71 In Blogging/ Productivity

How to Keep Your Blog Organized with an Editorial Calendar

Can you even believe October is here already?! How did we get here? It must be because I am getting old that time passes so quickly, right? 😉

Anyway, because I am getting so old…ahem…so busy…I decided I need to get even more organized with my blog. Up until now, I have been somewhat organized. I do use a planner and my Power Hour Checklist and both of those have helped me a great deal. However, with fall comes extra activities and meetings and volunteer opportunities and playdates, etc. I’m sure you know how it is! I realized I need to be even more productive with my time if I want my business to succeed without interfering with my family time. This may or may not work for you , depending on your personality type, but I say you give it a try for a month and see how it works out for you. I have a feeling you’ll love it!

Free Editorial Calendar

Grab your FREE Editorial Calendar right here and start planning!

There are so many Editorial Calendars out there – you could search them all day long. I decided I wanted mine to be pretty, simple and effective. It needed to do the job and not overwhelm me. Sometimes I get into planning perfection mode and then end up never starting because my printable will never be quite up to par. Anyone else a Type A like me?

If you are new to using an Editorial Calendar, you may not understand how it will help you with your blog organization. This is a way to plan out your posts for the month, so you can see what is upcoming, what you need to work on, when you need to publish, etc. You can also theme yedcalour months very easily when you have all your posts planned out. This doesn’t mean you need to write out your posts a month ahead of time, but it does give you that freedom to start earlier because you know what is coming.

You’ll notice that there is a space up top to label the month you are planning. I then use the blank lines to brainstorm any ideas floating in my head for the month. Not all of these ideas make it into my calendar, but I am able to see which ideas flow together and which posts may need to wait for next month.

Once I have my brainstorm posts written down, I am able to plug them into the month, based on my schedule and how they work together. I aim to have about seventy percent of my posts be evergreen content, or content that people will use all year. I take my readers into consideration, as well as the time of year. I can see ahead of time if there is a holiday coming up that I could write a post about, or if I know most of my readers are moms juggling a full schedule like me, I may decide to create a post about simple meal planning using your crock pot. The larger benefit is that I am able to pre-plan and coordinate an entire month of posts, without feeling like I am losing my mind.

Download your Editorial Calendar Here!

You can also use this calendar to prepare the steps involved with each post. Once you have your post idea written in the date, you can work backwards and schedule the day you want to take and edit pictures, create a product, send an email….All of this can go on your calendar.

Make sure you set a realistic goal of how many posts you can write each week. There is no point in having a beautifully filled out calendar if you fall short each month. If your schedule allows only one post a week, stick with that and be consistent. Write it down on the same day each week and follow the routine.

Another tip: once I finish a post, I highlight it on the calendar in yellow. That way I know it is edited, and ready to be published. Once I publish and promote a post, I then highlight it in purple. Again, this may be a little too much for you, but it is a way of keeping me organized and on schedule…and I love checking off lists 🙂

Download your Editorial Calendar Here!

Do you use an Editorial Calendar yourself? Has it made a difference for you?

If you haven’t used one, do you think it will help you?

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71 Comments

  • Reply
    Kiara Catanzaro
    October 3, 2016 at 7:27 am

    I love that you created a downloadable editorial calendar. I’m not going to lie, I used to be amazing with keeping track of prepping posts based on my calendar, and then I would reschedule certain ones, and then my planning fell apart. Love this post for organization!

  • Reply
    Christina
    October 3, 2016 at 7:32 am

    It’s always pays to be organised and using an editorial calendar is essential. How far ahead do you usually plan your posts?

  • Reply
    Lucie
    October 3, 2016 at 8:08 am

    Using an editorial calendar is something that I always wanted to try but I’ve tried it once and this is not that I have to use every day. But I believe that it’s really helpful for other people. 🙂

    Lucie // http://www.inbluebox.com

  • Reply
    Mary Barham
    October 3, 2016 at 8:12 am

    I NEEDED this desperately! I have been all over the place and forgetful! Need a good calendar!

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    October 3, 2016 at 8:17 am

    This is exactly what I needed to find today. I think one of the biggest challenges for me is that I’m not organising my thoughts for my blog. I cannot wait to start using this especially since I decided to challenge myself and take part in blogtober.

    Stephanie
    Adventures in Aussieland

  • Reply
    CJ from Thirty30Courtney
    October 3, 2016 at 8:19 am

    I use my editorial calendar within my Day Designer planner. I brainstorm posts in the back and plug them into the monthly spread. My planner is already color coded so it definitely helps me stay on track! Fall is busy for me too.

  • Reply
    Brittany Comeaux
    October 3, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Downloading! Thank you!

  • Reply
    Tasia @The Frugal Farm Girl
    October 3, 2016 at 8:54 am

    Thank you so much for such a handy printable. I find myself lacking in the organization of my blogging but now that I just launched my second blog an editorial calendar is a must. This is such a busy time with the holidays around the corner I think planning for our blogs is key.

  • Reply
    Sarah Jean
    October 3, 2016 at 9:14 am

    Going to print this out today and use it. I love your organization skills Terryn!

  • Reply
    Rebecca
    October 3, 2016 at 9:37 am

    Great idea! I’m going to download right now and see if it works for me. I’m always in need of a little more organization in my life.

  • Reply
    Kiana
    October 3, 2016 at 9:54 am

    I’m thrilled to have discovered you site. So much helpful information. This will help me get my site organized and plan my content in advance.

  • Reply
    susie liberatore
    October 3, 2016 at 9:57 am

    I so need this, thank you for sharing this. I am going to use it today I feel like I need all the help I can get 😉

  • Reply
    Sarah
    October 3, 2016 at 10:12 am

    Oh my gosh! You’re so organized! I love it! I need a sprinkle or two of your organization in me! Definitely gonna try to use this to keep things fresh and organized! Thanks!

  • Reply
    Crystal Foose
    October 3, 2016 at 10:14 am

    I have something similar on my computer that I NEVER look at. I am terrible about *making* myself write on a schedule. I randomly get inspired and knock out a post start to finish in one morning and then nothing for weeks sometimes. I have probably 20 post drafts that never got completely hashed out. I have about a month of kids sports-free time coming up and I really hope to take advantage of it!

  • Reply
    Grady
    October 3, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Very cool! So far things haven’t been so crazy that I need an editorial planner yet, but I love yours! It’s so cute, too! 🙂

  • Reply
    Erin | A Welder's Wife
    October 3, 2016 at 10:59 am

    OO! I am very excited for this! I needed this last month when I was trying to plan out the rest of the year. However, I think converting it over to this form will work much better! Thank you ma’am!!

  • Reply
    Amber
    October 3, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    Thanks for the download! I need to get organized bad! I have a bunch of scribbles in a notebook and its not efficient.

  • Reply
    Nellwyn
    October 3, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    I recently started using an editorial calendar and it’s so helpful! It keeps me so much more organized and then I feel more relaxed!

  • Reply
    Jasmine Hewitt
    October 3, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    I think I’ll start using this once my .com launches!

  • Reply
    Lora
    October 3, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    I’ve been using an editorial calendar for awhile, but I love how you’ve included the brainstorming space at the top! I have to download this — thanks 🙂

  • Reply
    Mindy@FarmFitLiving
    October 3, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    I definitely need this! I use the WordPress Editorial calendar but I get lost sometimes on what I’m supposed to be working on when I’m offline and away from the computer. So having a paper version is a good idea.

  • Reply
    Shannon Walter
    October 3, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Perfect! I’m in desperate need of a good blogging calendar, Thanks.

  • Reply
    Courtney Patterson
    October 3, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    I’m going to be honest – I’ve never been one to schedule my posts in advance. I usually blog as ideas come to me but I’ve been reading so many posts lately that sing the praises of scheduling posts that I may have to give it a try. Thanks for the free planner!

  • Reply
    Jenine
    October 3, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    Just did all my planning on my Oct through Dec calendars and I am so excited. I feel very clear on my goals and “to-achieves”. Looking forward to a great October. Cheers!

  • Reply
    Dawn @ ThisMamaShops
    October 3, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    I love your tips to work backwards and stay realistic. I’m definitely interested in setting up an editorial calendar because I have so many ideas, it gets overwhelming!

  • Reply
    Kemi
    October 3, 2016 at 6:26 pm

    I have a rough spreadsheet I currently use. So this is perfect. Thanks Terryn!!!

  • Reply
    Brittany Ferrell
    October 3, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    I need this! It’s so funny, as a teacher, I plan out every minute for all 180 days, but as a blogger, I do not plan nearly enough! Sometimes I am just struck by inspiration, but I think that sticking to plan will be very helpful for myself and provide consistency for my readers!

  • Reply
    Amanda @ Anchored to Sunshine
    October 3, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    Every single month I say I will make an editorial calendar, but I keep putting it off. This post has convinced me to finally make one!

  • Reply
    KP
    October 3, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    I’m so bad at keeping up with my editorial calendar. I go crazy for planning things – I print out the printables, I download the apps, I set the reminders….but then a week later I pretend like that never happened and go back to being unorganized. This post reminded me that if my schedule is hectic and all over the place and I’m not getting things done that I want to, it’s my own damn fault. I need to stick to my editorial calendar 🙂

  • Reply
    Heather @Boston Girl Bakes
    October 3, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    Definitely downloading! I’ve been using my google calendar on my phone for the past month- very hard to read- but it’s definitely helped me get more done and be more productive 🙂 can’t wait to use this hard copy!

  • Reply
    Nicole
    October 3, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    I think this is a great printable! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing. I currently use google calendar for my editorial calendar but I love having an option that I can print out because I’m old fashioned like that 😉

    xo Nicole
    http://www.damatoadventures.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Laina Turner
    October 3, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    I know this is so important yet I always fall off the planning wagon:)

  • Reply
    Lauren
    October 3, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    This is awesome! I also read your power hour checklist and that was incredibly helpful! I’m looking forward to implementing that starting tomorrow.

  • Reply
    Beth
    October 3, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    I need to be more organized and use my time more efficiently. I’m downloading the calendar and going to give it a try.
    Thanks!

  • Reply
    Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins
    October 3, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    I am right there with you Terryn! I have a basic editorial calendar that I use in exactly the same way and it is SO helpful in planning ahead so I don’t go crazy.

  • Reply
    Rachel Lynn
    October 3, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    I love how organized you are! I’ve been working to get more organized lately. I started my own editorial calendar and love how I’m able to see exactly where I want my month to go. It keeps the stress level down, for sure! I’ll have to add in photo shoots and newsletters to this, too. Thanks for the advice!

  • Reply
    Erin
    October 4, 2016 at 9:05 am

    I definitely need to be more organized. Love this editorial calendar… definitely going to use it!

  • Reply
    anna
    October 4, 2016 at 9:06 am

    This is definitely something I need to try out. Right now I just keep notes on my phone and I am a hot mess! It is driving me crazy!

  • Reply
    Jenni Laplow
    October 4, 2016 at 9:07 am

    I need this! I really need to prioritize my organization, so thanks for the inspiration 🙂

  • Reply
    Kim
    October 4, 2016 at 9:11 am

    I pinned this for later as I am getting more organized with the blog. I am planning a post soon and may link back to this! What a great printable – you are so helpful!

  • Reply
    Misty Eilar
    October 4, 2016 at 9:44 am

    I just got one of my clients to use one and it helped so much. Now we communicate better and I know when to ask them about new posts. It is amazing what one calander can do. Va’s like me use them to to plan out what we are doing for the day too.

  • Reply
    Liz
    October 4, 2016 at 10:48 am

    My blogging has improved so much since I added an editorial calendar!

  • Reply
    Kim @ TheEntrepremomer
    October 4, 2016 at 10:52 am

    I don’t know WHY I continue to not have an editorial calendar. I am much more organized in my business, but when it comes to my blog, I just write whatever I want to write when I want to…not good. Thanks for sharing, I’m gonna need this!

  • Reply
    Lisa Sharp
    October 4, 2016 at 11:43 am

    I’m trying to get more organized and use an editorial calendar better. Thanks for the freebie!

  • Reply
    Jessica
    October 4, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    Hi Terryn, what a great editorial calendar. I have been trying to use one and schedule my blog/social media for a more organized life!

    ~Jessica | http://www.petitestylescript.com/

  • Reply
    Cassie || The Brunette With a Blog
    October 4, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    Ah! I love this! I’ve been looking for a template or something, this is perfect!
    Pinned it for later! 🙂

  • Reply
    Jasmine
    October 4, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Thanks so much! I’ve been meaning to start planning things out better!

  • Reply
    Sabrina
    October 4, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    This is so helpful Terryn, I have been looking for an easy and simple editorial calendar for so long! Thank you so much for sharing this! It will be such a time and live saver!!

  • Reply
    Tahnee
    October 4, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    Loved this! It was super helpful! I find if i am organized I can get more accomplished! Funny how that works huh haha

  • Reply
    Rochelle
    October 4, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    Perfect ! Thank you for this awesome calendar !

  • Reply
    adriana
    October 4, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    I love this! I’m trying so hard to get organized and my editorial calendar has definitely helped. Need to check yours out!! Thank you!!!

  • Reply
    Jennifer Brown
    October 4, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    I was JUST telling my husband I needed something like this! Thanks for sharing yours!

  • Reply
    Summer @ Coffee With Summer
    October 4, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    I love that you created your own! This is awesome, Terryn! 🙂

  • Reply
    Lauren White
    October 4, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    I so need this! I have lists all over the place of blogging topics and then I never can find them!

  • Reply
    Rachel
    October 5, 2016 at 12:12 am

    Editorial calendars are so important! Idk where I’d be without mine!

  • Reply
    suzanne
    October 5, 2016 at 7:53 am

    Ok, I totally need to do this! I’ve been feeling unorganized lately. Great post.

  • Reply
    Kristen
    October 5, 2016 at 9:10 am

    I love this! I have a running list of blog ideas and I calendar I sometimes use, but I don’t really plan out my posts unless they’re sponsored.

  • Reply
    Jamie Reed
    October 5, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Great ideas, I am needing to get more organized! Thanks for sharing this!

  • Reply
    Anna Mullikin Freeman
    October 5, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    Thanks for sharing this! I keep hearing how important it is to have an editorial calendar, but I’ve felt a little lost on how to go about creating one. Can’t wait to use this template. 🙂

  • Reply
    Melissa
    October 14, 2016 at 9:04 am

    I’m so happy I found your blog. You have so many posts that are relevant to me… Really need to get organized lol.

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Peace
    October 14, 2016 at 9:04 am

    I TRULY keep meaning to do this! For the printable!!

  • Reply
    Archana Vemulapalli
    October 14, 2016 at 9:07 am

    Thank you for this. I’m finally getting my website together and need all the help I can get 🙂

  • Reply
    Kim
    October 14, 2016 at 9:20 am

    I keep saying I am going to do this – pinning to remember to sit down and get more organized!

  • Reply
    Amber
    October 14, 2016 at 10:26 am

    I don’t know what I’d do without my editorial calendar! Probably stare at a blank page the night before I want to post 😛

  • Reply
    Kari
    October 14, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Great ideas for organization and love that you created tools for all of us bloggers! Thanks girl!

  • Reply
    Meg | The Many Little Joys
    October 14, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Thanks for sharing your method. I’m always curious about how other bloggers make the nuts and bolts work. I started out with a paper calendar, but I’ve moved to a spreadsheet now. I like though, how you have a brainstorming spot up at the top. That’s how I do my meal planning, and I hadn’t thought to format my blogging calendar the same way. Way to go!

  • Reply
    Rachel
    October 14, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    Thank you so much for this! I know I need one but I haven’t had the time to sit down and design an editorial calendar, so I’ve just been winging it from week to week!!! Super excited to use this!

  • Reply
    Luz
    October 15, 2016 at 10:31 am

    I definitely am in need of this. Thank you.

  • Reply
    Shannon
    October 17, 2016 at 12:36 am

    Ah! I need this!!

  • Reply
    Laura
    October 17, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    I’m so new to blogging, so I’ve just been trying to post regularly. I know I need to get a calander up and going but I wasn’t sure where to start. You have put some very helpful tips here and broke it down in a way that makes it little less overwhelming. Thank you for sharing this and your beautiful calander. 🙂

  • Reply
    Rose
    November 23, 2016 at 11:10 am

    Yes, every blogger definitely needs some sort of editorial calendar to stay organized. Thanks for the printable!

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