The Absolute Best Way to Conquer Your Editorial Calendar
This post has been a long time coming and I’m so excited to finally be able to share it with you! If you’ve been following me for a while then you know that this is not the first time that I’ve talked about content creation or how to conquer your editorial calendar.
I’m passionate about creating content not only because it’s the lifeblood of blogging but because it’s also what led me back to creativity as a whole.
I went through an unintentional creative hiatus a few years ago. That period was rough and I knew something was missing in my life but I couldn’t put my finger on it. It wasn’t until I started blogging consistently and getting into the habit of “creating” that I was able to find my way back to my love of art.
For me, blogging was the gateway to endless creative possibilities. It’s opened me up to so many new ideas, connections, and insights. Still, none of it would be possible without my trusty editorial calendar!
Useful Resources
Several months back I conducted a reader survey to touch base with you and ensure that we were all on the same page. In the survey, I asked what useful resources and tips you might want to learn more about and ultimately the majority of people were interested in organizing their content via editorial calendars.
When I saw the results I wasn’t surprised. If you create YouTube videos 2x a week or if you podcast once a month you need a plan. Whether you blog once a week or 7x a week you need a content strategy. It doesn’t matter what kind of content you’re creating. If you produce content then you have to conquer your editorial calendar. No excuses. (Click to Tweet)
You don’t want to be that girl staring at her screen with no ideas, the one who stops blogging because it gets too overwhelming or the one whose content is all over the place. No one wants to be that person up at 3 AM writing a blog post. No one.
I’ve been there, and I’m sure a heck of a lot of you have too.
It’s not a pretty position to be in. Times like that will sneak up on you and there isn’t much you can do to stop it. You can, however, do your best to prevent it and to be prepared when it does happen.
How to conquer Your Editorial Calendar
The way I keep on top of things is by using my editorial calendar system. It’s a master list that manages various types of content and keeps track of all the moving pieces. Since implementing this system I’ve felt lighter and my work flow has never been smoother! It’s been my secret weapon and today you can snag it too!
Learn everything there is to know about this awesome system below!
See Everything in One Place
One of my biggest issues with blogging is that there are so many different variables you have to consider. As soon as you get a good handle on one piece of the puzzle, a whole new game comes to town.
When it comes to content some people use note pads, physical planners, social media scheduling, etc. They have a file for this and an app for that. In order to get most tasks done, you end up having to log into 4 different platforms before you’re able to accomplish something.
With this system, I’ve put it all in one spot! See everything from what posts need a header image, to which ones need social media content, to which guest post is pending and more. If you have any questions just watch the demo video that comes with each purchase.
Develop a content strategy for Each Quarter
Create an in-depth account of all content you plan to produce in each quarter. List your newsletters, post, podcasts, videos, workshops etc. Breakdown the publish date, when you plan to make the content, social shares and more. Identify gaps in your schedule, pinpoint any disconnects and learn to see your content as an entire body of work (Click to Tweet) instead of hyper-focusing on what you’re currently working on.
Manage Your Yearly & Monthly Goals with a Road Map
Identify big picture goals and develop a content strategy for your entire year using the Road Map Overview. Develop overarching themes and goals for your content and focus your energy on 1-3 goals a month. The entire calendar for 2017 has been filled out for you. All you have to do is input your brand’s objectives and goals. If you’re stuck on where to begin, use the example text within the spreadsheet and the demo video to guide you.
Brain Dump all your content ideas
Store all of your new and old ideas in one place. Use this section as a reference point and pull concepts from this list to fill your quarterly calendars. Draw connections between various ideas and build a theme or series around it. All ideas can be categorized by topic as well as any other features you’d like to include.
Keep a record of guest posts & collaborations
Most of the legwork for guest posts and collaborations happen through email. Still, why not make the process easier on yourself and store time-sensitive information in one place? Instead of searching through a string of emails for deadlines and details just add relevant information to this master list as you go!
Jot down contact info, collaboration notes and a list of deliverables you’re responsible for. You can also write down guest post ideas, a pitch list and keep a running list of all your published pieces.
Repeat, Edit & add-on as necessary
This tool was modeled after my own editorial calendar but I’m offering it to you for your own use. If there is a section you want to tweak or an area that just isn’t relevant to you you’re free to edit it as much or as little as you want. Change the colors, adjust the font and use it as you wish. Add on anything I may have missed and duplicate or delete items as you see fit.
Each Calendar comes with instructions & a link to a tutorial video for your convenience! Conquer your editorial calendar with ease and get ahead of the game in 2017!
SAVE $8 and get 8 BONUSES not sold separately when you buy the $27 bundle!
How do you conquer your editorial calendar? Have you made a plan to take on 2017?
I’d love to know!