How long does it take to write a blog post?
It’s hard to say.
According to a study by HubSpot, it takes most marketers between one and two hours to write 500 words.
HubSpot did this study before generative AI cannonballed into our lives, so odds are that writing now takes a little less time than before.
However, speaking from personal experience, the actual time can vary greatly.
If I’m creating content I know a lot about, I can write 500 words in 45 minutes if I’m in the zone.
However, let’s say I’m writing a post about something new that I have to research – it will take significantly longer.
For example, the state of the mechanical engineering industry in South East Asia post-Covid. No word of a lie, this was an actual article I wrote when I started freelancing, and it took me about seven hours to write 500 words.
The good news is that there are things you can do to make the writing process faster and a lot more pleasant.
Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years.
p.s Need some awesome blog ideas to write about first? Check out this guide!
Write first, edit later
When I first started copywriting, I used to edit my work as I went along.
The problem with doing this is that it disrupted my creative flow and meant content took a lot longer to write.
A copywriting friend recommended writing the article first and then editing it afterwards.
Complete game changer.
Plan your structure
Before you start writing, I recommend putting an article structure in place with headings and key points you want to mention.
That way, if you’re stuck on a particular section, you can skip it, go to the next bit, and revisit it later.
An additional bonus is that you can ensure your writing is always relevant and appeals to your target reader – does what you’re writing tie in with the heading?
While I wouldn’t use AI tools to write an article, they can be good at helping you plan if you’re stuck.
Open up your AI tool of choice and provide as much detail about your article as possible, including optimal length, call-to-action, and what points you want to cover.
It will then put together a brief structure for you to flesh out with your own content.
Ignore distractions
Did you know it takes 23 minutes to get back on track with your work after you get distracted?
So every time a cold email pings in your inbox or your boss loiters around your computer, you’re getting further and further away from the goal of writing your article.
The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce the risk of losing focus.
- Schedule article writing on days when you work from home. If this isn’t an option, book out a meeting room and stick a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door
- Block out time in your calendar so people know not to call or visit you
- Put your headphones on to remove external noise. I struggle to listen to music while I’m working, but the LoFi Girl playlist is fantastic. Alternatively, brown noise is great for blocking background sounds like yappy dogs and overly chatty co-workers
- Lock your phone away in a drawer and minimise any email and video call apps on your computer
I like using the Pomodoro technique when I have to knuckle down and get things done.
This is when you work uninterrupted for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break.
After doing this four times, you take a 20-minute break. You can set a timer on your phone, or there are apps you can download.
The Pomodoro technique works well as it’s structured, and you have something to work towards.
I always grab a fresh coffee and scroll through Reddit during my long breaks!
Leave the title and intro until last
Writing killer titles and introductions is hard. You need to create content that neatly summarises the whole article and encourages people to read to the end.
Scary fact for you – five times as many people read the title as they do the body copy.
As David Ogilvy famously said: ‘When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.’
No pressure.
In my experience, the best way to save time is to leave the title and intro until last.
This lets you get a clearer understanding of what the article will be about, making it easier to write a solid starting section.
And if it means one less AI-generated article that starts with ‘in the realm of X….’ it’s a bonus!
Take a break
I know, I know, it sounds counterproductive.
But if you’re struggling to write, taking a short break away from your desk can motivate you and stop you from feeling overwhelmed.
If you can get outside and take a short walk, that’s ideal. Exercise gets the blood pumping, which means more oxygen to your brain. Plus, studies show that walking boosts creativity by 60%.
Can’t get out for a walk? No worries.
Take an early lunch. Get started on another task. Speak to a colleague in another department and moan about how you’re struggling to write your article.
It’s all good.
Need additional blog inspiration?
Writing good blog articles is a lot trickier than it looks. Heck, I’ve been writing them for over 15 years, and there are still times when I stare at my screen and think, “Is it the end of the day yet?”
However, there are things you can do to make the ideation and writing process far less painful.
Of course, the least painful way to write blogs for your website is to get someone else to do it.
I have several years of experience writing well-researched, SEO-optimised articles for industries including digital marketing, construction, and energy management.
Click the button below, and let’s see how I can save you time creating articles that deliver results for your business.
