Plan Your Social Media Posts Without the Stress
Running a business means wearing many hats, and keeping up with social media can feel like one more thing on an already full plate. The good news? Planning ahead with a simple system can save you time and keep your posts consistent. Here’s how to create a monthly content calendar using the OBA framework—Offers, Behind-the-Scenes, and Authority—so you always know what to share.
Why a Monthly Calendar Helps
Posting randomly when you remember often leads to gaps or rushed content. A monthly calendar lets you:
- Save time by planning in batches
- Keep a good mix of posts (not just promotions)
- Stay consistent without last-minute stress
Step 1: Start With Key Dates
Grab a calendar (digital or paper) and mark:
- Holidays or local events
- Days your business is closed
- Any sales or promotions you already have planned
This helps you see where to highlight special offers or adjust posting times.
Step 2: Use the OBA Framework
Each post should fit one of these three categories:
- Offers – What you sell (services, products, promotions)
- Behind-the-Scenes – The people and work that make your business unique
- Authority – Helpful tips or knowledge that shows your expertise
Aim for a rough balance—about 40% Behind-the-Scenes, 30% Offers, and 30% Authority works well for most businesses.
Step 3: Fill In the Calendar
Now, assign post ideas to each day. Here’s an example for a coffee shop:
- Monday (Authority): Quick tip for brewing better coffee at home
- Wednesday (Behind-the-Scenes): Photo of the team preparing a new batch of pastries
- Friday (Offer): Weekend special on iced drinks
Keep it flexible—you can always adjust as needed, but having a plan makes it easier to stay on track.
Step 4: Batch Create Content
Once your calendar is set, spend an hour or two creating:
- Photos or videos (snap some Behind-the-Scenes clips in one go)
- Captions for several posts at once
- Graphics for promotions or tips
Store everything in a folder labeled by date so it’s ready when you need it.
Step 5: Keep It Simple
Start small—even planning 8-12 posts a month is a great start. You can reuse formats that work (like “Tip Tuesday” or a weekly staff spotlight) to make planning easier over time.
Remember, social media is about connecting, not perfection. Your customers will appreciate seeing the real people and useful updates behind your business.
You’ve got this! A little planning now means less stress later—and more time to focus on what you do best.
