Now we come to the fun part - actually creating your content calendar. Whether you choose to use a plugin as mentioned on the previous page, or you use a spreadsheet or a diary, this 5 step guide will help you to set it up.

1. First of all, you need to decide how often you will update your blog. Remember to be honest with yourself and think about what you can realistically manage. Far better to post twice a week and stick to it, than plan to post everyday and consistently miss it. That is demotivating! Avoid bursts of activity and then periods of nothing at all - your readers will soon switch off. Worse still, new readers may see the inactivity and never come back.
2. Always set aside and commit to some 'content development time' at the start of the week or month.
3. Create your calendar for the following month, highlighting the days and times that you plan to blog.
4. Always think about specific topics for your blog. I always carry a small pad and pencil with me at all times, to record ideas - you never know when you may be inspired. Blog post types that are proven to work include: how-to guides, top tips, interviews, interesting stories, handy lists, product reviews, contests, predictions, dilemmas and opinion pieces.
5. Work through your calendar's other highlighted slots for the month. Be sure to look back to make sure that you have no duplications, but also including more of the same where you have, for example, a popular regular feature.

Well done... By now, you will have a robust plan for the blogging road ahead. Now you just need to follow that plan. Try sticking to it and learn from your planning mistakes, so you can hone it the following month. And always save your calendar at the end of every month so that you have a record that you can refer back to. You can also use it as your template for the following month.