Using an Editorial Calendar
An editorial calendar is essential to my blogging schedule and my sanity. If you’re not using one, you should be. And if you are, maybe this post will give you some ideas on how to improve yours! A editorial calendar provides an easy way to consistently upload posts and keep yourself accountable for staying on top of your blog. If you’re someone who needs everything scheduled out, an editorial calendar is for you. If you’re someone who wants to start a blog, an editorial calendar is for you. If you’re someone who wants to improve their blog, an editorial calendar is for you.
When I first started becoming serious about blogging back in July of 2015, I really didn’t see why and editorial calendar was important. I thought it was weird that people planned posts weeks and months in advance. Didn’t that take something away from blogging?
If you’re feeling the same way, trust me, give and editorial calendar a chance. I really do consider my editorial calendar as a big part of my blog’s success.
Online vs. Print
There are two types of editorial calendars: online and print. Just like anything else, there are pros and cons to both, but I prefer a printed calendar.
Online
The most well-known calendar used by bloggers would be Google calendar. It allows you to easily add events, notes, and anything else you find necessary. Another plus is that Google Calendar is basically accessible from any device. I tried using Google Calendar for a while, but I found that it wasn’t what I wanted. Kayla from Kayla Blogs has a wonderful post on how she uses Google Calendar! She does a great job explaining exactly how she uses it!
Printed calendars are my personal favorite! I handwrite everything. Notes, to-do lists, calendars. Everything. If you’re like me, I highly recommend using a printed calendar. I personally love this blank calendar from Upstairs Circus. It allows you to write in the days and month so you can personalize it any way you want. For me, the reason I choose print over online is the personalization and organization of it. I have a binder dedicated strictly to blogging and it’s nice to have my editorial calendar in there.
My Process
STICKY NOTES
I cannot have an editorial calendar without sticky notes. When I first started using an editorial calendar, I only wrote things in and let me tell you, that got messy really fast. For my calendar, I use four different styles of sticky notes and each serve a different purpose.
- PAGE FLAGS: these are all of my blog post ideas. By writing them on sticky notes, I am easily able to move them around. This keeps my calendar clean and neat.
- PINK: important dates. Important dates range from group upload dates and collaborations.
- FULL-SIZE STICKY NOTES: this is where I dump all of my post ideas. These can be post ideas for the current month or for future months.
- SMALL SQUARES: random reminders. These can range from post promotion to e-mail reminders. They’re just something I need to do within that week/month.
WRITING
When I hand-write something, that post is finalized. I’ve decided on a day and the post will most likely not change. I usually write down the post name if the post is written or already scheduled.
HIGHLIGHTING
Post names that are highlighted are ready for publishing! They have been written and edited. The pictures have been taken and edited. And the blog post is scheduled. I love when my calendar goes from covered in sticky notes to fully highlighted. It makes me feel very productive!
I do all of this for every month and it makes me so organized! If you have a technique for your editorial calendar that works for you, let me know. I always love to include new ideas in my routine. I hope this post helped you become more comfortable with the editorial calendar! If you need any blogging help or advice, don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail at livingthegraylife@gmail.com. I love hearing from you.
-Abigail T.
