Originally published as a Biannual Blogathon Bash productivity challenge and substantially updated in September 2026. The 54 original community comments remain below because they capture bloggers working through real productivity problems together.
Blog productivity is not about squeezing work into every available minute. It is about making meaningful progress without allowing a blog to consume the rest of your life.
The original discussion on this article covered distractions, workspaces, family interruptions, batching and finding the time of day when you work best. Those ideas have held up remarkably well. The tools have changed; the underlying problems have not.
Decide What Productive Means This Week
A long to-do list can make you feel busy without moving the business forward. Choose a small number of outcomes that matter most right now.
That might mean finishing two useful articles, updating a post that already gets traffic, sending a newsletter, completing a sponsored deliverable, pitching several appropriate brands or finishing a product that can generate revenue.
Productivity becomes easier to evaluate when the goal is an outcome rather than "work on the blog."
Work With Your Energy, Not Someone Else's Schedule
Some people write best early in the morning. Others do their strongest creative work late at night. Your most productive schedule also may change with work, children, caregiving, health, seasons and other responsibilities.
Identify the hours when focused work is easiest and protect those for tasks that require thinking. Save routine administration for lower-energy periods when possible.
You do not need to become a 5 a.m. person simply because somebody else's productivity routine starts before sunrise.
Reduce Distractions Before Relying on Willpower
Notifications, email, social media and dozens of open tabs constantly invite you to change tasks.
Make distraction slightly harder. Silence unnecessary notifications. Put the phone out of reach during focused work. Close unrelated browser tabs. Decide when you will check email rather than leaving it open all day.
If household interruptions are part of your reality, aim for workable boundaries rather than a fantasy of perfect silence. A short protected work block can be more useful than three interrupted hours.
Batch Similar Work
Task batching remains one of the most practical ideas from the original Blogathon challenge.
If several articles need photographs edited, process the images together. If you need social posts for the week, draft several in one session. Handle invoices or campaign tracking together instead of repeatedly switching between administrative and creative work.
Batching reduces the mental cost of constantly changing tools and modes of thinking.
Create a Repeatable Content Workflow
Instead of reinventing your process for every article, create a basic sequence such as:
- Choose the reader question or purpose.
- Research only what the article actually needs.
- Create a simple outline.
- Draft without obsessively editing every sentence.
- Edit for clarity and usefulness.
- Add original images, links and accessibility information.
- Check the title, excerpt and SEO basics.
- Publish or schedule.
- Promote it through the channels that make sense.
A checklist keeps small finishing tasks from living in your memory.
Separate Creation From Promotion
Social media can turn a ten-minute promotional task into an hour of scrolling. When possible, create the promotional material first, schedule what can reasonably be scheduled and reserve separate time for genuine interaction.
Community deserves attention. Endless feed consumption does not automatically deserve the same amount.
Use Tools to Remove Friction
A timer, calendar, spreadsheet, project board, editorial calendar or automation can help-but only when it solves a real problem.
If you repeatedly forget deadlines, use a calendar. If ideas disappear, create one reliable capture place. If you lose track of brand deliverables, use a campaign tracker. If a recurring email can be automated without making the relationship impersonal, automate it.
For more on choosing technology deliberately, see Online Tools for Bloggers You Might Not Know About.
Protect Time for Revenue-Producing Work
A blogger can spend an entire week fixing formatting, checking statistics and rearranging graphics without doing anything likely to produce income.
If monetization matters, intentionally make room for revenue-related work: affiliate updates, product creation, UGC, sponsored pitches, sales pages, newsletters, book promotion or improving content that already converts.
See Tracking What's Working and Making Money for a simple way to evaluate where your time is paying off.
Stop Expecting Every Day to Look the Same
Some weeks are writing weeks. Some are client weeks. Some involve technical problems, family responsibilities or unexpected opportunities.
A sustainable system needs enough flexibility to survive real life.
If you fall behind, identify what still matters instead of trying to punish yourself by cramming every missed task into tomorrow.
Build Assets, Not Just Activity
Ask whether today's work will still help you later.
A strong evergreen article, useful email sequence, downloadable product, optimized sales page, portfolio piece or repeatable workflow can continue producing value after the work session ends.
Those assets are often worth more than keeping every social account constantly active.
Try the Original Blogathon Challenge Again
The community discussion below is one of the reasons this article is worth preserving. Bloggers talked about cluttered desks, newborns, children, background music, social-media distractions, night-owl schedules, batching and trying to carve out a workable place to create.
The challenge is still useful:
- Identify one distraction you can reduce.
- Choose one task you can batch.
- Protect one block of your best working time.
- Choose one outcome that would make this week feel meaningfully productive.
Then do that before adding another productivity app or another twenty tasks to your list.
A Blog Should Support Your Life
Building Better Blogs is not about becoming a machine that produces more content every year. Productivity matters because your time matters.
The goal is to build systems that help you create useful work, earn from it and still have a life outside the screen.
For a complementary approach, read How to Manage Time Effectively as a Blogger.
momsvictories says
I struggle with productivity especially because I normally blog in my bed after kids are in bed and I am already tired at that point too. Today, I'm going to try blogging during 1-2 hours during the day. Have my son occupied at our dining table (aka Lego table) building Legos while I work (i tweeted a picture of our setup). It is also a change of scenery and has chairs with good back support. I'm also trying to group tasks better. I have a long list of book reviews that I have to update for a plugin and it will require going back and forth to several websites so I've got my list together and ready to go. Dinner is already in the slow cooker too, lemon rosemary chicken with carrots so let's hope for smooth sailing today!
Kathleen Garber says
I used to do tons of blogging late into the night like 1-2am but when I think about it, I worked a lot slower because I was tired and didn't get as much done. I blog more during the day when the older kids are at school. We'll see how things change after baby #4 is born though, but I blogged with a nursling on my lap before so should be the same.
Angela Kinder says
I generally listen to music while I work, because I always found listening to music helpful, even when I was in high school (against my mother's wishes, since she thought it was a distraction). But lately, I haven't been and that is when I notice that my productivity goes down.
So I would probably listen to music before I begin work, to set the pace, and then listen to it through out.
I should probably group similar tasks. I am terribly unorganized so when I am scrambling to edit a picture, I feel rushed. If I know I need several pictures, I will most likely edit them the night before so they are ready in the morning.
It is funny that you mentioned redecorating your space. I was totally thinking that earlier this week! Every day, I look at the same stuff and it can get sort of hum drum. I might change things around this weekend so my space seems more refreshed!
Kathleen Garber says
Sounds like a good plan! I NEED music to work whether it's blog work or house cleaning.
Meagan Paullin says
The idea of batching tasks together is one that I've been meaning to do! Now that I'm finally clearing my schedule more - taking less sponsored work, so I have time to BREATH - I'm ready to find a way to make some new habits. The photo thing was already on my list - I'd love to do the majority of anything that needs photos all in one batch: one day to shoot all of the photos, another to edit them all. I still haven't - crazy I know - started using any type of social media scheduler, but will soon. But you are so right - batching things together is sure to be a big time saver!
I'm also in the process of finally - FINALLY - putting together an office/craft room/workshop. After blogging full time for 3 years, and this being a real business that is our only family income, I figured it was time to treat it as such, and stop working at the dining room table, lol.
And for the music one - oh man, I cannot WORK without music! I blast it loud - it drowns out any other sounds in the house, and pumps me up!!
So, those are my three I'm working on!
Kathleen Garber says
You absolutely deserve an actual office, glad you will be getting on. I will be getting on too but our basement needs so much work it might be over a year 🙁
Heather McDougle says
I definitely have a problem with productivity. I have a hard time focusing on one task at a time. I'm going to change my scenery because where I usually blog has way too many distractions. It's in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the house. I need a corner or somewhere away from the chaos. I need to keep my phone away from me and snacks and drinks handy. I, also, need to work on having nature sounds in the background because that really helps me focus. And a big thing is I need to start making to-do lists. I need to focus on one thing at a time and spend time doing that 1 thing instead of trying to do everything at once with no real focus.
Kathleen Garber says
Sounds like a good plan. My desk is currently in the middle of everything too. Can't wait till the basement is finished so I can move down there!
Alison Steward says
Thanks for hosting this challenge - some good tips and some stuff to really think about as far as what I'm doing that may be counterproductive! I think the two things that really stood out for me were cleaning the clutter at my workspace and putting that darn phone away. My "office" is actually my computer desk in the corner of the living room, which is where the family is all usually at too. It's also a very convenient place for everyone to drop mail, papers, books, dog leashes, you name it the corner of my desk is the proverbial catch all. When I finally get around to cleaning it up I always feel much better and want to be at my desk working more -- it's just a nicer space -- so I think I'm going to make an effort to clean it up daily and make sure it's clear and uncluttered before I ever sit down to work. Also I think putting my cell phone away when I'm working would be very helpful - I find that even when I don't have social media tabs open on my computer, I still grab my phone and check FB and Twitter or what have you every few minutes which obviously breaks my concentration so I need to stop that!
Kathleen Garber says
You need to train your family NOT to use your desk as a free for all. As soon as anyone puts anything on my desk I make them take it right back off. They are learning mostly although the kids are harder to train. I also tend to clutter up my desk myself so at the end of the work day, before bed I pick up a few things and put them away from my desk.
Create With Joy says
Thank you for this challenge Kathleen! I am the queen of doing a thousand things at a time and trying to remain focused on the task at hand is one of the things I am working on in the new year!
Here are some of the things that I am doing to increase my productivity:
1) De-cluttering, cleaning up and re-organizing my workspace! I cleaned off my computer area and my desk before the start of the blogathon to minimize distractions. Even something as simple as using an old pencil holder to stash odds and ends such as bookmarks (which I can never find when I need them) has proven to be a huge help!
2) Trying to minimize the number of windows I have open on my computer at any given time. Ok, I am REALLY bad at this! But - I am working on copying all of those "must read" links into a Word document that I can go back and read at another time!
3) I am trying to keep extra water bottles and healthy snacks near my computer so - when I am on a roll - I can keep working when my stomach starts growling!
4) I am working on grouping similar tasks together - like prepping photos and formatting reviews - in advance and I am finding that a HUGE timesaver! I am also starting to (on occasion) pre-schedule posts and I must say - I am loving that too!
Look forward to checking out some of the resources you've provided (AFTER the blogathon - as I don't want them to be a distraction to me - lol!)
Kim Tobin says
Omigosh the de-clutter of my work area NEEDS to happen. My desk looks like something from Hoarders! It could really be contributing to my lack of productivity. I am also easily distracted so closing social media tabs is something I'm going to have to do. I think I also need to close the door or move to a different room when I'm working if I'm finding it difficult. I obviously can't do that during the day with my son but for some reason my husband just can't leave me in peace for 5 minutes without asking me something, talking to me, or getting me to do something for him AFTER I've said I need an hour to work. Men!
Kathleen Garber says
My desk looked like that until very recently, it REALLY does make it hard to concentrate. As for your husband, mine was like that too until I started bringing in more products and actual money. Now he takes it more seriously and lets me work when I tell him I'm busy.
Megan says
The two tips I will implement are grouping similar tasks and giving the kids a certain toy or movie while I'm working. I do best with silence, which doesn't work well with three children! A few nights a week I stay up late to work on my blog. I have to sacrifice a little sleep but I'm a lot less stressed when the kids are in bed and I can really focus!
Kathleen Garber says
Agreed with regards to children. They just don't understand how a simple quick question every 10 minutes or less bothers me. They don't understand that every time I'm interrupted it takes me a while to get back in the groove.
Megan says
Oops that was supposed to be a new comment. On my phone, and who knows what buttons I'm pressing!
oldermommystill says
I am very easily distracted and definitely have a productivity problem. I don't have young kids so I can't assign any blame there...lol Music is very distracting to me, but oddly enough, I just thought of this now, but earplugs may work well for me. That way there is no outside stimuli to distract me. I'm going to try this and will pick up a pair later today, when I am at the grocery store.
I am actually in the process of organizing my "office" aka dining room table. I use a laptop and just need to pick up a baskets to store my agenda, and stationary supplies. I decided on baskets as the laptop and baskets can easily be removed form the table when we need it for it's intended purpose.
I have also discovered I am a bit of a procrastinator and work best with a bit of deadline looming.
theknitwitbyshair says
I turn on NASCAR as background noise...is that weird? LOL Then I use a timer. work on blogging, work on housework, rinse and repeat. i don't schedule anything during my 3yo's nap time b/c that is working time.
Kathleen Garber says
Not weird, my husband has TV on in the background when he does other stuff all the time. Sounds like you have a good plan already.
Kecia says
I am such a night owl so I'm going work toward being more productive at night. I generally stay up until 1am for my newborn's feeding before sleeping. Since my husband and older son go to bed way before that, I really need to use that time to focus. I'm going to try the white noise from SimplyNoise to keep me focused.
Kathleen Garber says
If night is good for you, go with it! I found the pink noise to be better personally and there is an oscilliating option so the noise can go in and out instead of staying constant.
Lisa Marie says
Hire a Nanny. Perfect. Good idea! 😉
I'm going to try the group like things together (ie. write a bunch of posts all at once), and turn of Facebook (it's my arch nemesis to productivity, in full honesty!)
Margarita Ibbott says
I love this challenge. I think I am going to try to work earlier in the morning. As it is, I have to get my daughter to volleyball on Wednesdays at 6 so we are up at 5:30. I have to admit by the time I get home at 8:30, I have worked pretty intensely for 2 hours (at McDonald - thank goodness for free wifi).
Kathleen Garber says
Earlier than 5:30? Wow. I've seen lots of people work well at McDonalds or Tim Hortons.
April says
I picked some of the tips here and blogged about them here. . It shos a before/after pic of my desk 🙂
Kathleen Garber says
I popped over to visit!
Barb Garber says
I can't believe I never thought about background music! I LOVE music. What better way to get inspired. I may have to find the correct music, otherwise I'll be singing and be-bopping around. I also like grouping tasks. I need to set aside time to work on graphics for my posts. I tried the Get work Done Music, don't like that. I did enjoy the Productivity music and love the Calm page.
Kathleen Garber says
I wasn't a fan of the Get Work Done Music page either. I created an instrumental playlist on Grooveshark.com as well for concentration music. Like you said, if it's too upbeat and such, you will sing and dance instead of focusing. Instrumental takes that problem away.
cpkclark says
I love these tips! I'm definitely going to be more aware of my peak times - I am often up working on bloggy stuff late at night, half asleep, and I know that is not the best way to get things done. I worked on a playlist of jams to keep me motivated and mentally energized so I will use that as my background music while blogging. I am also going to (finally) automate my editorial calendar on this great spreadsheet format that I found online.
Kathleen Garber says
I have some playlists too, I use grooveshark.com so I can play it from any computer or even my phone.
@Algonquin_Blog says
Clutter is always my issue...So setting aside the time before sitting down to blog just to delcutter my desk is one thing I'm going to work on. I love music so that's always on in my office...however I'm going to give classical a try and see if it keeps me more on task. The other thing I NEED to work on is to get rid of the background tabs...like facebook lol. I get easily distracted so this is something that I MUST work on if I want this site to continue to be successful!
Kathleen Garber says
Yes definitely. You can also try to put away a few things from your desk when you are done working for the day so it's ready for the next day.
Karen says
What a great challenge - I have been really struggling this last couple of months because of a new baby, house move and Christmas all bundled together. I am going to work on setting time aside for each task as well as allowing time to do household things. I love the music sites and think that music may be a huge help to me.
Today I cleared my desk and reorganized my blog closet so I knew exactly where everything was and how to find it.
Kathleen Garber says
That's a lot of stuff to handle at one time!
@PinkMama68 says
Productivity is something I really need to work on. TV and housework is my distractions. I might need to go work at a coffee shop. Next week I'll use the timer, to-do list, and really focus. Thanks for the ideas and sites. They will come in handy!
Kathleen Garber says
I hope next week goes better!
Sarah says
First want to say what a great challenge, thanks for hosting this blogathon. I think not having a desk space to blog from is a struggle. Often I just have my laptop on a table cushion thing I have...and blog on the couch in the living room while watching tv. I think setting up more of an office space by using my kitchen table might help, as well as turning off the tv! It's not perfect but I will have to make due as getting a real desk isn't an option for me right now in my living situation.
Editing my photos right away also helps with my bloggin' flow...if I procrastinate there...then sometimes I never share the photos in posts! So need to get in a better habit of editing as I go! I need to still finish editing photos from a trip to France 18months ago that I never blogged about. Hoping to get that done in the next 2-3 weeks.
Thanks again! 🙂 Sarah
Kathleen Garber says
I do that with the photos too sometimes. If I don't download them and edit them, then I don't blog about them.
Caroline says
I have a laptop table set up in the lounge and often get distracted by the TV/hubby so I might move to the dining room and block out the distractions by chucking in the headphones. NO social media open either otherwise I end up stuffing about on there and not blogging :/
I love the idea of grouping tasks. Something I might need to give a go!
Thanks for all the suggestions 😀
Kathleen Garber says
I'm so bad with having SM open while I'm working!
Robin Davidson says
i am going to clean up my workspace, though most of the time i use my laptop and just travel around the house, lol. then i am going to create something from nature sounds for me--got the tab open now, ha ha. i love that idea because i use an app at night to sleep and love to mix the sounds. i love the idea of grouping similar tasks. i was thinking about that from another mini challenge and half-formulating a plan to work on all the pinnable images for a week's worth of posting at once. it then follows that i should work on the writing for the posts, and then on promoting them.
tiffanyhathorn says
I plan to...
1. Give yourself a change of scenery. I usually work at home, but there have been times when my internet went out and I had to go to the local university. I typically get more done there, so maybe I should start dooing that more often
2. Remove distractions. I have a 3 year old and am easily distracted. I need to actively work on staying focused.
3. Wake up early - I have found that I get more done when I wake up early as opposed to staying up late. When I stay up late, I tend to just watch Netflix as opposed to get anything productive done.
Naila Moon says
I recently changed where I do my work from kitchen table to my actual desk. Can you imagine? However, I keep stacking and cluttering. I will make a concerted effort to keep my space at least sorted and fresh for next days progression.
I do not always have music on in fact many time it is quiet but I do work better when there is at least white noise of some sort. I have found a video on YouTube that is 3 hours long geared for working purposes. I will use it more.
I am also going to try out the 2 minute time out. Usually I just keep going and going and never stop. I need to sometimes.
Thanks for all of these tips!
Kathleen Garber says
I wish I could stop stacking and cluttering so much, it's an obsession! Hope the tips help.
Darla Kirchner says
Thanks for sharing our Daily Task sheet, I hope it is very helpful and useful! I use the worksheet to stay productive and focused:) I'm going to be checking out the other resources you posted, especially the music sites. Thanks again!
Kathleen Garber says
Thanks for visiting and for creating a great task list 🙂
akryworuka says
Working through some older challenges - I need to do better with planning my day and keeping focused. I get distracted easily sometimes. I love the Do Nothing for 2 Minutes site! It was hard not to touch the keyboard or mouse!
My recent post Blogathon Weekend!
ashleymullen498093242 says
Hi! I am checking out the challenges from the last Blogathon since I missed out on it. Social Media is my biggest issue, Facebook sucks me in all day long!
My recent post Where I Blog
Kathleen Garber says
It's a real struggle for me too. I get SO much more done though when I check it at set times and not obsessively.
Mahesh Kumar says
Hi,
I love blogging on the regular basis. I find these tips and resources really interesting and useful. Thanks a lot for such a wonderful article.
My recent post How to Plan a Great Holiday Season Without Affecting Work
rkaohmuall says
Namastey !!! Kathleen ji...this is Rahul from India
thanks to you for share great and informative article about blog productivity.
inthebookofthebeholder says
Thank you for those tips and links! They will certainly be of good use in my struggles with productivity and focus.
Kathleen Bailey says
Good I'm glad! Here's to being productive!
Mark Henry says
Awesome tips!