How to Create a Content Calendar

If there's anything more complex than creating content, it's planning it out.

Many business owners struggle with this, as it can appear complicated and overwhelming. Usually, the thought of creating a content calendar sounds like a convoluted task that may be on the shelf for another time.

Creating content doesn't have to be complicated. Once you get the fundamentals in place, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to maintain, and you'll wonder why you didn't utilize the process sooner!

What is a content calendar?

A content calendar can be straightforward and as easy as plotting topics and related content format on a digital calendar. Use these steps to create a content calendar to start planning your content today.

It starts with goals: An obvious start. Every business needs a clear idea of their goals when creating content. Sit down and write out the main goals you want your content to achieve.

Determine content formats and topics: What topics are relevant to your business? What form of content will this information be published: blog, social media, video, email, images, etc.?

Timeline: Decide on a timeline and the frequency of posting content. Will it be weekly, monthly, or quarterly? For example, if you're planning content for social media, you will be planning to publish more regularly than if you were publishing a blog post. Set dates for when each piece of content will be posted or shared.

Create your template: Where will your content calendar be located? If you have a team working on your content, consider an easily shareable document, and you want to be able to track progress easily. I recommend using Google Sheets or Excel as they are both easily accessible. 

Add your content to the template: It's time to fill in your content calendar. Include content topics, titles, and assign team names to specific pieces of content. Add updates to these fields, too so that everyone can keep track of any changes. 

Stay up to date: A content calendar helps form a habit and checking it frequently will keep you on top of the content schedule. You'll also be able to check in on the rest of your team if you have one, and keep track of any changes, updates, topic ideas, and published posts.

Review the content calendar: At the end of the period, review the calendar to see what content did well and what did not. With this valuable data, you can plan the next round of content.

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