Managing a blog can feel like a full-time job. Between coming up with ideas, writing the content, and finding the right images, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. One of the best ways to stay organized is to write your posts ahead of time and set them to go live later.
WordPress has a built-in feature that lets you do exactly that. In this guide, we will show you how to schedule your posts so you can keep your site active even when you are away from your computer.
Why You Should Schedule Your Posts
Scheduling isn’t just about saving time; it is about being consistent. Here are a few reasons why you should use this feature:
- Reach different time zones: If your readers live in a different country, you can set your post to go live when they are awake.
- Maintain a routine: Posting every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 AM helps your audience know when to expect new content.
- Work in batches: You can write five articles on a Saturday and schedule them to pull out slowly throughout the following week.
How to Schedule a Post Using the Block Editor
The Block Editor (also known as Gutenberg) is the standard editor for modern WordPress sites. Scheduling here is very simple.
- Create your post: Write your content, add your images, and set your categories as you normally would.
- Open the settings: Look at the right-hand sidebar. Under the Post tab, find the section labeled Summary.
- Click on “Immediately”: Next to the word Publish, you will see the word Immediately. Click on it.
- Pick a date and time: A small calendar will pop up. Choose the day and the specific time you want your post to appear.
- Confirm the schedule: Once you select a future date, the blue Publish button at the top of the screen will change to say Schedule. Click it.
- Double-check: WordPress will ask if you are sure. Click Schedule one more time.
How to Schedule a Post Using the Classic Editor
If you prefer the older version of WordPress, the steps are slightly different but just as easy.
- Find the Publish box: This is usually on the top right side of your screen.
- Edit the timing: Look for the line that says Publish immediately and click the Edit link next to it.
- Enter the details: Change the month, date, year, and time to your desired slot.
- Click OK: This saves your timing settings.
- Click Schedule: The main button will now say Schedule instead of Publish. Click it to finish.
Tips for Successful Scheduling
To make sure everything runs smoothly, keep these three tips in mind:
1. Check your time zone
If your WordPress site is set to a different time zone than where you live, your posts might go live at the wrong time. Go to Settings, then General, and look for the Timezone section to make sure it matches your location.
2. Don’t forget to proofread
Once you hit schedule, it is easy to “set it and forget it.” Make sure you have checked for typos and broken links before you walk away.
3. Use a content calendar
If you plan on scheduling many posts at once, using a plugin like Editorial Calendar can help you see a bird’s-eye view of your upcoming content. This makes it easier to spot gaps in your schedule.
What if a Scheduled Post Fails?
Sometimes, you might see a “Missed Schedule” error. This usually happens because of a technical glitch with your website’s internal clock (called a Cron job). If this happens often, you can install a plugin like Scheduled Post Trigger to fix the issue automatically.
Scheduling is a simple habit that can make your life as a creator much easier. By taking a few minutes to set a date, you ensure that your website stays fresh and your readers stay engaged.
