Blogging is a 24/7, 365 day job. We don’t get weekends, evenings or Holidays off. In fact, as I write this, it’s 8:30pm on a Saturday night.
Bloggers can be found posting, answering emails or interacting on social media while watching tv on the couch, in the car, at the park, during dinner, or anywhere else we can access the Internet. The deals and posts just keep coming & readers expect us to be “on” all the time.
However, it’s important to step away from the computer and take time off with family.
How do you keep your blog updated while enjoying a vacation? I have struggled with this over my entire blogging career. To be honest, I still don’t have it down. However, I do have a few suggestions to get you heading in the right direction.
Schedule posts – scheduling posting in advance is a great way to have content on your blog while you’re away. The difficulty comes in with money saving blogs. Most deals are time sensitive or will require verification before the post goes live. Consider a new or continued series, tips, recipes or other non-deal posts to schedule.
Guest posts – ask fellow bloggers or readers to write a guest post to be scheduled while you’re away. A guest post is typically not paid and you can even trade posts with other bloggers for when they need a “filler” post. Just be mindful to limit the number of guest posts, so your site doesn’t lose your voice.
Hire help – if you already have a virtual assistant (VA) this is a wise choice. Those of us that don’t have help can ask a fellow blogger. Another blogger from your niche will be familiar with the types of posts required and your blogging platform.
Make sure you both agree on a set number of posts per day and the fee you will pay before heading out on vacation. If you want to save money, consider a blogging trade. You can swap blogging time to give you both a much needed break without breaking the bank.
Blog on the go – it is possible to blog while on vacation. However, I have learned the hard way that it’s not always a wise choice.
My biggest suggestion is to limit time online while on vacation and to have a discussion with your spouse in advance about when and how long you will work. Sitting alone on the computer for hours while your family plays at the beach not only causes you to miss out on family fun but can strain your relationship with your spouse as well.
Personally, I believe using a variety of the tips above will yield the best results.
Where and how long you will be traveling will dictate the best solution for you. On my most recent trip, I blogged while in the car, had posts scheduled (mine and guest posts) then enlisted help for the several days when I would be unable to blog.
Remember, the most important part of life is family. Everything else can wait.
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I know how tough blogging can get when you are travelling. I actually found scheduling posts very helpful…