2017 Content Marketing Editorial Calendar and other Freebies

Are you ready to take your inbound marketing strategy to the next level? Download this 2017 Editorial Calendar and you will:

• Create targeted content that answers prospects' and customers' basic questions and needs, then share that content far and wide. (Hubspot approved)
  
• Approach people where they are, in the channel where they want to interact with you.
  
• Maximize ROI by publishing the right content in the right place at the right time.
  

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What is an Editorial Content Calendar

An editorial calendar (or content calendar) is a calendar that helps you stream your inbound marketing seamlessly. It's a way for you to lay out your content so that everything flows together. 

By seeing the entire year's worth of content on a broad spectrum, you're able to create and identify themes across your entire marketing strategy. It's a way for your business to stay on target with what you want your content to accomplish. 

Here are the main components of a good 12-month editorial calendar:

• Monthly Blog Category
• Monthly Social Media Promotion
• New Monthly Website Content 
• Monthly Social Media Posts
• Monthly Promotions offered by your company

By incorporating an editorial calendar you will be able to:
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• Plan content around key events in your industry or important dates
• See where you have gaps in your content plan, with plenty of warning to line up more content
•  Make sure you have your content ready in plenty of time to publish

Download the above Editorial Calendar and fill it in with your own content and promotions. This calendar is an in-depth excel spreadsheet that I use for myself and my clients. 

Here's a Breakdown of the 2017 Editorial Content Calendar

Category 1: Blog

The blog category is pretty self-explanatory. I personally recommend writing at least three blog posts per month. When brainstorming your ideas, think about your customers. WHAT do they want to read about? What kind of content will benefit them?

Most company blogs are used by customers as a resource so write something that is relevant and useful to them.

Popular blog ideas:

• How to __________________ (make it specific to your industry)
• Numerical Lists (For example "Top 5 Fishing Poles to Use SaltWater Fishing"
• Product Review (If you have a specific product that you sell- write a first hand review about it)
• Tips (10 Tips to Increase Your Facebook Followers)

Category 2: Social Media Promotional Posts

Social Media Promotional Posts should be kept to a minimum. People aren't on Facebook to buy, they're on Facebook to be social. You don't want to scare your customers into thinking your trying to sell them all of the time.

An easy way to promote your business without a hard sell is to choose one or two of your most recent blogs for the month and post them on your social networks.  This will get people to your website without particularly selling to them. 

Below is an example of a Facebook Promotional post I did for Social Marketing Queen. Click on the picture and you can check out all of our Facebook Posts. (Promotional & non-promotional) Maybe you'll get some social media inspiration while you're at it!

Don't have a businessblog? Don't worry! For your promotional post you can offer a special "Facebook Fan Offer" or "Twitter Fan Offer." Make your customer feel like the offer is exclusively for them by using the phrase "Just for our Facebook Fans," or "Exclusive Twitter Offer."

Below is an example of a Facebook Promotional Post I did for Avanti Resort in Orlando, FL. This post was extremely popular and had over 1150 clicks!

​Category 3: Social Networks

Your social networks will be 10x easier to keep track of if you write everything down. Take the time to brainstorm content and write it down on your calendar so you can track your analytics. Each time you post that specific content, write down the date, time and the amount of engagement that was received.

Find out what content works for your audience

​By the end of each month you should be able to tell what kind of content your audience likes-- whether it's images, videos, etc. You'll also learn what the optimal times are to post for the highest audience engagement.

By noting these important factors, you will be able to create a Killer Social Media Marketing Strategy in no time!

Category 4: Promotions

This section of the editorial calendar isn't a huge deal, but if your business offers monthly promotions and deals go ahead and list them in this section. By listing your promotions visually, it will be easier for you to come up with blog post ideas.

For example, if you own a clothing store and your March Special is "30% off Swimsuits" then write a blog post that relates to swimsuits such as "Top 5 Bathing Suit styles for 2017." Then you can showcase your store's different swim suit styles & promote that special offer. 

A Content Editorial Calendar is a great resource for your Social Marketing Strategy as it helps you to map out your ideas, report your numbers, and measure the success of your posts. Download my free Calendars today and start planning your success!

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FREE Downloadable Marketing Resources

Now that you are aware of the benefits of a content calendar-  download our FREE Facebook Content Calendar that will help you get started!

Be sure to "Like" our Facebook page for more Social Media tips!

FREE Facebook Daily Content Themes:

facebook_weekly_themes.png
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Download File

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FREE Content Cheat Sheet:

content_ideas_smq.pdf
File Size:	193 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Looking for someone to plan your content strategy? Contact Katelyn today. Katelyn specializes in Creative Content Marketing & can help you build a successful social media strategy.  ​

Check out all of my Inbound Marketing serviceshere.

Check out our latest blog: 3 Steps to a Killer Social Media Strategy

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Follow @KatelynStuart_