The content plan you'll actually follow
Every January: "This year we'll be consistent with content." Every March: crickets.
Content planning fails because it's too ambitious. Fifty-two blog posts sounds achievable in December. By February, you're three weeks behind and giving up. A realistic plan beats an aspirational one.
The scenario:
You want to create a content marketing plan for next year that you'll actually execute.
The prompt:
You're building a realistic content calendar.
Create a plan that includes:
- Quarterly themes aligned with client concerns and your sales cycle
- Monthly hero content (one substantial piece)
- Weekly quick content (repurposed, curated, or short-form)
- Distribution channels and cadence
- Resource requirements and ownership
- Content recycling strategy (how to get more from less)
- Metrics and review cadence
Include a simple template that fits on one page. Build in buffer for missed weeks.