Creating an Editorial Calendar [+ Free Templates]

Creating a content strategy without an editorial calendar can lead to chaos and missed opportunities. By establishing an editorial calendar, you can experience more consistency, efficiency, and success. Let’s dive into how to create an editorial calendar, complete with free templates, to help you streamline your content creation process.

Your editorial calendar is more than a schedule—it’s a strategic tool. Before diving into dates, consider the broader picture. Assess your upcoming goals and initiatives, and think about your audience’s needs. This groundwork will guide your strategy when using tools like Google Calendar or project management apps.

Why You Need an Editorial Calendar

Regardless of whether you’re part of a big brand, a small team, or working independently, an editorial calendar brings clarity to your content efforts. Without it, things can quickly become disorganized.

Many people hear “editorial calendar” and think complexity, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This guide will walk you through creating an editorial calendar that fits your unique goals and style. Let’s get started.

Follow Along with These Tools and Templates

Ready to get started? Download these free editorial calendar templates to simplify your planning. These templates provide a strong foundation, making it easy to manage your content strategy.

Step-by-Step: How to Create an Editorial Calendar

Before plotting dates on a calendar, pause. Your editorial calendar captures more than just deadlines; it encodes your whole content strategy. Let’s break down the process.

Identify Your Content Goals

• What are your major goals or projects?
• What content do you need for upcoming plans?
• What does your audience need to know?
• Can you repurpose existing content?

Reflect on these questions to form a solid frame for your editorial calendar. Transitioning from concept to content creation, consider the following:

• What content formats best engage your audience?
• Where does your audience spend their time online?
• How frequently can you produce quality content?

Be honest about your capacity—define a realistic cadence. Overcommitting leads to stress. Focus on quality over quantity for sustainable content creation.

Platform Selection: Where to Host Your Calendar

For organizing your editorial content, choose a platform that matches your usage style. Whether it’s Google Sheets, Trello, or other project management tools, select one that reduces friction and increases productivity.

Setting Up Your Editorial Calendar

Your editorial calendar should include:

• Publish date: When content goes live
• Due date: Draft completion date
• Content type: Blog, podcast, video
• Keywords: For SEO optimization
• Call to Action (CTA): Desired audience action

Use this framework to enhance visibility, ensure accountability, and optimize content repurposing.

Using Google Calendar for Your Editorial Needs

Google Calendar remains a robust option for creating and sharing an editorial calendar. Its simplicity and integration capabilities make it ideal for teams and individuals alike, ensuring smooth content operations.

To learn more about setting up your editorial calendar, Click Here For More Marketing tips and strategies.

Step 1: Set Up Google Calendar

• Create a separate editorial calendar within Google Calendar.
• Sync with templates and schedule publishing dates and reminders.

Step 2: Automate Processes

Consider using Google Apps Script to automate calendar entries. It can connect your spreadsheet data to Google Calendar, allowing for seamless updates and less manual work.

Incorporating an editorial calendar into your workflow transforms how you manage content, enhancing focus and efficiency. Ready to create an editorial calendar that boosts your content efforts? Dive into our resources and take your strategy to the next level.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in January 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.