Don’t Just Post. Plan. How to Build a Social Media Calendar You’ll Actually Use
Let’s be honest: most small business owners treat social media like a needy houseplant.
You remember it when you’re feeling inspired. You ignore it when you’re busy. And every few weeks you think,
“Crap, I haven’t posted in ages.”
You’re not alone — but you can do better.
Not by posting more. But by posting with a plan.
At Dove Digital, we help small and medium businesses build social calendars that are sustainable, strategic, and actually fun to follow. Here’s how you can do the same — no agency required.
First: What’s the Point of Posting?
Before we talk calendars and content types, ask yourself:
“Why am I even on Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn / TikTok?”
Do you want to:
Build trust with potential customers?
Stay top of mind for current ones?
Sell products or book services directly?
Educate and establish authority?
Pick one or two main goals. Then choose your platforms based on where your audience actually is.
Step 1: Pick Your Posting Frequency
Forget daily posts unless you have a team or you're selling lifestyle content.
For most SMBs, 2–3 quality posts a week is more than enough.
Start here:
1 value post (tip, how-to, or insight)
1 social proof post (review, result, behind-the-scenes)
1 call to action (promotion, offer, booking link)
Step 2: Choose 4–5 Content Pillars
Content pillars are themes you rotate each week to keep things balanced and on-brand.
Here’s a mix most businesses can start with:
PillarExample Post💡 Tips / Education“3 ways to reduce customer churn”🙌 Social ProofScreenshot of a happy review + comment🧠 Behind the Scenes“Here’s what we’re working on today”📢 Offer / CTA“Our winter sale starts Friday – don’t miss out”❤️ Personal / Brand Story“Why I started this business in the first place…”
Bonus: Add seasonal or trending posts when relevant — but don’t rely on them.
Step 3: Use a Calendar Tool You’ll Actually Check
We’re not going to tell you to invest in a complex tool if you hate using it.
Here are your options:
Simple & Free:
Google Sheets + free Canva templates
(Great for planning & batching in advance)Visual & Easy:
Later, Buffer, Planoly
(Drag-and-drop, auto-scheduling, preview feed)More Advanced:
Notion content database with calendar view
(Great for agencies or businesses with lots of content types)
Step 4: Write Captions Like a Human, Not a Billboard
Captions that work often follow this simple formula:
HOOK → VALUE → CTA
Examples:
Service Business:
“Struggling to keep up with customer emails?
Here’s our 3-step workflow to cut response times in half.
Want a template? DM us ‘INBOX’ and we’ll send it to you.”
Creative Freelancer:
“New logo drop!
This one’s for a bold, woman-led fitness brand based in Melbourne.
Swipe to see the before & after!”
Product Brand:
“Your skin deserves better.
Try our sulfate-free, sensitive-skin-safe cleanser — now $10 off.
👉 Link in bio.”
Step 5: Test, Learn, Repeat
Don’t overthink the algorithm. Think audience first.
✅ Check once a month:
Which posts got the most saves or shares?
What did people comment on?
Which CTAs actually drove action?
Drop what’s not working. Do more of what is. Refine as you go.
Bonus: 12 Plug-and-Play Post Ideas
“Before and after” transformation
Client or customer testimonial
FAQ you get all the time
Quick win tip or how-to
“Behind the scenes” day in your business
Your origin story
New product / service launch
Timely reminder (e.g., tax tips before EOFY)
Your process, explained simply
Myth-busting post
Thank you shout-out to a client
“This or That” post to boost engagement
Final Word
You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up consistently and clearly for your audience.
A social media calendar helps you stop winging it and start building momentum.
At Dove Digital, we help small business owners build realistic, repeatable content plans that fit their goals — and their schedule.
Want a ready-made monthly content calendar?
[📆 Book a Free Social Strategy Session — we’ll even throw in our starter template.
While you’re at it, download your free Social Media Content Planner Template HERE!
