Let’s get into the “how to build a social media publishing calendar” magic! Hello, fabulous lady boss! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of social media planning. And yes, we’re talking about the secret weapon of all well-organized, on-top-of-their-game entrepreneurs: the social media publishing calendar. 🎉 If you’ve ever felt like social media is […]
Let’s get into the “how to build a social media publishing calendar” magic!
Hello, fabulous lady boss! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of social media planning. And yes, we’re talking about the secret weapon of all well-organized, on-top-of-their-game entrepreneurs: the social media publishing calendar. 🎉
If you’ve ever felt like social media is a chaotic scramble that eats up all your time, this guide is for you. A solid social media publishing calendar helps you stay organized, consistent, and strategic. Plus, it frees up time so you can actually run your business—and enjoy life!
You know the feeling of scrambling to post something just because it’s been a week since you last shared anything? A social media publishing calendar solves that problem! With a calendar in place, you’ll never run out of ideas or feel rushed. Instead, you’ll know exactly what to post and when to post it.
Check out this quick video from one of the top Social Media Influencers that talks about how to plan week 1 of your social media content.
Before we get to “how to build a social media publishing calendar,” let’s talk goals!
Why are you on social media in the first place? Do you want to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or connect with a specific audience? Be super clear on your goals, because they’ll guide everything you put on that calendar.
Knowing “how to build a social media publishing calendar” starts with knowing who you’re building it for.
Your audience is the key to successful social media. Identify their age, interests, pain points, and online habits. This way, you’ll create content that resonates with them—content that feels personal, inspiring, and relevant.
Not every platform is your friend! Depending on your business and audience, some channels might be more effective than others. Instagram might work if you’re selling jewelry, while LinkedIn is ideal for business consulting. Prioritize the platforms where your audience is active, and build your social media publishing calendar around those.
Personally, I’m going to throw this out there. YouTube is the current leading platform for those just starting up and has a wide array of options for those who are just starting up. You may be interested in a recent article we released about starting your own YouTube channel.
Ah, now we’re getting to the fun part. A well-rounded social media publishing calendar includes a variety of content types to keep things interesting. Here are a few ideas to start:
Think of these as categories you can rotate through your calendar. You’ll keep your followers entertained and coming back for more.
Overwhelmed by posting daily? Start with what you can manage. If three times a week sounds doable, then make that your goal! Consistency is more important than quantity, so pick a frequency you can commit to.
Now, let’s get to the heart of “how to build a social media publishing calendar”: the actual scheduling! Decide on the best days and times to post, considering when your audience is most active. For instance, mornings and evenings might work well on Instagram, while LinkedIn shines during business hours.
Pro tip: Schedule high-engagement content, like polls or questions, during your audience’s peak hours.
Each platform has different preferred formats. Instagram loves images, Stories, and Reels; LinkedIn is all about articles and professional insights. Mix it up with photos, videos, infographics, and even user-generated content to keep things interesting.
With your themes, formats, and schedule in mind, it’s time to outline a full month’s worth of content. Aim for a balanced mix that aligns with your goals and engages your audience.
How to build a social media publishing calendar with eye-catching visuals? Stock up on photos, videos, graphics, and more before you start posting.
Invest in quality images, or use tools like Canva to create graphics that match your brand. Keeping a stash of photos or videos on hand will save you tons of time and make your calendar shine.
When you’re in the flow, write out captions in batches. This helps keep your messaging cohesive and on-brand. Be conversational and fun, but also add value and a call to action (CTA) when it fits. Remember, captions should feel authentic and make your audience want to engage with your post.
There are fantastic tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Later that let you schedule your posts ahead of time. This step is a lifesaver. By scheduling your posts, you’ll save time and make sure your calendar flows smoothly without any last-minute scrambles.
A pro tip in “how to build a social media publishing calendar”: Don’t just post and ghost!
Engagement is key to social media success. Make time to reply to comments, answer DMs, and show your followers that you’re present. Engaging with your audience also boosts your visibility in algorithms.
A successful social media publishing calendar isn’t just about posting—it’s about learning what works. Check your analytics to see which posts are getting the most love. Did people engage more with your educational content or your promotions? Use this info to adjust next month’s calendar.
“How to build a social media publishing calendar” doesn’t end once the calendar is built. Every month, refine it. Try new ideas, swap out themes, and adjust based on your performance insights. Social media changes quickly, so it’s good to be flexible and open to new trends.
Every time you complete a month of your social media publishing calendar, celebrate! Building and maintaining this schedule is a fantastic accomplishment. You’re bringing your brand to life, connecting with people, and growing your business—go you!
Let’s bring this all together with a sample weekly calendar layout for your social media:
Feel free to customize based on your unique business needs and your audience’s preferences!
There are so many tools out there to make building a social media publishing calendar easier. A few favorites include:
Now it’s your turn. Get out there, build your social media publishing calendar, and rock it. Happy planning! 🎉
