How to Write Quality Posts When You Have a Day Job
I’ll write that post … after I climb this mountain of paperwork.
By Leo Babauta
Not everyone has the luxury of a full-time blogger — you know, that lazy sonofagun who lays around on the couch all day, absent-mindedly pecking away at his keyboard while eating Cheetohs and watching reruns of Lost and The Office, writing his blog posts as the muse whispers to him in tidbits throughout the day.
No, not everyone is that lucky.
Some bloggers actually have — gasp! — day jobs! And all the pressures and time constraints that that entails: working late hours, no time for loved ones or exercise or outside goals as it is.
How’s a blogger supposed to find time to write great posts in between all the million other things she has to do every day? That’s the question most bloggers face, and if they understand blogging, they know that quality posts are the key to growing a blog.
Although I’m a full-time blogger now (I don’t eat Cheetohs but the rest of the picture above fits me fairly well), for the first year I was writing Zen Habits posts, I had a full-time job, I did free-lance writing on the side, I was training for a marathon, and I was (and still am) married with six kids.
I was able to produce quality posts and grow my readership numbers in the fist year (I had 27,000 subscribers within the first year), despite all the other things I had to do, in large part because I was passionate about it.
If you’re passionate about something, you’ll make it happen. You’ll find a way.
However, that’s not very helpful to most bloggers, so let’s go into a little more detail — the specifics of how I was able to continue to generate quality posts on a very regular basis despite a full-time job.
And so we move on to the inevitable list!
1. Focus on what’s important. What’s the most important thing a blogger can do to grow his blog and readership? Write great content. Not add links or widgets to the sidebar, not check stats, not reading or commenting other blogs, not even responding to comments or email. Writing great content. That’s by far the most important thing you can do. Focus on this. Whatever time you have for blogging should be spent mostly on this. By really keeping yourself focused, you can find the time to write. If you veer off track and start getting distracted, you won’t have time for writing.
2. Don’t mess with other stuff too much. The flip side of the above point is to minimize the time you spend doing other things related to blogging. This means becoming more aware of what you do as a blogger. Do you spend a lot of time on email, IM, Twitter or forums? Do you check your stats or earnings a lot? Do you fiddle with Wordpress or other software? Do you spend time on SEO? Don’t! It’s all a waste of time, for the most part. Become aware of how you spend your time, and cut these non-important activities as much as possible.
3. Carve out a regular time each day. No matter how busy you think you are, you can find at least 20-30 minutes a day for writing. That might mean waking earlier, or writing when you first get into work and no one else is around, or doing it during your lunch break, or during that lull in the afternoon when everyone is falling asleep, or staying at work for an extra 20 minutes, or writing on your commute while on the train, or right when you get home from work, or right before you go to bed. If you don’t have 20-30 minutes during any of these times, you’ll need to cut back on something else. Or else consider dropping blogging. Find that time each day, and make it a regular appointment you can’t miss. Sometimes you can find 2-3 small blocks of 15 minutes each for writing every day.
4. Have time for reflection. Blogging is largely reliant on reflection. I’ve always done my best reflecting while running, while driving, while walking, or while showering. Sometimes while reading. Find your times for reflection, and use it to think about things in your life, and then make a note of these things so you can blog about them. This is a big part of writing posts — and once you’re done, you just need to articulate these reflections with the keyboard.
5. Take advantages of lulls in your schedule. Sometimes we don’t have a lot of work to do, or things quiet down. Use this spare time wisely. Write a few posts during this time, if you can, so that you have some extras for the times when you absolutely can’t write posts.
6. Write shorter posts you can write in one burst. Can you write a quality post in 20 minutes? I can, if I keep it short. I bet you can too. Just make it very focused, and put in a few quality thoughts, and then ask readers to contribute their thoughts. There’s a lot of value in these kinds of posts, if you don’t do them every time. Writing a post in a short burst is a great way to make the best of limited time.
7. Outline during meetings. I’ve always found that most meetings are a waste of time, especially if it’s more than just 2-3 people and you’re just sitting around most of the time. If you have that problem, use your meeting time wisely: bring a notebook and start outlining your next post. When you get out of the meeting, type up the outline and even fill in some sections if you have the time. When you’re ready to sit down and write the post, you’re halfway done already!
8. Write in your head. I used to write posts, in my head, while running or driving or pretending to listen to my boss. Oops! Strike that last one. I was really listening, I swear. When I was ready to write at the computer, much of the post was already done — I just had to spit it out through the keyboard. Some of my best writing is done in my head when I’m away from the computer.
9. Cut out time-wasters. Do you surf the Internet a lot at work, or participate in forums or mailing list discussions or social media sites? If you spend a lot of time online, you have the time to write quality posts. You just need to cut out the online time. Disconnect from the Internet, open a text file, and start writing a post. If you watch a lot of TV, you have the time to write — if you just turn off the TV. I’m sure most of you could find other time-wasters in your life.
10. Don’t try to post every single day. I tried doing that when I first started, but realized that people don’t necessarily want to read a post from you every day. 3-4 times a week might be better, or even 1-2 times a week. I now shoot for 4-5 times a week, but I have more time than I used to have. If you have a full-time job, try to do a regular posting schedule, but make it less frequent than every day. Let’s say you decided to post 2 days a week — that would mean you could write 1/3 to 1/2 of a post each day, instead of a full post.
How do you write quality posts with a busy schedule?
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49 Responses to “How to Write Quality Posts When You Have a Day Job”
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Number 4 really stood out to me, I’ve come up with some of my best ideas during reflection times. Usually for me, it’s riding my mountain bike. Great post as always, thanks.
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Thanks for the great pointers Leo. Quality posts are certainly time consuming. Sometimes I dictate into my MP3 player when I am driving or just don’t want to be tied to a desk. I also take a notebook whenever I know I will be stuck waiting somewhere.
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Great points Leo. One thing I would say is that a close second to writing great content, is putting some of your great posts on other (much bigger) blogs.
It’s a great idea to have a schedule where you write a post a day, for 2 reasons. One is that you’ll be in the habit, and that makes it easier to stay consistent. The other, is that you can publish 2-3 on your blog, and give away 2-3 per week.
What do you think?
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6 really stands out for me. I tend to divide one big post into several small ones that can be written in one sitting.
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This is awesome Leo. As you know, since I work a day job I’ve been thinking about this for a while as well. I can definitely work on a few of these.
I think what’s helped me the most is changing up what I write about. I can write more often and with better consistency when I don’t feel like I have to write about the same subject over and over. When I write about the same thing, I feel like I’m not saying anything new or providing any real value. And I don’t want to fuel the info-porn complex. =)
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I usually try to compress my writing down into batches during the week, writing 1 or 2 posts in an evening, then giving myself a day or so off. It really helps to keep me from feeling burnt out.
I also keep a notebook with me at all times to jot down ideas, to save on brainstorming time.
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This is great advice. I could definitely cut out time wasters! I do have a day job and am going to school full-time – it is all about balance. But, writing is my passion and I do think about it all the time (while driving, in the shower, right before I fall asleep, etc).
Thanks!
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Awesome info!
Working a regular job with 12 hours shifts and a young baby in our house I needed time to write for my online business and blog.
So I created time, by getting up and writing at 5am on my days off before my wife and baby wakes up.
I find I am creative early in the morning and the house is nice and quiet and free of distractions.
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Timely advise Leo!
Funny…without realizing it, I have been doing #7 and #8! Of all these though, #4 is biggie for me. It’s amazing how much content can be generated through reflection.
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This is a topic that’s been weighing on me lately. I wrote five posts (or more) a week for months but I hit a point a couple of months ago where I couldn’t keep doing it well. I gave myself permission to slow down and stop posting so frequently.
However, I was starting to find that my posting frequency (and quality) was starting to fade even more. It was getting discouraging when I made this change. I also wasn’t writing post ahead very much, so I was putting too much pressure into my evenings, trying to write a good post.
This week has been rather refreshing: I’ve been on vacation this week and I’ve been able to do a post a day with pretty decent quality. I’ll be sorry to head back to work for that reason alone… :)
At any rate, I’ll be taking a look at these tips again as I head back to the grindstone next week.
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Nice post. A good reminder that the writing is what comes first and foremost. And now, with that in mind, I’m going to quit screwing around reading blogs and go work on my new manuscript. Thanks for the kick in the butt.
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Hi Leo,
Wonderful post- I always appreciate the detail you give in your writing. For me, having an outline is key. It helps me stay efficient with the few small chunks of time I get through the day. When I have a thorough outline for a post idea, I can work my way easily through the writing of it in small 5 minute increments here and there and still stay cohesive and on target. Writing in small increments without an outline can feel too scattered and rushed for me, and staying home with little ones often only affords me small gaps of time to write.
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These are really good suggestions. Thanks!
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I’d have to say, now that twitter and facebook have invaded my home, I have to literally unplug the modem in order to not be distracted by emails, chats, tweets, etc.
I also do what Austin mentioned, which is writing in batches. When I feel creative (and have the time) I can produce several posts. But there will be days when the well is dry, or I just can’t find the time. Make the most of the good days.
One final note: I noticed a lot of shower thinkers out there. I have been meaning to try one of the waterproof note pads but haven’t gotten around to it: http://www.thedroodle.com.
Has anyone tried those?
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Hi to All,
Yeah, this is something I’ve been wrestling with since I started writing with Wordpress over a year ago. Being a student (Graduate), it’s demanding- the reading, writing and reflecting (I’ve been studying theology- New Testament (undergrad) & Judaic Studies (grad) for the past five years. Fighting for time or to make time for other people, events or side reading is something learned through trial and error. You have to find what works for you.
Like Leo, I think a lot during runs or when driving. I like to keep a small notepad with me to jot down ideas for posts or potential topics.
I agree with your statement about not posting everyday. Oh man, did I ever feel the need to do so when I first started. Even now, I have to dismiss the pressure that comes from (who knows where) that says to us we MUST POST EVERYDAY! :) haha.
For me, when in class ( repeated material or just boring) I can bust out a several outlines or fill in the details on a previous post already started. Also, I actually plan my short writing bursts like you suggested. It’s helpful and critical to ones success. You have to have a plan and work your plan. It really makes a difference.
Yes, I catch myself writing and planning in my head. Sweet, I’m not the only freak out there. :) Thanks for sharing. Useful and practical tips, if followed, watch your productivity take off!
-Mig
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I find that writing shorter posts works for me. When I had it in my head that posts HAD to be 500-800 words long I often gave up half way through. Now I simply follow one topic idea through until I’m done with it. If it only results in a 200 word article, so be it. I’ve made my point and I move on to the next one.
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First 3 points say it all – Write, Don’t waste time on tweets/IMs/Facebook and Be regular. Alright, these will be by blog mantra from now.
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Well, I have this exact problem and it really can be difficult to make space for blogging when you’re working long hours during the day. This post is useful because it reminds me of the things I know I need to do, but can easily ignore after a tough day at the office.
I started my blog just before Christmas knowing I would only be able to post once or twice a week. And that’s fine, as I’m up front about it and my readers aren’t expecting more at the moment. I think being consistent with your posting really helps.
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The idea of carving out a regular time to write blog posts is so simple, but probably overlooked by a lot of people — myself included. Though I have a consistent routine for my fiction writing, I’ve never put my blogging on a schedule.
Do you think that having a regular schedule is useful for your *readers* as well as yourself? I post a few times a week, but I vary which days… I’m wondering if readers tend to like a schedule they can rely on.
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1. Great website, I just found it but have really been enjoying it.
2. Good post.
3. I just downloaded and am trying RescueTime. It’s a service that monitors your application and website usage and compiles it for you to see. It seems pretty good and doesn’t use that much memory running. It seems like a good way to really get control of what you’re spending your time on. The scary thing is is that I spend the same amount of time on my google reader as I do in google documents.
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I blog on a topic closely related to my work, and that changes things I think.
Here’s my own “blogging at work” formula:
1. Turn conversations and emails into blog posts — many of my posts are edited versions of emails I’m writing anyway.
2. Make posting as physically easy as possible — I use Posterous which lets me blog by email. So writing a blog post is “new mail, type, send” — no app to load, no new login.
3. Promotion is as important as great content. Simple ways to promote without much work are Twittering, commenting on other blogs when you have time, mentioning your blog in every email you send.
4. Agree about writing posts in one sitting. Sometimes keeping some posts in your draft folder for later is useful too (but many of them don’t ever get posted, in my limited experience.)
5. Don’t pimp out your blog. The more fiddling you do, the less you will post.
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Great post; I think it can help me a lot in developing my blog. Thanks Leo ;-)
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Perfect timing for this post. I made a goal to update my blog once a week. I’m having trouble doing that right now. Thanks for the advice!
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Great article! A lot of people have day jobs and have to find the time to write – this helps a lot. Thanks!
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Great post Leo. Some simple but practical advice which I’m sure will be beneficial to many of the readers here!
Cheers
Glen
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A very helpful article.
I try to keep my focus when writing a post by staying clear of the computer, at least during the initial rough drafts, and just write my thoughts on paper. After I’m satisfied, then I use the computer and I proofread. Even if I disconnect from the net, I still end up fiddling with files and other things. I found that this is the best way I can keep focused, or at least limit distractions, to be able to write quality post.
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Wow Leo! You’ve got this post right timely for me. I’m now into my second week of my new career, and am hustling for 15hrs days, while my work day ends right at the stroke of midnight almost every single day of the week.
To pump out even my latest entry took quite a tremendous effort.
But you’ve done all that + publishing quality articles day after day, which shows that whatever written here is still applicable in my own writing + day job lifestyle. :)
Thanks for this post!
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Great tips. I turn the wireless off when I need to focus. Twitter is too seductive some nights after a long day at work.
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I couldn’t agree more about #1 and #2. I have been tinkering with my adsense settings, wordpress themes and things for months, and i have only written a handful of posts. I would have been much better off just writing!
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@ IAIN
Isn’t that the truth, wow after a long day of work (school)- having the discipline to do what you know you need to do is where and when we have to win the battle. :)
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Leo – congratulations from all WritetoDone readers and myself on reaching 100,000 subscribers on Zen Habits!
What a phenomenal achievement!
And it’s such a pleasure to see such a really nice guy become super successful!
Leo, I know that when you begin to share exactly what you did to get from 0 to 100,000, we’ll all be listening…very closely :-)
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This is awesome. I know I can use a lot of these tips myself. Although I don’t currently have a day job, I have a lot of other non-blogging responsibilities to tend to.
I agree completely with having the time for reflection. I get my best ideas in the shower. Or before I fall asleep. It’s just that my mind needs to be a bit more quiet sometimes. :)
Thanks again!
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The short burst strategy and writing groups of posts at once stand out to me. I am actually one of those with the luxury of not having a real job, but recently started a non-profit that has usurped my time.
Having neglected my blog, I’m struggling to reorder my time so I have time to write. Thanks so much for the help, Candace @artofthespa – the sometimes stressed spa expert
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I agree that without quality content your blog probably isn’t going anywhere.
But I don’t think I’d be so quick to discount the social aspect of blogging. The last 3 weeks I’ve been super busy and haven’t been able to make the rounds reading and commenting on other blogs. And the stats on my personal blog (not the blog I’m interning with) have suffered. Even though I’m still posting 5 days a week.
Content is king but socializing is queen.
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Awesome post!
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Great post as usual. I’ve already cut it down to 2x a week. What a nice reprieve.
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This was really helpful! My real strength as a writer is in the “personal reflection mode,” I think; and your point #4 brought me back to remembering that.
I like to work from an idea map, rather than an outline. An idea map allows me to capture my ideas in no particular order, and then look for relationships, patterns, and interesting side trips that might take me in a different and more interesting direction than I had planned to go. After I can see what all is rattling around in my head, I can simplify the map via “pruning” and begin to write. The idea map is a great way for those of us who are not necessarily linear thinkers to be able to get a handle on clear communication.
Thanks for some great ideas!
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Man these suggestions are so well timed. I’ve recently started blogging as a way to escape the rat race and have been wondering about fitting it in!
Thank you!
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I’ve printed this out and hung it on my desk. I figure that if I read it every day I’ll start to follow these basic steps and get back into the groove.
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Thank you. This made me stop aimlessly surfing and write that blog post I have been meaning to write for two weeks.
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#8 is a very unique idea! I know visualization can be a powerful thing. Studies have shown that visualizing practicing can be almost as helpful as actually practicing. So I’m definitely going to have to find a way to try this.
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Lots of good advice! I squeeze in short posts by tapping them out on my cellphone on the train on the way to work and then using mobile posting. Of course, this leads to quite a few posts about… riding the train to work.
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I definitely write many of my blog posts ahead of time while running or walking. For example, on my walk home for the park today, I pretty much composed my entire post for the day. During weekdays, I usually write during my lunch break. It is very refreshing.
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thanks for the tips!
I wake up everyday at around 4am just to write while keeping a 12 hours fulltime job.
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Sarah
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Great tips….surely will try to do it soon…..thanks much!!
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