Do you find yourself struggling to make the most out of your time when writing online content? If so, fear not. You’re not alone!
Content writing is a tough nut to crack for beginners and experienced writers alike, but it is an occupation that is growing exponentially. According to the State of the Creator Economy 2024, written content took the crown for the most created content in 2023. As you can imagine, plenty of writers are feeling the pressure to stand out and succeed in this field of work.
Not only does creating well-written content require a broad skill set, but it can also be an incredibly time-consuming process. It often feels like you’re constantly fighting the clock to get your writing out promptly. When the stress piles up and the minutes tick away, sometimes all you have to show for it is rushed work plagued with errors.
This is a common issue for writers, but don’t let it get you down. There are plenty of hacks out there to help you start saving your time more effectively as a content writer. If you find yourself stressing out about your next writing gig, take a breath, have a break, and read on to discover some handy, time-saving content writing hacks.
1. Create a unique schedule to help manage your time in a way that suits you best
Time management is a skill that most of us boast to have. But according to a study on how people manage their time, provided by Acuity Training, a whopping 82% of people don’t have any kind of system in place. Instead, most will use their email inbox or a list to time manage. Talking about time management and actually doing it are two very different things, and it can be crucial when organising your schedule as a content writer.
There are various ways to manage your time as a content writer, from grouping tasks to writing in blocks of fifteen, thirty, or forty-five minutes at a time. Some techniques will work for you, and some won’t. If you’re struggling to find the right time management technique as a writer, don’t get disheartened. It might take some time, but keep researching certain methods until you find the one that clicks with you and your writing style.
As well as the tips mentioned, some other useful techniques include scheduling with a timetable of your own creation and identifying your goals before you begin to write. No matter how you manage your time, make sure that you schedule regular breaks. Not only will your writing ability be affected if you don’t, but you also run the risk of impacting your physical and mental health. Find what works for you, but don’t put your health on the back burner in the process.
2. Recognise procrastination and tackle it head-on
Procrastination is one of the toughest habits that we all face during working hours from time to time. A study by Zippia showed that an astounding 88% of workers will procrastinate for over an hour every day. Writers tend to have trouble with this frequently, especially if they work from home where distractions are around every corner. Knowing when you are experiencing a bout of procrastination and dealing with it straight away can make a huge difference to making the most of your time as a writer.
Breaking down your tasks into manageable, bite-sized chunks can be effective if you find yourself procrastinating. Overwhelming feelings can be eased if you give yourself less to do all at once. Another tip is to remove anything from the equation that could be exacerbating your procrastination, such as electronic devices. If all else fails, take a break and re-evaluate your strategy. This can help with productivity, but it can also clear your mind.
3. Make the most of certain tools to help you through the process
There are a variety of online tools designed to aid writers with time management. Some of them might work better for you than others, so have a look around and try out any that sound like they could benefit your time management. You’re sure to find something that suits your needs! Here are some particularly useful tools that you might want to consider trying out:
- Microsoft Tasks: Great for managing and tracking to-do lists
- Forest: An app that allows you to set timers so you can work in blocks. It also keeps you away from potentially distracting apps and online content.
- Todoist: Another useful tool for to-do lists. You can create your lists and manage them, but you can also set your own deadlines and mark the tasks you want to prioritize.
- Evernote: A quick and easy app to use for note-taking. Useful if you need to jot something down quickly while it’s fresh in your mind.
By introducing at least one of these tips into your daily writing habits, you are sure to see an improvement in your time management. Content writing can be draining when you are struggling to make the most of your time. However, it can become incredibly rewarding and fulfilling when writers can bring their words to life on a page without that feeling of creative exhaustion.
Experiment with different time management hacks, and you are sure to find the one that clicks with you and your writing style in no time!
Written by Antonia Haynes (LinkedIn)
Antonia Haynes is an experienced freelance writer who resides in a small seaside town in England. After graduating with a degree in English Literature in 2013, she began to work on her writing portfolio while working various other jobs to pay the bills.
Writing on a range of subjects, from video games to home furnishings, Antonia became a full-time writer in 2021. She continues to build her portfolio and further her writing career, hoping to, one day, finally finish that novel she’s been working on for a decade. Her ideal day would consist of junk food, fluffy pyjamas, and video games because, quite frankly, going outside is overrated.
