Life is busy, but if you want to make progress in your genealogy research, you need to set aside time for it. Sometimes, however, you need to stop researching, slow down, and think strategically. A well-thought-out plan could be just what you need to take your research to the next level.
In this blog post, you’ll learn seven categories of genealogy planning that will help you stay in control of your work. And who doesn’t want that?
Genealogy research can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many records to find, people to track, and stories to uncover. Without a plan, it’s easy to waste time going in circles. That’s where this kind of planning comes in.
The French writer, Antoine de Saint-Exupery once wrote: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Having a plan keeps you focused, organized, and moving forward. Whether you’re just starting or deep into your research, these different types of plans will help you make real progress. Let’s go over them one by one.
1. Genealogy Research Plan
A research plan helps you stay on track and avoid distractions. It gives you direction and purpose.
What to Include:
- A clear research question. Example: “Who were the parents of John Smith, born 8 May 1850 in Dayton, Ohio, and who married Jane Doe on 16 June 1875?” Having a specific question helps you stay focused on who or what you’re trying to find.
- A list of what records you already have. What have you already found? Have you done a thorough analysis of each one? Go back to those first finds and look at them again. You may find something valuable you missed or overlooked before.
- Missing records you need to find. Make a list of the records that may help you find what you need. Do you have every census record throughout your ancestor’s life, vital records, probate, or military records? Don’t leave anything out.
- A timeline for when and where your ancestor lived. Timelines are the best at helping you find gaps in your research. For more on making a timeline, read my blog post The Value Of Using Timelines In Your Genealogy Research.
Pro Tip: Keep a digital or paper worksheet to track sources, findings, and next steps. Staying organized saves time.
2. Education Plan
Genealogy is always evolving. New tools, techniques, and records become available all the time. That’s why a learning plan is so valuable.
Some tools are free, but others are not. If you want paid education decide on a budget and stick to it. You don’t have to learn everything at once.
What to Include:
- Books, blogs, and websites to follow. I’m always adding to my genealogy library. to find out how to start yours, check out my blog post, Affordable Ways To Build A Genealogy Library.
- Online courses or webinars (FamilySearch, National Genealogy Society, Legacy Family Tree Webinars, and local genealogy societies, etc.)
- Conferences and seminars (RootsTech, NGS, state genealogy societies).
- Special topics to study (DNA, land records, immigration, etc.). Check out YouTube for many genealogy topics.
Pro Tip: Set aside time each month to learn something new. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference.
3. DNA Testing & Analysis Plan
DNA can reveal unknown ancestors and confirm relationships, but only if you have a plan to use it effectively.
What to Include:
- Which DNA tests to take (autosomal, Y-DNA, mtDNA).
- Best companies to test with (AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA).
- How to organize your matches.
- A plan for target testing or contacting DNA relatives.
- Ways to integrate DNA with traditional records.
- Check out my DNA blogs that may help in some of these areas. Also, DNA experts like Diahan Southard at www.yourdnaguide.com can help answer many questions.
Pro Tip: DNA is amazing, but it needs to be used alongside traditional documentary genealogy to find answers.
4. Preservation & Documentation Plan
Research is valuable, but only if it’s saved correctly. A documentation plan ensures your hard work isn’t lost.
What to Include:
- Organizing digital and physical records.
- Backing up files (cloud storage, external hard drives, printed copies).
- Keeping clear source citations.
- Scanning and labeling old photos.
- Writing a family history to share.
- Nominating a person in your family to carry on your work.
Pro Tip: Schedule a “genealogy maintenance day” once a month to keep everything in order.
5. Family Interview & Collaboration Plan
Family stories hold valuable clues. Interviews can fill in gaps that records can’t.
What to Include:
- A list of relatives to interview.
- Questions to ask (birthplaces, family traditions, migrations, etc.).
- Best formats for capturing stories (audio, video, written notes).
- How to preserve oral histories.
- A private online group for sharing discoveries. Many families create private Facebook groups to chat and share family information.
Pro Tip: Use a smartphone or voice recorder during interviews so you don’t miss important details.
6. Travel & On-Site Research Plan
Visiting archives, courthouses, or ancestral hometowns can reveal hidden records. A plan makes the trip worthwhile.
What to Include:
- Courthouses, libraries, and archives to visit.
- What records are available only in person.
- Research questions to prepare before visiting.
- Packing list (notebooks, camera, flash drive, research notes).
- How to make the most of limited time on-site.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to confirm what records are available and any access restrictions.
7. Budget & Subscription Plan
Genealogy research can get expensive. Planning helps control costs and maximize resources.
What to Include:
- Must-have vs. optional subscriptions (Ancestry, MyHeritage, Newspapers.com, etc.).
- Free alternatives to paid sites (FamilySearch, local libraries, state archives).
- Budgeting for DNA tests, travel, and document copies.
- Deciding when to hire a professional for help.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of free access days and library resources before paying for records.
Finally
Genealogy is a marathon, not a sprint. To navigate it successfully you need a plan. Whether you’re focusing on research, DNA, organization, or learning, having a roadmap will make the process smoother. Start with one plan this month and see how much progress you make.
Which plan do you need most right now? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear about your research journey.
Genealogy tip: You’ll need a place to keep these plans. You can use Word, Airtable, Trello, or any number of organizational tools. Make sure it fits how you work so you’ll actually use it.
If planning isn’t your thing, but you want to get further in your genealogy research, give me a call. If you click on the button below we can talk about your latest project and see how to move it forward.
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