If you’ve ever opened your laptop with the best intentions to “write a blog post” and then sat there staring at the screen. It made me feel so inadequate! But you’re not alone.
Planning posts used to feel like guesswork to me — what to write, when to post it, how much was too much?
Over time, I’ve created a simple system that works — especially for beginners. So in this post, I’m walking you through how I plan posts, step by step, in a way that’s calm, focused, and beginner-friendly.
Step 1: I Start with My Reader in Mind
Before I write a single word, I ask myself:
“What is one thing my reader might need help with right now?”
It might be something they’re stuck on, unsure about, or just curious to understand better. That becomes the seed of my post idea.
Tip: You don’t have to be an expert. Just be helpful.
Write the kind of post you wish someone had written for you when you were starting out.
Step 2: I Keep a Simple Ideas List
I use a Google Doc (or even a notebook!) to jot down blog post ideas whenever they pop into my head. I don’t try to organize them at this stage — just collect.
Later, I pick one idea from the list that feels right for the week. You might even use a simple spreadsheet or Trello board if you like visuals.
🔹 Tip: Add a note or a sentence with each idea so you remember what inspired it.
Step 3: I Use a Repeatable Outline
Once I choose a topic, I don’t dive into writing right away — I build a little structure first. Here’s the basic outline I follow:
- Introduction – What the post is about and why it matters
- The How or What – Break down the steps, tips, or advice
- Extra Notes – Tools, examples, or your personal take
- Encouragement – A closing paragraph that invites conversation
- Call to Action – “Try this,” “Leave a comment,” or “Check out the next post”
Tip: I copy this outline into every new draft so I never start from scratch.
I have to admmit this doesn’t always work as the topic doesn’t lend itself to the structure but it is a start.
Step 4: I Plan My Posting Rhythm
I aim to publish three posts per week, but, to be honest, consistency matters more than frequency. If you can only post once every two weeks, that’s totally okay.
I used to think that you have to post every day. I suppose if you are capable of doing this then that’s fine. It didn’t work for me. Three times a week works well for me and my schedule.
I use Google Calendar to give each post a soft deadline — just to stay on track. Nothing fancy. Just gentle structure.
Tip: If you’re part of Wealthy Affiliate, you can use SiteContent or your dashboard to track your blog goals too.
Step 5: I Create the Social Media Posts Straight Away
Before I publish the blog, I also prepare my posts for social media. That way, I’m not scrambling later.
I include:
- A short caption with 1–2 takeaways from the blog
- A resized image (Canva is great for this)
- A note to myself: “Add URL after blog is live”
Everything goes into a Google Drive folder marked with the blog post name — done and ready when it’s time to share.
It’s taken a while to come up with this structure but it works for me. Find you own best method so you can work efficiently.
Bonus Tip: I Keep It Realistic
Some weeks, life happens ( m0re times than I like!!)— and I don’t post. That’s okay. What matters is building a system that fits you, not rushing to keep up with someone else.
And Finally…
If you’ve been feeling unsure where to start with content planning, I hope this helped take some of the pressure off. You don’t need a fancy tool or complicated system. Just a notebook, a calendar, and a little rhythm that works for you.
How do you plan your posts (or how would you like to)?
Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear what works for you or what’s been holding you back.
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