Should Bloggers Post Every Day If They Can? (I Need Your Feedback!)

Should Bloggers Post Every Day If They Can?

Something that I have to think about a lot as a full-time blogger is ways to keep people coming back to my blog regularly (and ways to attract new readers).

With the rise of social media in the past few years, it’s no surprise to learn that many bloggers are worried about the fact that their page views are stagnant or even dropping, mine being no exception.

But five years ago, when I started blogging, Instagram was barely heard of, many of us were suspicious of Twitter and Snapchat wasn’t even a twinkle in your average superblogger’s golden goddess filter eye. But these days there are many digital influencers who don’t have a blog (Instagram stars, for example) and us bloggers are stretched to the max to try and spread ourselves across all social media platforms as well as writing our blogs.

What I have enjoyed in the last couple of years, however, is how I’ve come to understand that I have different audiences on all my social media platforms and learnt to treat them accordingly. That means I don’t put the same information on Twitter as I do on Facebook as I do on Instagram. Facebook is a platform that I’ve come to enjoy a lot more now that I know who uses it because I’ve learnt who my Facebook fans are and what they’re interested in.

So while my social media platforms continue to grow, the blog (as far as page views and unique visitors go) does not.

I’ve been wracking my brains trying to come up with ways to change this, and something that I noticed during my short blogging break in September: You don’t post, your page views go down. Obvious, I know, but it was interesting to actually see it in action.

Therefore the one obvious solution seemed to be: Post more often.

Not as easy as it sounds, however…

 

New posting schedule

I went to a blogging workshop the other week and one of the speakers was Jane Cunningham of British Beauty Blogger, a very successful “does what it says on the tin” blog. I found out she posts just about every day – sometimes four or five times a day. Now I’m not suggesting that I do this (I couldn’t possibly go from a few posts a week to a few posts a day), but I’m thinking of posting every day, or nearly every day. Her blog is full of short, sharp posts that always have something useful/interesting/informative in them, and I wondered if this could work for me.

I’ll keep the same format as I’ve had for a while now: Monday – outfit post and #iwillwearwhatilike link up; Wednesday – ways to wear, featured bloggers, etc.; Thursday/Friday – outfit post; Sunday – fitness, blogging tips, etc. But what I thought I’d do is intersperse these posts on the other days with what I can only describe as “soundbites” – short, relevant content posts in the same way that Jane does, and see how it goes.

 

I need your feedback

This is what I’m asking: What do you think of blogs that post daily? Is it “overkill”? Or do you think that, as long as they have relevant and interesting things to say, it’s fine by you?

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I’m proposing that I try this for a month – I’d intended to do it for the whole of October but forgot that Saturday was the 1st (where has September gone?!) But starting today, Sunday 2nd October, I’m going to attempt a daily post. I obviously don’t want to throw any old rubbish at you – regular readers will know I take a lot of pride in my blog and its quality. Plus seeing as it’s my full time job and I chose to do it because I love blogging so much, I’m only going to write about things that I enjoy and think you will too.

It could be anything from my thoughts on a current hot topic (last week’s Vogue backlash against bloggers, for example), to a few shopping picks or gift ideas I’ve seen, to ideas for Halloween outfits [=she pencils that one in for Tuesday=], to a new fashion trend and my initial thoughts on it. They’ll be a shorter read than the more in-depth posts I usually post, but hopefully just as good quality.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below and/or give me a quick vote in the box below:

Are you PUT OFF by a blog that posts daily?

pollcode.com free polls

Note added 02/10/16: A few people have been commenting to say that it’d be difficult for bloggers to post every day – I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think it’d be possible! It’s really from a READER’S point of view that I’m after [whether you think it’s too much to read and keep up with]. The soundbite posts will be very short on the days in between, so I’m not worried about it being too much for me to commit to! Remember I said that Jane posts 4 or 5 times a day…!

THANK SO MUCH, I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK – DON’T FORGET TO COMMENT BELOW!

Should Bloggers Post Every Day If They Can? | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blogger, muses on daily posting

LIKE THIS POST? YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ…

– WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE BEING A FULL TIME FASHION BLOGGER (WHO’S NOT A SUPER BLOGGER)

50 Comments

  1. 4 November 2016 / 6:56 pm

    As a blog reader I like to see something new everyday and I like shorter texts with lots of pictures.

  2. 20 October 2016 / 1:52 pm

    Hi Catherine, personally I like to read daily posts from bloggers. As with many others who have posted, it's difficult to find the time to read blogs on a daily basis. However I find it keeps them at the forefront of my mind if I see them consistently appear in my feed on Bloglovin'. Then if I suddenly have a few minutes to spare and want to read something, I will go straight to that blog to see if they've posted anything I've missed. If that makes any sense! This is an interesting read as there's such a range of opinion on this.

  3. 17 October 2016 / 9:53 am

    Ask 1000 people and you will likely get 1000 different takes on it. I have recently changed from posting twice to three times a week. Which is quite challenging due to the fact that I post German and English. But the numbers did go up.
    And despite of the fact that I am a free-lancer and blogging professionally has become part of my professional business I find the extra work load it creates challenging. So I am considering cutting posts back to twice a week.

    Instagram has delivered traffic to my site.

    Unfortunately I do not have the time to read my favorite blogs as often as I would want to. A higher frequency would not do anything for me. Looking forward to hearing more from you about your strategies! xo Sabina

  4. 14 October 2016 / 5:17 am

    If I love a blog I am so happy to see more posts all week. So, no. Every day post would not be annoying to me. I like it when some are long and some are short. It's an energy and voice I like having in my daily life that I appreciate. -Laura http://www.clothesstories.wordpress.com

  5. 10 October 2016 / 3:59 pm

    Go for daily and check for yourself.
    The more you post the more traffic, as you say Instagram is taking over, but it is good to fall back to the blog.

  6. 9 October 2016 / 6:34 pm

    Catherine, I think if I were in your position I would be tempted to go this way too. However, as a reader (and blogger) I find I'm really stretched keeping up with all the blogs I love. It's a stress for me to juggle writing, responding to every comment (just because I think it's polite to if someone has made the effort to spend a moment with me), and then visiting the favs I want to see that day. I think you have to do what makes sense for you and if you're intent on increasing the traffic then it does make sense to give it a go. I love your blog as it's the first one I found that gave me so much information and advice on setting up and running a blog. I'm loyal by nature and therefore love to come back to visit as often as I can. And that's the nub of it – readers will come back as often as they can. What they find will keep them there and maybe they'll be able to read a few days to catch up at a time. I do that with some blogs – having a catch up once a week is quite a treat too.
    Hope this is helpful. You've always got my support Catherine and for a lot of us part-timers we look on with admiration that you're able to do this full time, and to such a high standard x
    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

  7. 6 October 2016 / 9:56 pm

    Hmm, I'm not a pro-blogger, I'm a stylist by profession, so this is still a hobby for me, but if I wasn't as was pro like you, I'd like to think you could still post out of joy. So, if you have something to say every day, then by all means say it, perhaps the lighter posts could be more picture-led or sound bites as you said. I agree with trying it for a month and see, if you want to post every day, you could put more into your other social outlets or stick with your current system. Good luck! Yvadney x #CoolMumsClub

  8. 6 October 2016 / 9:02 pm

    curious to see how it goes. As a non pro blogger it would be impossible to sustain for me with work, house, baby…but it is worth a try #brilliantblogposts

  9. 6 October 2016 / 3:25 pm

    I wasn't sure what my POV would be as a reader until I considered the blogs I am already subscribed to. I think if they each posted every day I may well be tempted to unsubscribe to a few of them as I get a lot of emails in and don't always have time to click through – so I would eventually become frustrated as seeing them pop up in my email box every day. On the flip side, if it is a blog I love, then I would be more likely to click off the site quickly if there was no new content – it is a tricky one. My own personal opinion is that 3 to 4 times a week may be the sweet spot but I guess there is no way of knowing until you try it! #BrilliantBlogPosts

  10. Alison Longhurst
    6 October 2016 / 6:44 am

    Absolutely! If you are a full time blogger looking to get your views up, I would say (in my very limited experience) that you should be blogging every day. It's all about exposure. I really don't think that it needs to be a full blog post each day, but as you say, perhaps a soundbite with 3 meatier blogs in a week. If people like your blogs, they will be interested in reading anything you put out there – they value your opinion. Alison x #Brilliantblogposts

  11. 4 October 2016 / 10:33 am

    Well, I'm going to be really honest (I hope that's OK?) and say that I'm mainly here for outfit inspiration, so I don't generally read any other type of post (on any of the personal style blogs I follow). But, I certainly wouldn't be expecting daily outfit posts, as I know how much work that would be!

  12. 4 October 2016 / 12:19 am

    I'm like Annette, Joi and D'Arcy. Personally, I hate it when my feed gets clogged with posts from even my favourite bloggers! There's one blogger I follow who posts nearly every day but I simply can't keep up with her so miss alot and there was a point when I barely followed her at all before I picked up again. I like seeing 3 posts a week as then I look forward to them and know what days they post.
    If someone posts more than that, it has to be very special otherwise I feel overloaded. Probably because I like to read a variety of bloggers.
    However, I appreciate that it's a very personal thing. I'm quite old school in that I actually like READING blogs as opposed to just skimming photos.
    It's tricky isn't it, as I can quite understand that as you're a professional blogger you have to keep ahead of the game. May be concentrate on the other social media platforms as a way of bringing traffic to your site?

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

  13. 3 October 2016 / 7:08 pm

    I'm a reader, not a blogger. I have actually un-followed blogs because they post every day. I read posts in a feed reader (Bloglovin) and get annoyed when one blog fills my feed. I do understand your reasoning though. I think it is tricky for fashion bloggers because you don't have such 'searchable' content. So, for example, people search for 'banana bread recipie'…easy for SEO…tougher for fashion bloggers. I'm not suggesting that you start posting recipies, but maybe more 'evergreen' content could help get organic google traffic. Easier said than done.

  14. 3 October 2016 / 3:27 pm

    As a reader, I am personally a bit annoyed by daily blog posts/updates, but as a blogger I understand the reasoning and rhythm behind the strategy.

  15. 3 October 2016 / 2:09 pm

    As a blogger who only posts twice a week, puts a lot of time into Instagram AND follows other blogs and so/me accounts, I say: It is too much much for me, I couldn't keep up reading every post. This has nothing to do with your quality posts as timewise I am already struggling with my favourite blogs.
    Instead I love the mix of blogposts and social media activities which I can quickly read "on the go".
    I am very curious about other readers' thoughts on this question!

    xo
    Annette | Lady of Style

  16. 3 October 2016 / 7:16 am

    Hi Catherine,
    I'm a full time blogger too, I've been retired for 6yrs now and I run two blogs as well as my YT channel and all my other social media sites. Between my 2 blogs, i'm writing about 8-10 post. I'm a lifestyle blogger, I cover beauty/fitness/fashion/food. People come to my blogs for different reasons and I have a wide variety of readers young and old. I rotate from beauty to fitness to fashion to food with something different everyday.

    Don't get into a rut of just posting fashion posts, it's time to gain a wide variety of readers. I know you wear makeup and probably can cook and i'm sure you exercise… Photos don't have to be perfect all the time, all my fitness post are selfies I take at the gym and email them to myself, I use the photo with a one paragraph blurb of tips. I even take phone photos of my dinner and write a one paragraph blog post about it.

    Most people find my blog through the search engines, searching for makeup swatches or food items or diet and fitness tips. I don't have a loyal reader base but my blogs does have over a million page views which is great for the Amazon & Google ad.

    You have to keep Re-branding your blog to keep up with the times. Blogs will soon become obsolete because the new millennium is so photo driven, big advertisers don't use blogs as much, they use Instagram for the promotions and all it takes is a photo. Upgrade your phone so that it takes quality photos and use them more on your blog with short stories to match. I can't tell you how I live in Sephora snapping makeup swatches with my phone then uploading them to my blog… keep the traffic coming to you blog with any means necessary!

  17. 3 October 2016 / 3:34 am

    Hi Catherine- I think it's fine if you want to try it for a month. Frankly, I find it difficult to keep up with too many blogs at once and find myself only clicking on my favourites Yours, of course is one! 😉

    But if ALL the blogs I followed posted every day, it would be FAR too much. I find that with certain bloggers that seemingly post randomly, I look forward to scanning my list to see if there is a gem from them, and pounce on it to read when I do see one of theirs.

    Those that post "too" often I tend to ignore if I am busy, because I can always get back to them IF I remember. In other words, for me, those that post less often I tend to regard as a treat, rather than background noise with all the rest.

    Make sense? But that's me. I'm very busy IRL with a full-time job, dance classes, working out, a social life, French lessons, etc. and always, always my own projects going on, so I tend to be pickier about who I use my precious "free" time for.

    I understand how much work it is to produce quality content, so I would rather have QUALITY than quantity. I had started my own blog a while back (That Was Then | This Is Wow) before I got full-time employment, but it is on indefinite hiatus at the moment. I'm not ready to completely give up on it, but I think I just get overwhelmed when I see how much work it will take. Your heart has to really be in it and mine just isn't at the moment.

    My heart is more into other things, like I just performed a Contemporary Dance routine for a political fundraiser with 4 other amazing women and a wonderful choreographer whom I knew but had never worked with, learning and performing the piece in less than a week with just three rehearsals with people I had never met nor danced with before! When I can get as excited about my blog as that I will return to it.

    Nothing is worse than forcing something you don't want to do. It will show = bad content = not worth it. Just sayin'.

  18. 3 October 2016 / 12:44 am

    I typically read blogs the way that I go backwards, i.e I go onto the home page and click to older posts until I get to the last post I read on that blog. I like a mix of review, styling, fashion finds, and background posts.

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:45 pm

      Hmm interesting, Nicole – I guess that's similar to how I read my fave blogs…!!

  19. 2 October 2016 / 11:56 pm

    I think you are so smart to try it for a month and see what you think, and what your readers think. I like a Monday through Friday IG post from IGers I love but I feel daily blog posts are overwhelming to me as a reader. I will be curious if you like the shorter post format or feel like it stifles you as a writer! I like posting longer things on my blog that actually go further into a subject for anyone that's interested and keeping it short and sweet on IG. I feel sad that Twitter has been ruined by pictures. It was so much more engaging and fast and fun when it was just words.

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:33 pm

      I'm definitely a "try it to see if I like it" type, Jill! I like writing longer posts, too, so they'll continue (blogging tips and musings will always be longer, for example). But I have so many draft posts that never see the light of day because they just don't fit in round my current 3-4 times a week schedule. We shall see!!

      Thanks for the feedback x

  20. 2 October 2016 / 8:58 pm

    From a reader perspective, I would love it IF the content was of interest to me. For instance, Tania of 50 Is Not Old posts every day, and I read every single one of them. Even the Sunday posts and it isn't because she's sharing something revolutionary, it's the manner in which she allows me into her life through words that I find most captivating and charming. Then there's Joanna from Cup Of Jo. I read her posts religiously too, despite the fact that she often posts multiple times a day. Her content is insightful and funny AND I particularly adore her thoughts on Relationships.

    It's something I've personally been wanting to do for ages but just haven't yet. No excuses beyond the prospect of it is rather daunting. My plan was Fashion on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Beauty on Tuesday and Saturday, and Wellness on Thursday and Sunday. And the plan was to do it this month which, clearly, has not worked out yet 🙂 I write, a lot, too much at times, and so the idea of having to do that every single day petrifies me. I suppose I could write less but then again, I'm not sure if that's me.

    I'm sorry I can't offer up much beyond give it a go, Catherine, and see what transpires?

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:30 pm

      Actually that's very helpful Sheila – thank you! I think the quality is the important thing. If I don't have anything interesting/relevant to share then I won't be posting, even in this first experimental month.

  21. 2 October 2016 / 8:13 pm

    I've just cut back to posting twice a week from three times, dearest Catherine…but since I'm juggling a full-time job as well, I realized that I need a little more "time off" if I'm going to keep my sanity!! 😉 I LOVE blogging (much more than all the concurrent social media stuff that's come to be expected, if I'm being honest) and I still hope/plan/dream to make a career of it like you have. If you can manage a daily blog post, I say go for it!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:28 pm

      I hope I *can* manage it, Monika – it's something I always thought was impossible but something I always wanted to do. Blogging as a hobby is very, very hard when you have a job as well, though I don't seem to have any "more" time now I'm a f/t blogger, it that makes any sense?!! x

  22. 2 October 2016 / 6:09 pm

    I've been blogging since 2008 and I post 5 times a week, typically – my weekday posts are strictly outfit posts (maybe a cat picture or three), and my weekend posts are wrap-ups of my weekend (duh). I find that some readers check in daily, and some pop by on the weekend and get caught up on all of them. I've never had anyone complain that I post too much!

    Do what works for you, Catherine!

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:27 pm

      I think a few years ago I was posting 5 times a week on weekdays like you Sheila – but I had a full time job elsewhere so found it hard to keep up with. I'm going to find the experiment interesting I think. Thanks for your comments!

  23. 2 October 2016 / 5:45 pm

    I don't check my feeds on a regular basis so I don't visit blogs that post daily. When there is often overlap in topics across blogs, it is the unique voice that keeps me engaged no matter how frequent the posts. If that person puts up lots of short posts frequently, when I do finally get there, I often go through the posts I missed but I don't comment as often. I hope you find that sweet spot!

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:25 pm

      Hmm I like that about the sweet spot, Melanie…! Thanks for the feedback x

  24. 2 October 2016 / 4:43 pm

    I read my favorite blogs in a reader, and if I'm not able to read all posts (which unfortunately happens more often than I'd like), I'll just skip over them. To me it's all about quality content. Also, as a reader I often prefer shorter posts, so blogs that post frequently but (mostly) short posts work for me.

    Good luck with your new schedule! Looking forward to seeing how it goes for you!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:22 pm

      That's interesting about liking shorter but daily posts, Andrea – in a way you're my perfect reader!! If everyone was like you I'd be winning, haha 😉

  25. 2 October 2016 / 3:34 pm

    I am really interested to see how your experiment goes, Catherine.
    You will know yourself if it is working and feels right for your blog and it's ethos.
    Good luck!
    XXX
    Samantha
    http://www.fakefabulous.com

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:19 pm

      Thanks Samantha – I think you're right about knowing whether it's right for you in terms of manageability. It's interesting to read what everyone's views are from a reader POV, so I too shall be very interested to see how it goes!! x

  26. 2 October 2016 / 3:21 pm

    I'm super excited to see how it goes—keep us informed if views go up!!! I've also noticed how different the followers are on different social media platforms. It's interesting 😀

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:17 pm

      I'll probably do a quick review post at the beginning of next month…! x

  27. 2 October 2016 / 2:52 pm

    I love daily posts and sometimes post more often. AS a reader I find if you post every day I am more inclined to visit each day but if you post only a few times you leave my regular visit schedule. Its weird but If I think of your blog and I click over and there is not a post I lose interest quicker. Instagram and snapchat never lead me to a blog, its a quick on commute review, pinterest is for tips etc ( but never fashion for me) but facebook is my guide, if you share a post on fb I will probably click it and visit your blog.

    • 3 October 2016 / 4:17 pm

      Hmm that's a very interesting POV, Linda… Not one I'd considered before (being more inclined to visit each day if you a blogger posts every day). Though that's amazing that you post daily or more often?!!

      I agree about Instagram – it's not for driving traffic to your blog at all but just as a back up to your brand and a way to work with brands as an influencer.

      So much to think about…!! Thanks for your comments x

  28. 2 October 2016 / 2:25 pm

    Hi Catherine,
    I think every day would be difficult content wise, and just thinking about it from the bloggers point of view.. I think they might experience "burnout". Most companies encourage employees to take their vacations to get energized, motivated, and have fresh ideas. Just my thought.
    I think 5 days is possible, allowing the person some mental down time. as you know all of the social media interaction takes time as well.
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • 2 October 2016 / 11:01 pm

      Thank you Jess, though what about as a reader? Do you find every day posting too much to read from a blog you like? I'm only intending the posts on the days in between to be short, so at the moment I'm not too worried…!

    • 4 October 2016 / 5:03 pm

      I think I am like others that have posted here, I comment on all of my linkups, and try and visit others as well.. I would find it too difficult to keep up with on a daily basis, as much as I may want too.
      thanks! x

  29. 2 October 2016 / 1:22 pm

    I could post every other day. I always have ideas, it's the time for me.I find it's not just the blog post but all the other stuff to get that post out there that's time consuming too. So for me it's only once or twice a week . x
    http://www.vanityandmestyle.com

    • 2 October 2016 / 4:14 pm

      Thanks Laurie, I know it'd be far too much for some bloggers, but I was wondering what you thought about it from a reader's POV..?

    • 2 October 2016 / 10:36 pm

      I think you must have a large amount of subscribers who obviously look forward to your posts. I would imagine more posts would equal more reads.Must be worth a try, maybe give it a trial couple of months. Nothing to loose only gain. So long as you have time to do it.

    • 2 October 2016 / 10:41 pm

      I think you must have a large amount of subscribers who obviously look forward to your posts. I would imagine more posts would equal more reads.Must be worth a try, maybe give it a trial couple of months. Nothing to loose only gain. So long as you have time to do it.

  30. 2 October 2016 / 12:08 pm

    I'm part of the sewing blogging community. A few years back several of us were blogging almost every day; now I barely know anyone who does. A lot of social media engagement has moved over to other channels. I receive fewer comments and I'd say my blog stats are about static. Personally, I think the days of judging your success by blog views and comments are kind of gone, as so much engagement is going on elsewhere. People are often reading on their phones now, which makes it much more difficult to comment. I think as long as you know you're engaging in a meaningful way across your channels, there's no reason to blog more than two or three times a week. My four penn'worth!

    • 2 October 2016 / 1:02 pm

      Ahh I do get that, Karen, but as a professional blogger my page views and unique visitors make a lot of difference – brands always want to know what they are when they work with you. Therefore if my stats aren't growing I can't ask for higher fees… Although it's of lesser importance they still ask for those stats so it's vital that I do something to increase them! Thanks for your comments though, I do appreciate them x

  31. 2 October 2016 / 12:06 pm

    In the second sentence I meant to say "I don't post on that topic that week" if I don't have any relevant information to share.

  32. 2 October 2016 / 12:05 pm

    I follow a topical schedule, where any given day I could post; even 7 days a week. But if I don't have any relevant information to share, I just post on that topic that week. I don't mind bloggers who post everyday if they have quality content. There are so many blogs out there that post a lot of junk. I get caught up in the catchy phrase, hit on it, only to discover it's junk, then I get mad. A lot of the really big blogs do that. Well what's the point of getting a 'hit' or a 'page view' if someone gets mad at you? So my answer is, yes, post everyday if you can, but only if it's relevant information.

    • 2 October 2016 / 1:03 pm

      Hmm yes I know that feeling, Amy, when you click on a post expecting one thing and you get something totally different. I always try and make my blog post title as relevant as possible, in a "what you see [read!] is what you get" kind of way. I think the relevancy and quality thing is what's most important…! Thanks hon x

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