Do you always struggle with what to post next on your blog? Are you missing posting days because you’re not prepared? Don’t worry—I’ve been there too. That’s why in this post, I’m going to show you how to create an editorial calendar that helps you stay consistent and plan your content easily.
What is an Editorial Calendar?
An editorial calendar is a tool that helps you plan your blog content ahead of time. It tells you what to write, when to publish it, and sometimes even where to promote it. This calendar helps you stay organized and never run out of ideas.
Why You Need an Editorial Calendar
- Consistency: Posting regularly builds trust with your readers and helps with SEO.
- Better Planning: You can prepare posts in advance and avoid last-minute stress.
- Improved Content Quality: With time to plan, your content becomes more thoughtful and useful.
- Track Progress: You can see what’s done, what’s pending, and what’s coming next.
Step-by-Step Guide to Create Your Editorial Calendar
1. Choose Your Posting Frequency
Decide how often you want to publish. It can be once a week, twice a week, or even daily. Be realistic. If you're just starting, once or twice a week is perfect.
2. Pick a Tool to Create Your Calendar
You can use:
- Google Sheets or Excel: Simple and easy to customize.
- Google Calendar: Add post ideas to calendar dates.
- Trello or Notion: Visual tools to plan and move posts around.
3. Brainstorm Blog Post Ideas
Now think of all the topics your audience would love. You can use tools like:
- Google Trends
- AnswerThePublic
- Ubersuggest
Write down as many ideas as possible. Later, you can sort and organize them into your calendar.
4. Fill in Your Calendar
Now take those blog ideas and add them to your chosen tool. Assign each post a publish date. Here’s what you can include for each post:
- Title or Topic
- Keywords
- Target Audience
- Status (Idea, Draft, Ready, Published)
5. Set Deadlines
For each blog post, set a writing deadline and a publishing date. This helps you stay on track. If you’re working with a team, assign roles like writer, editor, or designer.
6. Leave Space for Trending Topics
Sometimes news or trends pop up that are worth covering. Leave some open slots in your calendar to be flexible and add these new ideas when needed.
7. Review and Update Weekly
Every week, take 10-15 minutes to check your calendar. Move things around if needed, add new ideas, and mark completed posts. This keeps your calendar fresh and useful.
Tips to Make It Work
- Start simple and grow over time.
- Stick to your schedule as much as possible.
- Don’t panic if you miss a date—just adjust and keep going.
- Always have a few backup posts ready.
Final Thoughts
An editorial calendar might sound like extra work, but it actually makes blogging easier and more organized. Once you set it up, you’ll always know what to post and when to post it. That’s how you stay consistent and grow your blog over time.
So take some time today, open up a Google Sheet, and start planning your next few blog posts. You’ll thank yourself later!