Blogging is incredibly popular. You may have started a blog before university, or be looking to start one while you study, but perhaps you are worried about the amount of your time it will take up. Taking on anything else while you study can be difficult. But with these tips, your blog could even end up complimenting your studies.
Write What You Know
This can be a great time to start a blog. If you are studying, that means there must be something you know a lot about. If you’re studying a master of public health for example, why not start a healthcare blog? Or just blog about student life and any hobbies or interests you have. The best blogs are the ones that teach people or explore new ideas. How can you do this?
Use Who You Know
Using the healthcare example again, as a student doing an MPH degree, you have contact with professors, tutors and fellow students, who all have an immense amount of knowledge in their field. Interviews make amazing blog posts. Why not ask people if they’d like to help? You could even learn something yourself.
Manage Your Time
You need to be careful not to let your blog interfere with your study time. Studying must always come first. While writing doesn’t necessarily take up that much time, the design and marketing that comes with a blog can. It can be really easy to lose track of time and get carried away when you are working online. So, consider setting an alarm, and take some time off your blog when you have exams or important assignments. It will still be there waiting for you when you are ready.
Schedule and Automate
Using scheduling and automation apps and tools can be a great help when you’re busy. Apps such as buffer can build a list of what and when to post to social media for you. There are also plugins you can use on your blog, which will post pre-written posts when you want them to. So, if ever you have a quiet weekend, get things ready to go, then when you’re busy they will get handled for you.
Build an Online Support Network
Blogging is a great way to get to know other bloggers. The online community can be lovely. Get involved. Chat with people, visit their blogs and share or leave comments. They will do the same for you. You’ll also then have people to turn to for advice or help, and just to rant at when you are stressed out. Who knows, these people could end up being important contacts once you graduate.
Always remember that blogging is supposed to be fun. At no point should it feel like a chore. If it does, maybe it’s time to take a break. However, if you still love your blog and you follow these tips, you may also want to consider monetizing. Blogging could end up being a great way to earn an extra income to help you finance your degree.