Hello! And Happy 2020!
It has been a long time since I have written a blog post (almost 11 months to be exact). We’ve all hit that time when blogging just doesn’t seem like a priority anymore, and unfortunately, that was 2019 for me. Thanks to a new job (that I absolutely love), I found myself unintentionally putting Southern Exhilaration on the back burner. With the start of a new year and a new decade, I am ready to start my little corner of the internet back up and return from my (unintentional) blogging hiatus.
If you find yourself in the same place as me, returning from a blogging hiatus, and you are not sure where to start, here are some tips for getting back into it.
Get Organized
Planning out content can be one of the biggest struggles for bloggers returning from a hiatus. Start with a brainstorm session. Come up with a list of topics that you want to write about, and when you want to schedule these posts. If you have all your posts laid out in front for the next couple of months, you’re more likely to stick to it and get all of your writing done. Additionally, this list will provide you a reference point of where to start when you get stuck in the future.
Be Realistic
Be realistic with what you can handle in regards to posts each week. If you know you can’t post five times a week, than don’t. Set a day or two that works for you and be consistent. Also, don’t try to overexert yourself, or you might end up where you started – with another hiatus.
For me, I know my work schedule will only provide me the time to publish once a week. To figure out when to post, I took a look at my Analytics and found that the majority of my readers visit Southern Exhilaration on Tuesdays, so this will become my new publish date.
Focus Your Social Media Efforts
There is no lie that social media is a beast and is one of the reasons many bloggers step back from their spaces. Just like with your posts, be realistic about what you can manage with your social media platforms, and create an editorial calendar that works for you. They say you have to post every day, but if that doesn’t work for you, then don’t. Also, use tools to help with scheduling.
To be honest, I did nothing with Southern Exhilaration’s social media accounts during my hiatus. I also find trying to monitor and come up with content for Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram more challenging then I could handle. (One of the reasons for my hiatus.) So, with my return, I will only be focusing on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I think these are platforms I can manage with some consistency as I make my return.
Give Your Blog a Facelift
If you took some time away from your blog, there’s no better time to give your blog a makeover than just before you make your return. Examine what would make your space cleaner, easier to navigate, would a new color scheme help, etc. The upkeep of your blog is an easy way for your readers to know you care about your space. Also, while you are at it, double-check your about page to make sure everything is correct there as well.
Start Slow
When returning from a blog hiatus, it’s very tempting to try and do a million things at once. I totally understand – I have a hundred ideas swirling through my head as well. Instead, set goals for each month of new tactics you want to add to your blogging arsenal. Trying to do everything at one time can lead to burnout, and we don’t want that. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. So try something out, and if you find it doesn’t add value or it’s too difficult to manage, then that’s ok. Your blog is your space, so make it work for you!
I wish you all the best as you get back to your blogs, and I hope you will continue to follow along with me as I bring Southern Exhilaration into the next decade.
