How to Create a Content Calendar
Why is creating a content calendar important?
A content calendar is important for a variety of reasons. The first reason is accountability. If you do not create a consistent and written plan for when you will post content, it can be easy to push it off, especially when you have a busy schedule. Another reason that a content calendar is important is that it helps with organization. If you have a lot of content that you want to post, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. A content calendar allows you to plan and clearly layout which content you will post when. On the other hand, if you struggle with not having enough content, creating a content calendar will allow you to brainstorm different topics that you want to post about. You will then be able to create content for those topics.
How to create a content calendar
1. Download an Editable Calendar
We recommend downloading an editable calendar as an Xcel Spreadsheet or Google Sheet. The calendar layout of a spreadsheet will be much easier to manage and organize rather than using a standard list.
The editable calendar that we use can be found here.
2. Choose your Platforms
Determine which platforms you will be utilizing. Use a different color for every platform, and make a reference key next to your calendar to distinguish between the colors.
Some platform options may include Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, or Pinterest!
3. Brainstorm a List of Monthly Topics
Brainstorm a list of as many items as you can. These items should be very important to you or your company and are things that you want your audience to know about you. Once you have your list, narrow it down to the top 3-5 most important topics that you want to post about.
Brainstorming topics and basing your content around these topics will keep your posts consistent with one another and create a cohesive brand image for your audience. It also provides you with a great guideline of what to post.
4. Consider all Content Opportunities
Make a list of content opportunities that you will have throughout the month. Content opportunities can include things such as meetings, company outings, charity events, etc.
A content opportunity is any situation in which you are able to take good photos or generate good content from.
5. Determine what Days to Post
This step may take some trial and error to determine what number of posts per week is most effective with your audience. You may also choose to determine this based on your schedule and convenience. Maybe your schedule only allows you to post on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Maybe you’ve found that your audience is more active on Wednesdays. The days that you post on may vary from platform to platform.
Whatever the situation may be, find a strategy that works for you and your goals, and make sure it is sustainable with your schedule.
6. Fill in the Calendar
Once you have decided which days to post, fill in those days with the ideas generated in your monthly topics list or your list of content opportunities. When you know what topic you will be posting about on which days, you are ready to select or design the content that you will be using.
7. Learn and Adjust!
After consistently posting for a month or two, you may start to learn which types of content receive more engagement from your audience. Learn to be flexible with your content so that you can alter things and cater to the needs and wants of your audience!