on doing that right now.
Since I have no desire to let someone else create the content I publish, I’ve been evaluating the time and money I spend on each blog.
Here are a few things that I will be doing less of from now on in an attempt to regain my sanity.
Sponsored Work
Working with brands takes a lot more work than focusing on what you want to do. There are often drafts to submit, photos that need to be styled a certain way. Hashtags to track and social handles to tag.
Some brands require follow up reports and there are endless emails back and forth to make sure they’re happy.
Rather than spend time on this, I would rather just focus on SEO and writing what makes me happy.
Comparison
This is a killer, and it causes so much stress. Sadly, I still do a lot of it even though I try not to. “Why did Suzy Homemaker get that trip to Kalamazoo and I didn’t?”
“Wow, Rhonda Recipe takes her photos so much better than I do!” It’s hard not to compare yourself to others, but it can suck so much joy out of your blog and your life when you do.
Buying Photos
I enjoy taking my own photos, but I am not a professional photographer. Sometimes you want a photo of something you just don’t have access to.
Maybe you are writing a post about balloon rides in your area, but your camera just can’t get the photo right with them so far away. Either way, I’ve been buying a few of the photos I use that I cannot take myself.
It’s starting to get more expensive than I like so I will be doing MUCH less of it. I plan on using these free photo sites instead.
I’ve also been using Jasper Art to create my own photos and am having amazing luck. Check out the balloon ride photo below for an example of what AI art can do for you.
Paid Plugins
There are a few paid plugins that I LOVE like Grammarly and AAWP. There are also a few I have signed up for that I don’t use and don’t need.
I’m plugging the leaks in my blog expenses and the ones I don’t use are going away or are being replaced with a free option.
Social Media
Yes, I’m still posting on social media. But, I do not spend time scheduling or engaging. With all of the algorithm changes, it’s just not worth the time or money to make Pinterest images, reels, idea pins or whatever the next hot social media trend is.
So, why am I doing this? I’m spending more time working and less time enjoying life. I’m working on minimalism in my home, my health, my beauty routine and in my work day.
To keep a good balance in my life, these are changes I need to make. I want to spend more time reading, gardening, walking and enjoying the life I’ve created.
These are the things I’m doing less of. What about you?
Ellen is a serial entrepreneur who owns 9 profitable blogs, two printable stores, an online vintage jewelry business, and a variety of other work at home endeavors. She shares tips for working at home successfully.
Great list – I’ve be known to sped a ridiculous amount of time tweaking a post to get the SEO right.
I’m the same way!
I can’t imagine how you possibly keep up with 6 blogs. I only had one and found it difficult & finally burnt out and quit. I knew there had to be short cuts with out shorting my readers but had no clue how to find those answers. I’m happy to see blogs working and making it work. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.
Thanks, Tracy. Some days it’s a challenge!
I didn’t realize there so many things to do to have a blog. So much work goes into them and I don’t know how you have 6 blogs.
There is a lot to do but it’s fun too!
I know there is so much to blogging to do it as work. I tried a blog for fun once, that lasted a couple of weeks two posts max before I deleted it totally. I was shocked at how hard it is to come up with quality posts – people wouldn’t know! Good to pare it down so that it is more doable! especially on an ongoing basis!
It’s definitely more work than people think.
There is a lot of things to do with having a blog, and these are good things not to do, like buying photos can be good when a blogger is not good at taking them. Thanks for the information.
Glad to share, Karen!
I’m plugging the leaks in my blog expenses and the ones I don’t use are going away or are being replaced with a free option.
SO TOTALLY THIS. All the days.
LOL. Thanks, Brett!
I know blogging is a huge job. I have several friends that have blogs and I know it takes a lot of work. This is a great article. Thank you for sharing!
Glad to!
Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome!
I didn’t realize you had six blogs! Thanks for all the work you do
Glad to!
Ellen,
Whew, six? I didn’t realize! I never think about SEO optimization, though there is always talk about it.
It definitely is important!
Thanks! article gave me a little more insight into what goes on with setting up a blog site and the work that goes into it .
Glad to help, Betty!
I can only imagine the work that goes into blogging and with 6 blogs I’m sure you put in a lot of time. My daughter and I talked about blogging, but I know it would be a lot of work and I have health issues that would prevent me from giving it my all.
It can be a challenge at times!