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Actually starting the process of building your Content Calendar can feel a little abstract at first. To help in making your ideas more concrete, you should first decide how your Calendar will look and feel. There are many software programs and templates available to help streamline the process. The key is making sure the calendar can easily be shared and updated by anyone on your team.
Here are the four types of tools that you can use to create your calendar:
Calendars
Calendar software such as Google Calendar, iCal and Outlook Calendar are tools you can use to visually create and share a calendar to a larger team. Benefits include the ability to visualize multiple content initiatives, easily set reminders and assign due dates to content owners.
Documents
Document creation software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs and similar notepads can be used to create a flatter content calendar. These programs allow you to create a calendar that reads top to bottom vs horizontally like a traditional calendar. Benefits include flexibility in appearance and ability to apply more emphasis to certain content initiatives.
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets allow you to create a tabular flexible content calendar. Spreadsheets are the best of both Calendars & Documents as you have the ability to design the calendar how ever you want but can still utilize a traditional calendar layout. Benefits include visual flexibility along with the ability to do math and text functions.
Project Management & List Tools
List Organizer software such as Basecamp, Evernote, Asana, Trello and others allow you to create To-Do Lists as a form of a content calendar. These programs rely less on the visual cues of a calendar and more on tasks with due dates. Tasks can be assigned owners and managers set up due dates and monitor progress.
After you’ve done the hard work of planning your content calendar you can then begin to make your efforts actionable by organizing your findings into your calendar.
Here is a step by step cheat sheet of how to create your actual content calendar:
- Choose a Calendar Platform or Technology
- Divide Your Calendar into a Specified Length (Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly)
- Determine a Content Focus For Each Time Unit (Weekly, Monthly)
- Determine the Type of Content to Create based on the Focus Area
- Schedule Content Initiatives with Project Owners
- Gage if the Calendar is Feasible and Make Adjustments
You can read more about How To Organize Your Content Calendar In Our Complete Guide Below!
