Believe me, I know that summer can be a tricky time to keep up with blogging. The warm weather, the sunshine, the lure of outdoor activities, and, of course, having children to entertain, can make it extremely tempting to put your blog on the back burner. Trust me, I get it! But if you’re passionate about your blog and want to keep your momentum going, I’ve got some tips to help you stay motivated during the summer months, so let’s dive in!
1. Set Realistic Goals
Summer is all about having fun and relaxing, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not churning out content like you usually do. Instead of trying to stick to your usual schedule, set up some realistic goals that consider your summer plans. For example, if you usually push out three blog posts a week, you could aim to publish maybe one or two. This way, you keep the momentum going without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. A good way to stay on top of your summer content is to use a content calendar to help plan your posts in advance. This way you will be able to plan your summer blog content to work around your summer plans and commitments and avoid any last-minute stress.
2. Mix Up Your Content
Summer is a great time for bloggers to start experimenting with different types of content. If you usually find yourself churning out long-form posts, you may find that mixing in some shorter, or more visual content such as photo diaries, travel blogs, or summer-themed lists is easier. Not only do these types of content take less time to prepare, but they are also quicker and easier for your readers to digest, and just as engaging.
3. Create a Summer Routine
Just because its summer doesn’t mean you have to give up your blogging routine completely. Although your days may be a bit busier, it’s still possible to carve out a specific time each day, or week, to dedicate to blogging. This might be early in the morning before the family’s activities get started, or it may be later on in the evening once the kids have gone to bed. Even carving out an hour or two for blogging will help you to stay on track.
4. Involve Your Audience
Engaging with your audience can be a huge motivator. Let them know what you’re up to this summer and ask for their input. What kind of content would they like to see? Maybe even run a summer-themed contest or challenge. Knowing your readers are excited and looking forward to your posts can give you that extra push to keep going and give you some accountability.
5. Take Breaks When Needed
It’s important to listen to your body and mind. If you’re feeling burnt out, it’s okay to take a break. Summer is meant to be enjoyed, and taking time off can help you come back refreshed and more motivated. Let your readers know if you’re taking a short break, they’ll appreciate your honesty and look forward to your return. If you plan to take a break away that’s longer than a few days, it could be beneficial to schedule a few “evergreen” posts to go live in advance. This timeless content can be published any time during the year and stays active even when you’re taking a well-deserved break.
6. Find Inspiration Everywhere
Summer is full of inspiration if you know where to look. Use your surroundings, experiences, and adventures as fuel for your blog. A day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or even a back garden BBQ can spark new ideas and perspectives. It’s handy to keep a notebook nearby to jot down notes, or even use your phone’s Notes App to write down any ideas that come to you during your summer of activities and fun.
Blogging Is A Joy, Not A Burden
Remember that blogging should be a joy, not a burden. By setting realistic goals, mixing up your content, and finding a routine that works for you, you can keep your blog thriving through the summer months whilst still enjoying the sunshine, making the most of the season and creating lasting family memories.