Andi Dela Torre Griffiths
- Oct 21, 2022

How I Plan My Blog Content + Free Template

When I started blogging, I typed whatever came to mind. My little space on the internet was an online diary for the longest time until I got a domain; that was when things changed. I figured I wanted to create lifestyle content and realized that having a plan would help save a lot of time and keep everything organized (and it did!). So today, I'm writing this post and sharing what worked for me; this may or may not work for you since we have different ways of processing ideas, but I hope it helps. Let's get straight to what this article is about.

Considerations

In planning content for the blog, there are a few things that I consider; these include the following: relevance of the topic, current and target audience, existing categories, and blog goals. Let me go through each one briefly.

Relevance (and timeliness)

Are the posts I plan to make relevant to the current season or situation? It wouldn't be fitting to post about Christmas party themes during the summer or write about the best parties to attend during a global crisis, which is why I ask this question.

Audience Using the monthly analytics report, I check what returning readers and first-time visitors like to read about on the website; this helps me learn more about their interests. I've noticed that how-to's and review articles get more page views, so I try to incorporate more of these into the blog.

How I Plan my Blog Content | Lifestyle Blog Asia | Philippines

Existing Categories

The good thing about having categories is that it simplifies navigation for readers and provides variety. When scheduling posts, I try not to group similar topics in the same month to balance it out. So, let's say I want to publish three posts for November; what I do is make it a point that those three articles fall under different categories currently existing on the blog.

Blog Goals

My blog goals include providing helpful information, giving inspiration, earning from affiliate links, and growing my readership. With these in mind, I try to perform actions and focus more on subject matters aligned with my values and these goals.

These only apply to informational posts, not the personal ones in the La La Life category.

While it’s not necessary to identify and consider these factors, doing so will give you a sense of direction. Selecting ideas to finalize will also be easier because you already know what topics would be best to publish for whom and when.

Content Planning Tools

Notebooks and Pads

Writing down ideas is still more satisfying than being in front of the computer for hours (well, at least for some of us). It's not always convenient, but there's a joy that comes with physical writing. Using a notebook or a pad can also simplify conceptualization for you, especially if you're designing or redesigning your layout (it's better to draw on paper).

Google Sheets

For raw topic ideas and post scheduling, I use a few spreadsheets on Google Sheets. It’s an easy way for me to stay on track and have a quick overview of the month or quarter. I’ve attached a free basic template to this post, which you can download for planning. You can also modify it as you wish.

blog-content-planner-free-download-andltorre-dot-come-lifestyle-blog-philippines

Google Docs

Google Docs is one of the best online computer programs for making drafts because you can access it anywhere and even write on the go. You can make updates whether you're on your laptop or your phone.

Google Keep

For other tasks like designing blog post covers, editing photos, or making website updates, I use Google Keep. It's an online note-taking service that allows you to write notes or create to-do lists. You can even add photos and set reminders. Just like Google Sheets and Docs, this is easily accessible as long as you have an internet connection.

I guess that would be all for today. Have a great week ahead!

✨ Check out the link under the banner below to get your FREE downloadable blog content planner ✨