Recently, I have started scheduling posts and I’m still mixed as to whether it’s something that makes the blog better or worse? I started scheduling because I couldn’t give authors dates as to when their books would be reviewed and I was posting irregularly. I gave myself a schedule and over the past few months I’ve stuck to it. But, it’s become a bit of a chore and I just wanted to share some pointers as to my feelings.
Yay
1) I have become so much more organised. Reviews, Monday, Thursday and Saturday, Top Ten Tuesday on Tuesday (figures) and then a bookish post, either a book tag or an award if I’ve been nominated on Friday. To do this however I had to take quite a lot of time off to get through so many books to allow this to happen.
2) Content days are so much more productive because I know what needs to be done. If I’m feeling chatty I might type up a couple of Friday posts, or start on the next Top Ten Tuesday. I know what needs doing and it gives me more focus.
3) I have more content to share, meaning more views, followers etc. I have found that becoming more organised has led to more comments, likes and views which is lovely. What isn’t so lovely is if it gets a bit messy.
4) I can have a week where I don’t worry about the blog. I can just read and let it get on with itself which is why I think I’ve avoided a blogging break so far although I haven’t completely disregarded that yet. We shall see.
5) I seem to have more to write about. More content ideas, I care more about how everything looks, the images used everything which is obviously brilliant for the blog as a whole.
Nay
1) I panic if I don’t have a post-up. Before I wouldn’t worry whether I had a post ready to go but now if I see that I’m a review short or a Friday post I worry because I want to stay organised and reliable in my posting.
2) I worry that my writing is decreasing in accuracy because I’m writing so many. I read them then pop them up and then forget to go back and double check and a couple of reviews I’ve been shocked at the little but numerous mistakes.
3) When I’m reading books I’m worrying, how much time will this take, can I read something a little shorter in between. I’ve had a few wobbles with authors recently and this was supposed to help get reviews out and up more quickly but I’m still slipping up. *wails*
4) It feels less spontaneous. I used to be against scheduling because I liked posting the review and then seeing the likes, now it feels a bit detached from my daily life because things post without me knowing. This includes social media so it starts to feel a little mechanical.
So, I kind of haven’t really come to a decision here but I think if I am more careful to check my reviews and posts thoroughly and make sure that it’s not scheduled until it’s completely finished maybe that will work. Now it’s over to you; have you liked the increase in posts, the more organised schedule or should I revert back? Let me know, would love to know what you think!
mylittlebookblog 
hi, I was never one to schedule posts myself, but I do see the usefulness of it. What I do is make a general map of what I would like to post on a week, but then sometimes I can’t review the books I read right away, some books need time to be fully appreciated 😉
what I think you should maybe consider is relax a bit about your posting. Keep planning, but without making it an obligation. Say you have planned 3 reviews, but are really in the mood for just 2, that’s ok. Don’t worry about it so much. 🙂
I think you’re right, definitely need to calm it down and enjoy it more, the blog shouldn’t feel like a chore 🙂 I’m going to go have a nosy around your blog now 🙂 xx
I’m going to be *that* person that doesn’t help you out at all! Personally, I think all content from your blog is awesome. I’ve always lived by the mantra that if you aren’t happy doing what you’re doing it will show. Plus your mental health needs to be top priority so if you’re panicking about scheduling and posting and stuff then it is probably best to change something. Ultimately be happy, you’re awesome, you’re blog is awesome, this community is awesome and I’m sure whatever you decide to do you’ll receive lots of support! x
Yayyy for *that* person! Awe thank you, and yes you are totally right. I think if I can squash down the worries of not posting them I will get the number posted back down again! I’m so glad you like the blog because I must admit yours is totally awesome 🙂 the community is always there so fingers crossed can get a better balance 😀 xxxxx
Good luck Lizzy! Post however much feels comfortable for you and I and the hundreds of thousands of bloggers who love your blog will still be here 🙂 xxx
It sounds like you’re pretty stressed out trying to maintain this schedule. Perhaps you can take the best of both worlds — give yourself a schedule but reduce your posts. That will give you more time to read the books you’re reviewing and not make you feel so anxious to post something. I aim to publish twice a week but try to brainstorm ideas ahead of time, so I still keep a little spontaneity. There’s my two cents. Happy Friday!
I think everyone just seems to have their blogs pretty much sorted out and now I’ve got overly sorted out if that makes an sense?
But I think you’re right. Reducing and giving more time would be good 🙂 I used to publish twice a week so maybe go back and get some more spontaneity 🙂 thank you for the comment and yes HAPPY FRIDAY
I keep a book to stay on top of what reviews I’ll be posting when, or at least within a week of that date. This helps me not over commit when accepting book review opportunities. As for the other types of posts to schedule on a weekly basis, I need to do more. You are an inspiration to me in getting winning content and tons of interaction with the community. Posts like these are the way to go. Cheers!
I see that’s a good idea, I think because I’m so snowed under I need to review so many to keep any kind of grip on it 🙂
So glad you like the posts that’s really made me smileeee 🙂
I would agree with the idea of keeping the schedule, but maybe reduce it. It’s difficult to keep up posts for almost every day. I know some bloggers can do it, but I’m not sure how they manage. Steady and predictable posts can keep your readers excited and looking forward to the days they know you’ll have something fresh.
That’s true! I think my content is still good but if dipped too much I think I would have to kinda review it! I’m very much in two minds because it’s a lot of fun scheduling just needs better balance 🙂
During the summer months I sleep in. I like to have my posts up in the morning. So during the summer months and sometimes on the weekends I, I will write a post the night before and schedule it to go up in the morning. Sometimes, if I am feeling especially chatty, I’ll write 2 or 3 and schedule them to post in the upcoming mornings. There is nothing wrong with scheduling. It keeps you productive and if you get them up early enough, it also helps with your traffic.
Mmmmm I have found its given me more to write about and I do get more comments and things.
I definitely feel more confident in the blog since posting more 🙂
First of all: I’m a true believer that quality overrules quantity. If you feel your writing isn’t up to your own standards because you’re writing too much, then I’m the first to say: write less but spend more time on the posts you -do- write.
And in all fairness, I tend to get bored with bloggers who post too much (yes, there’s such a thing!). There’s only so much one can read in a day and I noticed how I ignored the bloggers who posted daily book reviews and started looking for the ones who posted once or twice in a week. They grand me more time to enjoy their content and don’t demand the energy the other bloggers have been (unknowingly) asking from me. In the end, I unfollowed the daily book reviewers and now, I spend more time replying and commenting on the blogs that only appear once or twice in my feed. I’m more active on these blogs and more importantly, I’m continuously anticipating their posts!
I suppose it’s all about finding the right balance and with balance I don’t just mean the weekly frequency of posts but a balance that gives -you- time to breathe and fret less while giving your readers a break too during some days of the week while keeping them anticipate your posts. Scheduling can help you figure out how much time you’re willing to spend and help you notice when you’re having a “quiet” week in advance so you can sort it out in time without stressing. Scheduling doesn’t mean you suddenly need to have a blog post every day of the week 🙂
That is one hell of a comment 🙂
I think you’re right, when I first got into scheduling I wasn’t doing it right but over the next coming months I might think about decreasing it..
I’ve seen views and comments increase since I started having a schedule quite dramatically but hadn’t thought posting too often would put people off its something to think about!
Last line really resonates with me because I think that’s why it’s become so strict.. Ah well lots to think about!
Thank you for spending so long to comment Tis really lovely xx
Haha, sorry. I have the habit of writing long comments once I get started :p but your welcome. I think, when you’re struggling with what you’re doing in one way or another, it’s nice to get feedback what your readers think/feel – that way you can figure out what you want to do without feeling too bad because you know their opinion 🙂 I like your blog a lot. It’s fun and I’m not leaving no matter what you decide 🙂 xx
Nooooo! It’s definitely one of those posts that creates those long comments and it’s been really really helpful!
So glad you’re going to stick with the blog it’s always so so so lovely to know that people enjoy it :3 xxx
I think maybe you’re too strict on your schedule. Aim for less, maybe 3 posts per week it will be less stressful. I’m also scheduling some of my posts but I don’t have an established planning like yours. But I’m in awe of your organization !
I starting just scheduling a couple and then I think it got a bit out of hand 🙂 haha it’s a bit nuts but I do like the added comments it’s given me I get to speak to so many more of you! X
I love being able to schedule posts. I don’t post as much or as often as you though, so I can see how it would cause some burn out. I just like knowing it’s all set and ready to go and I don’t have to think about it.
Mmmmm I can’t decide whether I prefer it though, before I was just posting all willy nilly… But yes setting it up is nice cause then you just want it wiggle off into the blogosphere 🙂 x
Blogging is a hobby, it should be fun and definitely shouldn’t feel like a chore! I am the worst when it comes to frequent blog posts and I have thought about scheduling posts before, but I’ve never done it! I would suggest having loose schedule.. Something you don’t have to stick to but it gives you an idea of when to post. Also, another thing, the amount of likes and comments isn’t be all and end all, as long as you’re having fun, that stats page doesn’t really matter! I hope that helped, and if it’s any consolation I haven’t noticed a difference in your blog posts. They have been as creative as ever! -M x
Oh this is the loveliest comment thank you!
It’s definitely become a bit of a chore but I do like the extra reading time it’s giving me because I know that I have posts up my sleeve 🙂
I agree with the stats thing it’s just nice to have more people involved with the blog and I would hate to lose that by posting more randomly. But I think a less strict schedule could really help!
Thank you for such a lovely comment :3
I’d love to develop a schedule like yours but I’d never be able to keep up! At the moment I participate in two memes a week and I tend to prepare those ahead of time. For book reviews I post when I finish a book. Once I started blogging I saw some advice about having a store of posts ready so you don’t have to worry about writing content straight away. I wish I had done that now.
I agree with a lot of the advice you have already been given – perhaps reduce the number of posts per week to give yourself a little breathing room. Blogging is supposed to be fun and we would want you to burn out!
I’m the same! I wish I had done that but it just never materialised. Now I feel like I need to have a schedule but I think reducing it for a little whilst might help me calm down a little! 🙂
I keep thinking I should try and schedule stuff but I know that I would start to panic if I didn’t have something ready and as I have more than enough anxiety in my life already I can really do without that. I have about 10 reviews I’m behind with writing at the moment but just haven’t had the time to give them proper consideration – if I was scheduling them I would be feeling really pressurised right now. I think the main thing is that you enjoy it – isn’t that what you do it for anyway? So let some stuff go and take the pressure off 🙂
I think I will! I thought that scheduling would make me more calm but it’s only lead to more panic. I think relaxing and taking a bit of pressure off would be brilliant just need to work out how!
It all sounds like good advice. Good luck to you and don’t stop believing in yourself and your abilities as a blogger!
Thank you 😀 what a lovely lovely comment 🙂 xx
I wouldn’t worry about any of it at all – reading and blogging is meant to be a pleasure, and it looks as though you present your posts beautifully and care about the people you’re reading and reviewing for. Whether scheduled or not, you seem to be doing a great job 🙂
Awe thank you!
This has made my day :3 xx
I’ve started scheduling posts recently. It keeps me on top of things and getting what I need done for the blog in advance. That is definitely a perk. After so many years of blogging, its taken me a lot of time to figure out the perfect balance and letting go when there just isn’t something to post up. Sometimes life outside of the blog takes over and that’s perfectly fine. All of us here understand that 😉 It is important to remember that this is a hobby. The moment it becomes a stress in your life, its no longer fun 😉 So don’t worry too much. We all make mistakes. I always make a few in mine and I notice them 3 months down the road when I’m reviewing and organizing my posts. As long as the content is great, its all good! 🙂
You already have a great blog. Keep it up!
Thank you for such a lovely comment!
The last couple of weeks, I’ve been working to make sure everything is really good content wise and hopefully take some strain off.
I think I just need to make sure, like you said, that it’s still fun and that I’m enjoying it! Just need to get the balance a little better!!
Wow, you’re so good. I think my blog consists of more blogging breaks thank actual blogging (for various reasons). To me it looks as though the yays are crying out for scheduled posting. It seems to be working really well for you so far! 🙂