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How to Create an Editorial Calendar and Be a More Successful Blogger

Want to make your blogging life easier with just one tool? Start using an editorial calendar. Let us show you how to create one.

It takes discipline to run a successful blog. Without something to organize your publishing schedule, it’s easy to waste time wondering what you should write about, and hard to hold yourself accountable for meeting deadlines. With a well-designed content calendar, you can burn less mental energy thinking about your blog, and focus more clearly on your writing. 

The end result? You produce better content with less effort. It’s win-win.

Editorial calendars are easy to set up too, so there’s no excuse not to use one. In this post, we’ll cover the following (and more):

  • How to build one in under five minutes using a simple spreadsheet (with a free template you can copy).
  • How to establish a sustainable posting schedule for your blog.
  • How to generate tons of blog post ideas to keep your calendar full.

Plus, we’ll even get into some advanced tools and tactics you can use to level up your calendar and content planning game. A better blogging future awaits you.

Start your “someday” project today. Build your blog with WordPress.com now.

What’s the purpose of an editorial calendar?

An editorial calendar is a visual schedule of the content you will publish on your blog (or other channels). They document the topics you will cover, when you’ll publish each piece, and other important information. Typically, they are created using spreadsheets or dedicated software.

Bloggers and marketers have borrowed the concept of an editorial calendar from the journalism world, where writers and editors have been using calendars to keep organized for decades. No matter what type of content creator you are, you can benefit from using such a calendar too.

Why should you really use an editorial calendar?

The obvious reason to use a calendar is to get organized. But why does getting organized matter and how does that translate into being a more successful blogger? Here are a few ways that getting more organized is directly connected to better blogging results.

Destress your blogging life

Developing a consistent writing practice is challenging. Knowing what you will work on, before you sit down to write, can help you spend less time wondering what to write so you can focus on the words. If writing is less stressful and more satisfying, you’ll be more likely to stick with it. 

Produce writing that you’re proud to publish

You’re more likely to produce writing you’re happy with if you aren’t mentally overwhelmed. Anything you can do to get control over your blog (whether by planning ahead, writing clear outlines, or anything else that helps you get organized) will help make you more successful.

Get better results from your blogging efforts

It’s easy to think that becoming a successful blogger is all about creativity. While creativity is important, the real foundation for success might actually be having strong processes in place. An editorial calendar can form the foundation for your blogging workflow, helping you plan what you will publish in advance, so you can flex your creativity without worrying about distractions. 

How to create an editorial calendar in five minutes

There are many different tools you can use to create your calendar. Let’s start by building one with Google Sheets (though you can use any spreadsheet or similar tool you’d like, such as Airtable, Clickup, or Excel). 

Create a new spreadsheet and add your top row

First, create a new spreadsheet, and add a top row with the following labels:

  1. Date
  2. Topic
  3. Category (these should match your blog categories)
  4. Status
  5. Author (if your blog will have more than one author)
  6. Published Link

It should look something like this:

Adding headings to the editorial calendar.

Add rows for months under column A

Next, add some placeholder dates and columns for future months. This will help keep your calendar organized as the year progresses:

Add rows for months to the editorial calendar.

Add a dropdown selector under the Status column

If you’re using Google Sheets, click Insert, then click Dropdown. This is how we’ll add status selector options that will make it easy to see the progress you’re making on each post:

Adding a publishing status dropdown selector to the editorial calendar.

Add basic labels that outline your writing process. At a minimum, include Not Started, In Progress, and Published. You could also consider adding steps for Editing, Graphic Design (if you’ll be creating visual assets for your posts), or any other steps that may be specific to your workflow. Use the color selectors to color-code each status too:

Adding status labels to the editorial calendar.

Then, click the blue circle on the lower right corner of the cell, and drag it down to add the dropdown to each cell. Copy and paste works as well:

Click and drag to add the status selector to more cells.

Start adding some ideas

Now you’re ready to start adding topics to your calendar. Here’s how things might look once you have a handful of post ideas lined up:

Adding ideas to the editorial calendar.

Or you can download this template

You can also use the button below to find a finished version of this editorial calendar template. Click the button, then click File > Make a Copy to create your own version:

Screenshot of our free editorial calendar template.

Leveling up your calendar

Creating your calendar with a spreadsheet is the easiest way to get started. They are simple to set up and can be customized to suit your needs.

However, there are many more options for editorial calendar tools you can choose from. Let’s look at some options you can consider when you’re ready to upgrade from your spreadsheet.

Trello

Trello is a simple Kanban board-style project management tool. They offer a free plan and a couple different editorial calendar templates that can help you get set up in a few clicks. It’s used by publications like Wired and offers a lot of task management capabilities that you aren’t going to get with a spreadsheet. 

Screenshot of using Trello as an editorial calendar.
Source: Trello

Asana

Similar to Trello, Asana is another projectment management tool that can be used to create an editorial calendar. It’s a bit more robust than Trello but with a slightly higher learning curve. Their free plan offers all the capabilities that bloggers should need to manage your calendar and tasks.

Screenshot of using Asana as an editorial calendar.
Source: Asana

Edit Flow

Edit Flow is a long-running WordPress plugin for managing your editorial calendar and workflow directly within WordPress. It’s free, full-featured, and easy to use. As a WordPress.com user, you’ll need to choose a plugin-enabled plan to install it (Business and above):

Screenshot of using Edit Flow as an editorial calendar.
Source: Edit Flow

Editorial Calendar

Here is another WordPress plugin option, appropriately titled Editorial Calendar. This plugin is actively maintained and free to use. If you’re on a plugin-enabled WordPress.com plan, you can install it now here:

CoSchedule

CoSchedule’s Content Calendar offers a beautiful editorial calendar option that’s packed with powerful automation features so you can schedule all your blog publishing and social promotion in one tool. They also have a WordPress plugin available. Their free and lower-tier plans are suitable for bloggers, while their more advanced packages are built for marketing teams. 

Screenshot of using CoSchedule as an editorial calendar.

Establishing your publishing cadence

There is no right answer to how often you should post on your blog. With that said, sticking to a schedule will help you publish regularly, build discipline, and be a more successful blogger.

Determine how often you’ll publish

If there is a recommendation we can offer for determining how often to post, it’s this: you should publish as often as you have something worth sharing on your blog.

That’s not a very specific recommendation though. If you’re looking for some structure to follow, set a goal to publish one article in your first month. Continue adding another post each week, until you’re publishing something at least once a week. 

There’s no science behind this. When you’re trying something new, starting small and working your way up can be a good way to build endurance, without immediately burning out.

Example of a basic blog publishing schedule
Month 1Publish one post by the end of the month.
Month 2Publish one post every two weeks.
Month 3Publish one post every week and a half.
Month 4Publish one post every week.

Determine what days you’ll publish on

From a technical standpoint, there are no specific days that are best for publishing blog posts. 

With that said, publishing on specific days can help you develop discipline and hold yourself accountable. It can also help set expectations for readers, who may wonder when they should expect new content from you, especially if they subscribe to your blog via email.  

Here are some general guidelines to help you choose which days to publish:

  • Web traffic is generally highest early in the week. It starts to decline on Fridays, and is lower on weekends. This is supported by Wise Owl Marketing; the author of this post has been blogging weekly since 2007. 
  • If you have email subscribers to your blog, consider publishing in the morning, so you can start the day at the top of your reader’s inbox.
  • Consider your own schedule and when it’s easiest for you to regularly write and publish.

How to keep your editorial calendar full, all year long

No matter which tool you use to build your calendar, you’ll need content ideas to keep it full. Let’s look at some reliable methods and processes you can follow to make sure you never run out of things to write about. 

Write what you’re most passionate about 

If you’re starting a blog, it’s likely you have something to say. Are there any burning issues you can’t wait to write about? Ideas that you’re desperate to share with the world? Stories that can’t wait to be told? Add them to your calendar and turn them into reality.

Brainstorm a month of blog post ideas in 30 minutes

Whenever I’m asked about blog post ideation, I always recommend this process. It’s one I picked up from a previous employer, and it’s time-tested because it works. Follow these steps:

  1. Spend 10 minutes writing down as many ideas as you can. Don’t think about them too hard. Just get them written down, either in a doc, or on Post It notes.
  2. Spend 10 minutes scoring each idea a 3, 2, or 1. 3’s are your best ideas, 2’s are ideas that need some work, and 1’s are duds. You will have ideas in all three buckets.
  3. Spend 10 minutes sorting through your 3’s and add them to your calendar. These are your very best ideas, that you feel most strongly about.

Now, in just half an hour, you should have enough ideas to write about for at least a month. 

See what people are talking about on Reddit

Find relevant sub-Reddits to the topics you write about and gather ideas. This guide from Better Web Movement has some tips on how to find subreddits that are relevant to your niche. Even better, be an active participant in Reddit communities that are relevant to the things you write about (though you’re probably doing this anyway if you’re passionate about what you cover).

Use an RSS reader to follow other blogs and publications

It’s safe to assume you follow publications and other blogs that are relevant to you on social media. If you’re not using an RSS feed to keep up with your industry or community too though, you might miss out on important stories or articles that could spark your own inspiration. RSS is great because it’s less noisy than social media; you just see the latest articles, without distractions.

Here are some options for RSS and news reader apps you can try:

  • Feedly: A popular option for a basic RSS feed reader.
  • Inoreader: Another great option for a basic RSS feed reader.
  • Flipboard: Magazine-style news reader app.
  • WordPress Reader: Built into your WordPress.com website. It follows all WordPress.com blogs and self-hosted WordPress sites that use Jetpack.
Screenshot of the WordPress Reader.

Use SparkToro to learn about your audience’s interests

SparkToro is an advanced tool used by marketers to conduct audience research. Even if you’re not a marketer, and can only afford their free account, it’s still useful for gathering insight about where your audience spends time online and what they might want to read about.

Screenshot of Sparktoro.

Conduct keyword research to uncover popular search topics

Google processes over eight billion searches per day. At least a few of those clicks should go to your site, right? If you blog about evergreen topics (meaning topics that are always relevant and not time-sensitive), then paying attention to SEO and keyword research is essential. 

Here are a few basic keyword research tools you can use that will help you find the terms people search when they’re looking for information about the topics you cover:

Google Keyword Planner

Google’s free keyword research tool shows how often keywords trigger ads to appear in search results. It can be useful for SEO too, helping you understand how often potential readers search for specific information:

Screenshot of Google's keyword planner.

Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator

Ahrefs is a professional SEO tool that’s built primarily for marketers. Their free Keyword Generator tool is useful for bloggers to gather a quick list of basic ideas:

Screenshot of Ahrefs' free keyword generator tool.

Answer the Public

Answer The Public makes it easy to enter a keyword or two, and then generate a large list of questions people ask related to that topic. It’s a quick way to turn one idea into dozens or hundreds of ideas:

Screenshot from Answer the Public.

Some common questions people ask about editorial calendars

Before we go, let’s go over a few final questions you might still have (or didn’t know to ask). 

Is there a difference between an editorial calendar and a content calendar?

The short answer is no. The longer answer is that people sometimes use these terms in very slightly different contexts. When people say “editorial calendar” they’re often referring to blogging or news publishing, while the term “content calendar” is sometimes meant to include social media, video, and other content formats. Functionally though? They’re the same thing.

Is an editorial calendar the same thing as a content strategy?

An editorial calendar documents what content you will publish. A content strategy is much more complex and encompasses an overarching plan for the who, what, why, and where of all things content on a given website. An editorial calendar might visualize the execution of your strategy, but it’s not a strategy by itself.

How far in advance should you plan your calendar?

This is another area where there are no rules. Having at least three months worth of ideas will ensure you’re never wondering what you should write about. If you can reach a point where you have two to six weeks worth of content written and scheduled in advance, you’re in great shape. 

If you can’t reach that level though, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. In fact, if your blog is focused on covering news or events as they happen (such as a sports blog or local news site), then planning too far ahead might not be possible or even desirable. This is a good reminder that not all blogging advice applies to everyone equally (not even the advice in this post). So, if something sounds like it’s not applicable to you, don’t worry about it.

Your blog + an editorial calendar = success

You now have the knowledge and tools to plan and organize your blog content like an expert editor. Your stress-free future of blogging success awaits!

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How to Quickly Write a Blog Post Outline (Template)

Imagine you’re sitting in your favorite coffee shop. Your latte is hot, your laptop is open, and you’re ready to write your next brilliant blog post. Where others see a blank page, you see a limitless sea of possibility, waiting to be filled with your persuasive prose and captivating copy.

You start tapping away at the keys, sipping your coffee, thrilled with your progress.

Then you try reading what you’ve written and realize it’s hard to follow. In fact, you’re not exactly sure what you’re even trying to say. If you’re confused, your readers will be confused too. The awesome article you hoped to write is turning into a mess.

Where did you go wrong? You started writing without creating an outline first.

It’s an easy mistake to make. Fortunately, it’s also a mistake you never need to make again. We’re going to show you how to create effective blog post outlines that will help you write better articles more quickly. Plus, we’ll give you a copy-and-paste template to make the task even easier.


Table of Contents:

  1. The essential elements of an effective outline
  2. Step 1: Figure out your topic
  3. Step 2: Figure out your angle
  4. Step 3: Determine the format for your post
  5. Step 4: Figure out the main points of your post
  6. Step 5: Nail down the specific subpoints you’ll make in each section
  7. Step 6: Think about your conclusion
  8. Step 7: Review the structure of your outline
  9. An example blog post outline you can follow
  10. Use this copy and paste template
  11. When should you write an outline?
    1. Does it ever make sense to skip an outline?
  12. Now you’re ready to make your writing life easier

The essential elements of an effective outline

Blog post outlines are simple documents that describe the angle and structure of your article. They make it easier to write clearly and efficiently while staying focused on your topic. At a minimum, a good outline should include the following items:

  • Your topic: What are you writing about?
  • Your angle: What’s your perspective on that topic?
  • Your structure: What specific points will you make to support your angle?

You can also include working titles, though some writers prefer to write headlines after their post is finished. This helps make sure your selected headline actually fits the finished article.

Different writers have different approaches to creating outlines. Steal this process to get started, then feel free to adapt it to fit your own needs.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Step 1: Figure out your topic

Get specific with what you want to write about.

Let’s say you want to write about your most recent vacation. You had an awesome time and you’re sure your readers want to hear about it. But rather than summarizing the entire trip, you want to share a story about something specific. You could start narrowing down your topic by asking:

  • Where did you go?
  • Why did you go there?
  • When did you visit?
  • How did you travel there?
  • What did you do at your destination?

These are simple questions but there is a purpose to this exercise. I’ll share some example answers from an actual vacation my wife and I went on:

  1. Where: Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine.
  2. Why: To see the fall colors, to see a state we’ve never been to before, and to see where the sun first rises in the United States.
  3. When: In the fall (to see those leaves along the mountainside turning colors).
  4. How: Plane and two rental cars (the first car got hit by a semi-truck).
  5. What we did: All kinds of stuff! Hiking, climbing, catching lobsters in a net, and more.

From this simple list, you can see there are a ton of topics I could write about. What happens when you get into a vehicular accident with a rental car on vacation (and how did we survive)? What’s it like taking a tour on a lobster boat? What does it look like when the leaves hit peak fall colors in New England?

Suddenly, our blog post about a vacation just got a lot more interesting, and it might actually turn into multiple different blog posts on specific topics that people might enjoy. By asking yourself the five W’s (what, when, where, why, and the honorary 5th W, how), you can break down any broad topic into more specific points too.

If you need a spark of inspiration, here’s over 100 ideas for blog posts you can borrow.

Step 2: Figure out your angle

Anyone can copy content they’ve found through Google but not everyone can bring a unique perspective to their topic. That’s where developing an angle for your blog post comes in.

An angle is the intersection of your topic and your perspective. It’s part of what blog post introductions are intended to establish, helping the reader to understand not only what they’re about to read, but why they should care about it in the first place.

For example, to continue with the vacation example from the previous section, let’s say our blog post is about Acadia National Park. Some good angles might include:

  • Why is Acadia National Park the best place to see the fall colors in New England?
  • What do you wish you knew before tackling the toughest trails in the park?
  • Where is the best destination to find a lobster roll near the park?

These angles not only address the topic but also the perspective. Instead of dry facts and information, they give the reader an incentive to care, and they’ll be more likely to click, read, and stick around the blog. That’s the power of having an angle.

Step 3: Determine the format for your post

Different topics will lend themselves more easily to different formats. Here are some types of posts you could consider and when each one might make the most sense for your article:

Type of blog postBest suited for these types of topicsExample headline
How-toInstructional guide on completing a task or learning a skill.How to Get Started With Mountain Climbing
What-isAn extended definition of a term or topic.What is the Most Difficult Mountain to Climb?
Why-isAnswering a question that people commonly ask (or perhaps don’t ask often enough).Why is [PRODUCT] the Best Option for [TASK] When Mountain Climbing?
WhenInforming readers about what to do in a given set of circumstances.When Should You Avoid Mountain Climbing If You’re Unsure About the Weather?
EssayWriting about a personal experience.What I Learned From Climbing a Mountain
ReviewCovering a product you’ve used or want to recommend.Why I Recommend [PRODUCT] for Mountain Climbing 
ListRounding up your favorite things or options within a category or topic.10 Things You Should Know Before Mountain Climbing
ComparisonStacking two products or options against one another.[MOUNTAIN A] vs. [MOUNTAIN B]: Which One Should Beginners Climb First?
InterviewSharing a Q&A with an individual or a feature article based on an interview.A Conversation With a Famous Mountain Climber
Feature ArticleDeep dive into an interesting story based on interviews and research.The Interesting Story About the World’s Best Mountain Climber

There are more types of blog posts that could consider writing, but these are some ideas for common formats that you might choose. What matters most is that you understand which one you are writing before you begin, rather than getting too deep into your post, and realizing that you need to change direction after you have already spent time working on a draft.

If you do decide to pivot or start over, that’s okay too. This process is only meant to avoid that from happening, but there’s no shame in changing your mind.

Step 4: Figure out the main points of your post

One blog post isn’t enough to cover everything about our vacation, so we’ve narrowed down one specific topic. We’ve also narrowed down an angle that combines our topic with our perspective. Next, we need to identify the main points that our blog post needs to make, in order to follow through on our angle.

In order to construct our outline, we’ll identify three to five points we want to make (you can include as many as you need, but if you have fewer than three main sections in your blog post, you might not need to write an outline).

Going back to our vacation example, let’s say I’m writing about what I wish I knew before hiking in Acadia National Park. Here are some things I might want to cover:

  1. Know your skill level and choose trails accordingly. 
  2. Make sure you have the right footwear for the terrain.
  3. If you’re afraid of scaling rock faces, how can you overcome that fear?
  4. If you only have enough time for a few trails, which ones should you prioritize?
  5. What times are the trails usually the most crowded?

That looks like a solid list. Next, we’ll need to figure out what we’ll say for each of these items.

Step 5: Nail down the specific subpoints you’ll make in each section

Once you have the main points of your blog post mapped out, think about what you’ll say for each one. This can be as simple as two or three bullet points per section.

Let’s take the first item from the list of trail tips in the previous section:

  1. Know your skill level and choose trails accordingly
    1. Some trails will stretch your abilities but some are for experts only
    2. You can get a trail map that will help you find ones you’re comfortable with
    3. Difficult trails sometimes have alternate routes you can take if you get tired

Straightforward stuff, right? Continue with each subsection until you have two or three subpoints for all of them.

Step 6: Think about your conclusion

Generally speaking, a conclusion should wrap up the main points of your blog post, and bring your topic to a resolution. But there may be other details here to consider. Take a moment to think through the following:

  • Is there a specific action I’d like the reader to take after reading the post, such as signing up for emails, making a donation, purchasing a product, or registering for an event?
  • Is there a specific point you really want to drive home before the reader moves on?
  • Are there other similar articles on your blog that you could direct the reader toward (and continue to hold onto their attention)?

It’s okay if the answer to one or all of these questions is “no,” but it’s worth taking the time to be intentional about how you’ll end your post. 

Step 7: Review the structure of your outline

Follow steps one through four, and before you know it, you’ll have a completed outline. Take a moment to read it over and make sure your angle fits your topic and everything flows in a logical order. If it doesn’t, try moving some sections around, and see if it clicks. The time you spend on this now can save you much more time later.

An example blog post outline you can follow

Now, let’s take a look at an example outline you can follow. Here’s what the finished product might look like when it’s all said and done:

  • Headline: Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiking in Acadia National Park
  • Format: List
  • Introduction (angle): Acadia National Park is a great place to hike, but it’s even better when you know what to be prepared for. Here’s my personal experience.
  • Tip 1: Know your skill level and choose trails accordingly
    • Some trails will stretch your abilities but some are for experts only
    • You can get a trail map that will help you find ones you’re comfortable with
    • Difficult trails sometimes have alternate routes you can take if you get tired
  • Tip 2: Bring the Right Footwear
    • Good hiking boots are a must on most trails
    • However, decent sandals may be sufficient for some trails
    • Bring multiple pairs of boots and shoes for different situations
  • Tip 3: Overcome Your Fear of Treacherous Trails
    • Some trails will take you up rocky portions of mountainside on very narrow walkways
    • They are safe as long as you’re careful (just don’t look down)
    • The rewards are worthwhile when you see the views from the top
  • Tip 4: Prioritize Trails to Make the Most of Your Time
    • If you know there are certain types of scenery you want to see the most (mountains, forest, ocean, etc.) choose trails that provide those types of terrain and views
  • Tip 5: Hike at Off-Peak Hours (If Possible)
    • The park is very busy
    • Consider hiking in the early morning or evening to beat the crowds
    • Timing your trip outside of peak vacation season can also help alleviate crowding
  • Conclusion
    • End with a link to the park’s website to find more information

This is a very quick and simple outline but it’s sufficient for demonstration purposes.

Use this copy and paste template

Now that we’ve walked through the entire process of crafting an outline, here is an easy-to-use template that you can copy and paste into a document. You can edit and update this template however you’d like (some suggestions might be to add sample headlines or a brief two or three-sentence section describing your angle):

  • Introduction (what’s the angle of this post?)
  • Type of Post:
  • Main point 1
    • Subpoint 1
    • Subpoint 2
    • Subpoint 3
  • Main point 2
    • Subpoint 1
    • Subpoint 2
    • Subpoint 3
  • Main point 3
    • Subpoint 1
    • Subpoint 2
    • Subpoint 3
  • Conclusion
  • Optional CTA 

When should you write an outline?

If you landed on this article, then odds are you already knew you wanted to write a blog post outline. But you might still have some questions about why we actually take the time to write them in the first place. 

Personally, I know some writers who are meticulous about outlining, and some who skip them entirely. Sometimes you just want to let your consciousness flow onto the page and sometimes that can produce great writing that can’t be planned. I’ve even bounced between being in both camps, sometimes choosing to write outlines, and sometimes choosing to skip them.

So, when does it make sense to put one together, and when can they safely be skipped? Here are some thoughts based on personal experience:

  1. You’re writing a long-form post (approximately 1,000 words or more).
  2. You’re writing about a complex topic that requires a lot of research to accurately cover.
  3. You’re assigning a post to another writer for your blog and need to make sure they understand what you want the post to touch on.

Does it ever make sense to skip an outline?

The point is to clarify your thinking so you can clarify your writing and produce better content more quickly. However, the point is not to follow rules for no reason, and there are times when it may not be necessary to write an outline.

For example, if you’re writing a personal essay for your blog, you might prefer to let your thoughts flow in a more stream of consciousness sort of way. Or if you’re crafting a short news blurb, you could probably write your entire post in the time it’d take to outline it. Use your own judgment, because when it comes to learning what works for you, experience will be your best teacher.

Image of a person writing in a notebook with a pen.
Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

Now you’re ready to make your writing life easier

Writing outlines doesn’t have to take too much time in order to be an effective exercise. Once you get into the habit of writing them before starting on blog posts, and start to see the benefits of doing so, you won’t want to break the habit. Now, go forth and write better blog posts, faster!

Ready to start your own blog? Find out why more bloggers and creators choose WordPress.com. Start your journey here.

Top 4 WordPress Shortcuts to Save You Time and Boost Productivity

While there are no shortcuts to success, there are shortcuts to a more efficient workflow. We may not think about them much, but these keyboard shortcuts have helped millions of people make their daily—even hourly—workflows faster and more efficient. 

Some of our favorite shortcuts at WordPress.com help us bypass menus, create post drafts with a single click, quickly access bulk management options, and effortlessly find useful blocks in the editor. Let’s take a look and see how you can use these same shortcuts right now.

1. Command Palette with ctrl+K (or cmd+K)

First up is the Command Palette—think of it like a Swiss Army knife for your site. 

What It Does: Instead of clicking around menus and hunting for the right setting or page, you can press ctrl+K on Windows or cmd+K on Mac to instantly open a WordPress-specific search bar. From there, you can access pages, posts, settings, and even plugins. It’s your shortcut to just about anything you need in WordPress. The Command Palette is accessible when you are logged into your site and have a Block theme activated. 

How to Use It: Press ctrl+K on Windows or cmd+K on Mac to open the command palette. Start typing what you’re looking for, like “new post” or “theme settings,” and hit enter when the option pops up. Voilà! You’re instantly taken where you need to go.

Productivity Boost: This shortcut is a lifesaver when you’re deep in your workflow and don’t want to break your concentration by clicking through menus. It’s especially useful for developers or site owners juggling multiple tasks.

Example of the Command Palette in use.

2. Quick Post drafts from the toolbar

If you’ve ever been struck by a brilliant idea while browsing your site, you know the frustration of having to navigate to the dashboard to jot it down. Enter the Quick Post Draft shortcut! This lets you start a new post directly from the admin toolbar without breaking your flow.

What It Does: Start drafting a post from anywhere on your WordPress site (while logged in) by clicking the “+ New” icon in the admin toolbar and selecting “New Post.” No more navigating to the dashboard, and no more interruptions.

How to Use It: While logged in, click the “+” icon in the toolbar, select “New Post,” and start typing. That’s it! You’re already in draft mode, ready to get your thoughts down. Simply save the post as a draft for later, or let those creative juices fly right then and there.

Productivity Boost: This is perfect for those moments when inspiration strikes, whether you’re looking at your homepage or checking your latest blog post. Instead of wasting time going to the dashboard and clicking through menus, you’re writing instantly.

Where to find the +New button.

3. Bulk Edit posts, pages, or products

If you’re managing a large WordPress site with a lot of content, you’re probably familiar with the hassle of updating multiple posts or products, one by one. The Bulk Edit feature can save you loads of time by letting you edit several posts, pages, or WooCommerce products all at once.

Note: In order to use the Bulk Edit feature for Posts, ensure you’re using the Classic view. Follow this support guide for more details.

What It Does: You can modify categories, tags, status, author, and more across multiple items in just a few clicks. Whether you’re managing a blog, an eCommerce store, or a portfolio, bulk editing makes site management much faster.

How to Use It: Go to the Posts, Pages, or Products section of your WordPress dashboard. 

Screenshot of the WordPress.com dashboard.

Select the items you want to update using the checkboxes on the left-hand side, choose “Bulk actions,” then select “Edit.” Clickk Apply.

Where to find Bulk Actions.

From there, you can change multiple settings at once, including categories, tags, and visibility.

Screenshot of the Bulk Edit window.

Productivity Boost: This shortcut is a game-changer for anyone managing content-heavy or product-rich sites. You can handle mass updates without touching each individual post or product, making it a must-have for developers, content managers, and site owners.

4. Use / to search for blocks in Gutenberg

If you’re using the Gutenberg block editor, you might have found yourself scrolling endlessly through the block library to find the exact block you need. Well, guess what? You don’t have to! The slash-command (/) lets you search for any block instantly, speeding up your workflow.

What It Does: Typing / followed by the block name (like /image or /heading) pulls up the block you need instantly and without endless scrolling.

How to Use It: While in the Gutenberg editor, type / followed by the name of the block you want to add (e.g., /image or /quote). Select the block from the dropdown, and boom, you’re good to go!

Example of the / search function in use.

Productivity Boost: This shortcut is a massive time-saver for anyone working in the block editor. Whether you’re building complex layouts or writing a blog post, it eliminates the need to manually search for blocks.

Ready to save time with keyboard shortcuts?

There you have it—four simple yet powerful shortcuts that can dramatically improve your WordPress experience. Whether you’re looking to speed up content creation, navigate more efficiently, or manage large batches of posts, these tips will help you work smarter, not harder. 

And remember, WordPress is packed with these kinds of hidden gems, so don’t hesitate to explore and find even more ways to streamline your workflow.

Time is precious—let WordPress help you make the most of it. Looking for a powerful managed WordPress host? Check out WordPress.com’s plans that offer unmatched speed, unstoppable security, and unlimited site visitors.

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