How to Create an Editorial Calendar

Te Amo Charlie’s 2014 Editorial Calendar was created using Microsoft Excel

In a world that is speeding by, time is precious. If you’re working hard to maintain an online presence, it is really important to maintain a schedule.

When I first started blogging for others, I relied heavily on trends, current events and their editorial calendar.

An editorial calendar is a list of planned themes, features and topics that will be discussed, and executed. Editorial calendars are meant to keep bloggers, writers and magazines on a publishing schedule. All major magazines have editorial calendars. Martha Stewart has an editorial calendar.

It’s simple to make an editorial calendar. The first one I ever created for Te Amo Charlie Designs was through Microsoft Excel. It isn’t pretty, but it serves its purpose.

Keep in mind that your editorial calendar isn’t set in stone.  Don’t be afraid to make changes to your editorial calendar. You can include as many details or as little as you prefer. The goal is to have something to guide your planning and writing.

There are a ton of tidbits I can offer. When creating a calendar, or trying to get on a schedule, stick to your style. Don’t create an editorial calendar that looks too busy. Stick to the format you are most comfortable with.

1. Determine how frequently you will write or post. If you’re not a frequent writer or blogger, this will be the hardest step for you. Be realistic about how often you will write or post.
2. Determine how far out in advance you would like to plan. Whether it’s six months or a year, scribble down a general plan or list of topics and trends.
3. Determine how much information you plan on sharing.
4. Don’t use the internet, use your noggin. Jot as many ideas as you can think up. Whether silly or not, sometimes the best ideas evolve out of doodling.
5. Be consistent. Some readers will only be interested in DIY projects and others will want business tips. Be sure to add regular, reoccurring features for these readers.
6. Organize posts into themes or monthly series.
7. Consider seasonal changes and holidays (i.e. New Year’s Resolutions, 100th Day of School, Spring Cleaning, Graduation, Superbowl, Summer Vacation, Back to School, etc).
8. Use a calendar. There are a ton of calendar and scheduling apps floating out there. Make sure to use a a system that works best for you.

For more tips on scheduling and organization, feel free to reach out via Facebook or visit our shop.