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It doesn’t take long after beginning a blog, to realize that coming up with original content several days each week is a bit of a challenge. OK, it’s a huge challenge. But I think I’ve found a solution … an editorial calendar.
It’s not a new idea. From what I’ve read elsewhere, some like them. Others find them too restrictive. I think an editorial calendar sounds like a useful tool, and I’ll let you know as time goes on if that’s actually the case.
I’ve set it up as an Excel spreadsheet, listing each week of the month in a column running down the left side of the page. Days of the week are listed across the top, along with each day’s editorial focus. Each day then has its own cell, listing a specific topic. It only took a few minutes to set up once I worked through the brainstorming process to determine daily areas of focus.
So what’s in store?
Mondays’ focus will be broad scope, looking at the big picture, talking about marketing concepts useful to the small business owner.
On Tuesdays we’ll cover local search resources. Local search is extremely important to the brick and mortar business owner. Are you taking advantage of these free opportunities to promote your business?
Wednesdays’ focus is “always learning.” I’m returning to an earlier commitment to read one business-building book per month. On Wednesdays I’ll share what I’ve learned.
Thursday will be a how-to day. We’ll cover the anatomy of a brochure, a press release, a print ad, a product sell sheet, etc.
And Fridays will offer a link roundup to round out the week. At the very least, you’ll find some interesting and educational posts. You may also find new blogs to add to your must-read list.
This is considerably more ambitious than the twice a week blogging schedule that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago and I’m sharing this plan with some trepidation. I don’t want to promise more than I can deliver. So consider this a plan, a daily goal, but not a promise.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey … make sure you subscribe by email or RSS feed.
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on Jan 14th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
A very good approach to writing! When I was an editor in college, we often worked off of arrangements like these — but, because we were a college paper and therefore had writers that often fell through, we sometimes had to wiggle things around the date of publishing. This will probably help me and my “write ‘em when I’m inspired” sort of approach to blogging!
on Feb 4th, 2008 at 6:07 am
This is a great way of approaching planning. My method is to stare at the blank screen and wait for the muse to strike. Very effective and efficient (or not). Unfortunately I don’t really use Excel much so may need to do a quick refresher.
on Feb 6th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Stacie & Heather, Apparently I’ve neglected this post as I haven’t even acknowledged your comments. Please accept my apology for being so rude! Thank you both for your comments.
Actually, I’m having a bit of trouble with my internal rebel. The only way I can find time for what appears to be daily posting is if I spend several hours on Sunday writing my posts for the week. Sometimes that just doesn’t work for me, even with a predefined blogging calendar. The rebel wants to take Sunday’s off!