Hey what up its Kristy Ellington and thanks for joining me on the Blog To Business Podcast where each week we dive into the methods, tricks, tips, and hacks to grow your blog, your communities, and your bank accounts by monetizing with heart.

Now I say with heart because by serving our audiences and connecting with them on a deeper level - which means knowing who they are and what content they need to change their lives - you can build a passionate community that trusts you. And trust means a whole hell of a lot these days, especially where money is concerned. So give give give and you'll receive abundantly in return.

Today we're talking about planning your blogs content yearly for huge wins, why you should do it and how planning this far ahead will help you become a better blogger.

If you didn't catch my free webinar earlier this month on The Blocking Method, which will have you creating more in less time, you can catch it again by becoming a member of The Fempire Academy.

The Fempire Academy is a kick-ass, barrier-busting, turn-your-blog-into-a-bangin-business membership group. There's a new training course every month, a blog mastermind group, a live brainstorming session, a huge library full of workbooks, worksheets, downloads, and bonus materials, an awesome community, access to me for advice and guidance, monthly mini-trainings and workshops (The Blocking Method was our live workshop for December), and something I'm calling Sunday Soul Sessions which will help you connect on a deeper level with your community and peers. 

All that for just $35 per month. 

Don't forget to download the FREE 5-Day #BlogGoals Challenge workbook! 

Let me just clear up what I mean by "planning your contort early." (High level themes and topics)

Relieves stress. How stressful is it when you show up to your computer with a blank screen and a blank stare? You'll know exactly what you'll be covering and when. Using the blocking method every month, you'll spend 1-3 days actually brainstorming topics and writing it all out. It's Ok to tweak things based on trends, news, changes in your editorial focus.

Keeps you focused. With so many distractions it's easy to get off track and think we should be blogging about something else. What does your ideal reader want/need? Stop comparing yourself to others. They aren't writing for the same person as you are.

Helps you see the big picture- how many times have you felt totally lost and directionless when you're blogging? A lot I bet, but by planning out your top line themes and priorities, you'll go into the year feeling like you're working towards something.- you can set better goals. Knowing where your priorities are can help you maximize efforts for bigger traffic and list building wins.- example: holiday tent poles.- this isn't to say you can't write about other things. You can be flexible, but your high level topics are the ones you KNOW your audience loves and are interested in.

It can help you land more brand partnerships.- brands don't like risk, so planning your entire year will prove your professionalism. They'll see how serious you are and how well organized.- you can create packages based on specific themes and events that brands might want to align with.- they won't question whether or not you're a good fit, because you're providing transparency.

Helps you engage more meaningfully with your community. You're spending less time worrying about what to write next and more time talking to your readers on your blog, in social, and building relationships with your peers and potential link partners.

Show notes: http://kristyellington.com/episode/14

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935875569808602/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkellington

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kristykorcz/