Your blog is a business. While you may not see it that way right now, that’s certainly the truth. You need to start treating it that way if you want to see any success with it in the future.
I’ll be honest and say my head has not been in the game with my blog. It’s not because I don’t want to share useful content with you. It’s purely because of time. But that needs to stop being an excuse—yes, that’s all it is.
When my head is in the game, I can make time. I treat my blog like the business that it is and share all the content you need. You’ll get content regularly throughout the week, knowing that this is a place to come; a hub for all your needs.
But you need to do the same.
Your blog is the face of your business
It’s easy to overlook this fact right now. In fact, you’re likely laughing at me because you only set up your blog to bring in a little cash. It was more so you could get your thoughts out.
You’re not alone. Many people start blogs as a hobby, but it’s time to get out of that mindset.
If you want to see success, you need to treat it like a business. You need to treat it like work. And that work can be fun, but it still needs to be treated in the right way.
Mind Your Business: A Workbook to Grow Your Creative Passion Into a Full-time Gig
Set your working hours
One of the best things that you can do is set working hours. This is difficult if your blog is on the side while you work the 9 to 5 grind (or whatever your hours are). By the time you get home, you don’t necessarily want to work on your blog, but you need to if you want to see traction on it.
I get that feeling; the feeling of just wanting to be done for the day. Good or bad day, you can get to the end and just want to curl up in bed. You just want to sleep.
With your set working hours, you’ll know that you have to turn your attention to another piece of work. You need to turn that hobby into a business. You can get a planner to help with the timing to ensure you can fit everything you want and need to in the day.
Start getting consistent
I remember when I was a Weight Watchers (now WW) leader. The common statement was that it takes six weeks to set a habit. Those six weeks can be grueling. It’s easy to skip a day, but then you end up back at the beginning.
However, you need to set a habit. It’s essential that you get consistent with your blogging. And I need to do it too. Pick a schedule and stick with it.
Whether you blog once a week, three times a week, or even every single day of the week, getting that schedule consistent is what will help you grow your blog into a successful business. Personally, I like three days a week for posting. This is a plan moving forward, posting Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Funnily enough, it’s not the writing that gets to me. I could write a blog post for you in 10 minutes. I type fast enough and I know exactly what I want to say. In fact, I have multiple draft posts ready to go. My issue is the image creation, which brings me to the next tip to treat your blog like the business that it is.
Outsource the stuff you don’t want to do!
There’s nothing wrong with outsourcing. In fact, outsourcing is extremely smart. I outsource the majority of my social media because I simply don’t have the time for it. Nor do I really have the interest in setting up posting schedules, but I do love to chat to everyone!
I’m also getting to the point where I’m going to outsource my image creation. It’s a part of my business that takes longer than the writing, and I don’t enjoy doing it. I’m not visual in that sense.
Some people will outsource their writing. They’re great at the business idea and social media but not at the blog content creation. Whatever you don’t like doing, consider outsourcing. All the biggest businesses do!
It’s time to start treating your blog like the business that it is. With the above tips, you’ll get your start. These are the tips I’m starting with right now. I’ve done it successfully with other blogs in the past, and now I’m moving from hobby to business with Blogging Blissfully.
What are you struggling with when it comes to blogging and business? Drop me a note in the comments below.