How many hours a week do you need to work in your online business in order to be successful? For many years, I heard Connie Ragen Green, my mentor say that you need to put in 15-20 hours a week.
When I first heard that, I thought, “Well that’s good but I don’t want to limit myself. I may want to work 5 hours a day or until I reach my goals.” So I made a big list and started “chipping away” at it. I never used a timer. The result? I ended up feeling overwhelmed and like I didn’t do enough because… well I never got done.
So when that left me feeling discouraged, I adjusted and only put the things I “had” to do on my list. I put the rest of my goals on a to-do list in my notebook that I tucked away and rarely looked at. It just felt too overwhelming, too hopeless. I realize now that I probably didn’t devote nearly enough time to the the things that mattered most during that period.
Then it hit me: instead of obsessing over how many tasks I could check off my list or worrying about whether or not I I got enough done, I needed a better way to measure my progress. I decided to make a consistent 15 to 20 hours of focused effort my goal. That way, I’d get a more realistic view of how I actually spend my time. By committing to those hours each week, I could stay focused, push myself, and finally make time for both the must-dos and the meaningful goals I’ve been neglecting.
But here’s the catch: it’s not just about putting in the hours — it’s about what we’re spending those hours on. We have to be brutally honest with ourselves about whether the tasks on our to-do list are actually moving the needle or just keeping us comfortably busy. It’s easy to fall into the trap of checking off low-impact items that feel productive but don’t really grow our business. Real progress comes from prioritizing the work that directly contributes to our bigger goals.
In getting started the first week I did the necessities, like usual to see how long it takes and added things from my “to-do” as needed in order to get my time in for the week. I actually found it fun and challenging to keep myself busy and I was impressed at how much I got done.
I created a list of basic activities to focus on:
- Creating blog posts: You can start with PLR (Private Label Rights) content and make it your own by adding relevant keywords, inserting a couple of images, and rewriting sections in your own voice.
- Writing e-mails to your list: Some people do this every day, others once or twice a week. The important thing is to be consistent. Keep your messages conversational and helpful — as if you’re writing to a friend. You can repurpose content from your blog, podcast, or social media to make it easier.
- Reach out to someone every day. Some ways to do this… Are you on someone’s list and liked the information they shared? Hit reply and let them know. Or maybe you’ve read a good book from Amazon (preferably related to your niche). Leave a review. Or leave a comment on someone’s blog or reply to someone’s social media post.
- Post to social media. Share content that genuinely helps your audience and reflects your expertise. Focus on building trust and engagement, not just chasing likes or trends. Use social media to support your business goals, not distract from them.
- Create YouTube videos (under 5 minutes) or audios 15-20 minutes These short videos are perfect for delivering quick tips, or answering common questions. For deeper engagement, consider recording 15–20 minute audio episodes — ideal for podcasts or standalone audio content.
- Create products, courses, and freebies. This is one of the most effective ways to grow your business and serve your audience. You don’t need fancy tools or a huge team. A short guide, checklist, or mini-course can deliver real value and position you as a trusted resource. Freebies, like downloadable templates or quick-start guides, are great for attracting new subscribers and building your email list. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and focus on solving real problems — that’s how you turn content into income.
- Keep your affiliates engaged (if you have an affiliate program). Let them know about current and upcoming launches and sales. Send out notifications, codes, swipe copy and images.
- Find and promote quality affiliate products or services that align with your niche and audience. Consider creating bonuses that add extra value for your audience. These could be exclusive guides, templates, checklists, or short video tutorials that complement the product you’re promoting.
- Work on your marketing plan. Create a simple promotional calendarand decide which of your products and courses you’ll promote and when. Consider upcoming holidays, seasons and topics you’ve been discussing. Will you be offering any bonuses? Choose one product to focus on at a time, and build your marketing around it — blog posts, emails, social media, and even podcast mentions can all point toward that offer.
- Read, study, take course, attend classes. set aside time each week to read books, study proven strategies, take online courses, or attend live classes and workshops. Focus on topics that directly support your business goals — marketing, product creation, writing, or mindset. Make learning part of your routine. Apply what you learn right away by taking action — whether it’s updating your website, writing a new email sequence, or launching a small product. The goal isn’t just to consume information, but to implement it in ways that move your business forward.
- Work on your first (or next) book. Writing a book is a powerful way to establish authority and share your message. Set aside dedicated time each week to work on your manuscript — even 30 minutes a day can lead to real progress.
- Take time to dream, plan, strategize Set aside quiet time regularly to reflect on your goals, visualize your ideal lifestyle, and map out the steps to get there. This isn’t idle daydreaming — it’s a powerful practice that helps you stay aligned with your purpose and make smarter decisions. Use a journal or planner to capture your ideas, sketch out your vision, and break it into actionable tasks.
Now that we’ve established some of the things that you can work on during your 15-20 hours, here are some tips to help you succeed.
Treat Your Business Like a Job. Schedule your work hours just like you would for a traditional job. Block out specific time slots on your calendar — even if it’s just 90 minutes a day. Early mornings, lunch breaks, or evenings can add up quickly. Consistency is key.
Plan Your Week in Advance. Use Sunday evening or Monday morning to map out your week. Decide what tasks you’ll focus on — product creation, email writing, marketing, learning, etc. Break big goals into small, doable steps and assign them to specific days.
Know Your Priorities. Focus on income-producing activities first. Writing emails, creating products, promoting offers, and building your list should take priority over scrolling social media or tweaking your logo. Ask yourself: “Is this moving my business forward?”
Use Learning Time Wisely. If you’re taking courses or attending classes, schedule that time just like any other task. Watch replays at 1.5x speed, take notes, and implement what you learn immediately. Learning is valuable — but only when paired with action.
Eliminate Time Wasters. Audit your daily habits. Are there pockets of time spent on things that don’t serve your goals? Replace 30 minutes of TV or social media with focused work. Even small shifts can free up hours each week.
Track Your Time. I use a simple kitchen timer and write my time on a calendar. Other people prefer to use an app, such as Clockify or Rescue Time. This builds awareness and helps you stay accountable. You’ll quickly see how much time you actually spend working on your business and make adjustments as needed.
Hello, I’m Lorene Troyer, a designer and digital creator passionate about turning ideas into beautiful, sellable products. I help coaches, mentors, and entrepreneurs transform their wisdom into income-generating digital businesses through polished templates, printables, and ThriveCart sales pages. Please connect with me:
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