How to Create a Monthly Marketing Content Plan
Ever feel like you’re scrambling for fresh ideas? You’re not alone. The constant demand for marketing content can feel exhausting.
This is why top brands prepare a monthly marketing content plan.
Taking a few hours at the start of each month to map everything out will save you time, reduce stress, and ensure your efforts are strategic and cohesive. Think of it as your content blueprint for success.
Step 1: Define Marketing Goals and Monthly Content Themes
Before you dive into post ideas, step back and look at the big picture.
Define Your Core Goal
What is the primary outcome I want this month?
- Increase email sign-ups?
- Drive traffic to a product page?
- Boost engagement on Instagram?
- Promote a seasonal offer?
This core goal will guide every piece of content you publish.
Choose a Monthly Theme
Themes give your content focus and make idea generation easier. They also help ensure consistency across channels.
| Month | Core Theme Example | Supporting Content Focus |
|---|---|---|
| October | Mastering Your Marketing Stack | Tool reviews, integration tips, hacks |
| November | Q4 Holiday Readiness | Seasonal case studies, last-minute guides |
Step 2: Content Inventory and Ideas for Monthly Marketing
You don’t always need to create from scratch. Smart planning involves repurposing and refreshing what you already have.
Brainstorm Core Assets
Decide on your big pieces of content for the month:
- Blog Posts: 4 core posts.
- Video/Webinar: 4 long-form session.
- Lead Magnet/Offer: eBook, template, or service you’re promoting.
These are your content pillars - everything else can branch from them.
Repurpose Strategically
Turn one piece of content into many:
- Blog Post → 5 social graphics, 3 carousel posts, 1 video script, 2 email tips.
- New eBook → 4-week email campaign, LinkedIn post, Instagram Story Q&As.
Step 3: Balance Value with Promotion (The 80/20 Rule)
Your audience doesn’t follow you to be sold to nonstop - they follow because you add value. That’s why your plan should have a reasonable Give-to-Ask ratio.
- 80% Give: Tips, how-to guides, free resources, insights, entertaining posts. Builds trust and authority.
- 20% Ask: Promotions, sales, product launches, sign-ups. Drives conversions.
Review your calendar to ensure Give content outweighs Ask 4 to 1.
This may mean giving value and then every 2 weeks sending out an offer (offer + reminder), while maintaining the 80/20 ratio. E.g., 3 value based emails per week and 1 offer (sales email) every 2 weeks.
Step 4: Map Content to Channels
Now, plug your ideas into a calendar and assign them to the right platforms.
Email Campaigns
Plan a sequence that supports your monthly goal:
| Week | Email Type | Purpose | Content Source | Give/Ask |
| Week 1 | Newsletter | Introduce monthly theme | New Blog Post 1 | GIVE |
| Week 2 | Value/Tip | Dive deeper into one idea | Repurposed Blog Tip | GIVE |
| Week 3 | Call-to-Action | Promote lead magnet or new offer | Landing Page | ASK |
| Week 4 | Value/Insight | Share a case study or key stat | Industry Report Snippet | GIVE |
Social Media Posts
Follow a consistent weekly rhythm while honoring the 80/20 rule:
| Day | Focus/Goal | Example Content Idea | Give/Ask |
| Monday | Motivation | Graphic quote or quick tip | GIVE |
| Tuesday | Deep Value | Blog post link or carousel post | GIVE |
| Wednesday | Engagement | Poll, question, or This or That? | GIVE |
| Thursday | Promotion | Direct link to service/offer | ASK |
| Friday | Behind the Scenes | Team photo or fun fact | GIVE |
Batch-create Stories and Reels so you stay consistent without burning out.
Step 5: Review for Consistency and Gaps
Before finalizing, scan your calendar:
- Cohesive? Are all channels aligned with your monthly theme?
- Goal-driven? Is your core goal (sign-ups, sales, traffic) reinforced across platforms?
- Balanced? Is your Give-to-Ask ratio healthy?
A monthly review ensures your strategy is connected, intentional, and effective.
FAQs About Monthly Content Planning
Q: How long does it take to build a monthly marketing content plan?
A: Usually 2–3 focused hours upfront, which saves hours of last-minute scrambling later.
Q: Do I need a different plan for each platform?
A: No - start with one monthly theme and adapt it across channels.
Q: What tools help with content planning?
A: Popular options: Trello, Asana, Notion, or Google Sheets. Use what fits your workflow.
Q: How do I know if my plan is working?
A: Track KPIs tied to your monthly goal: sign-ups, clicks, engagement, or conversions.
Final Thoughts
By following these five steps, you’ll have a roadmap for producing monthly content that is structured and aligned with your monthly goal. This helps brands stay consistent and goal-driven.
Open up your calendar and start planning your biggest marketing month yet!
Keep Crushing!
- Sales Guy
