"" The Exhausted Mom: Can I Really Work and Blog??

August 22, 2011

Can I Really Work and Blog??

*disclaimer:  all you "seasoned" bloggers, this is old news to you...this is for the other "newbies" out there!

School hasn't even officially started yet (at least not with students) and I'm already stressed about how to maintain my new obsession while trying to educate children!  Not to mention that Blogger, Facebook, and Twitter are blocked at my school.  I can only use my iPhone for so long...it's just too small.  What's a girl to do when trying to grow a following and reach the world?


After voicing my concerns to Smarty Pants Mama and my sister, they gave me advice on the vast world of social networking and how to "do it all." 


Since I can't blog while at work (and I LOVE making lists), I plan out my posts for the week.  I found blogging calendar form at Living Locurto.  It's cute and useful!  I print a few at a time because I like to see the future.


Then I designate one night to pushing out 3-4 posts.  The night changes depending on after school activities, what's good on TV, and whether or not my husband is home.  How do I do that?  One way is to create posts using a word document and then posting them to the blog later.  But my preferred way is by writing the posts on my platform and scheduling when the post will be live.  This has saved me A LOT of time!

This was going well for me while I was home.  I could tweet and share on Facebook all day in between activities with my kids.  This way all of my followers could see my new posts.  But now that I'm back at work all day, how would anyone know that I wrote a new post?

That's where Smarty Pants Mama came in.  She let me in on a little secret.  (I don't think it's a secret to the rest of you, but for me it was HUGE!)  Since I use TweetDeck while tweeting, I can schedule my tweets as well!  WOO HOO!  I love to plan ahead... It's especially useful for my Sundays when I'm usually away from the computer all day.
If you choose to do this on TweetDeck, keep in mind that the time is military time.

I know I have a lot more to learn, but hey, it's only been 2 months...

Do you have any more planning or time saving techniques when blogging? Please share!
 
Alexis

14 comments:

  1. This is a really timely post for me too! I'm a SAHM, but my husband is a teacher and has been home more the past two months, which means more time for me to blog. When he goes back to work, I'l be a lot busier! Thanks for letting me know about Tweetdeck!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sarah,
    Good luck! It has really been a big help to me to get the word out even when I can't be in front of the computer!!
    Let me know how it goes!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think you're on the right track and while it can be challenging, I know you can do it! It's all about planning and scheduling which you are a master at! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Leticia! You're always good at keeping me motivated!
    We need to reinstate the Friday processing times!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm also a teacher and I have been thinking about this with the school year rapidly approaching. Thanks for the tips!

    I'm a new follower through the Toddle Along Tuesday blog hop. I look forward to reading more in the future!

    Nikki
    makesperfectsense.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. These are such great ideas. I just started scheduling blog posts, but I wasn't familiar with TweetDeck, either. Thanks! I'm now following you from TAT. www.educatingmissamber.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good luck with your new school year! I am a former teacher, not SAHM, and I know how hard it is to do it all! Wish you the best! I am a new follower...

    www.frozenpizzamommy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes, this is hard but it sounds like a solid plan. I sounds so good I think you could manage my blog, twitter, and FB when things are a bit rough here. Right? What? You wouldn't mind?

    ReplyDelete
  9. You are doing what I do. I blog as much as I can during kids naps. Then facebook & twitter throughout the day. Though I am a SAHM, I think what you have are the best tips forya

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi!

    Managing a blog is like managing anything else - you have to make time for it. I blog in the morning, before my son wakes, and check email and what not from my phone during the day. It works for me.

    Thanks so much for linking up with our Feed Me Friday hop. There are several wonderful blogs participating again this week, you're certain to find a few new favorites!

    I look forward to reading more from you!

    Your Co-Host,
    Emily from Nap Time Is My Time

    P.S. - I've recently switched from blogger to WordPress and had some issues when transferring the GFC widget. I'd really appreciate if you could double check to ensure you're following me and are subscribed to the correct newsletter subscription!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi there. I am also a part time dentist and I try to be a mommy blogger at the same time. I have to check out what you suggested. I am a new follower from tat. Come check out my site at www.the-mommyhood-chronicles.com. Txs!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love scheduling posts - it's the only way I do more than 1 or 2 a week.

    With facebook and twitter there are ways to import your blog, so that every time you post it will automatically tweet or make a new facebook status.

    New follower from TAT
    firefly-chasing.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kacie,
    Thanks for the tip...I researched it and added Hootsuite to my routine!

    ReplyDelete

 
Blog Design by April Showers Design Studio