What is a Content Calendar?

Why use a content calendar?

A content calendar enables:

• Visualization of a content strategy;

• Coordinated flow of content that meets the brand’s goal;

• What and when content will be published is known by every participant of the team. 

What are the benefits of using a content calendar?

Content calendars can contribute to executing content strategy, including:

• Consistency: Prepare and follow a constant posting schedule to keep your audience engaged.

• Productivity: Outline your content and create it in advance to streamline your workflow.

• Organization: Content pieces, due dates, and distribution channels aren’t easy to track if the information is scattered; keep them centralized for better management. 

Building a relationship of trust with your audience requires relevant content. It’s more likely for visitors to return to a website if the content applies. Productive planning saves both time and resources while disorganization harms your image. Staying organized prevents missing deadlines that cause confusion and a messy execution.

How to create a content calendar?

Follow these steps to create your content calendar:

1. Choose a Format: Begin with a spreadsheet (simple one) or an app that has a calendar (the one available on your mobile is fine), or use a dedicated content calendar tool (Google Calendar, Asana, Monday, etc).
2. Define Your Goals: What’s the purpose of your content and what do you want to achieve with it?
3. Identify Content Types: Will you be focused on videos, updating social media, posting on blogs, or executing a mix of all the options?
4. Set a Schedule: Determine the frequency and when your new content should be published.
5. Brainstorm Topics: Target audience and business goals should be the source of inspiration when brainstorming what the essence of your content is.
6. Assign Tasks and Deadlines: Distribute responsibilities among your team to determine who is in charge of the creation of each piece of content and when they are supposed to be published.
7. Fill in the Calendar: Include in the calendar all your content production, your due dates, where they will be posted (platforms), and leave notes.
8. Review and Update: Check your content calendar often to ensure the plan is put into action.
   

What does a content calendar do for a business plan?

Content calendars are an essential element of business plans. It aligns content with wider company goals while tracking its effect on key performance indicators (KPIs). This data collected is used to inform and refine content strategies over time.

Content should help achieve the business objectives, whether it is building brand recognition, driving leads, or increasing sales. Evaluate progress by assessing if both the content calendar was adhered to and if the goals set were met.

Can a social media content calendar improve engagement with my audience?

Yes. A social media content calendar can impact a website’s engagement. Here are the steps that should be taken:

• Schedule posts when it’s known your audience is most likely active;

• Plan engaging content beforehand; never last minute;

• Maintain your true-to-brand voice and stay consistent over time.

These actions lead to increased:

• Visibility;

• Followership;

• Brand presence on social media.

What should a social media content calendar include?

The content calendar should include:

• The schedule of your posts (Date and Time)

• The selected Social Media Platform(s)

• The kind of content that will be published (whether it’s image, video, text…)

• The campaign or the topic in focus

• Have the text for the post prepared (copy)

• Visual Support (e.g. images or videos that will be used)

• Offer links

• Measurement tools (track performance by offering buttons for likes, shares, and comments)

Skipping or ignoring these elements can spoil your brand image; each of them performs an essential part in crafting engaging posts that speak to your target audience and lead you closer to your business goals.

Conclusion

Content calendars are essential components of successful business strategies. The consequence of planning ahead is showing commitment to your brand identity and target audience engagement. Content Calendars help foster cohesion between brand elements and provide clarity towards reaching marketing goals.

Though initial setup may require extra effort, content calendars quickly become invaluable tools that streamline your workflow and prevent disorganization. Your audience will recognize a well-maintained website as indicative of an organized business worthy of their trust and consideration.