Planning Your Content Strategy for the Entire Year (Includes Free Template!)

Creating content without a plan is like throwing darts blindfolded—occasionally, you might hit the target, but most of the time, you’re just flinging ideas into the void (or throwing darts at people…).

In this article, we will guide you through the process of building a content plan so that every piece of content serves a purpose and helps you achieve your marketing goals. We will also provide you with a content plan template to help you implement these strategies effectively. Let’s dive in!

Contents

What is a content plan?

A content plan is a tactical outline of the specific content you need to create based on your business goals and resources. It includes the types of content, the creation and distribution process, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success. While a content strategy defines the ‘why’ of your content and the brand voice behind it, a content plan covers the ‘what’, ‘when’, and ‘how’, based on that strategy. It focuses on topics, formats, and deadlines, while a content calendar visually maps out when and where the content will be published.

Why do you need a content plan?

Marketing without a content plan is like going on a road trip without a map. A content plan keeps your efforts organized and intentional, ensuring business goal alignment, efficiency, consistency, and maximized impact.

How to create a content plan

1. Start with the big picture: Define your goals and target audience.
2. Conduct a content audit: Take an inventory of your existing content to identify gaps and opportunities.
3. Establish your key themes: Identify core pillars to be covered every month.
4. Outline the process: Define topic selection and production process.
5. Plan out the distribution: Determine channels and frequency of content distribution.
6. Track and measure: Maintain a content library and measure performance metrics regularly.
   

   Put it all together with this content planning template
   

   Use this content plan template to organize your plan, communicate it to teammates, and report to your manager effectively.

   Get started with your content plan
   

   A content plan is essential for turning ideas into impact, keeping your team productive, and aligning with your business goals. Follow the tips provided in this article and use the template to stay organized, measure results, and adapt and innovate.

   FAQs
   

   1. Why is a content plan important for marketing success?
   A content plan ensures that every piece of content contributes to your overall objectives, keeps your efforts organized and intentional, and helps you reach the right audience at the right time.

   2. How often should I review and adjust my content plan?
   Regularly review and adjust your content plan based on the data collected. If certain types of content are underperforming, brainstorm ways to improve or test new formats. Double down on strategies that are yielding positive results.

   3. How can I measure the success of my content marketing efforts?
   Define key metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, conversion rates, lead generation, and time spent on the page. Regularly report on these metrics and adjust your content plan accordingly.

   4. What are the core components of a content plan?
   A content plan includes goals, target audience, content themes, production process, distribution channels, frequency, and performance measurement metrics.

   5. How can I ensure consistency in my content plan?
   Maintain a content library, track performance metrics regularly, and review and adjust your content plan to ensure consistency and effectiveness in your content marketing efforts.

   By following these steps and utilizing the provided template, you can create and execute a successful content marketing plan that aligns with your business goals and resonates with your target audience.