I'm a girl that loves a plan.  Even when I started blogging, I needed a place to organize my thoughts, map out what I was doing, and the freedom to adjust as I went.  Some people make it look so easy!  I have finally found a tool that I love, and I wanted to share my CoSchedule review with you!

This post may contain affiliate links.  All of my opinions are 100% my own. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details. 

CoSchedule Review:  Master Problem Solver

As a newbie blogger, I assumed many things about blogging that just were not realistic.  Each of these issues created added time and stress to a process that was supposed to be part-time and enjoyable.  As the burdens mounted, I found myself questioning the decision to start this venture into blogging bliss that was quickly becoming a blogging monster that threatened to take over my life!!  I heard about CoSchedule from a fellow blogger and I've been enjoying the ways it has simplified my process over the past three months.

First of all, you need a PLAN.  

If you want to grow your blog, you can't just write on a whim whatever comes to mind.  You need a vision. You need a direction.  You need a plan.  My solution for this?  My bullet journal.  I mapped out a grid on one page of my trusted planner, tabbed it on the side and then went to town filling in the blanks with possible post ideas.

The problem, as you can see, was that my plans kept changing.  I'm sure I burned through several erasers.  If you happen to misplace your handy planner (and I've *never* done that....), then all of your brilliant brainstorms are gone.

CoSchedule's Solution:

With CoSchedule's calendar that is integrated into WordPress, you can easily schedule posts, move them around, and save them for later if needed.  You have the option to color code each post to help you better see different types of posts at a glance.  What's even better is that the calendar syncs with my google calendar, so I can access my plan from my phone anywhere I am.  You can adjust your calendar view to show as little as two weeks and up to six weeks of blogging at a time.  It really helps you see the big picture of how often you are posting, and what kind of content you're creating.

Next, you need to PUBLISH that great content.

It's one thing to have a great brainstorm, but a whole other task to take that post from concept to publishable.  CoSchedule's calendar also provides ways to keep up with tasks necessary to polish posts that you'll be proud to share.  It's simple to set up your posts, assign a category, and schedule posts to publish.  I also love that you can create unlimited drafts in the future, but easily access any post from the calendar view as you need to modify or update content.

You can set the time and date easily through the quick view editor of the post.  This big picture overview of each post allows you to keep track of your posts and easily manage their status from the calendar view.

Finally, You need to PROMOTE your content

I had no idea how important it was to share the content I created.  This aspect was the most surprising time sucker of my blogging beginnings.  With CoSchedule, I can easily plan to promote my posts on multiple social media platforms right from the calendar.  All of the attached social media posts are right there for me to adjust and tweak as necessary.

In addition, CoSchedule keeps up with how many shares each post receives as well as your top performing posts so that they are handy to re-share in the future. Social media platforms supported are:

• Facebook profiles
• Facebook pages
• Facebook groups
• Google + pages
• Twitter
• Linked-in Profiles
• Linked-in Companies
• Tumbler

Not only can you promote your own content, but you can schedule other social media posts that show up in your calendar.  I love the on/off switch that hides those items from cluttering your calendar.

CoSchedule Pricing

There are many reasonably priced plans for small bloggers like myself.  In addition, they have amazing features for teams to manage blogs together.  This is not just a simple WordPress plugin.  It is a life saver!

I'm currently on the $15/mo plan which allows me to connect 5 social media profiles and enjoy all of the great calendar features.  I have more than I need to help me manage my blog in less time with greater results.  You can enjoy a free two week trial before you sign up to play with the features.  I guarantee once you add this to your WordPress dashboard, you will not want it to leave!

CoSchedule in Action

If you're a visual person like me, watch this quick video that really does a great job of explaining all of the great CoSchedule features.

Betsy

Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.