If you’re a blogger you know that our work is never done. There are rare moments when you’re actually looking for things to do. And as hard as it is to say this, I will say that a generally slow time for bloggers, brands, and businesses is the summer.
Vacations are happening, people are doing more things outdoors, they’re not focussed on grinding away at their laptops (well maybe some are, but not most). So while everyone else is daydreaming on the beach, it’s a great opportunity for you to zig-zag (do the opposite) and get cranking on the things that go overlooked in your blog biz. So here’s what I think bloggers should be doing every summer.
Creating a Content Calendar
A content calendar is one of the most underrated tools a blogger can have. If you follow me on Snapchat you’ll know I am a HUGE content calendar advocate and Snap my own calendar constantly.
Your content calendar should be planned at least 2 weeks out in advance. Since I’m OCD mine is about a month in advance. This way I’m not desperate for content when I experience blogger’s block (like writer’s block but for bloggers) and I don’t know what to post.
Reaching Out to Brands
Most brands operate on a quarterly basis, so if you want to get in on the action for the next round of collaborations, start reaching out to brands in the summer for the fall. You should inquire about any fall campaigns brands have coming up, which will show them that you know how this whole blogger/brand collab thing works.
You should dedicate at least 1 hour a day to doing this task. Like everything else in life, the more you put into something, the more you’ll get out of it. So the more brands you reach out, the more likely you are to get some collaborations. Either way, there’s no harm in trying, right?
Starting a New Venture
If you haven’t guessed by now, the summer is the best time to plan and sometimes that planning involves creating something totally new to your blog/brand. Whether you’re starting a YouTube channel or launching a book, summer is the time to do it… or at least plan on doing it.
Like brands, you want to plan your projects quarterly. So what can you start during the summer quarter to launch by fall? Whatever that is you want to lay the groundwork for it during the summer so all you have to do is go live with it come September.
For example, if you plan on starting a YouTube channel maybe you’ll want to brainstorm the types of videos you want to post and schedule them into your content calendar. Then you can start recording and editing them so they’re ready to go when you launch. This will give you enough time to keep creating new content and stay ahead of the game.
Updating Your Blog
Your blog should really be updated on a monthly basis. What I mean by this is you want to check and make sure all your links are working, that you’re staying “on brand” in all your posts, and all your pages/categories are still relevant.
For example, I recently readjusted my categories section in my menu bar and added a place for videos since I’m incorporating more videos and I deleted a section that was dedicated to an interview series I’m no longer doing. Make sense?
You can update your blog by going through your entire blog one post at a time. Yes, it’s grueling, but once you finally sit down and do it, it’s relatively easy to maintain.
As much as you want to relax during summer, don’t… unless you’re really feeling called to in which case who am I to tell you what to do? I just know that the best time to hustle is while no one else is which is during summer. Your blog will thank you later.
What are your plans for your blog this summer? Tell me the exciting things you have going on in the comments below!
xx Britt
Follow Me – Blog Instagram YouTube Snapchat @notanothrblonde
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Summer is honestly when I get the most work done on my blog because I don’t have the additional stress of school! My real problem is getting work done AFTER summer! LOL.
Emma | Seeking the South
That’s awesome Emma! Maybe I’ll write a follow-up post for how to get sh** done after the summer!
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
I really need to start being more proactive with reaching out to brands/bigger publications for work and this has been such a great reminder (not sure I can do a full hour a day, but chipping away at it is such a good idea)! Thank you!
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
Baby steps Natalie! At least you acknowledge where you could improve, that’s half the battle!
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
These are great ideas especially brand outreach and blog maintenance. I post less in the summer so I can work on my blog instead. I also suggest bloggers take some time off during the summer while others are on vacation. Thats a good time to get refreshed and ramp up for Q4.
Taking a break from time to time is super important. Thanks for your comment babe!
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
These are great ideas. I definitely need to start reaching out to brands. That’s one of my goals in the coming months.
Kristi Beth | Be Loverly
Thanks so much Kristi. Let me know if you ever have any questions!
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
I’m absolutely terrified to reach out to brands and it’s something I really need to get over! Such a helpful post, I’ll have to keep your tips in mind. xx
Dany | Danielle Reine
Totally Dany! What’s the worst that could happen? You’ll be in exactly the same position you’re in now if they say no!
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
YAS!!! I feel like a super blogger as I’ve done the content calendar, done the refresh and now just working on reaching out to brands!
xoxo
J
from
The Crown Wings
That’s awesome Jess! You’re kicking ass girl! Keep it up.
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
this is so helpful especially the content calander!! xx
So glad you found it helpful Aletta! Love your name BTW.
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
These are all good tips! I JUST launched so I am building up my content this summer.
That’s incredible Hillary! Best time to do it is the summer.
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
Very inspiring!
https://justsem.wordpress.com/
Thanks so much love!
Also… I’m inviting everyone who commented on this post to join the NOT ANOTHER BLONDE secret Facebook group for bloggers only. Everyone in it is SO supportive and we share all kinds of blog tips and tricks. I also do exclusive Facebook lives just for the group. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/notanotherblonde and add yourself! Hope to see you over there!
xx
This are great tips that I’ll definitely put into place when its summer (it’s winter here). My blog’s only a few weeks old so by the time summer rolls around these will be perfect.
Sarah | http://sundaysmitten.com