Content Planning Shouldn't Be So Damn Hard

Today let’s talk about something we all have a love hate relationship with: content planning. Ah yes, that relentless task of conjuring up engaging posts, reels, and videos that not only capture attention but also drive sales. If you've ever felt like banging your head against the keyboard in frustration, you're not alone.

Don't worry this isn't just a bitch fest about content planning-not completely anyway.

In this blog post, we're diving headfirst into the world of content planning, exploring common struggles, and uncovering strategies to make your life a whole lot easier!

First let's take a look at some common struggles that can keep us from getting to that pesky calendar. You may resonate with one or all of them. I have struggled with all of them at one time or another!

1. Time Crunch: You're juggling a million and one tasks – from managing orders to replying to customer inquiries – and now you're expected to create compelling content on top of it all? It's enough to make anyone's head spin. Time is a luxury many small business owners and social sellers simply don't have.
2. Creativity Block: Ever stare at a blank screen, fingers poised over the keyboard, only to realize your mind is as blank as the page in front of you? Yep, welcome to the dreaded creativity block. Kind of like writer's block, but with the added pressure of selling your brand and products. Coming up with fresh ideas day in and day out can feel like an impossible task.
3. Content Overload: With the endless scroll of social media feeds and the constant stream of new content flooding the internet, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you stand out in a sea of posts vying for attention? How do you ensure your content doesn't get lost in the noise?
4. Lack of Strategy: Randomly posting content without a clear plan or purpose is like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks. Spoiler alert: it usually doesn't. Without a solid content strategy in place, you're left aimlessly wandering the digital wilderness, unsure of where you're going or how to get there.

So now that we've touched on some of the struggles we deal with when even thinking about sitting down to create a content calendar for the month, let's jump to some solutions to simplify your content planning! Ready?

Let's Go...

1. Set Clear Goals: Before you jump into content creation mode, take a step back and define your objectives. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, or boost sales? It can be all of them, but once you have clear goals in mind, you can tailor your content around those objectives. Write them down and don't get shiny object syndrome. Stay within your set goals. This will keep you from running the hamster wheel every time something new catches your eye.
2. Know Your Audience: Understanding your target audience is key to creating content that resonates. If you've never determined your ideal client, do it today! Then... take the time to research their demographics, interests, and pain points. What challenges are they facing, and how can your products or services solve them? The better you know your audience, the easier it becomes to create content that speaks directly to them.
3. Create a Content Calendar: Say goodbye to posting and praying and say hello to organized content calendars. Once you've figured out who your content is for and what that content will look like, a content calendar is a must! A content calendar helps you plan and schedule your posts in advance, ensuring a steady stream of fresh content without the last-minute panic. Find and print off a blank month and play around and find something that works for you and your business.
4. Embrace Automation: Let's face it – we're only human, and there are only so many hours in the day. That's where automation comes in. From scheduling social media posts to sending out email newsletters, there are plenty of tools available to streamline your content creation process and save you time. Automation can give you a great foundation of content and a cushion so you don't have to scramble if something comes up. Just remember to keep it authentic – automation is a tool, not a substitute for genuine engagement. You should be using your extra time to respond to comments, answer questions, and catching up!

I hope this post helps make content planning a little easier.

Armed with the right strategies and tools, you can tackle content creation with confidence. Remember to set clear goals, know your audience, and embrace the power of organization and automation. And above all, don't forget to stay true to your brand and authentic to your audience.

With a little creativity and a lot of perseverance, you've got this damn content planning in the bag!