Not long ago I was blogging five to seven days a week. Just the thought of it now makes me want coffee, or wine, or both.
After a major case of blogging burnout, I decided the first thing I needed to do was blog less.
I began posting three to four days a week and quickly saw the benefits of my decision:
1. I am never out of ideas. Before reducing my days, there were nights I would sit at the computer completely blank but feeling that I had to post something. I scoured the web for prompts, racked my brain for something to share and even asked my husband for ideas (I know, can you believe it?). Now that I only blog three days a week, the pressure is off and I have a never-ending list of topics in my draft folder.
2. I have more time to read other blogs. This is one of the key ways I have maintained my previous levels of traffic. I have made it a priority to network with new bloggers, find new writers who inspire me and expand my interactions in social media.
3. My posts are of better quality. Blogging less frequently gives me more time to put into each post. I give more thought to what I write about and have had more positive feedback over the last few months than I ever received when blogging daily.
4. Readers are more engaged. Do you read every post written by every one of the bloggers you follow? Unless blog-reading is your full time job and you do not eat or sleep, the answer is most likely no. I love bloggers who only blog a few days a week because I know that I can read everything they write and I don’t feel like I have missed any part of a continuing story they may be telling.
5. I have more time to explore other areas of social media. When I reduced my schedule I made it a point to learn new aspects of social media that I did not have time for in the past. I spent time reading excellent posts on Stumbleupon and Pinterest. I began using GetClicky for an in depth analysis of my stats and Crowdbooster to understand when my tweets were most effective. I feel much more informed in the social media world. Best of all, utilizing these tools has also helped maintain my stats even though I blog less.
6. The guilt is gone. I have found SO much more balance in my life when it comes to family, blogging, writing and social media. I do not feel as pressed to keep up with everything in the blog world. I have more time to respond to comments and visit the blogs of those who read my posts, I can watch mindless television with my husband at night and my kids don’t go straight to the computer room when they are looking for Mommy anymore.
Ultimately, blogging is about relationships and writing for me and doing less has made me better at both.
How many days a week do you blog? Are you thinking about making a change?
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I just found this blog link on Pinterest, and I agree wholeheartedly! Thanks for the inspiration!
Best advice I ever got was “the moment you start dreading writing – stop.” Every second or third day works for me!
I’m glad to hear you say this. I only blog once or twice a week because it’s all I have time for right now. Eventually, I’d like to blog a little more often, but I know I could never blog daily. I would just run out of ideas and I know the quality would suffer. I am impressed and amazed by bloggers who post every day and manage to consistently write great posts, but I don’t think I’m ever going to be one of them. And, like you say, it’s important to find a balance that works for your life.
Laura, thanks for sending this post my way and Jessica, thanks for writing it. This was super-helpful and yes, I think cutting down would be such a good, needed thing all around–thanks for the encouragement to do so.
I’m just starting out, and I love reading your tips and ideas! I definitely need to spend more time exploring the “blogging world”. Right now, I’m just trying to figure it all out!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I feel that one. At first I was kind of feel pressured to blog daily. You know, beginners excitement. Then I realize it can take up too much time. Now, I do it probably 3-4 times a week and if I simply can’t hold an idea or a prompt in, then I’ll do more. It can be addicting. LOL. Then I’d get nothing done. That won’t do at all.
GREAT GREAT POST!! I post 2 or 3 times a week. I can’t do more, I’m sorry. I have a child, a huby, a house (dishes, loundry…) I just can’t. I’m with you totally, I don’t like bloggers that post everyday!! I can’t read all post, and I feel bad… I prefer having more time to post comments, be in social media and reply who comment in my blog.
Thanks!!
(Sorry for my bad english! I’m from Spain)
Thanks for this post, Jessica! Sometimes I think I’m slacking off by only posting once a week (starting today, it’ll be twice weekly), but the very benefits you mention in your post are what keep me limiting my posts. The other aspects of blogging (interacting, promoting, researching) are equally important.
I think it is well worth it to post less, it is so much easier to develop the relationship side of blogging that way.
And the relationships are what make the blogging worthwhile!
Words can’t express how much I love this post. I hate feeling that pressure to write something… anything! That pressure = craptastic posts that I’m not proud of. When I post ~3 times/week, I feel my posts maintain the quality I can stand behind, and I find I can balance everything much easier — and without the guilt!
I feel exactly the same. Once I reduced my posting frequency I wondered what I was ever thinking posting 5 or more days a week.
Good for you, Jessica! I definitely can’t write every day and I don’t even try to. It gives me time to work on other things. In my presentation at BBC, I call it letting your posts simmer. Like you said, I get MORE engagement that if I crammed a mediocre post after a great one just to post something!
I only post three days a week, and this schedule works for me. Like you, when I first started blogging, I did post every day of the week. It was insane. I was stressed. Now that I’m blogging less, I find that I enjoy blogging more, am able to make more real connections with my readers and other bloggers, and write better posts. I know there are some bloggers out there who can post every day, but I’m just not one of those bloggers, at least not at this point in my life.
I’ve also been having a hard time finding a balance between blogging, my full-time job, catching up with other blogs, and leading a relatively active social life. There are just not enough hours in the day to do it all. And so I blog a little less, too, but, like you, find the quality of my posts has greatly improved. And it’s nice to be able to engage with your readers in this way.
Otherwise, what are we doing this for?
I love this post. I’m new to blogging, and have only posted three to four times a week, but the problem is that I have little time to read other blogs so I’m trying to say three is good, but if I only have time for two then so be it. The social media keep up is hard and eats time.
I now need to figure out the best days to post.
Leigh
I am with you. I only blog 3 – 4 times a week. It’s a lot with family, work, house, kid activities, school, etc. I find that I get better traffic when I blog less too….and more interaction. Plus I am less stressed 🙂
I’ve always posted once a week and that’s it. I like each post to be a quality “piece” and not a filler. I’ve never found it to be something that effected my traffic. And like all the others have said (though in different words) I think people appreciate not having so many posts, tweets, etc from the same person.
I had always been kind of in awe of those who post every day. But as I struggle to get thru my reader, I really appreciate the ones who post less. I look forward to their posts, and they don’t build up in my reader as much as others do. I recently put myself on a schedule of MWF, and it’s helped a lot. I can relax on the other days, and I don’t stress about when the last time i posted was. I need to work with a deadline, so it helps keep me focused.
I couldn’t agree more with all your points! At first, I was blogging 5-6 times a week. With the kids, work, etc. – it was just hellish keeping up and I knew something had to give. It got to the point I wasn’t enjoying it. Now I’m down to mainly 3 times in a week, sometimes 4. I also stopped feeling guilty about not posting. That was a huge key to all of it. I, like you, used to sit at the computer and stress about what I was going to post. Now, I just don’t and I do find that I have more content. The one thing that has totally helped keep my stats the same is StumbleUpon. I need to learn it better, but posts that people have stumbled for me, miraculously took off!
I usually try to make sure I get 4 posts a week. Its not always possible because my life just takes control. Now that I moved to wordpress I have a whole new system to learn & try to implement the links I had in blogger into my new home. No way could I blog every day of the week. I also am trying to make an effort to remember to click to the blogs I read out of my reader even if I don’t have a comment to write. I feel its more personal if I go to their page instead of staying internal.
It really depends on how I fell 3 maybe 4 times a week. That’s it. I can’t be coddling my computer all day. It’s not fair to me or my family.
Thank you!
Thank you for saying out loud what I have always felt.
Thank you for helping me to continue to justifying my twice a week schedule (once post per blog!).
And THANK YOU for making me realize (again) where I don’t want to be – the blog burnout zone.
Jessica, I have always made it mandatory to keep up with every post you write – but it allows me to do so much more than just read when you post less… Like comment, and read your commenters thoughts, and even check out a couple of their blogs! I love your new “less is best” schedule 🙂
You are the best Kate, just the best. xo
#6 is a huge one! I also started cutting back, it just wasn’t worth the sacrifice i was making when my family was concerned.
I have to say – I post 5 days a week. Mine is a cooking blog…and I cook every day, so it’s not a hardship.
I am, however, very aware of the possibility of burn-out and have no problem posting less if that happens.
But right now…it’s not a problem, so I’ll stay with the five days. Monday – Friday and no weekend posting.
Since my husband and I are retired, I spend the days with him and after dinner I get on the computer (I’m in front of the TV with him right now) and then work late at night.
It works for us and he’s happy that I’m enjoying myself!
I definitely go through phases. I’ll blog like crazy, then not do a post for a month. Really, it’s when the spirit moves me and when I think I have something remotely worthwhile to say.
Thank you writing this.
Like you, never at a loss for ideas but sometimes struggling to get the right words out, I used to try to write/post something every day. It got to be too much, so I too have cut back to four times a week. Usually two memes (Monday Listicles, Mama Kat’s or Write On Edge prompts) and then my weekly series, which only requires an introduction. I’m much much happier now that the self induced pressure is off.
YES! Great post.
When I first started my current blog I set a few rules for myself because I knew about the blogging burnout from past experiences. One was to try to post 4 times a week, no more. The other was to not post on weekends for everyone to catch up, especially myself. I do like to take free time (ha!) during the weekend to start posts, then I go back and edit them until they’re just right for posting during the week.
That’s great! I’m lucky to get a chance to blog more than once a week!
Oh yes, I took all the pressure of a schedule off of myself. If I lose readers because of it, I’m ok with that. I hope my loyal friends still stick around, but really, I can’t pressure myself to post if I don’t have anything to say. And I like when bloggers don’t post all the time–it allows me time to miss them.
I post generally 5 times a week. I need to take it down, and your post at Theta Mom (and now this one) are helping me feel better about it 🙂
Blogging daily is neither sustainable nor enjoyable
This is a reassuring post for me to read! I started my blog last April and for a while there I was trying to do five + posts per week. I’m not sure why I put this pressure on myself! Now I am scaling back to four times per week, and hope to scale back a bit more. At the end of the day, I started this blog for myself – to express myself, to connect with others, etc. I do both better when I don’t have the internalized pressure to “produce” when I don’t necessarily have an inspiration.
Taking a step back is so wonderful and that time to breathe is priceless! Good for you! The burnout comes and taking an honest look and making a change instead of quitting is great!
Yes, agree with you…I do same thing with you even not absolutely same. We need balance in life. Thanks for share the same thought.
I can’t agree more with everything that you’ve written here. I cut down to posting 3 to 4 times a week about a month back and it has given me all the benefits that you’ve listed here. Blogging has been a lot more enjoyable since. Great post! 🙂
These were wonderful tips. It’s nice to hear that someone has been able to find a good balance between their online and IRL relationships. So happy to have found you!
Here here. I just recently came to the same conclusion. And it’s paying off in spades – at least for my sanity.
I totally agree with what you wrote. Personally, I wonder how people CAN blog every day, or even 5 days a week! Who has that much to say anyway? And honestly, I don’t have time to read it and I lose interest. I much prefer blogs that don’t post as often. I have two blogs and post once a week on both. I worried this wasn’t enough at first because I saw others were doing it more. But my original intention was to not overload people but for them to feel, “Oh yes, Michael Ann has something new up!” 🙂 Thanks for this!
I blog when I feel compelled to (and the time with infant twins allows). Sometimes that is every day. Lately, though, just a few days a week. Even blogging less, lately I feel I am failing at #4 🙁 I am so happy you have found a happy life/blog balance. I’m still working on it…
I just switched to only posting MWF this week and already I’m loving it!
This is great idea. I want to build my blog and figure the best way to do that is to write quality posts when truly inspired to write.
TOTALLY agree with you. I only post about 3x week. MAYBE 4. I just don’t have the time. Plus now that I am writing 2x a week for my wine column on Momtastic…I REALLY don’t have the time.
Just breathe…
And drink lots of wine!
I write on my blog only when I have something to say, otherwise I don’t force it. On the day’s that I don’t write, I’ll visit other blogs, comment and browse around for new and interesting blogs to read. I’m always looking and am never disappointed in the wonderful blogs and bloggers out there- pretty great experience so far.
#4 was a huge A-ha moment for me when I was first starting to think about posting less often. Another blogger mentioned that it was hard to feel plugged in to my blog because I was writing so often. I was surprised when she said it, but I think it makes total sense. Like you, I also love the community aspects of blogging and I have much more time for that when I’m writing less and connecting more.
Great post, Jessica!
I blog once a week and that is truly all I can balance. I broke out in hives thinking about blogging every day or even five times a week. My blogs are a bit different, as I use lots of pictures and toddler-size dolls. I knew that once a week, with full focus, blogging would be fun, an adventure ~ not “work” or an obligation. Your blog today is a perfect reminder to stay balanced and out of guilt, bringing a smile, an ah-ha moment. Wishing you the very best ~ Patricia
wow, I feel like a big slacker..
I write when something happens that I need to write about…so sometimes it’s every day for a week if life happens like that, or it can be days between posts….
blogging is fun, and the only time I schedule anything is if I have a giveaway or something that has to get up by a certain time…if I schedule anything else then blogging is a job-it becomes unfun, and I get cranky
I am “one of those” who blogs 5 days a week… typically.
Usually, I have something I want to say, and writing is an outlet.
Other times, there are tiny moments I want to share, because I know my Mommy brain will forget them.
That being said, a year ago I thought I had to post every day. Now I give myself permission that if there is nothing to write about or if I’m too busy, I just don’t post.
I still read many of those who comment, but because much of it is done on a mobile device, I rarely comment, which isn’t a great way to build relationships.
Your blog is one of those I typically lurk on silently because you are read via iPod 95% of the time.
I’m glad you’ve found a balance that works.
Love this. It’s funny as I’ve always been a 4 day a week blogger but now this past month I’m blogging 6 days a week – but its honestly been effortless as I feel like I’ve had a lot to say. However – I won’t force a post and won’t blog if there’s nothing to say. I also want to explore Pinterest more as I love it and rarely take the time for it that I should as it is so amazing.
xo
I’ve been thinking about this for months, truly. Not because I’m feeling burnt out, but because I wonder if I’m basically rambling on my blog. I don’t generally have to think of something to write about, but that doesn’t mean everything I post is interesting or good. Tough call – sometimes I just need to write it for me. But I would like to explore other blogs more, and I do wonder if my blog barfs turn people off.
Excellent post. I only blog 2-3 days a week for all the reasons you stated, and even that overwhelms me at times. (And I still don’t have enough time to read all my favorite blogs.)
FWIW, I cannot stress enough how much I agree with #4. I may love you and your blog, but if you post 5-7 days a week, not only am I not going to be able to read every single one of your posts, but I’m also going to get burnt out on you from time to time. Just sayin’.
Off to tweet and stumble! 🙂
Great post, I clicked over from Pinterest 🙂
I have honestly never understood how people find the time to blog every day, I know some who post multiple times a day! I always thought it was perhaps because I wasn’t organized enough to do it myself.
I blog 4 times a week at maximum (and even that can seem like too much sometimes) the writing comes easier that way and because I have one of my photos with every post I’m not spending every second of my non-blogging time taking photos! Or at least, blogging less gives me MORE time to take photos but with less pressure.
I’m actually the same way! I used to blog randomly and I’d think, gee I have to blog every day ..or come up with something amazing every time. Now that I know I have three days/week to blog, it takes SO much pressure off. I am enjoying it a lot more! There is no point in blogging 7 days a week if you’re going to hate it! Great post 🙂
I feel like I’m on a roller coaster, up-hills and down-hills. I had a slump and now I have so much to write/say/do, there aren’t enough days! I worry that I’m doing too much but then remember I’m doing it for me. So if I want to say it, I do. Being new I’m still figuring out the linky’s I love to participate in while also balancing my own creative juices in there. I’m on the up, for now!
Love this post! All of your reasons are great. I try to keep to a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule, but every once in a while it reverts to a Tuesday/Thursday schedule.
It is all about keeping it in perspective!
Great points you bring up!! I used to blog almost daily as well but have scaled back some also. I love reading your blog though so im glad you havent cut it out completely!!!
Blogging is a hobby and suppose to be fun. When it becomes none of those things, changes have to be made.
I’m down to like 2 days a week, not by choice, but by life just happening. I like it much more – love your sign!!
I noticed, somewhat unconsciously, how fantastic your posts were and weirdly it seemed to me that you were actually blogging MORE. Isn’t that funny?
I am ass backward, as usual, and am actually trying to blog more. And more regularly. I post twice…goal is to post thrice. I’m only now finding the time because both kids are in school.
Well put. If you have to search for something to write about, You shouldn’t be writing 🙂
I’m slowing down in my old age. At one point, I had my main Blog and my photo blog running. I would do three journal posts a week and post a daily photo on my photo blog. My photo blog only lasted about 6 months because it was hard work coming up with 1 photo daily. I know, it sounds simple but I wanted a stunning photo, not one of my kitchen towels or something.
Anyway, you know I’ve been through a burn-out lately and I’m currently doing two posts a week. That said, there is still something in me that wants to do 3 or 4. I can’t help it but I know it’s not good for me or my Family.
m.
I blog 3 days a week (or attempt to). Some days I still feel like I have zero ideas, but I always notice more comments & interaction when I don’t throw my posts on top of each other. It gives readers a chance to catch up on what’s going on without overwhelming them too much. When my reader is out of whack, and I see a certain blog has 7-9 unread posts? I usually just click “read all” instead of going through them.
Great post! 🙂
I totally agree with you! This past month, I’ve only blogged two days/week plus having a guest poster one day. I have posts already written, not out of ideas, and I don’t feel as behind! 🙂
Love this, girl! Especially the breathing part. Love!
I’ve never been a big poster; maybe twice a week if I’m lucky. But these past few months, I have sometimes only posted once, or even skipped a week! Life gets in the way and I refuse to just post for the sake of posting.
I think you are on to something.
*Sigh*
Yet more evidence why I’m such a fish out of water in ths world.
I don’t have a schedule.
I post w hen an idea pops up.
Glad you are breathing, and living..this beautiful life you have.
xo
Love this! I used to post every day, now I post about 2-3 times per week. That is honestly all I can fit into my schedule. I work full time and have an active family life, so I just CANNOT do it all. Although, I have been known to try and then get totally exhausted!
Good for you, Jessica! In theory I post five days a week, but it seems I made it to just three this week. I’ve learned to let go of the stats and all the other stuff that can bog me down. For me, it’s about the writing, whether I have one reader or 1,000. Less can definitely be more. Great post!
Less is more and quality trumps quantity.
I never really blogged on the weekends. I used to post something every day, but then I started a second blog and burnout set in quick. I try to post on each a few times a week, but if I have nothing to say, I won’t force it.
What boggles my mind are people who post numerous times in a day. Even if it’s just how to do a craft or a recipe, it’s crazy.
OMG, I caught this on Twitter and opened it before I started school drop-off (so when you see someone’s time on site at over an hour, it’s totally me).
I know we’ve talked about this so I know you know my feelings on cutting back. First, I’m so happy that you found a good balance. And also, I love that you brought up the point about not reading every post from those bloggers who do post 5 days a week. That’s something that KLZ said to me after she cut back and before I did. And when I started looking closer, I realized that the people who came by on Tuesday were pretty much a different group than those who came on Monday. Very few people read every post by every blogger, and many only blog hop on days they are “in” the blogosphere, too. So if I have a reader who only posts 2 times a week, chances are I would only get 2 visits from them a week (back when I posted 5 days a week).
OK, enough of my novel. 🙂
Let me tell you why I love this:
1. I only blog twice a week anyway. I can’t write good blog posts more than that…if I can even call what I do “good.”
2. Blogging for the sake of blogging drives me nuts. I get really disappointed heading to someone’s blog just to find a “nothing” post. Mental notes made and I find myself never visiting. I’m all for getting blog stats, but posts that aren’t engaging scream “give me a page-view”!
I love this – and I think I’ve maybe gone one or two weeks TOPS that I blogged 4 or more times in one week… I’m content if I can get 2 posts a week, although it’s usually 1-3… even then, I’m still scrambling right now to find time to READ blogs… but I’m enjoying time wiht Goose & Hubs instead of spending every waking moment I’m home catching up on blogs or playing on twitter after Goose is in bed (I do miss the social interaction, but right now I guess sleep is more important to my body!) 😉
Right now I do 5 days a week. No weekends. Sometimes I’ll skip a day and do 4. It works for me. I try not to stress over not reading every single post on every blog – I’m happy to engage with as many as I can, but sometimes I can’t get to them all.
Great post – thanks for bringing up something to think about!
It’s so funny that you would post (and I would read this) today because this has been exactly on my mind. This summer I did the NaBloPoMo challenge in July and posted every day for the month. It was exhausting and exhilarating and I feel it pushed my writing along, took me to another level. I had been planning on doing it again in November, the “big” month for that (or NaNoWriMo) but now as November approaches I’m not so sure.
I’ve been thinking my “real” life is feeling a p=little abandoned lately. And there is so much extra pressure on my time since my mother’s fall 3 weeks ago. I *could* do it, but don’t know if I should. I fear my kids will get way too much less of me if I do, and so I need to think long and hard before saying “yes” to blogging more for a month.
I think you may have the right of it… that *more* is NOT *better* and go for 3 quality posts per week verses lots of blather. Even if that means I can’t be a part of the “-Mo” challenges (and I hate to get left out of anything). Ponder, ponder, ponder…
Thanks for this thoughtful post!
I have never blogged five days a week. I used to feel stressed about this, that I should blog five days a week. While I would like to blog more than I do now (1-3 times a week) I don’t want to lose my love of blogging because I pushed myself to do more than I can handle.
Good for you. Reducing stress is always a good thing 🙂
I don’t blog on weekends as a rule, those are the days I spend with my family, or, if we’re having a relaxing movie day I read blogs.
Sometimes I miss a Friday post too just because I feel like being crazy.
I run the blog, the blog doesn’t run me 🙂
It has never occurred to me to try and blog more than 3 or 4 days a week. When I first started and figured out there were real people were blogging 7 days a week, I was amazed and felt a little inadequate. I got over it 🙂
Oh, girl. YES!!! I completely and utterly agree on this. Good post.
AMEN. GOOD WORK. AND THANK YOU.
#4. The one about not being able to keep up is SO me. I try so hard to keep up, but I miss stuff of people who blog every day.
Besides, this is your blog, your space so you get to write the rules. That’s the very best part.
I’ve actually stopped following along with folks that post so often. Not because they aren’t great writers, but I JUST DON’T HAVE THE TIME!!! There aren’t enough hours in the day….my reader is ALWAYS full.