Content Planning
Content Planning 101: Organise, Schedule, and Stay Consistent
Let’s face it—content planning isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re the type who barely remembers what you had for brekkie, let alone what you’re posting next month, you’re in good company.
But here’s the thing: content planning doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. You can stay organised and consistent with a few simple strategies and even enjoy the process. Think of it as putting your creative vision into action—one post at a time.
Start with Your Purpose—Why Are You Creating?
Before diving into scheduling, take a step back and ask: Why am I creating this content? For young Christian creatives, purpose is key. Maybe you want to encourage others, share your faith journey, or spark conversations. Once you know your “why,” it’s easier to shape content that feels meaningful and intentional.
Thought: Purpose keeps you grounded, especially when you hit those “What am I even doing?” moments. Your content is a tool for discipling—each post, video, or article is a chance to inspire and connect.
Map Out Themes and Key Topics
Trying to come up with content ideas on the spot can be exhausting. Instead, think about key themes or topics you’d like to cover over the next few months. These might be broad ideas like faith in everyday life, overcoming challenges, or Christian creativity. From there, break each theme into smaller topics or ideas.
Pro Tip: Create a “content bucket” for each theme. Under faith in everyday life, you could include ideas like daily prayer routines, faith in friendships, or finding God in nature.
Set Up a Realistic Posting Schedule
Consistency is important, but you don’t have to post every day to stay relevant. Choose an achievable schedule—once a week or twice a month. And here’s a tip: consistency isn’t just about frequency but quality. Don’t worry if you’re not posting constantly; focus on delivering content that’s meaningful and true to your purpose.
Life happens. Some weeks, you might nail it; others, you might be scrambling. Give yourself grace and remember that your content isn’t a performance; it’s a reflection of your journey.
Use Tools to Keep You Organised
A good planning tool can be a game-changer. Whether you prefer digital planners like Notion, Trello, or the classic pen-and-paper approach, find a system that suits you. Use it to jot down content ideas, set deadlines, and map your schedule. A simple Google Calendar can keep you on track if you’re just starting.
Tip: If you’re visual, try a content calendar with colour-coded topics. It’s a quick way to see your plan at a glance and ensures you’re covering a balanced mix of content.
Batch Create Your Content When You Can
Ever notice how productive you are when you focus on one task? That’s the magic of “batching.” Instead of creating new content every time, set aside a day to write, film, or edit several pieces simultaneously. This way, you’ll have a few posts ready and won’t feel the last-minute scramble.
Batching is especially helpful if you’re sharing faith-based content. It gives you time to reflect and pray about what you’re sharing, making your message more impactful.
Review and Adjust as You Go
Content planning isn’t a set-and-forget task. Take time every few weeks to review what’s working and what isn’t. If a specific type of post gets excellent engagement, consider creating more of that style. Likewise, if something doesn’t resonate, don’t be afraid to tweak it. The aim isn’t perfection; it’s authenticity.
Remember, even Jesus had times when people didn’t understand His message straight away. Don’t be discouraged if every post doesn’t go viral—stay faithful to your purpose.
Practical Steps to Get Started with Content Planning:
Create a Brainstorming Session: Take an hour to brainstorm your content’s themes, topics, and goals. Think big picture, but keep it realistic.
Set Up a Calendar or Planner: Mark key dates and decide when to post each piece. Whether on paper or digital, a visible plan makes a big difference.
Plan to Batch-Create Once a Month: Schedule a ““content da”” once a month for writing, filming, or editing. This will make staying on top of your schedule more manageable.
Review Every Month: Take a few minutes to check your progress. What’s working? What could be improved? Adapt as needed and keep moving forward.
Final Thought:
Content as a Faithful Discipline
Content planning, when done with intention, is a way to serve others. It is not about perfection or popularity; it’s about offering something genuine that reflects your faith and values. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, ““Let all that you do be done in love”” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Let that be the heart of your content—because when you create with love, your work will resonate far beyond likes and follow.