Having a content strategy in place is the first step to ensuring that your content is working for you, not against you. The strategy is the overarching driver for your content creation. To execute your strategy successfully, you really need a plan, or a calendar in place to ensure that you’re achieving your content objectives.
A content calendar is a great way to make sure that you are executing your strategy in a timely and consistent manner. It can be as simple as a handwritten calendar each month, or as sophisticated as an interactive spreadsheet. No matter which method you choose, here are 5 reasons why you need to make sure that you have one in place for your business.
Keeps your content on strategy track
Without a calendar, you can’t implement your strategy. Well, you can, but it won’t be as successful. A content calendar describes what you are sharing and when. You understand why you are sharing because of your strategy. You know how you are sharing because your strategy will outline your ideal client, voice and message. A calendar simply helps you map out the type of content you will share based on all the elements of your strategy.
In the same vein, a calendar helps you keep to a common theme. I use a monthly theme and then build my content around this – whether it’s my blogs, quotes or tips it usually all relates to a common topic. This makes my content seem more in flow and helps build my perceived expertise in a particular area each month.
Helps you systemise
You’ve probably heard me say this a thousand times. Systemisation does not equal boring! Systemising something also does not necessarily mean using a software solution. Systemising is about a consistent and methodical approach to a task that has a defined process in place.
For your content this means knowing the types of content that you will be posting or talking about during each period.
And what will this do for you and your business? Save you a bucket load of time. You won’t waste precious time thinking about what to create or how to create it. You know what you need to do, so procrastination goes out the window!
Outsource ready
One of the great things about having a calendar in place is the ease in which you can outsource as little or as much as you like with your content creation. Need some graphics done? Highlight them in your calendar and outsource. Need someone to find some funny memes for you? Highlight them in your calendar and get someone else to do it for you.
If you decide to outsource all your content creation and social media management, then a calendar allows you to keep an eye on what is being created and shared for you.
Common depository for ideas
What do you do if you come across a great article to share with your audience? Or see a great question asked in a Facebook Group that you can answer with a blog? If you’re writing it down in your notepad, I can guarantee that it will be quickly forgotten!
Dump it straight into your calendar so that you can keep track of your brilliant ideas and actually implement them!
Allows you to plan for major events
Do you have a webinar up your sleeve? Or a new freebie? Or even a sale? Instead of simply dumping these on your audience, your content calendar will help you map out relevant content that can build up to the event. This will significantly increase the success of your event.
A content calendar is the backbone of all your content creation. It helps you to achieve your strategy and keeps you on track for success.
If you need help with content creation and planning, get in contact today. As an added bonus, all our content management clients receive a comprehensive calendar with their service, no matter if it’s the content creation only or a full scheduling service. We’d love to talk to you about how to make your content work harder for you.
