Planning a Photoshoot Calendar as an Influencer | Instagram Planning
I’ve published a bunch of posts on making money as an influencer, from pitching brand deals to contracts.
And TODAY, I want to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart.
PLANNING CONTENT.
Last Minute Instagram Shoots
Have you ever had a #PanicPlanningSession, where you realize a big event or holiday is almost here, and you have no content?
BEEN THERE.
I’ve put together an in-depth content calendar for clients, and I wanted to share an overview to help y’all plan your 2020 photoshoots.
Work Backwards
For myself, I’ve found that I need to start with the day I want to post the content, and then I work backwards.
For instance, if I want to publish photos for Mother’s Day in May, then I need to schedule a photoshoot at least 4 weeks before. Here’s the breakdown:
- Mothers Day: May 10
- Start Posting Promotional Content for Mother’s Day: May 1
- Blog Post Written: April 30
- Edited photos back from photographer: April 20 (extra room just in case the photog has an issue)
- Photoshoot: April 14 (ish)
- Book photoshoot: April 1
- Pitching Brands: March 1 (at the latest)
Let’s Stop Being Reactionary
Most folks aren’t even thinking of Mother’s Day in early April or late March — but influencer marketers are!
So, let’s plan our calendars accordingly. Below, I’ve noted when (approximately) you should start thinking about photoshoots, AT THE LATEST.
Me? I’m planning my whole damn year. I’ll slot in sponsorships and sponsored content as necessary!
Note: This calendar is designed for fashion and lifestyle bloggers, but can be helpful for other content creators.
Note: You Should Be Ready to Start Posting When Stores Put Out Product – Not When Consumers Care!!!
Have you noticed that stores put out items for a holiday a month plus in advance? Your feed should reflect the promotional calendar, because you want your audience to know what to buy/do when it occurs to them.
Example: People start thinking about fall fashion in mid to late September. So your content needs to be shot, ready BEFORE then. You should be having shoots for items the same week stores release them.
January
- Reach out to all sponsors from previous year, and let them know you’d love to work together in 2020
- Schedule a Valentine’s Day photoshoot (boudoir, etc). Get the shoot done the 3rd week of Jan at the latest, so you can promo in the 2 weeks leading UP to Valentine’s Day
- The Super Bowl is in February! Are you gonna do content in your favorite team’s jersey? (I’m not at all into sports, but something to consider!)
- Are you planning any trips? Research photographers & bloggers to partner with while you’re living your best travel blogger life!
February
- So, we’ve already got Valentine’s Day locked down. Woohoo!
- This is when we start seeing swimsuits show up in stores, and folks are shopping for spring break. Time to start planning your swimsuit lookbook, to be released in late March.
- This may also be a great time to schedule activewear photos!
March
- If you plan on pitching hotels or attractions for summer travel, start now!
- March 8th: International Women’s Day
- You should have your photoshoot for your swim look book scheduled and done by end of March!
- Want to play a joke on your followers? April 1 is gonna need a bit of planning! ;)
April
- Start planning Mother’s Day Content
- Ramadan and Easter are both in April, FYI
- Spring break extends into April, so maximize that travel content!
- Do you write about college or graduation? Are you going to graduate this year? Book that shoot!
- Find looks for a pride shoot, if applicable to you. (LGBTQ+ folks only, allies sit down.)
May
- Start planning Father’s Day content, if applicable
- PRIDE is en route, so get that content ready to go!
June
- Summer Travel and road trip time!
- Are you going to do any content for July 1 (Canada) or July 4 (USA)?
July
- Time for more swimsuit or summer outfit photos?
- August is a slow month, so scheduling regular OOTD shoots is good!
- Do you include your kids on your feed? Back-to-school shopping time!
August
- Fall fashion is coming. I know. It’s early. Get over it.
- Get those fall fashion pieces and photoshoots scheduled so when Sept 1 hits you can start posting.
September
- HALLOWEEN IS COMING, so book your shoot!
- Spooky fall look book? Pumpkin patch photoshoots FTW
- Start reaching out to sponsors about Black Friday, Cyber Monday & Holiday partnerships
October
- Continue reaching out about Black Friday, Cyber Monday & Holiday
- Start poking around and looking for pieces for glamorous or fun Holiday photoshoots
November
- Shoot Christmas content ASAP
- Get your affiliate lists, gift guides and links going for holiday shopping
December
- Time to plan and shoot your NYE photoshoot!
- Hannukah starts on December 10
Let’s Get to Planning!
Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to learning all of the business stuff that goes into being an influencer?
I totally get that!
More Helpful Info?
I wrote this ebook for $7.99 (available HERE), with alllll of the info I wish I had had when starting out. I cover everything from growing an audience on Instagram as an influencer to how to pitch brands! It’s meant for influencers who are serious about making $$$$!
Click HERE for details!
