In addition to trying various methods for weekly planning, I’ve been trying a few different ways to plan blog posts. For June I used the Mi Goals planner for blog planning.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I purchased the planner myself and all opinions are my own. 

I really like the different layout for the months from the traditional square format of most monthly calendars. I hate writing in short spaces where the blog post extends over multiple lines and it’s difficult to fit everything in.

I can’t stand when calendars split the end boxes of the month into 2 leaving you with not enough room to write anything (not functional at all!)

So I’ve been on the hunt for ‘non-traditional’ monthly calendar layouts  – the monthly planner layout of the Mi Goals planner was the main reason I bought the planner.

Setting up the month

I color coded (of course!). I use the colors I’ve stuck to for the past 6 months or so that have been working well:

• Green = blogging & business blog posts
• Pink = planners
• Purple = social media
• Blue = graphic design blog posts (and video tutorials)
• Orange = products (free and paid)

Related: 6 Ways to color code your planner to increase productivity

I drew a checkbox for when I posted on Instagram and Pinterest. I’d use the MAMBI checklist stamp next time to make planning quicker.

Pen used: Staedtler ball 432M

In addition to color coding I coded by letter as well. I used:

• The letter ‘V’ in a circle if the post had a video. I try and do 1 blog post per week with a video to grow my YouTube channel —> click here to subscribe if you haven’t already!

 

• The letter “R’ in a circle for a review post. I’m a massive planner addict – some women buy clothes and shoes, I buy planners and pens. I try and do 1 review post per week

 

• I started writing ‘Instagram’ and ‘Pinterest’ but it took too long and took up too much space so I switched it to just ‘I’ and ‘P’

Related: Using a planner key and symbols to code your planner (efficient planning methods)

Using the sidebar

In the left sidebar of the planner I used the goal section to put that months goals – most of which relate to growing the blog which then has the flow on effect of increasing revenue.

For the things to do section I only used the top 3 as I don’t have too many blog maintenance tasks. I really like that the top 3 is built into the planner as this is something I always do when making lists.

I used the remaining space to jot down some backup post ideas.

Related: Mi Goals Planners Haul & Review (Planners made in Australia) 

Pros of the Mi Goals Planner:

• The months are clustered together and the weeks are in a separate section – love – I wish more planners did this!
• Bookmark to hold your place
• The book binding actually lays flat – I normally avoid book bound notebooks but was pleasantly surprised that the book does actually stay open without you having to hold it in one hand and write with the other
• Ample space to plan each day
• Top 3 things to do in the checklist of the sidebar
• Large goals section
• Notes & open ended space to use however you please!
• Portable size planner, thin & compact
• Very lightweight – because it doesn’t have spiral binding (weighs about the same as my kindle)

Cons of the Mi Goals Planner:

All of the pens I did pen testing with bled through the planner 🙁

Overall I really like the layout of the Mi Goals planner monthly calendar – it’s very functional and has lots of usable space. The 3 lines for each day of the month is just the right amount of space for blog post planning & social media tracking!

I also used the Mi Goals planner for week 19 of the read about here: Mi Goals Weekly Planner 

Related Posts

• Favorite black pens for planner addicts
• 5 Planner supplies you should never skimp on
• 7 Planner supplies I don’t regret splurging on
• Daily versus weekly planners: which is right for you? 
• What is the best day of the week to plan?

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