Time Management and your Blog

By Bruce · Sunday, August 30th, 2009

One of the most often questions I get is, “how much time do I need to devote to the blog?” The answer lies in how much effort do you want to put into making a success of your business? In other words, if you see the clear purpose of the business blog as part of the whole marketing push for your business, then you will do whatever it takes to manage the blog.

Here is an example. I have a blog customer who was very “jazzed” about their blog when they brought me aboard to set it up and handle the monthly maintenance of it. All that was required of them was to hand over several articles for me to post on their behalf. I made it easy with checklists and an outline of ideas that they could use to generate ideas for content. I also asked them for any brochures and company info along with any info they have on their industry. It was a “slam dunk” for them to come up with lots of material. About three months went by and they seemed to have “run out of steam” on providing me with the material I needed so I can continue to insert content and maximize the SEO aspect of the postings. I made a visit to their place of business and asked what else I can do to assist them. I gave them plenty of ideas, even more ideas that could fill over a year’s worth of topics. They responded that they got overwhelmed with what they needed to come up with.

After a lengthy discussion, I came to find out that they did not manage their time well at work! I went over with them, their typical day and how much time they use for each and every task at their business. After helping them get on track again, I suggested that they come into their business 30 minutes earlier and just focus on writing one 400 word article, which takes only 20 minutes, tops to get out. I also recommended on other days, to go over and compile industry material for submission to me that would only take them 10 minutes in the morning. It seemed to work out well now and now we are all on the “same page.”

So you see, when blogging, you need to manage a consistent amount of time each and everyday for this task. It doesn’t take long and it will reap rewards far greater than the effort put into it. Blogging will become more the “lifeblood” of your marketing arsenal. You take care of it, and it will take care of you!