Mastering Content Planning: Your Guide to an Effective Strategy

You know what ol’ Benjamin Franklin famously said, “'If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” Even though he said it a few centuries ago, the sentiment still applies to even the most modern and tech-driven times.??

In the ever-changing landscape of digital content, planning has emerged as the lynchpin of a successful content marketing strategy. Whether you're a blogger, business owner, or social media influencer, understanding how to plan your content effectively can significantly boost your engagement, reach, and overall impact.?

In this blog, we'll delve into the art of content planning, covering content calendars, optimal posting times, and the power of newsletters.

The Power of Content Calendars

A content calendar is your roadmap to success in content creation. Usually, a spreadsheet format, it's a visual representation of your content strategy, helping you organise, schedule, and manage your content in a structured manner. A typical content calendar will display a month, quarter, or even a year's worth of planned content at a glance, including relevant details like topic, format, author, and any promotional strategies.?

With a content calendar in place, you can avoid last-minute rushes and enjoy a regular flow of content that captures your audience's attention.?

Benefits of Using a Content Calendar:

Consistency: Posting consistently is key to building a loyal audience. A content calendar lets you plan and schedule posts ahead of time so that you can keep up your regular posting schedule.

Efficiency: A well-organised content calendar streamlines your workflow, making it easier to create, review, and edit content before it goes live.

Variety: By planning, you can ensure you're offering a balanced mix of content types, such as blog posts, videos, infographics, and more.

Strategic Alignment: Align your content with important dates, events, or product launches to enhance its relevance and impact.

Optimal Posting Times: Decoding the Algorithm

Timing is crucial when it comes to publishing your content. Different platforms have varying peak engagement times, so understanding these is essential for maximising your reach. These will vary depending on your audience and change as platforms evolve, but for 2023 these are the optimal posting times on social media platforms.

Key Posting Times on Social Media Platforms:

Instagram: The best days to post are Tuesdays from 9 am to 1 pm and Wednesdays from 10 am to 1 pm. Mondays, 10 am to noon, and Fridays, 9 am to 11 am, are good posting times, but Sundays are the worst.

Facebook: Mondays through Thursdays, especially Wednesdays, tend to see higher engagement. Posting between 8 am and 1 pm is often effective. As with Instagram, Sundays aren't great.

X (formerly Twitter): Tuesdays to Fridays in the morning (9 until 1) see the highest engagement, and once again, Sunday is the day people tend to switch off socials.

LinkedIn: As expected from the professional-focused platform, engagement is consistent with business hours, with peak times focused around midday. The best times to post are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to noon.

Engagement

No conversation about content calendars can dismiss engagement. While it's great to use calendars to stay organised and efficient, social media has and always should be about engaging with your audience. So rather than just pumping out content, schedule time in the week to reply to comments, join conversations, and make new connections.

Here are a few tips for engaging with other people's content:

When you comment, add value or something of interest that keeps the conversation going.

Don't show off or try to make the person look foolish. Add to what they say, not take away.

Tag people who'd be interested in the post. Comment on comments to keep the chat going, and use at least five words to kick-start algorithms.?

The Impactful Reach of Newsletters

Social media is a powerful platform, but don't underestimate the value of newsletters. These email-based communications offer a more personalised and direct connection with your audience and can work alongside your social content.

According to various studies, the best time to send newsletters is Tuesday mornings between 10 am and 11 am. By this time, people have had a chance to clear their Monday morning clutter and are more likely to engage with content.

Don't forget the Data

Whether it's social posts or newsletters, digging into your data can ensure your content plan stays relevant and engaging. Every platform has its bag of tools to track user behaviours, engagement rates, and click-through rates. So make sure you regularly analyse the data at your fingertips to refine your strategy and create posts that power your social connections.

Creating a Content Habit

Effective content planning requires careful organisation, timing, and a deep understanding of your audience's preferences. By harnessing the power of content calendars, posting at optimal times, and utilising the potential of newsletters, you can elevate your content strategy to new heights.?

So there you have it, the what, why and when of content planning. If you need help with any part of your content marketing strategy, including planning, delivery and analysis, we'd love to help so get in touch today.