Social Media can be both the biggest time waster and the best traffic driver for a blogger. Since it is a very important tool we need to make sure we are managing it successfully and optimizing our time while doing it. In my post Printable Social Media Checklist I shared how I use my checklist to keep me on track and make sure I am utilizing all of the major social media platforms. If you haven’t read that post yet, please do. You can download my checklist for FREE and I have already received a lot on great feedback from people who have started using it.
In last week’s post Time Management for Bloggers Part 1-Writing I shared my daily schedule at the end of the post. I spend a total of 2-3 hours a day on social media for blogging purposes and today I’m going to show you what that time entails.
Time Management for Bloggers-Linkys
The first thing I do every day is get my posts on linkys. I’ll be writing a detailed post about this in the future but if you would like to see which linkys I join check out my Linky Parties page. if you host a linky you’d like me to link to please leave the link in a comment. As I join a linky I also take time to visit-share-comment on two posts that others have linked up to that linky. Sharing posts from others is something readers appreciate because they see you as a giver and someone who wants them to know where to find great information. As you do these actions mark them off on your Printable Social Media Checklist. I am amazed at how much networking I get done between 8-9am without officially visiting a single social media site. One key to sharing other people’s posts is that they have social sharing buttons on their sites. If content isn’t easy to share, I move on and don’t bother to share it. Make sure you have Social Sharing Buttons on your site to make sharing as easy as possible.
Time Management for Bloggers-Social Media with a Timer
From 9-10am and again from 1-2pm I visit Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook personal and fan page, Instagram and StumbleUpon. I set my timer for 9 minutes, I use the one on my iPhone, and then I share my post, like/+1/RT etc other posts and when time is up I close that window, open the next window, re-set the timer and do it all over again. All the while I am recording my actions on my Printable Social Media Checklist so I can see what I have accomplished.
I keep track of where I have shared my personal content by using the Social Media Planner from MyMaySunshine.com. This tool helps me share all of my posts and not just the “best” ones.
How Do You Find Content to Share/Like etc?
- I share my own content. My daily post goes out to each social media site 1-2 times a day depending on the site.
- I share content from my Tribe. My goal is to share each of my tribe mates daily posts on all of my social media sites.
- I share content from my stream. as I have time, or things still to check off of my checklist I share content that is in my stream for that site that I think my readers will find interesting or useful or sometimes even funny.
When you aren’t scrolling through your stream randomly and when you actually leave a site when the timer goes off, you can accomplish a lot in 9 minutes twice a day!
I hope you have found these tips helpful. Next week I’ll be sharing about Time Management for Bloggers Part 3-Cooking and Cleaning. Make sure you are subscribed to TheMomMaven.com so you don’t miss it.
Other Posts in this Series
Time Management for Bloggers Part 1-Writing
Cindy–this is fantastic!! Thank you for the printable sheet and for specific breakdown of how you spend your time. Being regimented really helps you avoid getting sucked into a time warp, AND tracking it helps you feel like you’ve accomplished something in your day. I’m sharing this for sure!!
Jennette recently posted..The Salon: Moving Forward When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going
Jennette, Thanks! I’m glad you like it. Thanks for sharing it too.
Really great tips! I love finding tools to help me be more efficient!
Sheriss recently posted..Get your baskets ready! Easter Events in the St Pete Area
Sheriss, I’m glad you like them.
INteresting info. I have been doing one thing a day… and my sewing. Then it turned to better to sew and do housework during the day and blog/follow blogs in evening. I am still learning the contacts part of it!
Cheri, We all have to find our rhythm and what works best for our families.
HI! Visiting from the Thrifty Thursday link up party and I just want to say that your timer idea is great. I tend to spend way too much time on one trying to get followers etc. I am co-hosting a link party for the month of May and I would love for you to join us if you haven’t already. It’s still going on for another day. The link is below and will bring you to my blog.
http://theorganizeddream.blogspot.com/2014/05/wake-up-wednesday-linky-party-week-15.html
Kate recently posted..Charming DIY Framed Quotes For a Little Girls Room
Kate, thanks for the invite, I hopped on over and linked up.
Holy cow! This is a fantastic post! I pinned it and am on to some of the other related posts you have. Thanks for the info! Visiting from Ginger Snap Linky!
ash@sn4g
http://www.shabbynot4gotten.com
Ash,
Thanks for hopping over. I’m glad you are finding these posts helpful. If there is a topic you would like me to share about, please let me know.
Using a timer is something I have never thought of doing and I spend way too much time on social network for my blog. Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I’ve pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Tammy, I hope my timer tip helps you!
Hi, saw your link on Turn it Up Tuesday…this is a great post and very useful, especially for those like me who need to figure out a good time management system. Thanks for this and sharing! Also, now following you on Twitter. 🙂
Bernadyn recently posted..Brody’s Lego Star Wars Birthday Party: Part 2
Bernadyn, yay! I’m glad you found this helpful! Make sure you check out the whole series!
I love the idea of a timer…totally going to try that. Thanks for linking up at Wordy Wednesday. Pinned!
Carrie recently posted..Job Interview Tips and Why I Love Mom Corps YOU
Carrie,
The timer really keeps me on track.
Thank you for sharing this. Using social media efficiently and with less time is something I really want to work on. I do have a question though. I haven’t been blogging for that long (about 6 months). I don’t understand what a tribe is or how you find one. I have seen the term before but never really an explanation. Thanks again. Pinning this one!
Rachel, a tribe is a group of like-minded bloggers who work together to promote each other. A great place to find a tribe is in any blogging Facebook groups you might be in. To learn more about tribes go to YouTube, search #learntoblog and when Kelli and Crystal’s videos come up search for the one about tribes.
What’s the best way for me to find a tribe?
Judy, Reach out to other bloggers that have blogs similar to yours. Put a post in some of the blogging Facebook groups you are in.