15 Genius Ways to use a Notebook for Writing Blogs

The Charm of a Notebook in a Digital World

It might seem counterintuitive in our tech-driven world, but there's a compelling case for the humble note book when it comes to fine tuning your blog planning or offering the very best blog writing services.  

Before you're tempted by the glow of your screen, consider the grounded, uninterrupted focus note books can offer.  Digital methods, while sleek and convenient, often scatter our thoughts across various apps and devices.  In contrast, a personalised notebook offers a dedicated, all-in-one sanctuary for your ideas; a single cohesive space, no battery required, always ready to catch that next flash of inspiration.  

As any good blog planner knows, consistent and engaging content is the backbone of a successful blog.  So, here are 15 GENIUS WAYS on how with some simple journaling pens and classic, custom notebooks you can organise ideas and produce compelling posts time after time.  Because, as you will discover, a simple journal notebook can really help unlock blog writing brilliance, bringing your blogging to life:

  1. CHOOSING THE RIGHT NOTEBOOK

Pick Your Type:
Do you love the feeling of flipping through pages of new notebooks, each one brimming with potential?  The tactile satisfaction of a scribbled idea or a doodled margin?  If this sounds appealing, then why not start looking into the myriad of different types of notebooks available. 

Do you prefer a soft cover, a spiral bound or hardback notebook?  Go for one that aligns with your personal aesthetic preferences, but also one that suits your planning style.   

We recommend choosing something durable, which offers the most versatility.  For instance, a dotted notebook is incredibly flexible, allowing you to design your own page layout, to incorporate writing, drawing, or both.  A lined notebook will make a precise, word focused planner very happy, whilst a notebook filled with blank paper will appeal to the blogger who is incredibly visual and loves to draw. 

Size Matters:
Choose a size that's portable yet spacious enough to jot down all your ideas. An A5 notebook – especially one with mixed paper - is a popular choice among bloggers for its balance between space and portability.  Whilst a bigger B5 notebook offers a wider area to jot and note, so more freedom to plan, but takes up more room and is heavier to carry around.

  1. RECORD ALL BLOG POST IDEAS

Never Run Dry:
If you want to know what to write in a notebook, we suggest dedicating a section to potential blog post topics.  Whenever inspiration strikes, add it to the list.  This reservoir can be particularly handy if writer’s block ever strikes and you need to create content quickly.  Use some Ecoline brush pens to mark your favourite suggestions – so you can identify them instantly, without effort.

  1. CREATE A BLOG INDEX

Organise from the Start:
Start your customisable notebook with an index.  Create a list of all the potential topics you’ve noted down, then tick them off as you complete each post.  This not only gives you an overview of your content plan but also a sense of accomplishment.

Include Deadlines:
Next to each topic, jot down tentative deadlines.  It’ll help you stay on track and post consistently.

  1. EDITORIAL CALENDAR

Plan Ahead:
Why not create an annual plan that includes a list of all the seasonal and special events happening throughout the year.  In this way you can prepare blog posts featuring timely, relevant material, to appeal to that specific moment in time.  This is where a visual aid is really helpful.  We love to use mildliners to highlight key moments not to be missed. 

  1. MIND MAPPING YOUR IDEAS

Free-flow Brainstorming:
If you’re struggling with how to start, or things to write down, turn to a fresh page and start a mind map.  Take it from us, Mind mapping works!  It provides a visual way to see how different concepts connect and is a proven method to help organise your thoughts.  Write down a central idea and branch out with related thoughts or sub-topics.

  1. BREAK DOWN THE BLOG STRUCTURE

Start Simple:

Take your favourite black pen – we suggest either a Pigma Micron or a Sakura gelly roll - and note down your chosen blog post topic.  Then, break down your thoughts into three basic segments: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

Detailed Outlining:
Under each segment, list out the main points or subtopics you want to cover. This becomes your skeleton and helps ensure you don’t miss any critical points.

  1. DRAFTING AND RE-DRAFTING

First Draft:
Let your ideas flow!  Don't worry about perfection.  This is about getting your thoughts down into your pretty notebook – which you can then refer back to.

Revisit & Refine:
After a break, return to your draft with fresh eyes.  Refine your content, check for flow and ensure your message is clear.

  1. THE FLEXIBILITY OF WASHI TAPE AND STICKY NOTES

Ever-changing Ideas:
New ideas can strike at any moment.  Sticky notes allow you to jot down spontaneous ideas and place them into your customised notebook. 

Then use your favourite decorative tape to mark the best ideas and the sections where they can be added.  The joy of sticky notes AND Washi tape is that they’re so easy to peel and re-fix as you move everything about.

Moveable Content:
If you’re unsure about the flow of a post, write individual paragraphs and points on sticky notes.  Or, if you don’t have these to hand, why not put numbers on snips of torn washi tape designs, and place them next to each written paragraph.  These snips can all be easily rearranged until the structure of your blog post feels right.

  1. SOCIAL MEDIA GOALS AND PAGEVIEW STATS

Stay Connected:
Today most blogs and social media channels go hand-in-hand – with each referring followers to the other.  We suggest jotting down specific goals for your social channels, for example, number of posts per week, follower milestones, or engagement targets.  We have a dedicated A5 lined notebook for just this purpose!

Keep Track:
To make sure you are on-track to hit the targets you have set yourself, regularly update your A5 hardback notebook with pageview stats.  It's motivating to see growth, and it helps identify which posts resonate most with readers.

Stay On Target:
Regularly checking in on the clear, measurable objectives you set yourself, can keep you inspired and ensure you’re on the right track.

  1. KEYWORD STRATEGY

Boost Your Visibility:
Identify relevant keywords for each blog topic and note them down in your personalised journal – for you to refer back to each time you plan a blog post.   A well-researched keyword strategy can significantly enhance your search engine ranking, driving organic traffic to your blog.

  1. BLOG POST TITLES

First Impressions Matter:
Spend time constructing compelling titles.  Draft several variations for each post and refine them until they're both engaging and SEO-friendly.  You can star your favourites using a Posca paint pen.  It’s fun to look back over your ideas – and see which ones have drawn the biggest viewership.

  1. CALL TO ACTION

Guide Your Readers:
Beyond the basic structure, detail your post further with sub-headings and never forget to include a call to action (CTA).  Whether it's inviting comments, promoting a product, or directing readers to related content, this adds interest and generates engagement with your audiences.

  1. DAILY TO-DO LIST

Organise Your Day:
Sometimes balancing the time it takes to write, promote and focus on all other blog related duties can be tough.  Why not dedicate a page in your dotted journal to the daily breakdown of tasks to ensure you manage your time efficiently and that nothing is ever forgotten.

  1. STAY INSPIRED

Continuous Learning:
Create a list of websites or blogs that inspire you.  Regular visits can spark new ideas and keep you updated on industry trends.  Whenever you come across an insightful snippet from other content creators, jot it down. It's a great way to learn, gather ideas, and find inspiration.

  1. BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND REVENUE TRACKING

Future Vision:
Dedicate pages to brainstorming and planning the next steps for your blog's growth.  This could include monetisation strategies, collaborations, or expansions into new content areas.

Track Your Finances:
Maintain a running list of all blog-related expenses and income. This is essential for budgeting, tax purposes, and to assess the profitability of your blogging ventures.

In Conclusion:

When it comes to writing a blog, a notebook is more than just a collection of pages.  It’s a tool that can elevate your blogging game, help organise your thoughts, streamline your writing process and ensure you produce more compelling content. 

Using a notebook isn't just about planning individual blog posts.  It’s about crafting an entire blogging strategy, from conception to publication, financial planning to continuous learning.  

So, grab your favourite luxury notebook and learn to embrace the power of pen and paper to effortlessly boost your blogging journey!

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