
Are you a new blogger? When was the last time you experienced blogger burnout?
Blogger burnout is something that I experience every day. Yup, this is not an exaggeration. But, what keeps me going are the simple tips for new bloggers that I will share today.
Common signs of blogger burnout
So how would you know if you are showing symptoms of blogger burnout?
- Writer’s block
- SEO, who?
- No one’s subscribing to your email list
- You’re a slave to your laptop/computer
- Blogging interferes with your “life”
- It’s hard to keep up with the latest trends (Hi, Tiktok. How are ya?)
- You stare at a blank screen for hours (even days)
- You hate the thought of no one supporting you
- You’re not making money
- “Why am I doing this, again?”
How to overcome blogger burnout: tips for new bloggers
1. Remember your “Why”
If you’re new to my blog, welcome. Here, I share tips for new bloggers like goal-setting, Pinterest management, and WordPress. In a previous blog post, I explained how knowing your “why” is very important. This will help you build a solid foundation as to why you’re starting a blog in the first place.
Are you saying yes to blogging, but can’t commit? If this is you, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your goals.
2. Create a routine
I was never a morning person. But, I have been waking up at 6 AM every day. No alarms. Whew.
I realized that getting rid of bad habits isn’t magic. You need a reason why you want to change. Mine is, I need to get more stuff done. So far, this new habit has been doing well for me. Plus, I feel that mornings are giving me the extra boost to start my day with positive thoughts.
Related post: Getting my life together: My week as a blogger
3. Try not to skip meals
I’m adding this to the list, even if I suck at it. We all know how important it is to eat well. But, sometimes, time just flies. My remedy? Batch cooking. I just grab something from the fridge, reheat it, and voila. Lunch/dinner is served.
Plus, my temper is at capacity. And it reaches it’s dangerous peak when I’m suuuper hungry. Therefore, it’s important that I am full before I sit in front of my computer. If not, I prepare snacks like boiled plantain (nilagang saging na saba), grilled cheese sandwich, or sweet potatoes (boiled or caramelized).
4. Hydrate
Of course, keeping ourselves hydrated is just as important. Sometimes, it helps to set an alarm. This forces me to step away from the computer, rest my eyes a bit, and drink a glass of water (or two).
I love my coffee and tea. But water is still the real deal.
5. Create a happy workspace
While some go for a minimalist setup, others prefer a fancy workspace. This is really up to you. You can manage blogger burnout as long you create ways to help you stay focused and surround yourself with positivity.
6. Do not publish blog posts too often
How often do you blog?
How long does it take for you to hit publish?
I publish once a week. Sometimes, I break this goal because there are instances when writing the actual post isn’t enough. I need to create blogging resources like printables, update my landing page on Mailchimp, create pins, and FB/IG posts. When these tasks pile up, I have no choice but to reschedule.
So, if you publish at least 3 times a week without compromising the quality of your work, kudos to you.
But again, the question lies, “How long can you keep up?”
Related post: Where to find inspiration for blog post ideas: Quarantine Edition
7. Log out
If I don’t respond to your messages on Facebook or Instagram, that means I’m in “work mode’. I log out of social media so I can laser focus on writing. Sometimes, I listen to classical jazz.
My eyesight has been deteriorating. Proofreading has become very tedious. Good thing there’s Grammarly. It auto-corrects spelling and grammar which is such a relief.
8. Get help
I have mentioned earlier that one of the reasons of blogger burnout is being overwhelmed. There’s so much work to do.
The solution? Outsource.
VA services for bloggers is very common. You can take advantage of done-for-you services like Instagram post packages, Pinterest management services, even hire someone to ghostwrite for you.
At first, blogging can be a one-man show. But eventually, you’re gonna have to hire a team to take care of mundane tasks such as:
Facebook group moderator
Email copywriter
Social media manager
Pinterest manager
Content writer
Photographer
WordPress developer
If you’ve been going solo for months, or years, delegating tasks to others can be hard at first. But imagine how much time you will save to handle your “business” effectively.
9. Build relationships
Since I rebranded Bringing Up Business, I have met amazing bloggers on Facebook and Pinterest. Of course, there are times when I’m a little jealous, especially when they share their income reports.
But being surrounded by people in the same industry makes a lot of difference. They inspire me to be better every day.
10. Take a break
Sunday is my rest day. Mornings are spent playing with my dogs, feeding them, doing the laundry, and/or batch cooking. Sometimes, I catch up on Netflix shows like Better Call Saul.
Since we’re still in quarantine, I watch live streams on Facebook to “attend” Sunday mass.
Before going to bed, that’s the only time I jot down my goals for the week.
11. Be kind to yourself
There are instances when I feel like giving up. My Pinterest traffic is down. My bounce rate is increasing. There are people unfollowing me on Instagram and Facebook.
But at the end of the day, these issues don’t bother me anymore.
I’d rather focus on creating valuable content rather than dwell on my “failures”.
12. Learn. Apply. Monetize.
If you are stuck in the learning phase, I feel you. But at the end of the day, you have to be stronger than your excuses.
Give yourself ample time to learn how to start a blog. Then, use your skills and resources to implement new knowledge. And finally, start making money.
Conclusion
Blogger burnout is real. But it can be managed.
Re-evaluate your goals. Trust your process. Lastly, never ever give up.