How to plan your content daily

So, you’ve mapped out a strategy. You know your goals, who you’re talking to, and the type of content you want to share. The next step? Turning that strategy into a plan you can actually manage day to day.

Managing social media can feel like a full-time job if you don’t have a system. But with the right tools and structure, you can stay consistent without burning out. Here’s how to do it:

Create a content calendar

A content calendar is more than just a list of posts, it’s the backbone of your social media process.

Why it matters:

• Keeps your posting consistent

• Helps you avoid last-minute scrambling for ideas

• Gives you a big-picture view of what’s coming up (holidays, launches, campaigns)

• Lets you plan different content types so your feed doesn’t feel repetitive

How to set one up:

• Spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets): Customisable and easy to share if you work with a team.

• Google Docs: Great for brainstorming and jotting down post ideas.

• Project Management Tools: Apps like Trello, Asana, or Notion let you drag, drop, and reorganise easily.

Include sections for:

• Date of the post

• Platform (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)

• Caption copy

• Visual or video ideas

• Hashtags or keywords

• Links/CTAs

👉 Pro tip: Batch your content planning once a week or month. That way, you’re not constantly chasing ideas.

Find the right scheduling tool for you

Posting in real-time is draining, especially if you’re managing multiple platforms. Scheduling tools allow you to prepare content in advance, so posts go live automatically.

A few good options:

• Later.com – Free plan includes 10 posts per profile. Ideal for beginners.

• Planoly – Affordable with a free plan (1 social account, 30 posts for Instagram + Pinterest).

• Buffer – User-friendly and works across multiple platforms.

• Hootsuite – More advanced, perfect if you’re running several accounts and need analytics too.

Scheduling tools aren’t just about convenience—they also help you post at the times your audience is most active, which boosts reach and engagement.

Later.com - Offers a FREE account with 10 posts per account.

Planoly - Is a newish platform to try, and it is at a reasonable price. You can set up a free account and you can have 1 social media account with 30 posts to Instagram and Pinterest.

Decide how often to post

Consistency matters more than sheer volume. Posting too much can overwhelm followers, but posting too little can make them forget you exist. The sweet spot depends on the platform:

• Facebook: 1–2 posts per day (at least once daily is best).

• Twitter (X): 1–2 tweets per day, with a maximum of 5.

• LinkedIn: 1 post per weekday (no need for weekends).

• Instagram: 1–2 feed posts per day plus 2–3 stories per week.

👉 Tip: Don’t commit to a schedule you can’t maintain. It’s better to post less frequently but consistently, than to burn out after a few weeks.

Telling a story

Your audience doesn’t want endless ads—they want connection. Every post should tell a story or add value in some way.

Ways to tell stories on social media:

• Share behind-the-scenes moments

• Post about your personal journey or business growth

• Share customer stories or testimonials

• Use short captions with strong visuals to spark curiosity

• Create videos that entertain, educate, or inspire

Content ideas to keep things fresh:

• Quotes

• Polls and questions

• Product/service highlights

• Tutorials or how-to posts

• Podcasts, blogs, or video snippets

• Infographics or carousels

• Animated videos

Use High-Quality Images and Visuals

Social media is highly visual—great imagery can make the difference between someone scrolling past and someone stopping to engage.

Tips for effective visuals:

• Choose images that reflect your brand colours and style

• Tell a story through the picture (not just a random stock photo)

• Use close-ups, clean backgrounds, and strong framing

• Add text overlays with inspirational quotes or bold CTAs

• Keep your images clear, uncluttered, and professional

👉 Bad visuals (blurry, cluttered, or off-brand) can harm credibility, even if your caption is strong.

Measure, Adjust, Repeat

The last step in managing your social media isn’t about creating—it’s about improving.

• Check your analytics weekly or monthly.

• Identify what’s working (engagement, reach, saves, clicks).

• Double down on the posts that perform best.

• Experiment with formats, times, and captions to see what resonates.

Social media isn’t static—it evolves constantly. The more you track and refine, the better your results will be.

Takeaway

Managing social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you:

• Build a content calendar

• Use a scheduling tool

• Post consistently (without overdoing it)

• Focus on storytelling

• Use high-quality visuals

• Review performance regularly

…you’ll save time, reduce stress, and grow your audience in a sustainable way.