Blogging is primarily a computer/desk job. The bulk of the work (writing, editing, promoting, etc.) must be done on a device with internet access such as a computer or laptop. But what about when you’re tired of staring at a screen all day? Are there tasks that bloggers can do offline?
The answer is yes! Thankfully, there are a few things you can do away from the screen that’ll help you move your blogging business forward.
Smartphones, computers and the internet are so central to our lives these days. Plus, they’re very important to us as bloggers. But I don’t blame you for wanting to take a break from them.
For most of these off-screen tasks, you’ll simply want to have a pen or pencil and some paper (a dedicated work notebook like this one would be fine). Your pen/pencil and paper will replace your digital documents.
Truthfully, you can do many of these tasks digitally. You may even prefer to, and that’s completely fine! But if you’re wanting some off-screen time, know that these options are available to you.
1. Plan your work week
Using a physical planner or calendar, plan your work week so you know exactly what you need to do each day.
There are tons of great, inexpensive planners on Amazon (I personally love this one because it comes in a beautiful box that can be used for storage!).
If you prefer to plan your work week digitally but still want some off-screen time, try drafting your work week on a plain sheet of paper then transfer it to your digital calendar when you’re ready.
2. Create outlines
Creating and using outlines is one of the best ways to complete your blog posts quickly and efficiently. Plus, it can be done off-screen using a pen and paper.
Here’s how to create a simple outline: at the top of the page, write the title that you intend to use for your blog post. Then, write down the main topics you would like to discuss and add a few key bullet points for each topic.
Be as detailed as you want when creating your outline. The more detailed it is, the more helpful it’ll be once you’re writing at your computer (which will help you cut down on screen time!).
3. Brainstorm blog post ideas
Ever at a loss at what to write about next? Fix this by stepping away from your computer and brainstorming blog post ideas on a sheet of paper.
Feel free to add a few notes about each idea so you have a clearer picture of what you want each post to include.
If you’re having trouble coming up with blog post ideas, try thinking about these questions: What products would people in your niche like? What questions do people in your niche have that you can answer? What tips or avoidable mistakes do you think people in your niche should be aware of?
4. Read business/motivational books
Reading business and motivational books can have a huge impact on how you approach your work! It may sound like you’re taking a break, but setting aside some time to read during your work day is a worthwhile task.
Don’t fall into the trap of staying stagnant. Always keep an open mind and continue to learn to avoid being left behind in the fast-paced blogging/online entrepreneur world.
Want to transform your money mindset? Try reading You Are A Badass At Making Money by Jen Sincero. It’s entertaining, insightful and great for helping to remove limiting beliefs surrounding money.
5. Film videos for your blog
Online videos are a very popular form of media these days, so filming some for your blog would be beneficial. Don’t worry if want to avoid appearing on camera. You don’t have to show your face or reveal your voice if you don’t want to.
Here’s an easy video idea: If you’re writing a product review, a simple video showing the details of the product can go a long way. How many product reviews have you seen where the blogger includes a video? Probably not that many. Including a video will help your blog post stand out from the crowd!
6. Take photos for your blog
Photos are very important for bloggers. They can be used to create promotional content, make your blog posts readable and more. But sometimes, it can be hard to find the perfect photo.
Try taking your own photos for your blog (if you don’t do so already). You don’t need any fancy equipment. Most phone cameras are great quality and will do a fine job. Natural lighting from a window will also be useful.
You may even want to go to your local dollar store to get some props. Things like fake flowers, poster boards, ribbons, etc. can help add color and life to your photos.
7. Experience something you want to blog about
Is there a movie you’d like to review? A restaurant you want to write about? A city you want to make a travel guide for?
Get out there and enjoy a new experience! Bring along a small notebook and pen so you can write down some key points about your experience. Don’t forget to snap a few photos if you need them.
8. Set your business/money goals. Make a game plan
What are your short-term goals? Long-term goals? Wildest dreams for your business and personal finance?
Write it all out. Then, make a game plan for how you’re going to achieve your goals. A game plan will give you a clear picture of what you need to work toward. Plus, it’ll help you stay focused on your goals.
Here are a few things you may want to include in your plan: Weekly/monthly spending budget, money saving goals, weekly/monthly business plans, to-do lists, ideas.
9. Use a product & take notes for a future review
What products do you have that you think your readers would like? Use that product and take some notes about it so you can write a thorough review on it later. This is a great way to do some productive, offline work for your blog.
Does the product do what it needs to do? Is it easy to use? Hard to use? Good for beginners? Think about these questions when writing down your notes.
Product reviews are great for affiliate marketing, so I would highly recommend writing some for your blog if you haven’t already!
10. Organize your workspace
A clean, organized work environment will help you stay focused, on task and motivated to work. Schedule in some off-screen time to deep clean your workspace.
You can even wrap up your work day with a quick, daily maintenance clean up to help transition away from “work mode”.
Final thoughts
Have you ever heard of blogger burnout? It’s when a blogger runs out of ideas and completely loses their motivation to work. There are tons of contributing factors to burnout, but staring at a screen all day can absolutely be one of them.
Keep that in mind if you’re working too hard. Schedule some off-screen work time to help keep yourself motivated and productive!
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