Content writing isn’t just about crafting words—it’s also about planning, organizing, and delivering content consistently. Whether you're running a blog, managing a content marketing campaign, or freelancing for multiple clients, you need a reliable system to stay on track.
This is where content planning tools come in. They help writers brainstorm ideas, set deadlines, schedule posts, collaborate with teams, and track content performance. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best content planning tools every writer should consider in 2025.
1. Trello
Trello is a visual task management tool that lets you organize your writing process using boards, lists, and cards.
Features:
Drag-and-drop content planning
Set deadlines and labels
Team collaboration and commenting
Calendar and checklist integrations
Best For: Writers who prefer visual planning and need to manage multiple tasks or clients.
2. Notion
Notion is a powerful all-in-one tool that combines note-taking, content databases, calendars, and kanban boards.
Features:
Create editorial calendars
Link pages, content ideas, and client briefs
Collaborative writing and tracking
Highly customizable layouts
Best For: Writers who want everything—notes, tasks, drafts, and deadlines—in one place.
3. Airtable
Airtable is like a spreadsheet but smarter—it allows you to create content calendars and manage writing workflows visually and functionally.
Features:
Templates for content calendars
Views like grid, gallery, kanban, and calendar
Link records and manage status
Integration with other tools like Slack and Google Drive
Best For: Writers who love data organization and need advanced sorting and filtering.
4. CoSchedule
CoSchedule is specifically designed for content marketing and editorial management.
Features:
Real-time content calendar
Social media and blog post planning
Analytics and marketing integration
Workflow approvals and assignments
Best For: Content teams and bloggers managing full marketing workflows.
5. ClickUp
ClickUp is a flexible project management tool that supports writers and teams with features like docs, tasks, goals, and timelines.
Features:
Assign tasks and set content deadlines
Document content briefs directly inside the tool
Automations and integrations
Real-time collaboration and comments
Best For: Freelance writers and agencies managing multiple projects.
6. Google Sheets + Google Calendar
Sometimes the simplest combo can be the most effective. A Google Sheet paired with Calendar can manage your content plan without any steep learning curve.
Features:
Manual content planning and tracking
Easy sharing and collaboration
Integration with Google Calendar for reminders
Free and accessible on any device
Best For: Beginners or writers with basic planning needs.
Benefits of Using Content Planning Tools
Organize content topics and publishing schedules
Manage deadlines and avoid missed posts
Collaborate with clients and editors
Track content progress from idea to publication
Reduce overwhelm by visualizing workloads
Tips for Effective Content Planning
Start with a monthly or weekly content calendar
Categorize content by type (blogs, guides, social posts)
Set clear deadlines for each stage: research, writing, editing, publishing
Review your calendar weekly and make adjustments
Leave buffer days for revisions and unexpected delays
Final Thoughts
A well-planned content schedule is the backbone of successful writing. Whether you're a solo writer or part of a team, using content planning tools like Trello, Notion, or ClickUp can drastically improve your productivity and reduce stress.
Pick the tool that fits your working style, and watch how it transforms your content writing journey—from chaotic to fully controlled.