How to Make Sense of Content Plans

A content plan is the key to sharing your creative work and business with ease and confidence, across all your platforms and projects.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series on content planning for artists, makers, galleries, event organisers, art groups and societies.

In this first part, we’ll explore what a content plan is and why it’s essential for promoting your exhibitions, workshops, retreats, events, shops and Artist Profile.

Part 2 will guide you through making your own simple, flexible content plan that suits your creative practice perfectly.

Understanding What a Content Plan is All About

In simple terms, “content” means everything you create and share to communicate with your audience. This includes blog posts, social media updates, email newsletters, videos, and images.

A content plan is simply a guide that helps you organise what you will share and when you will share it. It gives shape to your ideas, making sure your posts, email newsletters, and articles work together. 

It helps you plan ahead, so you always know what to create next. 

Consistency with Your Content Plan

With a content plan, you can stay consistent, build your audience, and promote your workshops, exhibitions, events, or creative projects with ease.

A content plan is simply a guide that helps you organise what you will share and when you will share it.

For artists, makers, event organisers,  art groups or societies, a content plan is a valuable tool to stay consistent and visible.

Building Your Profile & Running Events

If you are building your profile, running workshops, exhibitions, art retreats or residencies, a content plan keeps you focused.

It helps you share your ideas, news and updates in a clear and planned way, rather than posting or writing in a rush.

A good content plan covers blog posts, email newsletters and social media updates, so all your platforms work well together.

Clarity and Focus with a Content Plan

Without a plan, it’s easy to sit in front of a blank screen not knowing what to post or write about next.

A content plan takes away that yukky feeling and replaces it with structure, focus and peace of mind.

It helps you see what’s coming up and prepare your words, images or videos well in advance.

What to Build Your Content Plan Around

You can build your content around exhibitions, events, launches, workshops, new collections or open studios.

It allows you to group your ideas and themes, so your audience understands your message and what you stand for.

Content plans make life easier because they remove the need to come up with ideas on the spot.

Thoughtful Rather Than Rushed

When you know what’s planned, you can create content that feels thoughtful, not rushed or random.

If you are running an art retreat or a residency, your plan can include teasers, behind-the-scenes glimpses and booking reminders.

If you are a society or group, your plan can feature calls for members, event updates, results or news from the community.

Blog posts, email newsletters and social media are all stronger when they link together as part of one clear plan.

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A Content Plan Gives You Direction

A content plan also shows you what you’ve done and what still needs to be created or shared.

It keeps you on track and ensures you cover everything you want to say to your audience.

When things get busy with making, teaching or exhibiting, your plan stops your content from being forgotten.

Maintaining a Presence with Your Content Plan

It helps you maintain a presence and stay in touch with people even when studio life takes over.

For any artist or art group that wants to grow, connect and communicate well, a content plan is essential.

It turns confusion and stress into clarity, ease and confidence in your creative business or community.

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

A content plan helps you make the most of every opportunity, from exhibitions and workshops to online shops and your artist profile.

When you take part in exhibitions or open studios, your content plan reminds you to share dates, times, locations and behind-the-scenes updates.

You can plan social media posts showing your process, your artwork being prepared, and a countdown to the big event.

After the exhibition, your plan can include a follow-up blog post, thanking visitors and sharing photos or reviews from the event.

If you run art retreats or workshops, your content plan helps you promote these in plenty of time to fill spaces.

You can schedule teaser posts, booking reminders, testimonials from past attendees and posts showing materials or the venue.

The Power in Planning

A well-planned newsletter can share retreat and markets dates or special offers with your subscribers before anyone else hears about them.

If you collaborate with charities, your content plan helps you raise awareness, share fundraising targets and encourage your audience to get involved.

You can plan posts introducing the charity, explaining why you support it, and showing the difference your work is making.

Your plan can also include blog posts or video updates about the charity collaboration and its impact on the community.

Include Your Online Stores in Your Content Plan

A content plan is also helpful if you sell on platforms like Bluethumb, Etsy, Redbubble or Spoonflower.

You can schedule posts to show new products, share shop updates or highlight bestsellers at regular intervals.

Your plan might include a blog post about how you create designs for these platforms or the story behind a popular product.

For Spoonflower, you could plan content showing your fabric designs in real life, made into cushions, curtains or clothes.

If you’re on Patreon, your content plan can help you promote exclusive content and encourage new supporters to join.

Behind-The-Scenes Posts in Your Content Plan

You can schedule posts that highlight behind-the-scenes videos, member-only tutorials or early access to new work.

A content plan also keeps you focused on growing your artist profile across platforms, not just selling.

You can plan regular introductions, updates on your creative journey, and posts about your inspirations or daily studio life.

Building Trust, Connection & Interest with Your Content Plan

This builds trust, connection and interest in your work, whether you are selling, teaching or exhibiting.

With a clear content plan, you can link to past blog posts, stories or videos on each of these topics.

This keeps your audience engaged, informed and inspired, without you having to scramble for ideas at the last minute.

Clarity and Structure with Your Content Plan

A content plan gives you clarity, structure and confidence when sharing your creative work, whether online, in person or within your community.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series on content planning for artists, makers, art groups and societies.

We’ve explored why a content plan matters and how it helps you promote exhibitions, workshops, retreats, events, online shops and your artist profile.

A good plan lets you link your content across blog posts, email newsletters, social media and more, keeping your message clear and consistent.

It takes away the stress of last-minute ideas and replaces it with ease, focus and thoughtful communication.

Whether you’re hosting an open studio, running an Etsy shop, teaching workshops or growing your Patreon, a content plan keeps you on track.

Part 2 will show you exactly how to create your own simple, flexible content plan that fits your creative practice perfectly. You’ll need to login for this very practical Members Only story.

You’ll be able to plan, share and promote your work with confidence, clarity and joy.

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