Merry (late) Christmas everyone! Here's that present I talked about in this post :)
When I started blogging I never imagined how hard it would be to stay organized and on top of everything it was hard for me to find time and ideas to blog about. Because of this lack of organization I noticed how the amount of posts I posted were lacking. I needed a solution!
So, I turned to Pinterest.
I was overwhelmed with the response from typing in "Free Blog Planner". Themed planners, colorful planners, free printables, etc. It was crazy how many different things I found! The only thing was, after looking at so many I couldn't find one that fit me as a blogger.
That's when another idea popped into my head- what if I made my own blog planner? It seemed like the perfect solution, and let me tell you- it was!
After working many nights to decide what I wanted to see I finally came up with this, and I love it! It is so functional and so far it has been a life saver in helping plan posts and staying organized. That's why I decided that I should share it on my blog with all of you.
So without further ado- 2015 Witty Young Thing Blog Planner! (with commentary from me to help you see how I use it) ps. This is a long post!
2015 At a Glance
What a better way to start any planner than with a look at the upcoming year! This is mostly used by me for quick reference and seeing which day of the week a certain day falls. I always think these are necessary for all planners and are really helpful throughout the year,
Statistic Guide
Also included is this super functional statistics guide. As a blogger, I find that I don't want to compare my self to others- instead I want to compare myself to my past self! This guide fully helps you see your growth over the year in different social media platforms including: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and MORE!
For me this is kind of like mission control. Scheduling for posts are finalized here and by using cut down post it notes I am easily able to move around post ideas before finalizing them in the weekly post planner. There is also a place to jot down any important notes or helpful reminders for the month.
Monthly Cover Page
To start every month off is a cover page. But this is no ordinary cover page- included is a mini statistic guide with the social media most important to me and my blog. There is as well a space for next month's goals for social media and page views. The mini statistic guide can be used however you want- you can write the month's starting statistics and then a goal for the beginning of next month or you can write the statistics at the end of the month and then a goal for the end of next month. It's all up to you!
The Monthly Calendar
Monthly Goal Page
I also believe that setting goals is very important for a successful blog. So, there are two pages dedicated to help you reach your goals. These pages include three spaces for your goals with space to write how to achieve the certain goal and boxes to check whether the goal was a success of fail at the end of the month. It's always fun to look back at goals from the beginning of the year to see your growth.
Monthly Checklist and To-Do List
Don't even get me started on my love for checklists. I knew that this would be essential for the OCD side of me. To help me stay on top of everything I have to do throughout the month I made this. Let me tell you- it helps so much! On the right side of the checklist is a place to write the date you accomplished this goal, which helps if you want to look back and make sure you were on track for the month! The checklist list is all ready and typed up, however, if you need to write in your own things the to-do is is completely blank and perfect for just that.
Weekly Post Planner
This is where things get down to the nitty gritty. Every single day has its own plan of action. Included is a place for the posts) title, to-do and to edit lists, a publishing checklist, note section, and social media checklists for planning where you are going to share the post! At the end of the week (Sunday- it's how my blog week ends) there is a weekly checklist for things that need to get done that week. Like the monthly checklist, all of the things are already all typed out and ready for you to check off!
Notes and Brainstorming
Included in the back of the planner is 8 pages (you can always print more if you want to) to scribble down notes about your blog or your ideas for upcoming posts. There is plenty of room to write over all the lines of the page to organize your ideas.
Printing and Binding
Whew- we are almost done! All that's left once you go your planner is to print and put it all together. To print the planner- you can click the printer icon at the top of the link to download. You can print it at your home on regular printer paper or you can go to Staples or UPS or any place that prints and get it printer on heavy paper (like I did with mine). I know this planner is very giant, but it's all inclusive!
After you print your planner you are going to need to put it all together! You can just use a regular binder and punch holes through all the pages, or you can get it bound at Staples or wherever you print you planner. Ask your store if they offer that service- chances are they do!
I bound mine uses a plastic spiral and I even got a clear protective covering for over the top of the planner cover. This helps keep it looking clean and beautiful! However, I think a binder could be so cute. Check out Target or even Staples, they have some great choices!
And that's that! I had a lot of fun putting this together and want you all to enjoy it as much as I do. Click on the link below to be brought to the Google Doc to print it and download it.
I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and have a Happy New Year! I'll be taking a break until January 1- then I'm back at it for 2015! Thank all for your continuing support. I'm looking forward for an amazing upcoming year. Love you all!
(Click below to Print the Planner!)
Happy 2015!
xoxo,
Sarah
