Contents
- 1 Time Management for Info Marketers in 10 Steps
- 1.1 1. Define Your “Why” and Set Realistic Goals
- 1.2 2. Conduct a Ruthless Time Audit
- 1.3 3. Prioritize with Fierce Intention
- 1.4 The Eisenhower Matrix
- 1.5 4. Batch Similar Tasks Together
- 1.6 5. Leverage Time Blocking
- 1.7 Tips for Effective Time Blocking:
- 1.8 6. Embrace the Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- 1.9 7. Automate and Delegate Ruthlessly
- 1.10 Automation Tools:
- 1.11 Delegation:
- 1.12 8. Protect Your Energy and Avoid Burnout
- 1.13 9. Optimize Your Workspace and Tools
- 1.14 10. Review and Adjust Regularly
- 2 Conclusion: Consistency Over Intensity
Time management for Info Marketers is an essential skill. Juggling a day job, family commitments, or other responsibilities while trying to build a successful information marketing business is a common challenge. You have brilliant ideas for courses, ebooks, or coaching programs, but finding the time to create content, market your products, and engage with your audience can feel overwhelming. The dream feels achievable, but the clock seems to be your biggest enemy. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The key to succeeding as a part-time info marketer isn’t necessarily finding more time; it’s about managing the time you have more effectively. This guide provides actionable strategies specifically tailored for beginner and intermediate info marketers balancing multiple commitments.
Time Management for Info Marketers in 10 Steps
1. Define Your “Why” and Set Realistic Goals
Before diving into intricate scheduling techniques, take a step back. Why are you building this info marketing business? What impact do you want to make? What financial or personal goals are you aiming for? Keeping your core motivation front and center will fuel you during challenging times.
Equally important is setting *realistic* goals. Aiming to launch a massive signature course within a month while working 40+ hours elsewhere might lead to burnout. Instead, break down your larger vision into smaller, manageable steps. Use the SMART framework:
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish (e.g., “Outline my mini-course on email marketing”).
- Measurable: How will you know when it’s done? (e.g., “Complete a 5-module outline with key talking points”).
- Achievable: Is this feasible with your current time constraints? (e.g., “Dedicate 3 hours this week to outlining”).
- Relevant: Does this task align with your overall business goals? (e.g., “This mini-course is a lead magnet for my main program”).
- Time-bound: Set a deadline (e.g., “Complete outline by Sunday night”).
Setting achievable milestones provides a sense of accomplishment and momentum, which is crucial when time is scarce.
2. Conduct a Ruthless Time Audit
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. For one week, meticulously track how you spend your time – both your dedicated “business hours” and your free time. Use a simple spreadsheet, a notebook, or time-tracking apps like Toggl Track or Clockify.
Be honest. Note down everything: work, commuting, meals, family time, scrolling social media, watching TV, working on your info product, marketing tasks, etc. At the end of the week, analyze the results. You might be surprised where your time actually goes. Identify:
- Time Sinks: Activities that consume a lot of time with little return (e.g., endless social media scrolling, checking email constantly).
- Productive Pockets: Unexpected blocks of free time you could potentially utilize (e.g., commute time if you use public transport, lunch breaks).
- Peak Energy Times: When do you feel most focused and creative?
This audit forms the foundation for optimizing your schedule.
3. Prioritize with Fierce Intention
Not all tasks are created equal. As a part-time info marketer, you *must* focus on activities that move the needle. The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) often applies here: roughly 80% of your results will come from 20% of your efforts. Identify your high-impact activities.
The Eisenhower Matrix
A helpful tool for prioritization is the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorizes tasks based on urgency and importance:
- Urgent & Important (Do First): Crises, deadlines, critical problems (e.g., fixing a broken sales page link, meeting a launch deadline).
- Important & Not Urgent (Schedule): Activities that contribute to long-term goals (e.g., product creation, strategic planning, building relationships, core marketing tasks). This is where you should spend most of your focused time.
- Urgent & Not Important (Delegate): Interruptions, some meetings, low-value tasks that require immediate attention but don’t advance your goals (e.g., responding to non-critical emails immediately, some admin tasks). Can you delegate, automate, or minimize these?
- Not Urgent & Not Important (Eliminate): Time wasters, distractions, unnecessary activities (e.g., excessive social media Browse, trying to perfect minor design details).
Consistently ask yourself: “Is this the most valuable thing I could be doing for my business right now?” Focus your limited time on the “Important & Not Urgent” quadrant.
4. Batch Similar Tasks Together
Constantly switching between different types of tasks (e.g., writing, designing, emailing, recording) incurs a mental “switching cost,” reducing efficiency. Instead, group similar tasks together and tackle them in dedicated blocks.
Examples:
- Content Creation Block: Write several blog posts or email newsletters in one session.
- Marketing Block: Schedule all social media posts for the week, outline ad campaigns, or conduct outreach.
- Admin Block: Answer emails, update spreadsheets, handle bookkeeping.
- Video/Audio Block: Record multiple course modules or podcast episodes back-to-back.
Batching helps you get into a flow state and complete tasks more quickly and effectively.
5. Leverage Time Blocking
Based on your time audit and priorities, schedule specific blocks of time in your calendar for working on your info business. Treat these blocks like non-negotiable appointments.
Be specific: Instead of just blocking “Work on Business,” schedule “Write Module 2 Draft” or “Create Social Media Graphics for Launch.”
Tips for Effective Time Blocking:
- Use a Digital Calendar: Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, etc., allow for easy scheduling and reminders.
- Be Realistic: Don’t overschedule. Include buffer time between blocks.
- Align with Energy Levels: Schedule demanding tasks (like product creation) during your peak energy times identified in the audit. Use lower-energy times for admin or less intensive tasks.
- Protect Your Blocks: Communicate your schedule to family or housemates if necessary. Turn off notifications during focused work sessions.
- Include Breaks: Schedule short breaks within longer blocks to avoid burnout (Pomodoro Technique can be helpful here).
6. Embrace the Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Perfectionism is the enemy of the part-time info marketer. Waiting for everything to be “perfect” before launching means you might never launch at all. Instead, embrace the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Focus on creating a core version of your product that delivers value and solves the primary problem for your audience. Get it out there, gather feedback, and then iterate and improve. This applies to:
- Courses: Start with a beta launch or a foundational version.
- Ebooks: Get the core content written and edited, don’t obsess over elaborate formatting initially.
- Websites/Sales Pages: Focus on clear messaging and functionality over flashy design.
“Done is better than perfect” is a crucial mantra when time is limited.
7. Automate and Delegate Ruthlessly
Your time is your most valuable asset. Identify repetitive tasks that can be automated or delegated.
Automation Tools:
- Email Marketing: Use autoresponders and sequences (e.g., ConvertKit, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign).
- Social Media Scheduling: Plan and schedule posts in advance (e.g., Buffer, Hootsuite, Later).
- Payment Processing: Platforms like Stripe, PayPal, Gumroad, ThriveCart automate sales and delivery.
- Zapier/Make: Connect different apps to automate workflows (e.g., automatically add new customers to your email list).
Delegation:
If your budget allows, even hiring a virtual assistant (VA) for a few hours a week can free up significant time. Tasks to consider delegating:
- Social media management (posting, basic engagement)
- Customer service emails
- Basic graphic design
- Transcription
- Data entry
- Research
Start small and delegate tasks that are time-consuming but don’t require your unique expertise.
8. Protect Your Energy and Avoid Burnout
Trying to do everything, especially when juggling multiple major commitments, is a recipe for burnout. Protecting your physical and mental energy is non-negotiable for long-term success.
- Prioritize Sleep: Sacrificing sleep consistently backfires, leading to reduced productivity and poor decision-making.
- Schedule Downtime: Intentionally block time for rest, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Your business benefits when you’re recharged.
- Exercise and Nutrition: Fuel your body and mind properly. Even short walks can boost energy and creativity.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say “no” to commitments that drain your energy or conflict with your scheduled business time.
- Disconnect: Step away from screens and work regularly. Avoid the temptation to be “always on.”
9. Optimize Your Workspace and Tools
Minimize friction in your workflow by optimizing your environment and tools.
- Dedicated Workspace: Even if it’s just a corner of a room, having a designated space helps you mentally switch into “work mode.” Keep it organized and free from distractions.
- Essential Tools: Invest in reliable tools that streamline your work (e.g., good microphone for recording, project management software like Trello or Asana, note-taking app like Notion or Evernote).
- Minimize Digital Clutter: Organize your computer files, use bookmarks effectively, and close unnecessary tabs.
10. Review and Adjust Regularly
Your time management system isn’t set in stone. Life happens, priorities shift, and what worked last month might not work next month.
Schedule a brief review session weekly or bi-weekly:
- What went well? What did you accomplish?
- What challenges did you face? Where did you get stuck?
- Is your schedule realistic?
- Are your priorities still aligned with your goals?
- What adjustments can you make for the upcoming week/month?
Continuous improvement is key to finding a sustainable rhythm.
Conclusion: Consistency Over Intensity
Building a successful info marketing business part-time is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires discipline, strategic planning, and consistent effort. Don’t get discouraged if you can only dedicate a few hours each week. By implementing these time management strategies – defining your why, auditing your time, prioritizing ruthlessly, batching tasks, time blocking, embracing the MVP concept, automating/delegating, protecting your energy, optimizing your setup, and regularly reviewing your process – you can make significant progress without sacrificing your well-being or other commitments. Focus on consistent, focused action, and watch your part-time venture grow.






