How Having a Schedule Can Completely Change Your Marketing

A few years ago, I felt like I was floundering.

Business was good, but I just felt like I was all over the place. My thought process was disorganized and I was petrified that I would forget something - a client newsletter, a social media post, a blog.

It had been a while since I'd invested in any type of coaching. Actually, it had been a while since I had invested in myself as a business owner. So, I decided to work with a process coach to see if she could help me.

Some of the things we worked on stuck and some didn't. But what really changed the game was something very simple.

Scheduling.

This wasn't new to me, but somehow in the bustle of owning a business, I forgot how important it was. Years ago, I put myself on a blogging schedule of every Tuesday and Thursday as I built a social media following. The audience grew to tens of thousands because I wasn't wishy-washy about content. No matter what, I posted on those days.

For some reason it never occurred to me to take that same concept and apply it to my business. Together the coach and I came up with a monthly schedule that I eventually put every client on. You're going to think it's almost too simple, but it completely changed my business and my time management.

WEEK 1: Blogs are approved

WEEK 2: Blogs are posted

WEEK 3: Monthly newsletter goes out

WEEK 4: Writing week

Here's what that schedule has done for my business:

Nothing gets missed because everyone is on the same schedule. Before, I might have sent one client's newsletter the first week, another the second week, etc. Now I have a checklist that I go through each week to make sure everything is done.

It's easier for the client because they know what to expect. Really, the only time they have to spend on their marketing is our monthly marketing meeting and approving blogs. They know that after that first week of the month, they're done.

It has totally freed up my time! I no longer feel reactive and scattered. I know exactly what I'm doing and when and I can plan ahead if I'm going on vacation or something. I now work less hours because I'm not running around. I have a set plan.

Again, this isn't rocket science. But it is extremely freeing. If you're struggling with your marketing, I highly encourage you to think about a basic schedule and stick to it. Any time I have done it, it has been a game changer!