As content creators, getting into a writing schedule helps us to stay organized and keep on track when it comes to our work. But how exactly do you create a writing schedule that works for you? That’s what we talked about in this #ContentWritingChat! If you need a content creation schedule of your very own, this is the chat for you! Keep reading for some helpful tips!
#ContentWritingChat Recap: Getting Into a Writing Schedule with Kelsey Jones
Join us for #ContentWritingChat on Tuesday, May 23rd at 10 AM Central with @wonderwall7! pic.twitter.com/gY1XKyLjtn
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) May 16, 2017
Our guest host for this week’s chat was Kelsey Jones. Kelsey is a marketing consultant, as well as a writer and the creator of MoxieDot. She knows how important it is to set a schedule and stick to it if you want to see results, so she shared tons of helpful advice with everyone in Tuesday’s chat!
Q1: What is the importance of having a writing schedule? How can it benefit content creators?
Not convinced you really need to have a writing schedule of your very own? We asked our chat participants to share why they think it’s important and how it can be beneficial. Check out what some of them had to say:
@writingchat A schedule ensures that I write. As a biz owner( @storyshout @moxiedot_), writing for my own biz often isn’t priority :/ #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
Kelsey knows that having a schedule ensures she actually makes time for writing.
A1 A writing schedule sets the discipline of getting #content done. Otherwise, you risk procrastinating & not finishing. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy ? (@JuliaEMcCoy) May 23, 2017
A1b Just don’t rush yourself and over schedule. ALWAYS allow time for inspiration. 1 amazing post > 10 crappy ones. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/ePNSbLHk6A
— Julia McCoy ? (@JuliaEMcCoy) May 23, 2017
Julia knows that having a schedule and sticking to it is going to give you the discipline you need to get your content creation done. Without a set schedule, you risk procrastinating on your work and possibly not even finishing it.
She also reminds us that we shouldn’t fall into the trap of over scheduling. Julia said to allow time for inspiration to strike. And remember that one amazing post will always beat 10 crappy posts.
A1 Having a content writing schedule keeps self-imposed pressure on yourself to produce. #contentwritingchat
— Jim Katzaman (@JKatzaman) May 23, 2017
Think of having a writing schedule as your own deadline. As Jim said, it adds a little pressure to give you that motivation to produce new content. Sometimes you need that to actually create something new.
@writingchat A1: If you rely inspiration FIRST and only, you’ll never write. Schedules keep us productive and accountable. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/G61p3x8bbj
— Shawn Paul Wood (@ShawnPaulWood) May 23, 2017
Having a schedule will ensure you’re staying productive and it holds you accountable. You don’t want to miss those deadlines you gave yourself, now do you?
A1a: It gives a level of accountability, forward planning, and consistency to production and strategic thinking. #ContentWritingChat
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) May 23, 2017
Accountability, forward planning, and consistency are just a few reasons having a schedule can be beneficial to you.
A1 The importance of having a writing schedule is to keep you updated on what needs to be done. Holds you accountable. #contentwritingchat pic.twitter.com/eKDib2H3Nv
— Tony Stephan (@OmnipoTony) May 23, 2017
When you’ve laid out a plan, you’ll always know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done by. This is going to be crucial in helping you stay on track with your content creation.
A1: Consistency and scheduling can help combat procrastination in writing. At least it does for me. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/41eR7Ebhb6
— Rogue Jess (@JessOB1kenobi) May 23, 2017
Jess said that consistency and scheduling help her beat procrastination when it comes to writing. If you find you often procrastinate on writing, try setting a schedule and seeing if it helps you out.
A1 A writing schedule keeps your purpose ahead of your pencil. No need to ask “what to write” with a strategy & schedule #contentwritingchat
— Bill Skowronski (@BillSkowronski) May 23, 2017
As Bill said, there’s no need to wonder what you should write when you have a schedule and a strategy in place.
Q2: When writing content, do you have a specific process you follow? If so, share it with us!
How do you successfully write a piece of content? We asked everyone to share their processes with us, so take a look at what they had to say:
@ExpWriters A2 I brainstorm topics, then write headers, then flush out. Doing headers 1st always helps! #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
@ExpWriters A2 some of my fav tools for ideation: @BuzzSumo @ubersuggest @answerthepublic @Quora & Twitter hashtags in my industry! #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
Kelsey starts by brainstorming topic ideas. She then likes to write headers and then begins creating her content. She even shared some of her favorite tools for coming up with great ideas.
@ExpWriters A2 Absolutely! Attached is a screenshot of my key 5-step process, from ideation to creation, for @ExpWriters content. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/XwUXAUye4Y
— Julia McCoy ? (@JuliaEMcCoy) May 23, 2017
Julia shared the five-step process that’s used to create content here at Express Writers. Do you follow similar steps?
A2: Start w/idea, jot down all thoughts, perform research where needed, flesh out post. Walk away, proof. Publish.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/PEoplJlHGY
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) May 23, 2017
Once you have an idea, jot down your thoughts, perform research, and then flesh out your post. Take some time away before coming back to proofread it. Once you’ve finished editing, you’re ready to hit publish!
@ExpWriters A2: Choose topic, sketch out rough draft, pick visual/video links, write body, revise, edit, enhance, polish. #contentwritingchat
— Jeremy Murphy (@jeremypmurphy) May 23, 2017
Once Jeremy has written his first draft, he selects visuals, writes some more, and then goes into the editing phase.
A2: We all have a different writing process in the Netvantage office, but it always starts with keyword research. #contentwritingchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) May 23, 2017
The team members at Netvantage all have different processes, which is absolutely okay. The one common thing they all start with is keyword research.
@ExpWriters A2 to simplify – brainstorm, outline, write, reflect, review, proof, post, measure, repurpose! #ContentWritingChat
— Amanda Vera (@amnda_vera) May 23, 2017
After you’ve published your content, don’t forget to measure your results and repurpose it, just like Amanda does.
Q3: How do you make time for writing in your day? Do you find you’re most creative at certain times?
How exactly do you make time for writing in what is already a busy schedule? Check out these tips:
@writingchat A3 after reading Eat That Frog by @BrianTracy I realized I needed to write early in AM. I also LOVE writing on planes. #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
Kelsey started writing early in the morning, but she also enjoys writing while on the plane. The key is to figure out what works best for you and plan your writing schedule accordingly.
@writingchat A3: I understand my deadlines and I work against them to make sure I always have the content necessary to meet them. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/2Iu8dZAXhL
— Jeff Reno(e) ? (@Renoe) May 23, 2017
When making time for writing, it always helps to look to your deadlines. You want to make sure you get everything done in time, which means you need to schedule accordingly.
A3: I write every morning. Writing is a decision-heavy process. Best way to keep the habit embedded in my routine. #contentwritingchat https://t.co/FWZqgUDMsB
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) May 23, 2017
Ray makes time to write every morning, which helps him keep up the habit of regular content creation.
@writingchat a3 Most creative in the early AM – no distractions. #ContentWritingChat
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) May 23, 2017
Debi also likes to write in the morning because there aren’t as many distractions for her.
A3: 5 to 10 p.m. is probably my most productive part of the day #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/n14so8006J
— @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) May 23, 2017
On the flip side, if you find yourself most creative and productive later in the day, use that time to write! For Andrea, he writes mostly during 5 PM to 10 PM.
A3: I try to save my writing for the afternoon/evening, but I agree with those who say when inspiration hits, take it! #ContentWritingChat
— Kristi Kenyon (@kkenyon86) May 23, 2017
Kristi also prefers to write in the afternoon and evening hours, but she also knows it’s important to just dive right in whenever inspiration strikes.
A3: Just after my coffee kicks in! #ContentWritingChat
— Sarah Nelson (@Blogging_Geek) May 23, 2017
For Sarah, she feels ready to write once the coffee kicks in!
Q4: What are your best strategies for becoming a better writer?
Even if you aren’t a natural-born writer, it doesn’t mean you don’t stand a chance of creating something amazing. You can always strengthen your skills! Here’s some advice that will help you out:
@writingchat A4 READ. OMG, read. Books, RSS feeds, news. Reading increases language comprehension. https://t.co/M1XA1R8Kqs #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
@writingchat A4 I read/listen to about 2-3 books per month. Check out free audiobooks/ebooks from the library! #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
Kelsey’s advice is to keep reading. Whether you’er reading books, blog posts, or news articles, you can learn from it. She reads or listens to about two to three books per month, which is awesome.
A4: If you want to write better… READ!#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/yl5WckPsuu
— @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) May 23, 2017
Kelsey isn’t the only one who knows reading can strengthen your skills as a writer. Andrea knows there’s a lot you can learn from other writers.
A4: READ. Read books that challenge you! Learn new words. Study great writers. Study bad writers. Just keep learning. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/C7VEAW0QvK
— Rogue Jess (@JessOB1kenobi) May 23, 2017
Jess also agrees that reading is important. She says to learn new words, study the great writers, and even study bad writers. You can always take something away from reading their work.
A4: Practice. The more you write, the better you get. #contentwritingchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) May 23, 2017
Practice is key to getting better at anything, including writing.
A4a Can’t say it enough: practice, practice, practice. My copy skills are from CONSTANT writing. Daily schedule is key! #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy ? (@JuliaEMcCoy) May 23, 2017
Julia also knows how important practice can be. She says having a daily schedule is key.
A4a: Have someone else (or multiple readers from your audience) read and give constructive feedback on your writing. #ContentWritingChat
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) May 23, 2017
Ray recommends getting some feedback on your writing. Have someone else (or a few people) read over what you’ve created and provide you with advice.
@ExpWriters A4: Read – Read as much as you can. Then, don’t be afraid to find a good critique partner where you can share and learn. #ContentWritingChat
— Jeff Reno(e) ? (@Renoe) May 23, 2017
Jenn recommends reading often, but also finding someone to critique your work. You can help each other out and become better writers.
A4: Networking with fellow writers and content influencers to learn and grow both personally/professionally #contentwritingchat
— Devin (@DevDawg) May 23, 2017
Networking is always a helpful way to better your skills. Take the time to connect with other writers and influencers and learn from them.
A4: @ExpWriters Take on projects that challenge you – even scare you! Push your limits & never get comfortable. #ContentWritingChat
— Callie Malvik (@CallieMalvik11) May 23, 2017
Callie recommends pushing your limits and taking on projects that challenge you. It’s a great way to explore new things and get better at what you do.
Q5: What are your tips for remaining consistent when it comes to writing?
How exactly do you remain consistent with your writing? Our chat participants shared some helpful advice:
@writingchat A5 schedule writing time as a meeting in your cal, make it as easy as possible w topic list, dictation, & good beverage #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
Kelsey suggests scheduling writing time into your calendar as if it was a meeting. There won’t be any excuses for not getting it done when you’ve already block off time in your day.
She also says to make it easier on yourself by having a prepared topic list, a dictation tool, and a good beverage.
A5: Going back to Q1…have a schedule! Put someone in charge of that schedule to hold everyone accountable. #contentwritingchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) May 23, 2017
It all goes back to having a writing schedule. If you have a team, put someone in charge of creating and managing the schedule to ensure everyone stays on track.
@ExpWriters A5 Plan. Schedule. Stick to the plan. #ContentWritingChat
— Maria Tereza Dickson (@terezadickson) May 23, 2017
It’s so simple, but it’s the most effective process. Plan your content, create a schedule, and stick to it if you want to see results. Maria knows this is key!
A5: Set a definitive editorial charter, style guide, and content strategy–and stick to them. #contentwritingchat
— Shelly Lucas (@pisarose) May 23, 2017
Having an editorial calendar, a style guide, and a content strategy will always be helpful when it comes to consistency.
A5: Break the final deliverable into phasic deadlines…research by X date, draft by Y date, redacted version by Z. #contentwritingchat https://t.co/3gJdYjN8nK
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) May 23, 2017
Work deadlines into your writing schedule. Ray recommends setting dates you need to have research done by, when you need to draft, and so on. This will keep you on track and help you get everything done on time.
@ExpWriters A5: Give yourself some deadlines (w/ flexibility if needed), try to keep them. E.g. weekly posts on Fridays. #contentwritingchat
— Jeremy Murphy (@jeremypmurphy) May 23, 2017
Jeremy also knows deadlines are important, but he suggests giving yourself some flexibility when needed.
A5 For me setting up reminders, pings & notifications keep me sane when I forget a writing sample needs to be done. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/3HQikG4jRr
— Tony Stephan (@OmnipoTony) May 23, 2017
Tony relies on notifications to stick to his schedule. You can add your tasks to a to-do list app or your calendar and set reminders so you don’t forget anything.
A5: When I’m out of ideas on what to write about I read other blogs and books in my niche. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/H9JpxtCGyh
— Mind of a Diva (@MindofaDiva) May 23, 2017
If it’s a lack of ideas that’s holding you back, go out and seek inspiration. Turning to other blogs and books can be just what you need to get those creative juices flowing.
@ExpWriters a5: Write with your own original voice. Don’t be something you’re not. Don’t squish words in that don’t fit your style! #ContentWritingChat
— Zocle (@Zocle) May 23, 2017
For consistency in your style of writing, write in your own voice. Don’t try to be something you aren’t because people will see right through you.
A5: Be consistent w/writing? Use a calendar. Be consistent w/style? Be yourself. Write honestly; talk to your audience.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/dWQGDvvzEX
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) May 23, 2017
You also want to write honestly and speak to your audience to get to know them and their needs better.
Q6: How do you know when the content you’ve written is great and ready to be published?
Is that post ready to be published or does it still need a little work? These tips will help you decide:
@writingchat A6 I know something is grt as I’m writing it. I get into “the flow.” Editing is easier on something I already like. #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
Kelsey usually knows something is great as she’s writing it because she starts to get into the flow. She also finds editing is easier on a piece of content she already likes.
A6: After a second set of eyes has looked at it. Never publish without a second opinion. #contentwritingchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) May 23, 2017
Before you hit publish, have someone else look it over to proofread. They might catch mistakes you made or be able to offer valuable feedback.
@ExpWriters A6 I have 2-3 experts involved in the creation of my posts. If I don’t love it + my people don’t – we don’t publish! #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy ? (@JuliaEMcCoy) May 23, 2017
Julia always has someone else look over content before it’s published. If everyone loves it, it’s ready for publication. If not, changes have to be made.
A6 When your content states what you want to say in the way you want to say it, it’s ready. Don’t overthink it. #ContentWritingChat
— Jim Katzaman (@JKatzaman) May 23, 2017
When you’ve said what you wanted to say in the way you wanted to say it, you’re good to go.
A6: When I’ve said what I wanted to say, spelling and grammar are OK, links work and media are ready – I hit “publish”#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/9isL6VZAhD
— @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) May 23, 2017
Don’t forget to double-check spelling, grammar, and links. Make sure you also add in some great visuals, too!
A6. If you are proud of it, then it is ready to be published! That, or you need to improve your standards 🙂 #contentwritingchat
— Taylor (@TVYLORTOMITV) May 23, 2017
If you’re proud of what you’ve created, it’s time to hit publish.
@ExpWriters A6 When you realize you would read it all the way through if it were on someone else’s blog/site. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/CsP2ZEitv5
— Krystal Blais ➳ (@krystalblais) May 23, 2017
Imagine yourself as the reader. If it holds your interest throughout, then you’ve done a good job.
@ExpWriters A6: I know my content is publish-ready when it has effectively answered the question my readers are asking. #ContentWritingChat
— Jess M. Scherman (@jescherman) May 23, 2017
If you’ve answered the question your readers have been asking, you know you’ve produced something great.
A6 When it’s readable / consumable. Optimized & answers the Qs you’re trying to answer. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/1mKkpaw2p2
— Zala Bricelj (@ZalkaB) May 23, 2017
Not only do you want to answer your audience’s questions, but as Zala said, it also needs to be readable and optimized.
Q7: Do you use any tools to manage your writing schedule and your content creation process?
There are plenty of tools that can make the writing process easier, so there’s no reason not to give them a go! Check out these suggestions:
@writingchat A7 still on the hunt for the perfect schedule tool, but I’ve heard good things about @coschedule and @trello. #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
@writingchat A7 Like Google Docs for writing so can switch b/w Mac & Chromebook, love @Grammarly & @HemingwayApp for editing #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
Kelsey is still searching for that perfect tool, but she’s heard great thing about CoSchedule and Trello. These are both tools so many of our chat participants rely on. She does like to use Google Docs, Grammarly, and the Hemingway app.
@ExpWriters a7 @Grammarly is AWESOME!!! #ContentWritingChat
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) May 23, 2017
Debi seconds that Grammarly recommendation.
A7: I use @asana to create my editorial calendar. @evernote is my favorite for storing ideas and writing drafts. #ContentWritingChat
— Rachel (@redheadrachel) May 23, 2017
Asana is a handy project management tool that can also double as your editorial calendar. Evernote is fantastic for storing ideas and also for drafting content.
@writingchat A7) We use @asana to keep on track with our deadlines. It helps writing remain in line with design. #ContentWritingChat
— Jeff Reno(e) ? (@Renoe) May 23, 2017
Jenn also uses Asana to keep track of deadlines.
A7: Yes! Google Sheets/Docs, WordPress, the Internet, time and my brain, among other things 🙂#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/azGvZbDlqY
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) May 23, 2017
Google Sheets and Docs, WordPress, the internet, as well as your time and your brain are all essential.
A7. Using @evernote together with @ScrivenerApp is a writer’s dream #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/GejhTuIi1a
— Khulekani Christian (@KhulekaniMj) May 23, 2017
Evernote and Scrivener are definitely go-to tools!
A7 Pen and paper. Digitally @evernote, @trello and GD #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/hMncEAsJHG
— Zala Bricelj (@ZalkaB) May 23, 2017
Zala has a few digital tools she loves, but she also relies on pen and paper. You can’t go wrong there!
A7: Call me old-skool, but I love making excel work for schedule tracking. That being said, open to suggestions #ContentWritingChat
— Max Bailey (@maxthemarketer) May 23, 2017
Max keeps it simple with a classic Excel spreadsheet.
Q8: Any final tips to share about creating and sticking to a writing schedule?
Any tips left to share? Here’s what you need to take away from this #ContentWritingChat:
@writingchat A8 if you aren’t feeling it, take a break. Pushing too hard leads to burnout and/or crappy writing. #contentwritingchat
— Kelsey Jones (@wonderwall7) May 23, 2017
As Kelsey said, if you aren’t feeling it then you need to take a break. Don’t push yourself, otherwise your writing may suffer.
A8 If writing is your business, treat it like a business. Create goals, milestones & rewards to measure jobs well done. #ContentWritingChat
— Jim Katzaman (@JKatzaman) May 23, 2017
If writing is your business, you need to treat it like one. Jim says to create goals, milestones, and rewards to push you along the way.
@ExpWriters A8 Commit! ?? Starting out can be the hardest part. Once you stick to schedule + writing time, it gets easier as you go. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy ? (@JuliaEMcCoy) May 23, 2017
As Julia said, you have to commit. It gets easier once you’ve settled into your schedule.
@writingchat A8: If you’re a procrastinator, like myself, set deadlines for a few days earlier to eliminate last-minute stress. #ContentWritingChat
— Michele Elizabeth (@MicheleElizabth) May 23, 2017
Michele suggests setting deadlines a few days earlier to help eliminate last-minute stress. This gives you the flexibility of having more time if needed.
@writingchat A8) Setting and sticking to a structure comes down to you. At the end of the day you have to make like Nike. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/rAw8PHyVwB
— Jeff Reno(e) ? (@Renoe) May 23, 2017
Jenn knows it all comes down to you, so just do it.
A8: Writing on an island is lonely…best if you have other writers you can collab with, talk to, bounce ideas off of.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/Sr15Gunavr
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) May 23, 2017
Don’t be afraid to collaborate. Talk to other writers and bounce ideas off of them.
@ExpWriters A8: Whenever a inspiration strike note it down somewhere & so when you have time you could explore the options #ContentWritingChat
— GCMEDIA (@gcmedia123) May 23, 2017
Jot ides down whenever inspiration strikes so you don’t forget about it later.
@writingchat a8 ☀ Keep INSPIRED, be CREATIVE & do it with JOY! ☀ #Contentwritingchat
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) May 23, 2017
Great advice from Debi! Keep inspired, be creative, and do it with joy.
Join us every Tuesday at 10 AM CST for #ContentWritingChat! Follow @ExpWriters and @writingchat to stay updated on topics and guests.