Are you trying this “blog thing” as a side hustle? Many of us mammas are doing our best to blog and be the best stay-at-home mommies we can be! Yet, one of the most difficult parts of starting a blog is finding time as a mommy blogger! – Seriously, can we add one more hour in the day??
I’m a mother of two boys, ages three and five! I’ve blogged for about a year and a half now and one MAJOR issue is finding time to learn about blogging while trying to maintain posting once a week – my posting schedule. This is a HUGE time suck when you first begin, but once you get the hang of it, you are ready to focus on your content and write, write, write!
The question is, how do mommy bloggers do it? Many of us have a hard time just getting ourselves out of bed in the morning! Yep, hit that snooze again today!
So I’m here today to offer some suggestions and quick tips to make blogging as a stay-at-home or work-at-home mom easier!
First things first, if you are thinking of starting a blogging side hustle, here is a free tutorial to get you started! I use Bluehost for hosting. Their plans are totally affordable (less than $4 per month) for new bloggers and their basic plan is really all you need! So go ahead and get your blog up and running, but check out my tips below if you are super worried you will not have time to blog as a mommy! There are SO many mammas out there killing it as bloggers and you can do it too!
On a side note, blogging is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes a lot of hard work and patience, but over time you can make blogging into your side hustle and start making money from home.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! And I’m here to tell you, it can be done!
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For pin tips and SEO tips check out my July blog income report! Learn how I made money blogging!
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10 Ways to Find Time as a Mommy Blogger:
#1 Post When You Can
When you first start out, people will tell you to stick to a strict schedule so your readers will know what to expect. However, they don’t tell you that your blog will not be super popular when you first hit publish, so if you don’t get a post up consistently in the beginning, don’t stress!
As you become more popular, you can stick to a schedule and some popular bloggers don’t publish consistently so don’t worry! The fact that you have started a blog is good enough for now! You are one step ahead of all the people out there saying, “I wish I had done that!” so congrats to you!
At one point, I tried to post twice a week, but it was too stressful, so I cut back to once a week. Do what works for you and your schedule!
Your baby may have been up crying all night. This is the day to take a break and focus on YOU. There will be other days you get more sleep and feel more productive and these are the days you should schedule some blogging time. Look at your weekly progress instead of looking at your daily progress. You will feel less discouraged on those days you can’t seem to get anything done.
I’ve tried to write on a “no sleep” day and I had to go back and edit almost everything because my brain wasn’t functioning properly and most of what I wrote didn’t make any sense. And yes, sorry for some of those older posts! My kids didn’t like to sleep back then.
#2 Naptime is your friend
Blog when your kids are napping! This is, at times, harder than it sounds! What about all the housework and “me time”?
My suggestion is to be very strict with your time. Set a timer for 30 minutes and do nothing but write. Try to write at least 500 words a day. By the end of the week, you will have 2-3 posts. If you only post once a week for a while you will start to get WAY ahead of yourself. Then try posting more often.
You can also set the timer for 30 minutes of “me time” as your reward for a writing job well done and schedule 15 minutes of cleaning depending on how long your kiddos sleep (that’s one-hour and 15 minutes). We will devote the least time to cleaning because hey, who cares if your house is messy! At least you are achieving your dream! And when you make it as a blogger, you can hire a cleaning lady (My dream one day)!
#3 Use bedtime wisely
I have always been a mom to sit with my kids until they fall asleep! During this time, I always have my smartphone in my other hand – because my five-year-old still wants me to hold his hand at bedtime and I know this will end soon – sigh – doing something blogging related! Use this time to promote on Pinterest, watch training, read about blogging, jot down ideas in my notes section of my phone, or complete Facebook threads. I’ve even written a post or two if the idea strikes.
The point is you must be creative with your time. Use bedtime to get some easier blogging task accomplished like listening to a podcast or training or pinning for the day.
Side note: I find it much faster to do manual pinning on my phone! This will make your life easier because if you haven’t heard, Pinterest is HUGE for getting traffic to your site.
I write about saving money and I wouldn’t recommend anything to you that I haven’t used myself or really trust the company. If you are looking for a blogging class, I recommend Ready, Set, Blog for Traffic by Elna Cain. I am all about saving money and this class is only $45 for a wealth of information. It is totally affordable and teaches you about Pin design, Pinning strategies, setting up your blog, getting traffic to your blog and much more.
I like how Elna’s class is mostly in video format because it is easy to watch while I am putting my kids to bed. If you are looking for a class that covers everything but doesn’t have the HUGE price tag that many other classes have, this is the class for you. This is my affiliate link but I recommended this class way before I became an affiliate. I Love it that much.
Also, I got this class in the Genius Blogger’s Toolkit which only goes on sale once a year! However, lucky for you there is a flash sale today and tomorrow only. Here is the link to check out the flash sale and here is a review of the 2017 Genius Blogger’s Toolkit, which I purchase myself and I am still astounded at all the material included. If you are at all interested, check it out now because you will not be able to buy it again until October when the 2018 Toolkit goes on sale. The 2018 Toolkit will include different information, so this flash sale is only good for the 2017 toolkit. Check out the toolkit here: Click Here
Another class I recommend is Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing by Michelle Schroder Gardner. She helps you take your blog to the next level and walks you through blog monetization step by step. This class and the mastermind Facebook group is Ah-mazing. It cost a little more ($197) but for me, the mastermind group was worth the cost alone. I’ve learned so much and made some fabulous blogger friends. I will be sure to post the next time she has a sale going on! – As promised there is a SALE on MSOM right now until Monday, May 27th so act fast if you are interested. You will receive 20% off by using my code which will bring the cost down to $157.60. Just click the link above and use my code at check out: MAY20PERCENTOFFCC
#4 Plan ahead and be proactive
Set goals for yourself each day, but keep it realistic.
I write two blogging tasks I wanted to carry out daily. Then if I end up having more time in my time blocking, I can do more or brainstorm ideas.
You will find when you start, there is so much to learn and it is VERY overwhelming, so start small. Two a day is realistic with kids.
Some examples could be changing your theme or putting up a Gravatar (ugh, this is still on my “to do” list). I would also set a goal to write 500 words per day!
Another great idea is to sprinkle 5-minute tasks throughout your day. If you have five minutes while your kids are snacking or watching a cartoon try to work on some of the following:
5-minute blogging task
- create a pin (use a template to make this faster)
- pin five pins
- brainstorm ideas
- do keyword research (I use Kwfinder and it is free for up to five searches per day)
- write a quick post outline
- edit your post in sections (For example if it is a list, edit #1 and #2 – ha, I’m editing this post by sections)
- Download free stock photos (I get free stock photos from Ivory Mix and I love, love, love them. Their paid photos are totally affordable too!)
- Watch a YouTube training on Canva or WordPress (If you can’t watch the entire thing, save it for bedtime)
- Add your new posts to a blogging promo thread (My favorite groups are Influential Mamas and Blogging with Heart)
- Write a Social Media post for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Google Plus
- Stumble your post and a few others on the Stumble App (I find the app much quicker when stumbling other’s posts)
- Come up with some title ideas and run them through the free title analyzer in Coschedule
An amazing book I just read is called “The 12 Week Year – Get More Done In 12 Weeks Than Most People Do In One Year.” This book talks about prioritizing and time chunking to handle your schedule. Another great time management book is called Eat that Frog by Brian Tracey. These two books really helped me gain perspective, decide what IS important and make time for the Big Stuff instead of wasting time on small-time suckers that won’t help my blogging.
Organize you blog posts with my free blogging planner:
Check the prices for these time management books below:
The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
Suggested Reading: How to Set Goals and Stick to Them
#5 Make easy snacks
You might be tempted to start creating a pin in canva, which if you use a template will literally only take your 5-10 minutes but your kids keep screaming because they are hungry! This is where the easy snacks come in.
Easy Snack Ideas:
- Go-gurts
- Animal Crackers
- String Cheese
- Hard-boiled Eggs
- Applesauce Pouches
We love Gogurts, animal crackers, string cheese, hard-boiled eggs (make ahead and my kids seriously LOVE cracking their own eggs which is a HUGE mess but it keeps them busy – lol), and applesauce pouches. These are go-to and grab, easy peasy snacks that will keep the kids quiet so mom can finish her work!
#6 Timer Chunking
If every time you sit down to blog, your kids automatically want to play – trust me, I feel your pain! I suggest using the timer/time chunk method. In this method, you write out your tasks and set an allotted time for each. For example:
- Writing 20 minutes
- Pinning 10 minutes
- Play with kids 20 minutes
- Create a pin 10 minutes
Sometimes I go even further and use specific times:
7-7:30 Write (This is a good time because I can focus better in the morning, my kids have had breakfast, and they are usually okay with playing by themselves for a few minutes but do whatever works best for you and your schedule.)
7:30-8 Play
8-8:15 Manual pinning
8:15 – 9 Play with kids (learning books, board games, toys)
9-9:30 Snack for kids/create pin while eating
9:30-10:00 Play-doh for kids while I work
10:10:15 Dishes/fold laundry and put in a load
10:15-11 Play more
As you can see, I am getting all of my work done: blogging, housework and most importantly playing with my kids. I keep this schedule flexible because you never know what is going to happen in the daily life of a stay-at-home mom. You may have a sick kid or someone might get hurt or any other thing that can happen when you have little ones running around.
If you are still having a hard time working try telling your kids mommy has to work and you will play with him/her and give him/her all of your attention when the timer goes off. Set your timer for 20-30 minutes and find an activity to keep your child/children busy. You can use the “play and walk away” method if needed and then get to work. After the timer, he or she will be so excited that you are devoting all of your time to playing. Keep in mind, you must stick to your promise in order for this method to work.
#7 Do Your Hard Stuff in the morning
I hear people say they get up before their kids and work, which is great and I LOVE doing this, but my kids still wake me up at night and we are all better off if I get enough sleep. So if this suggestion doesn’t work for you, try working in the morning even if your kids are up. Give them something that is really entertaining and special like play-doh or kinesthetic sand, that will entertain them for the 20-30 minutes you need to write.
Do your easy tasks like pinning or promoting at night because they are mindless. Most of us are tired during the evening and have no desire or ability to do work that requires focus.
#8 Take a Day Off
My day off is Sunday. I do admit I post on Mondays so I do a little editing, but it only takes up about 20 minutes of my time and I usually complete this while my husband gives our boys a bath. Therefore, I am never stressed about posting like I used to be when I started blogging. All mammas need a little time off to relax and chill with the family. Plan something fun and leave your phone (along with our google analytics – seriously addicted to checking my stats) in your purse. Don’t worry one second about your blog! You will get back to it Monday. It is ok to take a break!
Suggested Reading: How to be a Better Blogger: My Journey
Suggested Reading: 5 Best Blogging Tips to Try Right Now
#9 Bullet Journal or Planner
Use a bullet journal or a planner to plan out your day! Sometimes just having the physical planner or journal out will help you remember your goals. Try writing out your goals for one year, three years, and five years in the front of your journal and refer back to them often. Try to prioritize your most important goals and take steps that help you reach these goals! Play with your kids and work on your blog! Then do your housework!
Suggested Reading: My Goal Setting Method: How to Set Goals and Stick to Them
The Bullet Journal – Dot Grid Hard Cover Notebook, Premium Thick Paper with Fine Inner Pocket, Black Smooth Faux Leather, 5”×8.25” Amazon link is a great choice for a bullet journal
These are fun accessories and what blogger doesn’t love office supplies?
Bullet Journal Stencil and Pens, Plastic Planner Supplies Journal Notebook Diary Scrapbook 12 pieces DIY Drawing Template 4×7 Inch & 10 color fineliner bullet journal pens
Suggested Reading: How to Clean Your House in 25 Minutes without going crazy
Suggested Reading: 5 Borderline-Genius House Cleaning Tips to Save You Time and Money
#10 No Excuses
If you want to find time as a mommy blogger, decide what your main priorities are in life and make them the top ways you use your time! Anyone can say I have no time for this or that, but the people who succeed in life are the ones that make time for their top priorities.
At the moment you may be wasting your time getting your floor squeaky clean – but trust me – it will be dirty again tonight after feeding your baby and the said baby starts throwing and spitting food everywhere! So stop wasting your time cleaning everything and use it to work on your blog if it is truly something you want to work on as your side hustle.
Use Pinterest to brainstorm ideas and try to write 500 words a day. How do you get good at something? Keep doing it!
If you use all of your free time doing things that don’t matter like watching five hours of television daily (I know it’s hard not to binge watch Housewives), you will never show the world the amazing, awesome you!
So hit publish and tell yourself you are good enough and move on with your day!
My two priorities right now are making the most of being a stay-at-home mom and working on my blog. I use these in my time chunks as mentioned above. I make sure I write or work on my blog every day. Also, I time chunk playing board games, cars, trains, legos, or whatever else my boys are interested in that day! It is a win, win!
How to Find Time as a Mommy Blogger Conclusion…
If you want to start a mommy blog but can’t find the time, use my tips above. Don’t forget to use my blogging tutorial to get started!
What are you waiting for? Your kids will be proud of their mommy blogger and be super happy you used time chunking to play with them.
Many times the days can slip away as a stay-at-home mom. Be proactive and plan your days accordingly. Keep in mind, even if you plan, things will come up and that is okay. Do what you can do, when you can do it and don’t be too hard or critical of yourself. You are wonderful and you’ve got this! Don’t be scared of your dreams!
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What are your biggest time constraints as a mommy-blogger? Leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you!
26 Comments on How to Find Time as a Mommy Blogger
Comments are closed.
There are some great tips here for dads, too! Thanks for the encouragement and ideas. It all can be a lot to balance!
Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook
group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks.
Yes, thank you!
I am working on the balance! I try to spend a hour before the kids get up to get things done and then sprinkle in time throughout the day. It is hard though!!
I love everything about this… I love being able to automate and make lists these make me so productive. Thanks for sharing
My kids are both 10 and sometimes it’s still hard for me to find time to blog. I find it hard to concentrate on writing a post when they are playing in the house and running around.
It’s frustrating when you’re trying to juggle blogging and being a mom, but you’ve given some great suggestions on how to make it work. Thanks!
I totally agree with a lot of this and I like the 5 minute task idea. I’m a homeschooling, freelance writing, blogging mom of 4. Balancing time can be so hard but in the end, you’re right! No excuses! We got this.
Yaaaaassss, girl! I’ve used a few of these tricks (easy snacks and morning hustle FTW) but you’ve got some good ones I’ve gotta bookmark! It’s a crazy job but I love it 🙂
Great tips! It really can be hard to find time to blog as a SAHM. I’ve realized that I have to cut back a little and be smarter in how I use my time.
These are some great tips! I take advantage of bed time and work on my blog at nap time and bed time right now! I am working to get ahead to work on it less too!
Great tips! Trying to carve out time can be so complicated! I still haven’t figured out the Stumble stuff. Can you tell me more about it?
Thanks for the visit! Yes, Stumble Upon is a platform where you can share your work as well as others. It can give you a traffic boost but it is usually only on the day you submit your post. Make sure to stumble other’s posts more than your own. I would say one of yours to every 10 of others. Just sign up and start stumbling. It is really easy to use! Best of luck to you!
I am just starting this blogging thing and I definitely have a hard time balancing it with everything else at home. Thank you for the tips!
You are SO welcome! Best of luck to you in your blogging journey!
This is so helpful! I think I tend to put too much pressure on myself to create more posts than I can realistically do in this current season of life. I want to set a goal of one post per week while I’m starting out. Thanks for encouraging me to release myself from unrealistic pressure!
You are SO welcome! I know it is hard at first because you want to do what all the bigger bloggers are doing, but little by little, you will get there! Best of luck to you!
Amazing tips, I got some good take aways having 2 boys ages 1 and 3 at home! Thanks
It’s great to hear from another boy mom! I’m glad it helped you out! Thanks for the visit!
These are such great tips!
Thank you!!
These are fantastic tips. Not only for moms with little ones at home but for those of us who work outside of the home as well. It’s so hard to fit everything in!
I’m so glad this post helped you out! Best of luck to you.
I don’t know how you do it. I don’t even have kids and I find it hard to find time to get my new blog up and running. But your article helped inspire me, if you have kids and do it, then I’m sure your tips can help me figure it out. Thanks!
Thank you for the visit! I never realized how much hard work goes into blogging until I actually started doing it myself! I could spend all day on blogging if I had the time!