Have you ever created a content calendar for your business? I’d venture to say probably not. Why? Because in my experience, most clients haven’t had time to post any of their content, let alone plan for it.
Or, they think they don’t have time.
But, you really need to make the time to create a content calendar for your business.
Why? Because it’s the foundation of marketing for what you do. It guides you (and your team if you have one) through what each month’s focus should be.
I always recommend starting with a general broad overview of the month, and then, as you work with it, you’ll come to add to it, and perhaps get into a more granular look – like weekly – at the content you’ll create.
I typically start by planning out blog topics. If you’re just starting out, 1 blog a month should do. As you build your presence, and grow your audience, add another blog, then another. My goal for Creare in 2020 is 1 blog a week, but I haven’t always been that consistent (and I still haven’t mastered publishing that post weekly, yet). But when I have the topics planned already, it makes it harder to make excuses.
I recommend trying to sit down and plan out a full year. That way, when you do get a lull in work, you can work on a number of blogs at once, without stressing yourself out, as you’ll always have an idea of what’s to come. Plus, then you won’t have to continually find chunks of time to plan, which can be hard to do when you’re in the midst of a million things. That being said, if it is overwhelming to you than at least do it by quarter!
Also, keep in mind although I’m saying blog, your content doesn’t always have to be a blog that you create. As long as you create a minimum of 1 per month you should then supplement with other forms of content.
What kind of content can you create?
Think videos, white papers, eBooks, guest posts and social media. All of these forms of content will help enhance your overall online presence, and some can even be fun to make!
I’ll be writing more about each of these different content pieces in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to sign up for our email list to get an alert when they are posted.
I challenge you to take some time this week to put together a content calendar for 2020 (or at least Q1 of 2020)! Then, I want to hear about how it was, so let me know by posting a comment below!
Happy content creating!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a content calendar help me stay consistent with my marketing efforts?
A content calendar serves as the foundation for your marketing strategy, ensuring that your business stays focused and organized. It allows you to plan blog topics, social media posts, videos, and more in advance. When you have a content calendar, it’s easier to avoid scrambling for content ideas and stay consistent with your marketing efforts, which is essential for building your online presence.
How do I create a content calendar for my business?
Start by mapping out your general monthly goals and focus areas. From there, break it down into weekly topics, especially if you’re aiming for regular blog posts or social media updates. Planning a full year’s content might seem overwhelming at first, so you can start by planning for a quarter. As you grow, your content calendar can become more detailed and specific.
How often should I update my content calendar?
It’s recommended to update your content calendar regularly, especially if you’re planning a year ahead. At a minimum, plan content by quarter. However, the more frequently you update it—weekly or even monthly—the easier it will be to maintain a consistent flow of content. Review your content calendar periodically to adjust for seasonal changes or trending topics.
Can I create content other than blog posts for my content calendar?
Absolutely! While blogs are an essential part of any content strategy, your content calendar can include a variety of content types. Consider adding videos, guest posts, white papers, eBooks, and social media posts to diversify your content strategy. This will keep your audience engaged and broaden your online presence.
How can a content calendar help reduce stress in content creation?
When you plan ahead with a content calendar, it helps eliminate the last-minute rush to come up with content. Knowing what content you need to create and when allows you to work in batches and avoid getting overwhelmed. The more you plan, the less you’ll need to scramble for ideas on the fly.
