How to Maximize Your Online Writing Time

Waste a lot of time online? Can't seem to get anything done? This article discusses concrete ways to maximize your online writing time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Connection
• Computer

1. Be Aware
   
   
   
   Online writing is a blessing and a curse. It’s so easy to get distracted when you’re online, that you can waste several hours in the blink of an eye.
   
   
   
   Hence, the first step in maximizing your online writing time is to be aware. Be aware that there are flashing ads and alluring entertainment tidbits to draw you away from your mission.

2. Create an Outline
   
   
   I do a lot of online writing and one of the best ways I’ve found to maximize my online writing time is to create an outline.
   
   
   
   Outlines help you to stay focused. When you have to veer away from your primary document to conduct research, you’ll be less likely to stray off track. And if you do, an outline serves as a grounding anchor, allowing you to refocus on the task at hand effortlessly.

3. Create a Timeline
   
   
   An extremely effective way to maximize your online writing time is to create a timeline.
   
   
   
   I give myself time limits to finish projects. As an online SEO writer, I stay pretty busy and could work 24 hours a day. To complete projects and still have a life, I have to stay pretty focused. So, I estimate how long a project is going to take me and try to complete it within that time.
   
   
   
   Even if I spend more time on a project, it’s okay. The point is to be aware of how you’re spending every minute online. With no timeline in mind, I may spend an extra 30 minutes surfing when there’s absolutely no need to.

4. Build in Some Surf Time
   
   
   One of the best things you can do to maximize your online writing time is to build in some surf time.
   
   
   
   I was freelancing for years before I did this. I always berated myself for surfing. I felt like I didn’t accomplish all that I could and would berate myself for my mindless surfing.
   
   
   
   But you know what? My surfing served two very valuable purposes. Number one, I realized that I’m not an immediate “get down to work type of worker.” I need mindless “get in the mood time.”
   
   
   
   Number two, much of my surf time I spend reading articles in my niches—real estate, mortgages and freelance writing, for example. These things interest me.
   
   
   
   I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bookmarked an article during my mindless surfing time and came back and used it later in a blog post or referenced it in a query to clients, for example.
   
   
   
   So, my surf time isn’t wasted. Even if you’re reading the gossip rags during your mindless surf time, don’t feel guilty about it. Realize that maybe it’s what you need to do to get going for the rest of the day.
   
   
   
   Once I stopped berating myself and purposely built in surf time, I was a much happier and productive freelance writer.

5. Practice Discipline
   
   
   
   This is the flip side of Step 4. To maximize your online writing time, put a limit on your surf time and stick to it.
   
   
   
   If you say you’re only going to surf for half a hour each morning, on your lunch break or during a minibreak, then have enough discipline to stick to that.
   
   
   
   Utilizing the above tactics, you should not only maximize your online writing time, but your freelance writing income as well.

[LostInTransit]

on 6/1/2009 Great tips on how to maximize your online writing time. 5*

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 2/3/2009 good online writing tips