Blog Content Calendar: Make a Plan

One of the reasons blog authors get stuck for content ideas is that they start blogging without any forethought or plan. I know this because I did this myself. But it's never too late to stop and make a plan for your business blog, including an editorial calendar.

At the very least make a list of keywords that your readers would use if they were searching for your solutions to their problems. Make a list of categories that define the topics you write about. Then make sure your blog  posts cover all these categories and that you use the keywords in titles and in the body of your posts.

Lee Odden is my favorite search engine optimization expert (even though I only understand half of what he says! ;-)) He's got a great post out today called 5 Tips for Successful Blog Optimization. I particularly appreciate his tip #3:

3. Plan editorial and source content. Unlike traditional publications, blogs do not typically have editorial calendars but why not?  Use categories as an indication for the topics the blog should be posting about. Category keywords should support the business goals defined in the blog’s objectives.

Most blog authors I know kind of 'hem' and 'haw' when we ask them what their blog's goals and objectives are. But like I said, it's never too late to make a plan and to go forth from today into the future, forevermore...

And even, like me, you only understand a few basics of SEO stuff, it doesn't matter. Keep it simple. List your keywords, list categories, use keywords in post titles, make sure you write about all your categories and rotate topics in your editorial calendar.

This will help keep you on track with relevant, useful content that your readers will find valuable. And you'll feel secure knowing your blog makes sense and has a purpose. No more "what to write about next" blues.

If you want to learn more about how to optimize your blog for business, find out about our Better Business Blogging Training System, and get lessons drip-fed to you over time. Curious?

Comments

[Lisa Almeida]

Great nearly year-end post to get the juices flowing for plotting next years course. I am SO in favor of keeping it simple!

[Dr Charles Parker]

Thanks so much for forwarding this excellent connection - really appreciate all the other deep connections over at Lee Odden's site. The best organization does really help create the best content. Really appreciate your help with this one.

If I don't see you guys before the Holidays, best to you and your families, and thanks for all the tips these past years! Yep, it's been years...

Chuck

[Rowell Dionicio]

I've started following your tip a few weeks ago and it works very well for me. I know what I want.. where I want to go and what I want my blog to be down the road.