Editorial vs Content calendars: what's the diff?
In the world of content creation, two terms are often used interchangeably: editorial calendar and content calendar. However, there are distinct differences between the two, and understanding them is crucial for successful content management on any website.
An editorial calendar is a high-level plan that outlines the broad strokes of the content that will be created, published, and promoted. This plan typically covers several months or even a year and is focused on the big picture, such as:
seasonal trends or upcoming events
outlines the themes, topics, and formats for the future content
an overall direction of the website's content strategy
On the other hand, a content calendar is a more detailed plan that outlines the specific content that will be created, published, and promoted on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis. This calendar typically covers a shorter timeframe, such as a month or a quarter, and it provides a more granular view of the content that will be created. It includes details such as:
specific titles, formats, and due dates for each piece of content
who is responsible for writing or sourcing the content
the day-to-day execution of the content strategy
To put it simply, an editorial calendar is the "what" of the content strategy, while the content calendar is the "how" and "when."
An editorial calendar helps align content with the overall goals of the website and is created with a purpose. It allows for better planning and coordination of resources, such as content creators and designers, and helps avoid the last-minute scramble to come up with ideas. Additionally, it ensures that content is timely and relevant by aligning with upcoming events or seasonal trends.
A content calendar helps ensure that the plan outlined in the editorial calendar is executed properly. It provides a clear road map for content creators and helps them stay on track and meet deadlines. It also allows for better coordination between content creators and stakeholders.
One way to think about the difference between the two calendars is to consider a sports team (new Ted Lasso episodes are nearly here folks!). The editorial calendar is the coach's overall game plan, outlining the strategy and goals for the whole season. The content calendar is the daily or weekly practice schedule, outlining the specific drills and exercises the team will do to execute the game plan successfully.
Both calendars are essential for successful content management, and they should be used in tandem to ensure that a website's content is purposeful, timely, and effective.
Photo by Matthew Guay on Unsplash
