If you scroll through my recent posts, it might seem like I’ve been AWOL lately. Let’s face it – there’s not a whole lot of blogging happening on the blog right now. But the crazy thing is that even though you can’t see it, I’ve been blogging my booty off.
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Just to be clear, I love this blog. I love blogging. Love it. Besides my family and running, it’s one of the few things that I’ve felt passionate about in my adult life. And believe me, I count my blessings every day. I know how many people would love to be in my position – to have the option of being a stay-at-home parent while pursuing a dream that brings in no money. Especially when I could return to the full-time workforce with relative ease and make a nice contribution to my family’s income.
But that’s not really what this post is about.
Last week, I added up the number of hours that I spent from start to finish on a particular blog post. And even though I’ve been doing this for 9 months now, the number still blew me away. I thought it might be interesting to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the time and effort that goes into almost every single one of my posts. Bloggers – you probably won’t read anything new here, but I’d love to know how your experience compares to mine. And non-bloggers – I think what you’ll read here will surprise you.
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One more thing before I begin. As some of you know, before Mommy Runs It was born, I was part of the writing team for a blog called Madame Deals. And even before that, I wrote a weekly column for Madame Deals called “Ask a Marathon Mommy.” I’ve also been a contributor on a number of other blogs, including Pretty Muddy and Mom It Forward. So I can tell you firsthand that writing for a someone else’s blog is a piece of cake compared to owning and operating your own blog. Hats off to those who came before me. I had no idea.
The Life Cycle of a Blog Post
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The Egg
I’m sure it will come as no great surprise that every blog post starts with an idea. For me, an idea is just a thought that starts squirming in the back of my brain, something that starts out kind of loose and wobbly. Sometimes the loose bits of thought float apart and the idea never takes shape. Other times, the thought dances and bounces around my brain, picking up other thoughts as it goes, until an idea for a post starts to come together. Sometimes this happens quickly, but more often than not, I spend days with a thought rolling around my brain before I’m ready to sit down at my computer and put it into words.
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Sometimes the idea is handed to me – a product that I’ve reviewed or a race that I’m promoting. But that doesn’t change the process a whole lot. I still spend just as much time thinking about what to write. Sometimes I actually spend more time on this kind of post, because instead of just writing straight from my heart (like I’m doing now), sponsored/review posts may have certain parameters or require some additional research.
Either way, a 300+ word post is going to take me a minimum of two hours just to write, and it might take quite a bit more than that. It depends on my passion for the subject, how much I have to say about it, how easily the words flow from my fingertips. Some of the hardest posts to write are the ones that fall outside of my niche or that just don’t interest me very much. Those can take twice as long to write because I labor over every single dadgum sentence.
The Larva
Once I’ve finished my writing, the post is only about 50% complete.
First, I have to insert all of the necessary links. Sponsor links, affiliate links, links to my older posts. Each type of link requires a slightly different format. Each affiliate link has to be generated uniquely. And if I don’t do my links correctly, Google might send me to sit on the Naughty Step.
Next come the photos, which is not an easy task for a lousy photographer like me. If I’m using my personal pictures, I need to weed through them and take more if necessary. Then I edit them, watermark them, add text, make them “pinnable.” If I’m using photos that don’t belong to me, I have to make sure that they’re properly sourced. Upload, insert, resize, repeat.
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Then I add a disclosure. Categories. Tags. Alternative text for my images. A featured image. SEO and keywords. Proofread.
Next thing I know, another three or four hours have passed. And then, finally…I hit the Publish button.
The Pupa
So I just spent somewhere between 4-6 hours writing and editing a blog post. And that’s an easy post. I’ve spent as many as 10 hours on one post. TEN!
And now comes the fun part – getting people to actually READ what I’ve written.
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I promote my posts on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, and StumbleUpon. And not just once, but ideally multiple times a day (more or less, depending on the platform). And in addition to promoting my most recent post, I’m also trying to draw some attention to my older content – especially posts which may have been overlooked when they were originally published.
I work with other bloggers via a variety of platforms. I have probably about a dozen Facebook groups that I keep up with daily – I help promote & support other bloggers, and they do the same for me. I join ladders and linkies and liking parties. I participate in blog hops and group opps. (Would you, could you in a box? Would you, could you with a fox?)
I love this part of blogging, I really do. But it’s incredibly time consuming. Last Monday, I spent four hours adding my two current giveaways to every giveaway site that I could find. Oh, hey, did I mention that it can be tedious, too?
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I spend a lot of time on this phase of the life cycle. Too much perhaps? I’m not sure. I always tell myself that I should set a daily limit for my social media time, and then spend the rest of my time generating content. But my struggle is that I’m often only able to work in 15 minute increments (e.g., in between appointments, at the bus stop, etc.) and it’s a whole lot easier to just hop on Facebook and share a link or two. By the time I pull out the laptop, collect my thoughts, and start writing, my work time and/or quiet time is over.
The Adult
This is the part where I get to spread my wings and fly…where I try to turn this blog into a brand and a business. I spend this time joining blogger networks, applying for sponsored opportunities, finding ways to monetize, responding to pitches, and pitching brands that I want to work with. For every yes, I get at least 10 nos. See, in order to be successful in this stage of the life cycle, I have to excel in the other three stages. I have to write good content, have appealing & searchable posts, and build an audience that sticks around because they dig me.
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Will the Circle be Unbroken?
In conclusion? When all is said and done, I can easily spend 10-15 hours a week writing & promoting a single post. Perhaps that explains why you might only see one post a week here. The thing is, I know I’m not working as efficiently as I could be, because lots of bloggers publish several good quality posts a week. I think these are the truly successful bloggers – because no one’s going to read your blog if there’s nothing new there for them to read – know what I mean?
On the other hand, I’m proud of the work I’ve done. I like my blog and my itty bitty brand. And I think a little patience and perseverance will go a long way here. I guess only time will tell how far I’ll fly.
Thoughts or advice? I’d love to hear it! Please tell me what you think.
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Debbie Rodrigues (@DebbieInShape) says
I simply loved it! And I thought I was the only one. Great reading!
sharon says
Thank you so much, Debbie! I’m glad you liked it and that you stopped by. 🙂
Melissa Running It says
Ah, so I’m NOT moving at a snails pace and I AM totally normal? Thank you!
I noticed for a while, my best thoughts started in the shower, then washed down the drain and were forgotten by the time I made it out and was distracted by something else. It’s difficult to explain the mental side of blogging because that means having to explain my thought process, so now I can just point people to this post. 🙂
sharon says
LOL, please do – I could use the traffic! 🙂 I have my best thoughts in the car. But then usually some little person in the backseat spills something or pulls someone’s hair, and the thoughts fly out the window.
Modestics (@ModesticsUSA) says
Great post! I feel like I go through major ups and downs with writing blog posts. Sometimes I’m so in to it, and I feed off the energy. But then I hit major lows and burn out to where I need to take time off. I definitely have a love / hate relationship with blogging. I love the subject matter I write about and I’m passionate about sharing it, but its so time consuming! ….and I set out to do this as a part time gig, but it has taken over all the other time in my life…
sharon says
Thanks! I do the exact same thing – get all fired up and then burn out. As you can see, it’s been over a week since I wrote this post. I really put my heart into it. But now I’m struggling to find the mental energy to write the posts that are piling up in my head.
runawaybridalplanner says
This post seriously could have been some of my exact thoughts! I taught a class on blogging last fall, and it wasn’t until then that I realized how much time it really took. So I came up with a “blogging plan” to help with teaching the class, little did I know that plan was exactly what I needed.
It still takes me a good hour (occasionally more) do do a good post, but I’ve now set timers on my “other” things (promotion). I love reading other blogs, but I’ve found I can only add about 3-4 new blogs a week and still keep up with the other blogs I read. I call it my part time job I love:) But until someone starts blogging and really tries to make a good go at it, they have seriously no idea what it takes and the time!
Thank you so much for this post, it feels amazing to know I am not the only one who thinks this way:)
sharon says
Back atcha, Kristy – it feels amazing to hear from other bloggers who feel the same way. I like the idea of setting a timer, and also of having a blogging plan. I just can’t seem to manage my time like I need to, and I don’t want my blog to suffer because of it.
Annmarie says
I’m SO glad that you wrote and posted this…I was feeling like maybe I had been spending too much time on writing each of my posts lately. I can also share this with my husband who thinks I am a nut job for spending so much time blogging and networking all day/night! I am still trying to get into my groove as I am relatively new but at least I know that I am not alone!
sharon says
Annmarie, I’m totally in the same boat with my husband. He tries to be patient, but it’s hard to justify spending an ENTIRE day writing a post that 20 people are going to read. 🙂 I recently got to review a product that he was pretty impressed with (not posted yet) so that helped a tiny bit, but I know that he doesn’t get it. One of these days I’ll reach the tipping point, you know? (That’s what I keep telling myself…and him, haha.)
Sandra @ My Frugal Savings says
I think we all feel this same way! I take the pictures of the review items the day they come in so I don’t have to worry about that when I’m ready to make the post. I don’t spend 10 hours on one post, but it is at least 2 or 3 for creating, and making sure grammar is correct, etc. I would love to know the secret to getting comments. I have seen on other blogs get comments saying “Thank you for the post” and truly if that’s all I got, I’d be happy to have 10 thank yous! I figure there are 5 days a week that I work, I am off on the weekend, and if I am working it’s behind the scenes mostly. I schedule at least 2 days for social media sharing. If I can squeeze in more then I do, but at least I have 2 days on the schedule for sharing.
sharon says
How long have you been blogging? I’m very impressed by the fact that you have a schedule. I know I need one, but even the thought of just creating one is mentally exhausting.
I’m right there with you about the comments. It means so much when someone takes the time to read what I’ve written. I need to make an effort to comment more often. I’m much more likely to just share or pin a post. But the comments feel really, really good.
Lea says
I find that I have to write the post and do the pictures on separate days because each takes so much time, that by the end I find I just want to finish and I start to rush it to just get it done. If I write the post first, then the pictures suffer and if I do the pictures first, the post suffers. If I do them on two separate days, then they each get the attention to detail that they deserve. But yes, I have the same exact cycle and spend way too much time on social media. I try hard to post 3 times a week or 12 posts a month, so it takes up quite a bit of time….for a hobby!
sharon says
I love your blog – you’re one of the people I had in mind when I was referring to bloggers who do this whole thing so well! 🙂 I would love to get to the place where I can post 3 times a week. I like the idea of doing the writing & photos on separate days. You hit the nail on the head – by the time I get around to the pictures, I’m exhausted and I end up rushing through it. I don’t have any natural talent in that area, so the whole photo thing takes a LOT of mental energy. Thanks for reading! xo
lydiaf1963 says
I’d say that’s about right. It’s a struggle to keep the blog from taking over and some days I just “sits” (but I’m still thinking about my next post).
sharon says
I know what you mean. It seems like I’m always doing or thinking about something blog-related. I really have to push myself to take a day off, especially with access to just about everything on my phone.
SouthernMomLoves says
Funny memes! And totally accurate! Until someone does this for themselves, or sits watching you for hours while you complete one post, then they will always think you’re “playing around on the internet.”
sharon says
Memes make me happy. 🙂 And I laugh a lot while I’m searching for them. Thanks for reading! xo
eatsandexercisebyamber says
Sharon, you hit the nail on the head! Seriously, I thought I was the only one! I currently have 30 drafts of blog posts I have started, worked on, yet haven’t published because they’re not finished! I just have SO many ideas I want to get out there, but each idea needs to be grown and cultivated like a seed, with proper care before it can blossom and then be presented as a final product. SIGH. Keep it up, and maybe ask some of you fellow bloggers how they do so many great posts in one week (beats me!)
xoxo
sharon says
Wow, I’m envious of all the drafts! I have zero. Maybe that’s part of the problem I’m having – I don’t sit down to write until the post is already outlined in my head. I’m going to give that some thought…I think that could be really helpful. Thanks!!! xoxo
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! says
I also have drafts, Amber! And just don’t have the time to see them through and finish up the photos and pay them the proper attention! Thanks for the realization, Sharon – I had recently realized that each post is taking me LONGER than it used to and wondered where my time was going. I can read it in print here. 🙂
sharon says
Cynthia, I don’t know how you do it. You have a great blog – great posts, great photos, an engaged audience. I don’t know how often you post, but it must be several times a week. Plus I know you work full-time! I have no idea how you balance it all. I need to learn from you.
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! says
You are so sweet. I need to sleep more, that’s my answer. I stayed up too late writing today’s post!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says
This was such a great post! There’s so much involved with blogging. At time it can seem overwhelming and not worth all the effort but then you connect with a reader, get an email from a company, or really write a post that impresses yourself and it makes it all worth it.
sharon says
Thanks so much! I appreciate the feedback, and I agree – every once in a while I get one of those little moments to remind me that there are people out there who enjoy reading what I have to say. 🙂
MS_AimeeC says
I feel the same way – I write I write I edit, no comments. So, I write, I photograph, I comment, I share, I interact just to grow the blog and hopefully maybe at the end make a little extra money for the family. But when I put aside that “nobody is reading, I’m not growing I’m not successful feeling I remember why I started in the first place: “blogging is cheaper than therapy”. Sometimes I just have to put aside the unsuccessful feeling and write just for me and hope someone reads my crazy. 🙂
Hugs my GGS sister.
sharon says
Hugs back. 🙂 Maybe I need to take a more “blogging is my therapy” approach. After all, I’d have to pay for therapy. Blogging is mostly free, plus I get lots of cool stuff to try out. Thanks for reading! I read a lot of blogs but I need to get better at commenting. It feels really good and I want to give other people that warm fuzzy feeling too. 🙂
OneMotherofaDay says
OMG! I could have written this exact post!! I thought I was the only one that would literally take hours to write one post. It even sucks more when you spend hours and hours and pour your heart and soul into a post and than to hardly get any feedback from it! Don’t get me wrong I love blogging and that’s why I still do it but I wish I could find the secret to faster writing!
sharon says
I’m glad I’m not alone! I think this one took me about 6 hours from start to finish, which is on the short side for me! I cringe when I think of the number of hours that go into some of my posts, versus the number of people who actually read it. 🙁 But we just have to keep on keepin’ on, right? Or at least that’s what people tell me. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting! xoxo
OneMotherofaDay says
I know, I’m right there with ya!! I try to get more organized with working on posts a lil bit at a time but that still doesn’t help much 🙁