Image by nj dodge

As a location independent freelance blogger, I often have to keep up with my blogging schedule while on the move. As of today, that consists of:

• two posts a week on a travel blog
• one post a week on a blog about blogging
• five posts every so often for a blog about new things on the web
• 10 posts a month for another blog about blogging
• at least one post a week on my own blog
• occasional guest posts/interviews for other blogs

Blogging Calendar

To keep up with my blogging commitments, I use a number of tools to ensure that I never miss a deadline. First, there’s a calendar for blogging and writing deadlines, backed up by a to do list with recurring events for my regular posts.

Site Dashboard

Second, there’s my site dashboard. I have a list of all the sites I post to, with the login URL and my password, so I can click on a link to login from anywhere. As well as keeping this on my desktop, I maintain a copy in Google Docs so that I can access it from wherever I happen to be.

Planning Is Essential

Third, there’s my planning list, which is also stored in Google Docs. This is a spreadsheet with columns for each blog I post to. Every time I think of a post idea I add it to the appropriate column. There’s also a spare column for ideas that don’t fit anywhere but which I don’t want to lose. That means that when time is short I can quickly find something to blog about. Tip: describe your idea a little so you will remember the direction you wanted to take. That will save time later.

Software

Fourth, you need blogging software. Of course, you could just use a text editor, but if you have a laptop with you then consider a blog editor such as Windows Live Writer which allows you to manage and post to several blogs. As a backup, I have composed posts in Google Docs, but I’ve found that you can’t rely on the HTML. For images I use Morguefile or one of the other image sites, also bookmarked to save time. An offline alternative is to take the photos you need yourself - it’s amazing how creative you can be if you’re under deadline pressure.

Internet Access

Finally, you need access to the internet. I generally have my own laptop with WiFi, so as long as there’s a connection around I’m OK. However, on occasion I’ve had to copy everything to a USB stick, find an internet cafe and upload from there. It’s worth having a backup option for internet access, such as a Wi-Fi range extender or a local dialup account.

I have found that having both online and offline versions of key documents and software makes it easy for me to meet blogging deadlines. What has helped you when it comes to blogging on the move?

This post has been submitted by Sharon Hurley Hall from Get Paid To Write Online.com.

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