As content demands grow, so does the need for better systems. A content planner, along with content planning tools, helps you stay organized, hit deadlines, and create content that actually performs.
About 4 out of 5 marketers (82%) put money into content marketing, which shows how important it has become in today’s marketing plans.
Enter content planning tools, your ultimate solution to staying organized, saving time, and improving the quality of your output. These tools simplify content workflows, streamline collaboration, and ensure your marketing efforts align with business goals. Whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a large marketing team, the right tools can elevate your content game.
In this article, we’ll explain how content planning tools can help you, which ones you should use, and how to create your ideal content planning tool stack.
What are content planning tools?
Content planning tools are software solutions designed to help businesses and individuals organize, schedule, and manage content. They provide a centralized platform to oversee every aspect of the content lifecycle, from brainstorming ideas to publishing and performance tracking.
Here’s how they can help you:
- Work faster: These tools cut down on repeating the same tasks over and over, saving you time.
- Stay consistent: They help keep your writing voice, style, and quality the same no matter where you publish.
- Work better together: Your team can talk, share feedback, and collaborate without hassle.
- Keep on target: The tools make sure your content supports what you want to achieve with your marketing and business goals.
Without a reliable content planning tool, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by scattered ideas, missed deadlines, and inconsistent messaging, which can negatively impact your content marketing efforts .
The best content planning tools to try out: Our top 10
There are so many content-related tools on the market – how to make a pick?
Before getting overwhelmed, consider these five tool categories every marketing team needs:
- Task management and editorial calendar tools – Keep your team organized by assigning tasks, tracking deadlines, and visually planning content schedules, ensuring smooth workflows and consistent publishing. A good example would be a calendar plugin for WordPress.
- Social media management tools – Simplify the process of scheduling, publishing, and analyzing content across multiple social platforms, saving time and ensuring consistency.
- Collaboration and approval tools – Facilitate seamless team communication, feedback, and content approvals, ensuring alignment and reducing delays in the production process.
- Tools for SEO, analysis, and optimization – Provide data-driven insights to improve content visibility, track performance, and ensure your strategy aligns with audience search intent.
- Design and visual asset management tools – Help create, store, and organize high-quality visuals, ensuring your content is engaging, on-brand, and visually appealing to your audience.
We tested a wide range of content planning tools to find the ones that actually make your workflow easier, not harder. We looked at how each tool helps with organizing ideas, scheduling content, collaborating with teams, and staying consistent. Some tools were too clunky or overpriced for what they offered, while others lacked essential features like post calendar views or integrations. After trying dozens of options, we narrowed it down to the 10 tools that really stand out for content creators, multiple content marketers, and small teams who want to stay on top of their content marketing game.
Check out our website content plan template
Top 10 content marketing planning tools – comparison table
| Tool | Best For | Key Features | Free Plan | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strive Calendar | WordPress editorial calendar | Drag-and-drop calendar, blog post checklists | No | $7/month |
| Trello | Simple team task planning | Boards, lists, cards, automation with Butler | Yes | $5/user/month |
| Hootsuite | Social media planning | Auto-scheduling, social inbox, analytics | No | $99/month |
| Loomly | Social media collaboration | Content calendar, post ideas, approval workflow | Yes (limited) | $42/month |
| Slack | Team communication | Multiple Channels, integrations, file sharing | Yes | $7.25/user/month |
| Google Workspace | Collaborative content creation process | Docs, Sheets, Calendar, real-time editing | Yes (basic) | $6/user/month |
| Notion | All-in-one content hub | Databases, templates, Kanban boards, calendars | Yes | $8/user/month |
| Ahrefs | SEO and content research | Keyword research, site audit, competitor analysis | No | $99/month |
| Canva | Visual content planning | Drag-and-drop design, templates, brand kits | Yes | $12.99/month |
| BuzzSumo | Content ideation and analysis | Trending topics, competitor insights, backlinks | Yes (limited) | $119/month |
Now, let’s assess examples of these tools and their use cases.
Task management and editorial calendar tools for easy content planning
1. Strive Calendar: a WordPress content calendar plugin for blogs
Strive Calendar is a WordPress editorial blog calendar plugin that integrates seamlessly into your WordPress dashboard, providing a clear and intuitive way to manage your content workflow. Designed for bloggers, marketers, and content creators, it helps you schedule, track, and organize your content production directly within WordPress. This tool is ideal for simplifying your editorial processes, ensuring deadlines are met, and maintaining consistency in publishing and your blog content strategy.
Strive Calendar helps with content planning by giving you a visual representation of your schedule, making it easier to identify gaps or overlaps. Its built-in posting checklists ensure that no essential steps are missed, keeping your content production smooth and efficient.
Essential features:
- Drag-and-drop functionality for easy rescheduling.
- Post checklists to ensure all tasks are completed before publishing.
- Content statuses to track progress (e.g., Draft, Published).
- Integration with WordPress for direct access to your posts.
2. Trello: a kanban-based tool for visualizing tasks and workflows
Trello is a visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize and manage their workflows. It’s a flexible and user-friendly platform perfect for content creators who need to keep track of multiple tasks, deadlines, and projects. Whether you’re brainstorming content ideas or assigning tasks, Trello’s Kanban-based approach makes the entire process intuitive and streamlined.
Trello simplifies content planning by providing a clear, visual workflow that ensures everyone knows what needs to be done and when. Its customization options let you adapt the tool to your specific content pipeline, making task prioritization and tracking effortless.
Essential features:
- Customizable boards and lists for different projects or content stages.
- Drag-and-drop cards to update task statuses.
- Integration with apps like Slack, Google Drive, and Calendar.
- Collaboration tools, including comments, attachments, and due dates.
Content marketing planning tools for social media platforms management
3. Hootsuite: a social media management tool for scheduling and publishing posts
Hootsuite is a comprehensive social media channels management platform that allows you to manage multiple accounts from one centralized dashboard. With features for scheduling posts, tracking engagement, and analyzing performance, Hootsuite is a go-to tool for businesses looking to maintain an active and organized social media presence. It’s particularly useful for teams managing multiple campaigns across various platforms.
Hootsuite helps streamline your content planning by enabling you to schedule posts in advance, ensuring consistent and timely publishing. Its analytics features allow you to track performance, making it easier to refine and optimize your strategy over time.
Essential features:
- Bulk scheduling for multiple posts across platforms.
- Social listening tools to monitor brand mentions and trends.
- Analytics and reporting to measure the content performance.
- Integration with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
4. Loomly: a social media management platform
Loomly is a social media content creation planning and collaboration platform designed to simplify the process of creating, scheduling, and optimizing posts. Its user-friendly interface and content calendar make it an excellent choice for teams managing numerous social media accounts looking to maintain a cohesive social media strategy. Loomly is especially valuable for generating post ideas and streamlining the approval process, ensuring that your campaigns are aligned with your brand voice.
Loomly supports content planning by offering a structured calendar view for organizing posts and suggesting ideas based on trends. Its approval workflows and analytics ensure that content is not only well-prepared but also strategically impactful.
Essential features:
- Post suggestions based on trending topics and best practices.
- A calendar view for scheduling and organizing posts.
- Workflow approvals to streamline team collaboration.
- Performance tracking and analytics for ongoing improvement.
Content organization tools for collaboration and approval
5. Slack: a communication tool for team collaboration and feedback
Slack is a real-time messaging platform designed to facilitate team collaboration and streamline communication. It allows teams to create dedicated channels for specific projects or topics, ensuring discussions are organized and accessible. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, sharing updates, or providing feedback, Slack keeps everyone on the same page.
Slack enables instant communication and quick decision-making, reducing delays. Its integration with tools like Google Drive and Trello ensures that all content-related discussions and resources are centralized for easy access.
Essential features:
- Dedicated channels for focused discussions.
- File sharing for easy collaboration on drafts or visuals.
- Integrations with task management and calendar tools.
- Searchable archives to quickly revisit past conversations.
6. Google Workspace: a complete suite of work tools for content teams
Google Workspace is a suite of productivity tools, including Docs, Sheets, and Drive, that enables seamless collaboration and approval workflows. With real-time editing and commenting features, it allows teams to collaborate on content drafts and share feedback efficiently. It’s particularly useful for distributed teams working on shared projects.
Google Workspace offers cloud-based tools for drafting, reviewing, and approving content. The ability to work collaboratively in real time ensures that feedback is incorporated quickly, keeping the content production process on track.
Essential features:
- Real-time editing and commenting in Google Docs.
- Cloud storage and sharing via Google Drive.
- Collaborative spreadsheets in Google Sheets for tracking content schedules.
- Integration with tools like Slack and Asana for streamlined workflows.
7. Notion: a project management tool for collaboration and approval
Notion is an all-in-one project management and collaboration tool that combines note-taking, task management, and database functionality. It’s highly customizable, allowing teams to create shared workspaces tailored to their content planning needs. From tracking ideas to managing approval workflows, Notion is a versatile tool for content teams.
Notion supports content planning by centralizing tasks, feedback, and resources in one place. Its flexible templates and databases make it easy to organize content calendars, assign tasks, and track progress while ensuring everyone is aligned.
Essential features:
- Customizable templates for content calendars and workflows.
- Shared workspaces for collaborative brainstorming and planning.
- Integration with external tools like Slack and Google Drive.
- Kanban boards for visualizing project stages.
Analyzing and optimizing content with content planning tools
8. Ahrefs: a content analysis tool for keyword research and SEO optimization
Ahrefs is a powerful SEO tool designed for keyword research, backlink analysis, and content optimization. It helps content creators understand what their audience is searching for and provides actionable insights to improve search rankings and visibility. Ahrefs is particularly useful for identifying content gaps and opportunities in your niche.
Ahrefs facilitates content planning by offering data-driven insights into what works in your industry. Its keyword research tools help you target the right topics, while its site audit features ensure your content is optimized for search engines.
Essential features:
- Keyword research to identify high-volume, low-competition terms.
- Content gap analysis to uncover opportunities in your niche.
- Backlink tracking to monitor your site’s authority.
- Site audits to identify and fix SEO issues.
Design and asset management tools for content creation
9. Canva: a graphic design tool for creating visual content
Canva is an intuitive graphic design tool that empowers users to create stunning visuals, even without prior design experience. It offers a drag-and-drop interface and a library of templates, making it easy to produce social media graphics, presentations, infographics, and more.
Canva simplifies content planning by providing customizable templates for social media posts and various content types, ensuring that visuals are consistent and align with your brand. Its collaborative features also allow teams to work together on designs, streamlining the creative process.
Essential features:
- Drag-and-drop editor for effortless design.
- A vast library of templates, stock photos, and illustrations.
- Brand kits to maintain consistency across visuals.
- Collaboration tools for sharing and editing designs in real time.
Content research tools for content planning
10. BuzzSumo: a research tool for identifying popular content and trends
BuzzSumo is a powerful content research tool that identifies popular content and trends across social platforms and the web. By analyzing the performance of articles, videos, and social posts it helps you understand what your audience engages with the most.
BuzzSumo improves content planning by offering data-driven insights into trending topics and high-performing content in your niche. It allows you to stay ahead of the curve by identifying opportunities to create content that captures your target audience’s interest.
Essential features:
- Trend analysis to discover what’s gaining traction.
- Content performance metrics, including social shares and engagement.
- Influencer identification to find key voices in your industry.
- Keyword alerts to monitor topics and competitors in real time.
How to choose the right content planning tool
What to look for in content planning tools, when there are so many to choose from?
Choosing the right mix of content management tools takes some testing and adjusting before you find something that works well for you. No perfect setup exists – you’ll always find something missing or slightly annoying as you use the tools. What matters is finding a combination that handles most of your needs without causing too many headaches.
Before you start experimenting with content planning tools, you first need to:
1. Consider your content marketing goals, content strategy, and objectives
Your content planning tool should align with your overall marketing strategy. If your primary goal is to increase organic traffic, you’ll need tools that emphasize SEO and performance tracking. For social media marketing campaigns, prioritize tools with scheduling and analytics features.
Example: If you’re running a campaign to boost newsletter sign-ups, look for a tool that integrates email marketing, tracks conversions, and provides content performance insights.
2. Evaluate your team’s size and structure
Your team’s dynamics heavily influence the type of tool you need. Small teams may benefit from all-in-one platforms that cover multiple aspects of content planning, while larger teams often require tools with strong collaboration and task management features.
Example: A solo entrepreneur might prefer an intuitive tool like Strive Calendar, whereas a larger agency might choose Trello or Asana for task delegation and workflow tracking.
3. Consider your budget and pricing options
No matter how amazing a tool seems, it has to fit your budget. Many tools offer tiered pricing based on features or team size, so prioritize tools that deliver the best ROI for your needs.
Example: If you’re a startup with limited funds, free or low-cost tools like Google Workspace or Canva could handle your basics until you’re ready to upgrade.
When you have that cleared up, pay attention to the following:
- Consider the features and pricing of each tool – Look for tools that provide features aligned with your objectives, whether it’s task management, SEO tracking, or social media scheduling. Pricing should match the value and scalability the tool offers.
- Evaluate the user interface and user experience – A tool might have amazing features, but if it’s clunky or hard to navigate, it won’t serve your team well. Look for an intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve and boosts productivity.
- Read reviews and ask for recommendations – Learn from the experiences of others by checking reviews or seeking recommendations from peers in your industry. First-hand insights can help you avoid tools with hidden drawbacks.
- Test the tool with a free trial or demo – Many tools offer free trials or demos that let you explore their features without commitment. Use this opportunity to ensure it meets your expectations and works well with your existing workflow.
Conclusion
Content planning tools will ensure that every piece of content aligns with your strategy and meets your audience’s needs. From improving collaboration among team members, simplifying workflows, to maintaining consistency in tone and quality, content planning tools will let you focus on what matters most: creating impactful, high-quality content.
Ready to simplify your content planning process? Try Strive Calendar for free and experience the power of streamlined scheduling, task management, and post checklists, all within your WordPress dashboard. Take the first step toward better content planning today!
FAQ
Do I really need a content planning tool?
If you’re managing multiple pieces of content, working with a team, or publishing on a regular schedule, a content planning tool can save you a lot of time and help you stay consistent. Even solo creators benefit from having a clear, visual plan.
Which content planning tool is best for beginners?
Strive Calendar is a great pick if you’re just starting out, especially if you use WordPress. It’s simple, visual, and built specifically for bloggers and content creators who want to stay consistent without dealing with a steep learning curve. The drag-and-drop calendar, built-in checklists, and focus on publishing make it easy to plan and manage your posts directly from your WordPress dashboard.
What’s the best tool for social media planning?
If you’re focused on scheduling and managing social content, tools like Hootsuite and Loomly are built specifically for that. They offer calendar views, post previews, analytics, and team collaboration features.
Are free content planning tools good enough?
Yes — depending on your needs. Trello, Notion, and Canva all offer powerful free versions. But if you need more advanced features like SEO research (Ahrefs) or analytics (BuzzSumo), you’ll likely need a paid plan.