A blog content planner keeps each article moving from an evidence-backed idea to a checked, published answer. Use it to record the reader’s question, the brief, the next action, the owner and the handoff deadline. A list of titles and dates will not show why a draft is blocked or who should resolve it.
Give every article a short brief
Copy these fields into your planning document before assigning a writer:
Working title: Reader and situation: Question the article must answer: What the reader should be able to do afterwards: Required evidence, examples or interviews: Existing related page; reason a new page is needed: Scope: what is included and excluded: Writer / subject reviewer / final editor: Draft deadline / review deadline / publication date: Next action and person responsible:
For a fictional article called “How to choose a desk for a small room”, the brief might require a measurement worksheet and three layout sketches. “Discuss furniture trends” would not fulfil that brief. Agreeing on the answer before drafting reduces the risk of a polished article that misses the reader’s task.
Use handoffs with clear acceptance rules
| Stage | Ready to move on when… |
|---|---|
| Idea | The reader problem and reason to cover it are recorded. |
| Brief | Scope, evidence and responsibilities are agreed. |
| Draft | The main question is answered; unresolved facts are flagged privately. |
| Review | Claims, calculations, instructions and sources have been checked. |
| Ready | Title, description, images, links and layout are approved. |
| Published | The live page has been opened and checked on a narrow screen. |
| Maintenance | An owner and review trigger are recorded. |
Separate editing from factual review
The editor checks whether the answer is understandable and complete. A subject reviewer checks claims within their expertise. Name both responsibilities even if one person performs them. Keep source links next to the claims they support in the draft so that reviewers can verify the relevant detail.
Do not use “needs review” as a holding pen. Write a specific request such as “Confirm whether the measured depth includes the cable tray” and assign it. If a fact cannot be supported, narrow the claim or remove it before publication.
Plan capacity around the slowest handoff
For a weekly article, you might agree the brief on Monday, receive the draft on Wednesday, review on Thursday and publish on Friday. That is an example schedule, not a required pace. If the specialist is available only every second Thursday, plan around that availability instead.
At the planning meeting, ask which article is closest to publication, what blocks it and who can unblock it. Finish useful work before starting several more drafts. Record the live URL and use actual reader questions or changed facts to decide whether an update is needed.
For the scheduling view, see how to set up a content calendar.
