How to Create a Great Content Calendar (+ 4 Free Templates)

What Is a Content Calendar?

A content calendar is a resource that helps you organize what you’re going to publish, when, and where.

You can create one with a simple spreadsheet. Or use a project management tool.

Your content calendar will help you:

• Simplify collaboration between team members
• Save time
• Minimize errors
• Streamline processes

This is a content calendar example:

You need a content marketing calendar if:

• You regularly publish content to achieve specific goals
• You collaborate with different people to generate and publish these content pieces

Content calendars help you manage all types of content: blog posts, videos, social posts, and more.

(Interested in a content calendar specifically for social media? Check out our article about social media content calendars and get a free template.)

Now, let’s learn how to build a content calendar that meets your needs.

How to Create a Content Calendar, Step by Step

Below, we’ll walk you through how to build your own template. And plan and publish your content.

If you already have that down, feel free to skip to our list of the best content calendar tools.

1. Build Your Template

There isn’t a right or wrong way to build a content calendar template. (As long as it helps you plan and publish content on time.)

However, most content calendars will need the following information to keep you on track:

• Publish date
• Due date
• Owner or author
• Status
• Title or topic
• Content type
• Link to files (Google Docs, Google Drive, etc.)

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