How Many Blog Posts Do I Need in Reserve?

A week ago, I did something really, really stupid.

I opened the car door, put my hand on the roof of the car and let the children get out from the back of it. And then I slammed the car door. Only I didn’t move my hand.

The pain was immense but the kids were there, so I only swore once. A mild, gentle swear word, and then I opened the car door and released my finger.

It happened so quick I didn’t quite realise that random act of stupidity would actually break my finger and put me out of blogging action for six weeks.

You see; I broke my typing finger. I half touch type and now I can’t use my main typing finger…

From this painful experience, I realised that I need at least six weeks worth of posts in reserve for when I commit one of my random acts of stupidity (and believe me, there are plenty of those, from a broken wrist to slipping over in the snow).

It seems that I was half prepared for this to happen as I have 156 posts in drafts waiting to be perfected in some way or another. It was time to let my children go, or give them away as Joey would say.

It’s strange having that many blog posts in reserve, some 99% prepared and some just 20% ready, and it wasn’t a planned strategy.

Luckily, my clients have given me some extra time to complete projects. I type very slowly left handed…

Do you have a plan for when life gets in the way of blogging?

Should you even have a plan for when you can’t type? I think so, and the broken wrist taught me that Dragon does not understand my east London accent, so I couldn’t speak my posts.

Blog Plan #1 Extra posts per month.

If you currently post four times a month, could you increase it to five times a month so you build up a reserve? For when “just in case” happens?

A little extra here and there can make a big difference. For me it gave me an extra 150+ posts.

Blog Plan #2 Comments

If you can’t write a full post, can you comment? It might be worth stripping the dates for your blog posts and then going on a mega blog commenting spree. Shorter bursts of writing, less strain and reaching potential newcomers to your blog, who at first glance, won’t notice that you are not posting as often.

Note to self, do this ASAP.

Blog Plan #3 Guest posts

Guest posts could fill the gap quite nicely, but I wasn’t planning to break my finger and there are few people who wish to guest post about transport.

Luckily, I have a newsletter for my personal blog, and I’ve asked my readers if they would like to guest post whilst I get my mojo back. I may have to offer them a hard hat and safety equipment as an incentive

Do you have an emergency plan for your blog? Share with us your tips on how you cover your blog in an emergency. I’d love to know how you plan for when life gets in the way.

Buffer

http://www.grownupnowwhat.com/ TammyL

I hope you continue to recover and regain full use of your typing finger quickly!

For me, I used to have a few posts “in the can” all ready to go. This month, I am challenging myself to write a post a day. I’m keeping at my regular twice a week posting, so this will give me a great cushion. I’m also hoping to crank out a guest post or two during the month, which has been on my to-do list forever, and hopefully will increase the traffic to see my other posts.
- http://www.saraharrow.co.uk/ SarahArrow
  
  @TammyL thanks Tammy. That sounds like a fab cushion you are building up. I have found with guest posting if I build up posts ready to adapt and then pitch them, write them and then promote all in the same week, it works spectacularly. It takes a little to organise but it’s worth it. I last did it in Jan 2011 and from 8 guest posts (over 7 days) I picked up over 700 subscribers
https://twitter.com/#!/ConnorMeaks Connor Meakin

People are always talking about guest posts these days. I am wondering from the POV of a young blogger without the following / exposure of other bloggers. How would someone like me reach out for guest posting. I may not have as much to offer as others who may have a more established following.
- http://www.saraharrow.co.uk/ SarahArrow
  
  @Connor Meakin reach out and introduce yourself. Comment on the blog and get “known” and then ask. What’s the worst they can say? I need a 3,000 words on xxxx midday tomorrow? If you wish to practice on my, I’ll be super nice to you
http://www.slymarketing.com/ Jens

I haven’t given this much thought. But from your experience, I’m sure I’d start to think about this as well. I hope you get better soon, and that it wasn’t as painful as it sounds. I write two blog posts a week, and that’s it. I have thought a lot about guest posts, but so far for 2012 it’s been none. I’m still not giving up, but it takes a lot of time, and that’s the issue. How should we spend our time in order to get the most from it? Guest posts might be worth it, but then we need to connect with the right audience and be prepared for them, by replying to the comments on the guest post and sending them to the right page (on your own blog).
- http://www.saraharrow.co.uk/ SarahArrow
  
  @Jens hey Jens, thanks for your comment. Deciding is never easy is it? Good luck with the guest posting
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http://as10.co/ GillianWilson

I am just starting out as a blogger. My son has just proof-read my first attempt before I commit it to the universe! I find it quite scary just to think about getting regular posts ready on time considering the time I have taken crafting my first one – I guess it gets a bit easier the more you do! But this is a good wake up call to be prepared for any eventuality! So many thanks!!
- http://www.saraharrow.co.uk/ SarahArrow
  
  @GillianWilson Good luck and just hit publish thanks for stopping by and commenting
http://www.ipnostudio.com/ Andrea H. | The Hypnotism Weekly

No actually I haven’t thought about it but I could probably write one more post per week, just in case. I already comment as much as I can so nothing to do on that side, but it’s a great advice. Hope your finger heals fast.
- http://www.saraharrow.co.uk/ SarahArrow
  
  @Andrea Hypno Thanks Andrea, you don’t need a bank of many but it helps to have some
http://onlineincomestar.com/ Brankica

Sorry to hear about the pain, Sarah. I once cut off finger tips (just the soft tip on the inside of the finger) on two fingers in highschool and could not do anything till that was better (good thing you can’t see anything anymore). But anyway, that is a great point. When I have at least a few posts in the reserve it is so much easier to work cause you are not stressed about what to post tomorrow. Also, as far as the dates on the posts go, I removed them a long time ago. The reason is that probably at least 90% of my content is evergreen but if people saw the dates and they were posted a year ago, they would think it is no good and walk away. On the guest posts, I gotta say I am having bad luck with those, I get a lot of spam so I could never collect enough to keep as reserve… Hope you will be better soon!
- Caylie Price
  
  @Brankica
  Oh god Brankica. I can handle broken bones but hurt fingers get me every time. Sarah, I hope it doesn’t take too long for your finger to heal (admittedly it will seem forever when you are living it).
  Cheers,
  Caylie
  - http://www.saraharrow.co.uk/ SarahArrow
    
    @Caylie Price @Brankica ouch. I won’t even asked how that happened. I have to admit I am getting better at left handed typing
http://www.shonaeaston.com/ Shona Easton

I can’t believe you had over 150 posts in reserve, wow! I am wondering how long did it take you to build up that reserve? I am lucky if I have 1 in reserve and maybe 2 or 3 titles that I am planning to write about! Obviously I need to work a bit harder
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