• A blog is one of the best ways to build an audience, advertise new products, and build your brand. But a blog without a solid content plan is typically unsuccessful. Utilize this guide to help you create a content plan that helps you meet your audience and revenue goals.

    Why do I need a plan?

    A content plan for your blog is part schedule, part strategy.  You don’t necessarily have to post something new everyday, but you should develop a strategy so that your readers know when to come back for more information. Whether that is twice a week or seven days a week, you will want your readers to anticipate when the latest installment of your blog will release. A content plan is highly effective in helping you manage your time as well.  When you first start your blog, you are probably full of ideas for posts that you want to do, but it is easy to get burned out and run out of ideas.  By knowing how often you are going to post, you can spend time deciding on a few specific areas to write about rather than sorting through dozens of ideas. Not only will this make it easier for you to plan the time you need to devote to your blog, it will also build loyal readers who realize that you are posting content that is well thought out and valuable.

    Creating a content plan for your food blog is essential for being a good blogger

    A content plan makes it easier to become a good blogger. You will want to schedule time to monitor your posts so that you can respond to comments. You will also be writing regularly, a strategy that improves your standing in the greater food community. The more often your blog is updated with content that your readers want to see, the more you will be looked to for good information. Keep in mind that writing a food-related blog isn’t just about reviewing products or reminiscing about favorite meals. A successful blog post provides real resources your readers can use to make their lives better.

    How to create a content plan:

    Your content strategy begins as soon as you decide what you will pst and when. Start by pulling out a twelve month calendar that you can make notes on.  What are some of the important dates on that calendar? Write your blog based on those dates.  For example, as spring approaches, you may want to write a blog about traditional Easter meal ideas. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, what about a blog post talking about ways to make a special breakfast in bed for mom? Or barbecuing tips to make dad that perfect steak in June?  Break your blog post ideas into categories that relate specifically to calendar dates, and then make notes of what you want to cover.  Not only is this a great way to match your blog to your advertising goals, it can also provide much needed inspiration as your stare at your computer screen. Also, don’t forget to put information on your calendar about major sales or promotions so you can blog about those as well.

    Your blog is an ideal forum for promoting everything from New Year’s black eyed peas to Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams. A solid content plan will give your food blog the consistency and value that will bring readers back to your site.

    Need some fresh ideas? Download our food planning calendar.