A content calendar, also referred to as an “editorial calendar,” is a detailed schedule outlining the timing and platforms for upcoming content releases. This calendar often encompasses a preview of upcoming content, updates on the status of existing content, planned promotional activities, collaborations, and modifications to existing content.
Access the Backlinko Content Calendar Template Here
For bloggers who use their platform as a casual hobby to post infrequently, a content calendar may not be necessary.
However, for those leveraging content marketing to expand their online business, maintaining organization is critical.
Here are three ways a content calendar can enhance your content marketing strategy:
First, a content calendar ensures that all content-related tasks are executed.
Lack of organization in content production schedules can lead to forgotten details, decreased posting frequency, or neglect of outdated articles.
In essence, a calendar guarantees that no task is overlooked.
Second, a content calendar facilitates collaboration with your team and external partners.
For individual bloggers, a content calendar might not be essential.
But when multiple team members or contractors contribute to content creation, a system that keeps everyone aligned is crucial.
Our content calendar now functions more as a project management tool than a traditional calendar (using Notion).
Third, a content calendar provides a comprehensive overview of upcoming content.
For instance, we use our calendar to prevent the simultaneous release of numerous case studies or guides on the same topic, ensuring a balanced marketing strategy for the next few months.
This is quite beneficial.
While there are various content calendar tools available, which I will discuss later in this guide, the reality is that content calendars do not need to be complex.
Ultimately, their purpose is to streamline processes for you and your team.
Therefore, you can start with a basic content calendar using Google Sheets.
Here are the four essential components of every content calendar:
Editorial
The cornerstone of your content calendar is Editorial. This includes the content you plan to publish, whether on your blog, podcast, or social media channels.
The primary objective of your content calendar is to schedule editorial content well in advance, ensuring organization and consistency in your publishing schedule.
Some companies plan their editorial content a year in advance, while others, like individual bloggers, may not even have a clear idea of what they will publish next week.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning content in advance.
I aim to schedule content six months ahead but leave room for flexibility due to the fast-paced nature of digital marketing.
As long as you have a centralized view of upcoming content, you are on the right track.
Platform
The platform refers to where your content calendar is housed.
Individual content creators have the flexibility to choose from various tools, from pen and paper to Google Calendar or a simple spreadsheet, as long as it suits their needs.
When I was a solo blogger, my editorial calendar was a straightforward Google Sheet with notes that were only understandable to me.
However, for content marketing teams, the situation is different.
When creating content with a team, there may be up to 20 individuals involved before a piece is published. Ensuring everyone can view the status of each post is critical.
Without this, you may face an influx of emails asking about the status of videos or the completion of visuals for social media posts.
Our last calendar in Google Sheets was specifically designed for collaboration.
