Productivity versus efficiency for bloggers

Productivity versus efficiency for bloggers, what does it mean?  While they can be mistaken for each other, there are nuances.  Read my article to see how bloggers can optimise both, gainfully.

On my self-improvement blog, I share many ideas about working smarter. My readers are mostly other bloggers and digital solopreneurs. However, anyone can benefit from the ideas and apply them to their specific circumstances.

Productivity versus efficiency

Generally, everyone gains from working smarter.  Who doesn’t want to slay their goals, and meet deadlines? Simultaneously, why not optimize the use of your limited resources?

‘Productivity is the efficiency of production of goods or services expressed by some measure.’ – more on Wikipedia.

‘Efficiency is the often measurable ability to avoid making mistakes or wasting materials, energy, efforts, money, and time while performing a task. In a more general sense, it is the ability to do things well, successfully, and without waste.’ – more on Wikipedia.

As you can see from the Wikipedia extracts, productivity is about achieving more.  On the other hand, efficiency is about doing things with less resource wastage.  Both are crucial to slaying your goals.

In the blogging context 

When it comes to blogging, you want both.  Reach your desired goals, by doing more in less time.  Optimize your resources, be it financial or another, economically.

Bloggers are often solopreneurs, working on their terms.  For example, I work from home and value my time and other resources.  I, therefore, choose to aim for both productivity and efficiency.

If you take blogging seriously, you have a business or even a side hustle.  You invest time and financial resources into it.  Even hobby bloggers spend their precious time carefully.  Embrace a better approach to working smarter. 

Productivity vs efficiency examples 

You could aim for only productivity or only efficiency.  However, why not prefer both simultaneously?  Strike a good balance, as they go hand in hand!

Find the right balance for yourself, based on your set goals.  Productivity pushes you to do more.  Efficiency considers other things, such as your available resources.

Productivity examples for bloggers:

• Create lots of articles weekly
• Post multiple times daily on social media 
• Grow your email list quickly
• Attend many events 
• Build a large network quickly 

Efficiency examples for bloggers:

• Balance the quality and quantity of posts
• More in-depth, higher-ranking articles  
• Work smarter to avoid burnout 
• Improve your workflow frequently
• Save time, financial, and other resources 

As a solopreneur, you invest in your blog.  You’re better off achieving your goals while avoiding wastage.  Aiming for both is gainful.

The risks of neglecting efficiency 

While productivity is crucial, having it without efficiency is risky.  You can end up overworking, with burnout.  You might also neglect to avoid resource wastage.

Why bloggers need both

Publishing a high volume of articles a week might lead to burnout.  You can also overlook the need for careful research.  You then end up with a large number of low-quality content that doesn’t rank.

Productivity coupled with efficiency supports you better.  Together, they optimize greater results.  For example, you publish a reasonable number of posts weekly that you can sustain for the longer term without burnout.  You also focus on relevant, high-quality articles that meet your set goals.

Tips for a better approach 

While you can go for either productivity or efficiency, favor both as far as possible.  This should be based on your goals and strategy.  Adopting both, you gain in multiple ways.

Allocate your resources carefully, avoiding wastage.  Stay consistent with content creation, working smarter.  Create content with your audience and ideal persona in mind.  

Batch your tasks for the better.  Complete sessions, while avoiding duplication of work.  Get your work done, while you’re flowing with concentration, doing similar things.

Make the most of templates, as they make your life easier.  Why start from scratch every time?  Save yourself time, while conveniently completing your tasks.

Set your blogging goals carefully.  Plan your content strategically.  Have a content calendar to guide you seamlessly.  Find more such ideas on productive blogging in my other article.

Productivity vs efficiency vs effectiveness

Closely related to the topic of the article, is effectiveness.  

‘Effectiveness or effectivity[1] is the capability of producing a desired result or the ability to produce desired output. When something is deemed effective, it means it has an intended or expected outcome, or produces a deep, vivid impression’ – more on Wikipedia.

Comparative table:

Detail	Productivity	Efficiency	Effectiveness
What	Achieve more	Do it right	Do the right things
Focus	Quantity	Resources	Goals

For complete and even better results, aim for all 3.  Together, they have more power.  Value output quantity, while utilizing your resources properly, and finally achieve your set goals as desired.

Here’s an example of how I incorporate all 3 into my plan.  I currently post only 1 new article a week (given blogging is my side hustle).  This isn’t impressive, however, I’ve found my balance for the long term (productivity).  I’ve posted consistently for 7 years already, and it helps avoid burnout (efficiency).  In doing so, I can achieve my set goals (effectiveness).

Long-term blog gains 

Many bloggers give up along the way.  With a better approach, you equip yourself to keep going.  It’s a long-term game, not an overnight success.  Be the one to keep up for long, and not give up too early.

Consistency is crucial to keep your audience engaged.  On the other hand, ensure that your content serves your target audience helpfully.  Balance both for better results.

Find your right balance, working smarter for a better approach.  For example, in terms of time management, I review my workflows and improve them.  I also ensure that I take regular breaks, which support me in working smarter.  Finally, I achieve my set goals within deadlines.

Not ‘productivity vs efficiency’, but embrace both.  They work alongside and support you.  Choose long-term gains that support your strategic goals.  Better still, include effectiveness for a greater impact.

Conclusion 

Productivity versus efficiency?  Not only both but aim for effectiveness as well.  They all work together, in harmony to support you.