13 comments

How to Keep Up Your Blog During the Holidays. Or Not

fashion blogger holidays

The holiday season is upon us, at least in the US. For many that means more time with family and friends and less time blogging. So how do you keep your blog up during the holidays? Or do you?

Personally, I tend to take “working” vacations, and schedule a couple hours every day to work and devote the rest of the time to family, but you don't HAVE to blog at all. That, of course, is up to you. If you do decide to take a break, don't feel bad about it; your readers are slowing down during this time as well, probably not checking blogs as often either.

If you're going to blog during the holidays, here are some strategies to try:

Modify your posting schedule

If you normally post every day, maybe slow down to three times a week, or twice a week. It still helps to be consistent though, and not just randomly post. You could also let your readers know you'll be traveling, or keeping a different schedule; I think they appreciate being ‘in the loop.'

Schedule posts/Promote older posts

Keep posts in drafts for when you're on vacation, or even for when you're not inspired. Also Use this opportunity to promote some of your favorite older posts. A lot of your readers may be new, and they haven't gone through your archives yet, so they haven't seen some of your older posts – this is a great way to introduce them to other important content.

Use Instagram/Social Media more

I tend to use Instagram a lot more when I'm traveling, or not “working” as much, because it's a quick way to get an idea or an image out there. Also, use Facebook/Twitter/etc., to promote old posts and start discussions.

Ask for Guest Posts

Ask friends or other bloggers to contribute to your blog while you're taking time off. It could be an interesting way to explore other voices besides just yours on your blog.

Use travel/vacation as content

I don't mean photograph or Instagram EVERYTHING, I mean find inspiration and interesting things to discuss from your experiences. Write about what you packed, what worked for you, what didn't, your travel beauty routine, whatever. Write ideas down, and save them for later, or create a shorter, quick post featuring your reflections.

Don't sweat it

Don't feel bad if you can't keep to your regular schedule, or you don't want to…family and friends are important, and if the holiday season is your time with them, appreciate that, and set your blog aside.

Image via Fashion Gone Rogue

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

13 Responses

  1. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West

    Great tips! I agree that my posting may slow from five-times-a-week to a little less during Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks. I also think it’s a good idea to put up a holiday greeting, that may or may not be as robust as a full post. And yes, staying active with your audience on all the social accounts is key. Happy Friday! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Accidental Icon

    This is a great post with lots to think about and some good ideas and strategies. Because I work on an academic schedule the holidays is also my semester break and I will get much more time to devote to blogging and maybe trying to get ahead before the new semester starts. I can rely see that if you are serious about blogging it is a full-time commitment. I am going to use these suggestions during the times I am really busy with work!
    Accidental Icon
    http://www.accidentalicon.com

    Reply
    • Zuma

      I found it so hard to get ahead. As soon as I write a few extra posts, I tend to slack off after, and, before I know it, I’m behind again…
      …Great post Gretchen!
      xx Zuma
      www.livingzbeautifulmix.com

      Reply
  4. charity

    Great tips! I find it hard to post during the holiday season and I agree that everyone kind of slows down this time of year.

    Reply
  5. Denina Martin

    There must be nothing wrong about slowing down your posting rate but I myself’d feel guilty. Can’t believe I have started taking it so seriously… 🙂

    Denina
    Purely Me by Denina Martin

    Reply
    • Katya

      Me too! I feel that posting regularly is my responsibility and thus try really hard to be consistent.

      P.S. – Nice job on your blog, Denina! <3

      http://stylesprinter.com/

      Reply
  6. Katya

    I will be traveling a lot within the next couple of month that is why I am working hard now to create as many posts for future as I can. I noticed that if my blog is not scheduled in advance when I am on vacation, I can’t fully relax and enjoy my vacation. I feel that my readers expect posts from me and I do not want to disappoint them, that is why I prefer to be prepared in advance.
    I agree that vacation/travel could (and should!) be used as content, but only when I am back. Also, for those bloggers that are working with guests writers it is a great opportunity for collaboration.

    http://stylesprinter.com/

    Reply
  7. Ann Krembs

    I need to practice the last one and not “sweat it!” I also like your idea of reposting or directing to old content. I’m heading on a 2 week trip to Bali over Christmas, so I think I’ll announce to my readers that I’ll be posting less over that vacation. Makes sense!

    Thanks for writing this post! It’s like you’ve given me the ok:D

    Ann of Kremb de la Kremb

    Reply
  8. Jamal

    Love these tips! I always feel the need to post heavy during the holidays. I think its best I just kind of ‘do what I can’. But still work a couple of hours a day like you stated.

    Reply
  9. Ankita

    Great job , the tips you specified are absolutely correct and loved it 🙂 Keep it up 🙂

    Reply
  10. Gracious Store

    Holidays are what they are! Some rest from usual routines, taking some time off. This will actually be a good opportunity to rest and hopefully come up with inspiring ideas to blog about once the holidays are over.

    Reply
  11. Abby

    I have only posted twice a week because even though I have the content lined up not that many people are sitting behind their screens this time of the year anyway so I don’t see the point of posting daily.

    XoXo One Stiletto At A Time

    Reply