Introduction
Creating great content isn’t enough—timing and consistency are key. That’s where a content calendar comes in. But how do you plan a calendar that keeps your audience engaged all year while also jumping on hot trends?
The answer: a smart mix of evergreen and trending content.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to build a well-balanced content calendar using both strategies.
🧱 What Is a Content Calendar?
A content calendar is a monthly or weekly plan that outlines:
What content to publish
When and where to publish it
Who is responsible for creating it
It’s a productivity tool that helps with consistency, content variety, and timely publishing.
🟢 Why Evergreen Content Is Crucial in Your Calendar
Evergreen content works best when planned as foundational pieces in your calendar.
Benefits:
Drives consistent search traffic over time
Requires less frequent updates
Perfect for scheduling in advance
🗓️ Examples to schedule monthly:
“Beginner’s Guide to Content Marketing”
“How to Use Hashtags Effectively”
“Email Marketing Tips That Still Work in 2025”
Tip: Schedule 1–2 evergreen pieces every week.
🔴 Why Trending Content Needs Timely Planning
Trending content gives your calendar flexibility and helps you stay relevant.
Benefits:
Attracts immediate attention
Boosts social shares
Gives your brand a voice in real-time conversations
🗓️ Examples to slot in during high-interest periods:
“Instagram’s New 2025 Update – What You Need to Know”
“Top Trends from CES 2025”
“Google’s Latest Algorithm Changes”
Tip: Keep 20–30% of your calendar flexible for trending content.
📊 Balancing Your Calendar: 70/30 Rule
A good starting point is the 70/30 rule:
| Content Type | % of Calendar | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Evergreen | 70% | SEO, education, long-term value |
| Trending | 30% | Buzz, social engagement, news |
This ratio keeps your traffic steady while allowing for growth through fresh topics.
🛠 Tools to Build Your Calendar
Use tools to automate and manage your schedule efficiently:
Google Sheets or Airtable – Create and share basic calendars
Trello / Notion – Visual task boards and timelines
CoSchedule / Buffer / Hootsuite – Publish and schedule content
Google Trends – Identify upcoming trending topics
AnswerThePublic – Plan evergreen FAQs
📅 Sample Monthly Content Calendar Layout
| Week | Evergreen Topic | Trending Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | SEO Basics for Small Businesses | TikTok's New Business Tools (if released) |
| Week 2 | Building an Email List from Scratch | Instagram Stories Trends for June 2025 |
| Week 3 | How to Write Evergreen Blog Posts | Apple Event Highlights |
| Week 4 | Repurposing Content Efficiently | Google Core Update SEO Tips |
💡 Leave open slots each month for time-sensitive opportunities.
🔄 Keep It Agile
A good calendar isn’t rigid. Here’s how to stay flexible:
Add “placeholder” content blocks for trending topics
Track news in your industry daily
Be ready to swap posts if something major happens
Repurpose old trending posts into evergreen ones
📌 Conclusion
A content calendar isn’t just a time management tool—it’s your strategic weapon for growth.
By using a thoughtful mix of:
Evergreen posts (to stay discoverable year-round), and
Trending topics (to boost short-term traffic),
You build both authority and agility. Over time, this leads to stronger SEO, better engagement, and a more loyal audience.
So get started today—plan smart, publish consistently, and adapt fast.