Managing multiple social media platforms can be overwhelming. Whether you are an individual influencer or a large enterprise, keeping up with different posting schedules and ensuring your audience stays engaged can be a challenge. That’s where a social media calendar comes in handy.
In fact, a content planner is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential to a solid marketing strategy. Come along as we discuss how to create a social media calendar that aligns with your goals and most importantly, keeps your audience engaged.
Why you need a social media calendar
Before you start creating your calendar, it’s important that you understand why you need one. A schedule helps you plan out your posts, giving you a comprehensive view of your social media strategy. It helps you align your content across platforms and keeps your posting schedule consistent.. Similarly, a content planner aids you in ensuring that you have a balanced mix of content types whether this be it text, images, or videos.
Determine your social media goals
The first step in creating a social media calendar is deciding what you want to achieve. Whether it’s growing your followers, increasing engagement, or boosting sales, your content planner should reflect your objectives. For example, if you want to increase engagement, your calendar might focus more on interactive content like polls and Q&A sessions.
Choose your platforms wisely
While it might be tempting to be on every social media platform, focus on where your audience is most active. A content planner helps you tailor your strategy according to the platform’s unique features and user behaviour. Your calendar should reflect the platforms you choose and each should have its own strategy.
Research your audience
Understanding your target audience is critical for any social media calendar. When you know who you are speaking to, it becomes easier to create content that resonates with people who will convert. Age, gender, interests, and time zones are some of the factors that can influence your content planner. Cater your calendar to the needs and interests of your audience for better engagement.
Type of content to include
Your calendar should feature a good balance of various types of content. Educational posts, industry news, a look behind the scenes, user-generated content, and promotional posts are just some categories to consider. Remember, your content planner is a tool to help you diversify and keep your content fresh.
Create a posting schedule
Now comes the part where you put everything together in a social media calendar. Decide on the frequency and timing of your posts. Utilise analytics tools to identify when your audience is most active. Your content planner should include not just what to post but when to post it. Consistency is key and a well-structured schedule can help you maintain it.
Utilise tools and software
To make the most out of your calendar, consider using tools and software that can automate posting and provide analytics. While a content planner can be as simple as a spreadsheet, using specialised software can save you time and offer valuable insights. At LBD Digital, we use Meta Suite to schedule Facebook and Instagram posts and then LinkedIn’s built-in scheduling tool.
Monitor and adjust your strategy
Once your calendar is up and running, you’re not done yet. A content planner is not a set-it-and-forget-it tool, it requires regular updates. Analyse metrics like engagement rates, click-through rates, and follower growth to assess the success of your strategy. Make the necessary adjustments to your social media calendar as you learn more about what works and what doesn’t.
Review and plan ahead
A quarterly review of your social media calendar can help you understand its effectiveness. Take note of what worked well and what didn’t. Update your content planner accordingly and plan for the next period – and don’t forget to factor in holidays and International [insert theme here] Days to take advantage of new audiences. As you gain more insights, you’ll become more adept at crafting a calendar that truly serves your objectives.
Final thoughts on content planning
Creating a social media calendar might seem daunting initially, but it can do big things for your business. A content planner allows you to be more organised, focused, and strategic in your social media activities. In an age where digital presence is vital, having a well-planned calendar can make all the difference in achieving your goals.
A content planner is an indispensable tool for anyone serious about their online presence. Take the time to create one, and you’ll find that it pays off in better engagement, more followers, and ultimately, success in your social media endeavours.
If you need a helping hand, LBD Digital is here for you
As important as a solid social media strategy is for your business to succeed, it can also feel very overwhelming. Fortunately, the team at Little Black Dress Digital is here for you and we know social media calendars and content planners like the back of our hand.
When it comes to your social media and email marketing, as well as managing your website, we can take the stress out of it all. If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to us today. We’d love to connect with you.
