How I Actually Create Monthly Content for Clients

Let’s not overcomplicate it. There’s no “ritual,” no crystals, no whispering to the algorithm. Just a straightforward, realistic process that keeps me (and my clients) semi-sane.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Review Last Month’s Metrics

I open the report, I cringe a little, I nod when something worked, and I look for patterns.
What did well? What flopped? What made people comment instead of scroll?

2. Check In on Current Trends (That Actually Fit the Brand)

I scroll TikTok and Reels under the guise of “research.”
I’m not chasing every trend, just the ones that don’t make the brand look like it’s trying too hard.

Think: appropriate audio, timely ideas, format inspiration…not forced meme energy.

I’m also looking at LinkedIn and Pinterest because I have clients on those platforms.

TBH: I’m looking at all apps every weekday. I treat it like my job because that’s what it is. I know it sounds like burnout in the making but I truly enjoy social media and I have a system on how I save ideas and what not for clients so that when it comes time for a “research” scroll, it’s healthy-ish.

3. Ask: What’s Going On in Their Business That Month?

Promotions? Launches? Events? Personal updates?
This is where content meets reality. If they’re hosting a webinar, I’m not posting about National Avocado Day. We’re tying the content to what matters and as always, back to their goals.

4. Audit the Content Library

I look at what assets I actually have to work with.
Photos. Videos. B-Roll. Screenshots. Half-recorded voice memos.
If it’s giving “we need more,” I send a gentle nudge (or desperate plea) for content.

5. Build the Monthly Content Calendar

I map it all out: post types, platforms, ideas, and where each one fits into the bigger strategy.
This is the part where my brain feels powerful. Like I’m playing marketing Tetris.

6. Create the Content

Captions, graphics, templates, visuals.
Everything that makes people stop scrolling and feel something which is ideally curiosity or laughter, depending on each brand's voice, so as not to cause confusion.

7. Write the Copy

This gets its own step because words matter.
I utilize AI to outline, sometimes write, and then I define it to ensure it’s human and on-brand. I know you can “train” AI for that, but I feel like it takes away my writing creativity. 

But if I’m in a pinch with a brand that I can’t write for shit for because it’s a confusing topic, AI for the win.

8. Send to the Client for Approval

I package it up in a way that’s digestible, not overwhelming.

It’s a digital whiteboard that clients can visually see “Here’s what we’re doing and why.” 

I’ve spent YEARS perfecting this and honestly, it’s one of the things my clients love the most (I also get mad props for the onboarding process too.). They can make comments and/or approve very easily.

9. Make Changes (Because There Will Be Changes)

After clients leave notes with feedback, if need be, I’ll go in and tweak it, gently rein them in again for a final approval, and keep us on track.

10. Schedule or Prep for Manual Posting

Some posts get scheduled via Metricool, or if LinkedIn is being an absolute turd, I’ll manually schedule in the app. This will happen when there’s links and/or I need to tag.
I will do some questionable things to avoid using Meta.
I set reminders on my calendar for Reels, Stories, or anything that needs human intervention.

⚙️ Here Are the Tools That Keep It All Running (So I Don’t Melt Down)

I use these daily to create, manage, and keep the client machine humming without breaking my brain:

• Canva – the holy grail of content design. I’m not an Adobe hater, I use it when I need to, but Canva is my absolute go-to.

• Notion – for content calendars, brand voice docs, and asset libraries
  

• Milanote – for visual planning and laying out creative campaigns
  

• Monday.com – for tracking timelines, feedback, and deliverables
  

• Metricool – to schedule, report, and breathe
  

• SEMRush – the MVP for blog strategy, YouTube descriptions, and Pinterest planning
  

• AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) – yes, I use them all like a caffeinated digital army

Thanks to AI + automations, I’ve shaved hours off my workload.

That means more creativity, fewer status emails, and the ability to focus on what I do best: creating content that connects, converts, and doesn’t make me want to scream.

🎯 Final Thoughts (aka, This Isn’t My First Rodeo)

Creating content isn’t magic, it’s truly the systems + timing + knowing what the client will change before they ask.

The goal is not to post more, but to post smarter, stay ahead, and leave room for creativity that doesn’t come from panic.

And yes, I batch. And yes, I drink coffee while doing it. Because without caffeine and good boundaries, none of this would exist.