WELCOME
Why we're planning before creating
Before you choose a stock photo, open Canva, write a caption, or create anything, we're going to figure out what you're creating this week and why.
Content creation can feel overwhelming when you're trying to make every decision at once—what to talk about, what to promote, where to post, what the graphic should look like, what to write, and when everything needs to go out.
Today, we're separating the planning from the creating.
And we're not just planning social media posts. We're looking at your marketing as a whole—your emails, blog content, Pinterest, social media, promotions, and the other platforms you use to connect with your audience.
The goal isn't to create more content. It's to create a connected week of marketing where your content works together instead of every platform feeling like another thing you have to feed.
YOUR CONTENT PLANNING SYSTEM
If you're new to the She Bold Stock Content Planning System, don't worry you do not need to learn or complete the entire planner before starting this challenge.
For Day 1, we're keeping things simple. There are only three sections I want you to become familiar with:
LET'S BUILD YOUR PLAN
Work through each step below to create a clear plan for your week of marketing.
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Before deciding what content you're going to create, start with the bigger picture.
Ask yourself:
What do I want my marketing to accomplish this week?
Your goal might be to grow your email list, drive website traffic, promote an offer, nurture your audience, increase visibility, build authority, or increase engagement.
You probably have several things you want to accomplish, but for this challenge, choose just ONE primary goal.
Choosing one gives your marketing a clear direction and makes it easier to decide what content deserves your attention this week.
YOUR ACTION
Choose your ONE main marketing goal for the week and add it to the Main Goal section of your Weekly Planner.
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Now decide what you want your audience to do.
Your goal is what you want to accomplish. Your CTA is the action you're asking your audience to take to help you get there.
For example:
Goal: Grow your email list
CTA: Download your free guideGoal: Generate leads
CTA: Book a discovery callGoal: Sell an offer
CTA: Visit the sales pageYou may use other CTAs throughout the week, but choose one primary CTA to guide your marketing.
YOUR ACTION
Choose your ONE primary CTA and add it to the Primary CTA section of your Weekly Planner.
Then ask:
Does this CTA support the goal I chose in Step 1?
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Now decide what you're going to talk about.
Ask yourself:
What does my audience need to hear, learn, or understand that connects to my goal and CTA?
Your content focus is the main conversation that connects your marketing for the week.
For example, a website designer might choose:
Goal: Generate website design leads
CTA: Book a discovery call
Content Focus: Signs you've outgrown your DIY websiteYou can also reference your Content Pillars, Search + Keywords, or Content Idea Bank if you need help choosing a topic.
Your content focus gives your week direction, not restriction. Every piece doesn't have to say the same thing.
YOUR ACTION
Choose your ONE main content focus and add it to the Weekly Theme section of your Weekly Planner.
Make sure it:
✓ Matters to your audience
✓ Supports your goal
✓ Naturally connects to your CTA -
Now decide what you actually need to create.
You do not need to be everywhere. Choose the marketing channels and content formats that make sense for your business, audience, and available time.
Start with your main content or message, then think about how that idea could show up across the other channels you use.
That might include:
Blog • Email • Pinterest • Social Media • Video • Promotional Content
Before creating something brand new, also check what you already have. An older blog post, email, video, social post, or saved idea may be something you can reuse.
YOUR ACTION
First, choose your Priority Platform for the week.
Then decide which content pieces you're creating and add the following to your Weekly Planner:
Topic/Hook: What is it about?
Purpose: What job does it have?
Format: What are you creating?
CTA: What should someone do next?Leave Asset Needed, Status, and Repurpose Into alone for now. We'll use those later in the challenge.
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You've made the decisions. Now give everything a place in your week.
Look at your actual schedule first. Consider your existing publishing days, promotions, launches, appointments, deadlines, and how much time you realistically have.
Then decide when each piece of content will go out.
Your plan should fit your business and your life, not make you feel behind before you've even started.
Before finalizing your week, ask:
Does this support my main goal?
Does my marketing feel connected?
Is this amount of content realistic?If not, simplify.
YOUR ACTION
Map your planned content into your week.
Once every content piece has a place and the workload feels realistic, your Day 1 plan is complete.
EXAMPLE OF HOW I PLAN MY WEEK
DAY 1 CHECKLIST
Make sure you're ready for Day 2
☐ Choose Your Main Goal
Decide what you want your marketing to accomplish this week.
☐ Choose Your Primary CTA
Decide the main action you want your audience to take.
☐ Choose Your Content Focus
Choose the main topic that will guide your content this week.
☐ Choose Your Content Pieces
Decide what you're creating across your marketing platforms.
☐ Map Out Your Week
Give each content piece a day and platform.
DAY 1 COMPLETE 🎉
You now know what you're creating, why you're creating it, and where it's going. Instead of figuring everything out as you create, you've made the strategic decisions first—giving the rest of your content creation week a clear direction.
Ready for Day 2?
It’s time to find your content resources