Despite the year-long duration of the blogging challenge, a knockout system is implemented on a weekly basis. This means that failing to update our blog within a week results in expulsion from the challenge group.
Navigating the path as a blogger is undeniably challenging. Discovering captivating ideas, addressing readers' needs, and promoting articles on social media to boost traffic are no simple tasks. Particularly when these efforts haven't yielded satisfactory results yet, maintaining consistency with your blogging goals becomes even more demanding.
As we enter the second month, the group members are dropping out one by one. It's disheartening, but it serves as a reminder that sustaining consistent blogging poses numerous challenges.
Consistency challenges that often face by bloggers
Bloggers often face hurdles in their personal lives that make it hard to maintain a consistent posting schedule. In my opinion, there are some common factors that can hinder blogger’s ability to maintain a consistent blogging schedule include:1. Time constraints; Blogging requires a significant investment of time and effort. I found that some of my blogger friends have other responsibilities such as full-time jobs, family commitments, or academic pursuits, which can make it challenging to consistently allocate time for writing and publishing blog posts.
2. Lack of motivation; Boredom, stress, and being overwhelmed can lead to a lack of motivation, making it difficult to publish consistently.
3. Writer's block; When we initiate a blog and do not know what to write, we often draw inspiration from our daily experiences. Though it can be a great starting point, as time goes on, we may find ourselves running out of fresh ideas and feeling unsure about what other topics to explore.
So, what can we do in such a situation? The answer lies in the following paragraph, so keep reading to find the solution.
4. Perfectionism; We have all been there; we spent a lot of time editing and refining our posts until we forgot the deadline we set. However, as our writing skills improve, we should learn that, while quality is important, perfection can trap us in inconsistency cycles.
5. Lack of planning and organization; When I first learned to blog, I received advice that it was better to just start writing first rather than make considerations about this and that. However, as I delved deeper into the blogosphere, I realized the importance of starting with a clear goal.
Setting a clear goal helps us create a more focused blogging plan, whether it's related to the topic we choose or the frequency of our posts.
6. External distractions; Overthinking and perfectionism may play a role in our consistency, but there are many emergencies, health issues, or unexpected events that can make it harder to maintain consistency.
Why consistency matters for bloggers
To break the blogging inconsistency cycle, it is important to recognize the benefits of consistent publishing content. By doing so, we can find new goals to help us maintain consistency.
1. Building trust and audience
Consistency in blogging helps build trust and a loyal audience. When you stick to your posting schedule and share helpful information, your readers will see that you keep providing valuable content. This makes them come back for more and see you as someone who knows what you're talking about. You become the person they go to for new ideas and accurate information in your field.2. Improving SEO and visibility
Google loves a consistent update blog. Updating your blog regularly triggers search engine spiders to visit you. And when they index your site with a new post, you have a chance to move your ranking a little higher.
3. Memorable
How do you recognize someone’s brand? Through their consistent presence on a platform, right? The same goes for blogging. Your regular update helps your reader recognize you and remember your expertise on the topic they are interested in.4. Help you earn more money
Consistency in blogging is closely linked to earning money through several key factors. By consistently publishing valuable content, you can build an engaged audience that trusts your recommendations, attracting advertisers and sponsors.
Additionally, publishing consistency allows for effective integration of affiliate marketing, increases blog traffic, and opens up various monetization channels. It also helps establish authority and expertise, leading to opportunities like speaking engagements or creating and selling products.
While consistency is not the sole factor, it acts as a foundation for successful monetization strategies and enhances the potential for earning income through blogging.
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| Clear goals can make you easier to build content calendar and breaking blogging inconsistency cycle |
How to maintain consistency as blogger
Overcoming inconsistency requires a strategic approach and a determined mindset. It is essential to identify and address the specific obstacles you face. Common roadblocks include a lack of time, motivation, or inspiration. Take a moment to reflect and recognize what personally holds you back from maintaining consistency in your blogging journey.
And below are some steps to help you and break the inconsistency cycle.
#1. Define your “consistent” meaning
When discussing consistency, we often associate it with a daily routine. However, as a content writer myself, I don't recommend this approach when it comes to crafting business content versus personal content.
Writing for personal blog often took longer because it involved sharing personal experiences rather than regurgitating information readily available on the internet. Defining blogging consistency as publishing a post every day can easily lead to burnout.
Being consistent is not the same as being perfect ,- James Clear
Instead, you can choose to publish your content once or twice a week. To achieve optimal traffic results, it's crucial to promote your content. Neglecting promotion can result in wasted efforts on the valuable content you've created for your website.
That being said, the definition of consistency depends on your individual circumstances. If you're only able to post once a month, ensure your readers are aware of the specific date you'll be sharing your post. Communicating your posting schedule helps manage expectations and keeps your audience engaged.
#2. Create a realistic schedule
As a freelancer, I have to divide my working hours into several parts: working on client projects, learning new things, and creating content as part of a strategy to market my skills.In order to keep my blogging schedule, I chunk my tasks into small sub-tasks, such as researching, gathering references, creating outlines, editing photos and writing content, editing and creating infographics, final checking, publishing, and promoting.
When my workload is heavy with client projects, I choose to focus on completing one subtask per day. However, when I have more free time available, I am able to tackle multiple sub-tasks in a day.
You can adopt my approach for dealing with inconsistency in your own blogging efforts. Alternatively, you may opt for a batching system to ensure consistent output. Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to have a content calendar to combat writer's block and a set list of tasks to accomplish on your batching days.
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| Content calendar can ensure publish content consistently |
#3. Transform your schedule into fixed appointments
To ensure the success of your content planning and scheduling, turn it into fixed appointments!
#4. Developing a content calendar
I found content calendar is a valuable tool for fighting inconsistency. A content calendar ensures you have a clear roadmap, allowing you to stay on track and meet your publishing schedule.
#5. Find an accountability partner
It is beneficial to have one or two reliable friends who can assist you in meeting your commitments and sticking to your schedule.
Engaging in a challenge or utilizing a support system can also aid in maintaining consistency.
“Taking action on what you’ve already planned is not solely about discipline, rather about respecting yourself.” - Rahayu Pawitri
Bonus tips
If you're new to the concept of training consistency, you can benefit from James Clear's advice shared on his blog at jamesclear.com. In one of his articles, James suggests that it's better to lower your achievement standards while still adhering to a schedule rather than abandoning it altogether.
So, if your goal is to update your blog daily but you find yourself short on time, try to divide your article writing into several days. For example, if writing a 1500-word article takes you 2 hours, you can allocate 30 minutes of writing time over four days. This way, you can still meet your daily writing targets while practicing consistency. By implementing this strategy, you'll be able to maintain progress towards your goals and develop a habit of regular writing.
Wrap up
Consistency is the foundation of a successful blogging journey. It builds trust, grows the audience, improves search engine rankings, and creates a strong online presence.By implementing the strategies above, I hope you can overcome the challenges, maintain a consistent blogging practice, and reap the rewards of your dedication and hard work.
Remember, battling inconsistency is an ongoing process, but with determination, planning, and support, you can achieve your goals and thrive in the dynamic world of blogging.
Last word: don’t forget to always reward yourself for the progress you make!
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