How To Craft An Unconventional Personal Brand Calendar

How To Craft An Unconventional Personal Brand Calendar

In a digital landscape saturated with content, it’s not enough to merely stand out; you must leap out, grabbing attention with both hands.

Crafting a personal brand content calendar is fundamental for consistent messaging and engagement. However, infusing it with unconventional strategies can be a game-changer. 

Over my four decades of bridging brands with their audiences, I’ve realized that the ordinary seldom makes a lasting impression. But what if we took the usual and gave it an unusual twist?

In this piece, we’ll journey beyond the mundane, exploring how to infuse your content calendar with unexpected yet strategic brilliance.

Contents ...

Why personal brands need an unconventional content calendar

Personal brands, by nature, are deeply intertwined with individuality and uniqueness. In the bustling digital age, where content is omnipresent and attention spans are fleeting, relying on traditional content calendars can render a brand invisible amidst the noise.

An unconventional content calendar acts as the lifeline that personal brands need, offering them an edge in an over-saturated market. Such a calendar isn’t merely about scheduling posts but about crafting narratives that captivate, intrigue, and resonate.

By going against the grain, personal brands can create ripples of change, sparking curiosity and fostering deeper connections with their audience. An unconventional approach is a testament to adaptability, innovation, and the courage to break away from the mold.

For a personal brand to truly flourish and leave an indelible mark, it needs more than just content—it needs a strategy that’s as distinct and dynamic as the individual behind it.

8 unique approaches to your personal brand's content calendar

Leveraging my expertise as a Brand Content Strategist with a flair for the atypical, I have put together for you eight transformative insights to reshape your personal brand’s content calendar.

Venture beyond traditional paradigms and set the groundwork for a distinctive digital presence. Dive in, break the mold, and stand out in a world of sameness.

8 Unique Approaches To Personal Brand Calendars (Infographic)

1. Embrace a theme month concept

Embracing the ‘theme month’ concept is a transformative strategy for personal brands aiming to delve deeper and stand out in a content-saturated digital space. By dedicating an entire month to a singular theme, brands can create an immersive narrative, allowing audiences to journey through various facets of a topic, unraveling its layers with each passing week.

This focused approach not only showcases expertise but also fosters anticipation, as followers keenly await each installment of the month-long saga. Moreover, it provides content creators with a clear direction, minimizing the age-old ‘what to post next’ dilemma.

Whether it’s a month dedicated to sustainability practices, personal growth journeys, or industry-specific insights, the theme month concept ensures continuity, depth, and engagement.

It’s not just about consistent posting; it’s about meaningful storytelling, where every piece of content becomes a chapter in a larger, compelling narrative.

ACTION POINTS

  • Define your theme: Choose a topic that resonates with your personal brand’s values, expertise, and audience interests. This theme should be broad enough to explore in depth over a month but specific enough to provide focused insights.
  • Plan the narrative arc: Break down the month into weekly or even daily segments, ensuring a continuous and logical flow. Think of it as chapters in a book, each leading to the next, providing a comprehensive understanding by month-end.
  • Engage with teasers: Before the month begins, generate excitement by teasing the upcoming theme. Use polls, quizzes, or sneak peeks to involve your audience and build anticipation.
  • Incorporate various content formats: While the theme remains constant, diversify your content formats. Incorporate videos, articles, infographics, podcasts, and interactive sessions to cater to diverse audience preferences while maintaining thematic consistency.
  • Gather feedback and iterate: At month-end, seek feedback from your audience. Understand what resonated, what didn’t, and use these insights to refine future theme months, ensuring they’re even more engaging and impactful.

2. Have user-generated content days

User-generated content days are a groundbreaking approach to fostering community and authenticity in today’s digital landscape. By setting aside specific days to spotlight content created by your audience, you not only celebrate their voices but also cultivate a sense of shared ownership and engagement with your brand.

Such content, whether it’s testimonials, artwork, stories, or insights, inherently carries a raw and genuine undertone, often resonating deeply with peers. It showcases trust, as you amplify their perspectives, and serves as a testament to the close-knit relationship you share with your followers.

Beyond building community, these days can also provide invaluable feedback and fresh perspectives, sometimes uncovering angles or ideas you might have overlooked.

In essence, user-generated content days aren’t just about diversifying your content pool; they’re about collaboration, trust-building, and celebrating the very community that fuels your personal brand’s growth.

ACTION POINTS

  • Announce and set clear guidelines: Inform your audience about the upcoming user-generated content day. Provide clear instructions on content types, formats, submission deadlines, and any themes or topics to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Curate and spotlight: Once submissions roll in, take the time to curate and select pieces that align with your brand’s values and offer unique perspectives. Ensure proper credit is given to the creators when showcasing their work.
  • Engage and appreciate: Actively engage with user-generated content, commenting on, and appreciating the efforts. This reinforces the value you place on your community’s contributions.
  • Use as feedback: Beyond content, treat these submissions as feedback. Understand the pain points, preferences, and sentiments of your audience, refining your content strategy accordingly.
  • Celebrate and reward: Consider instituting rewards or recognition for outstanding contributions. This could be in the form of shoutouts, merchandise, or exclusive opportunities, further incentivizing participation.

3. Create mash-up content formats 

In the age of content overload, standing out requires more than just unique messages—it demands innovative mediums of expression. Enter mash-up content formats, a blend of diverse content types merged into a singular cohesive piece.

Imagine an article seamlessly intertwined with interactive infographics, or a podcast episode punctuated with short video snippets. These hybrids not only capture attention but cater to varied audience consumption preferences, ensuring a broader reach.

By merging formats, you’re not just broadcasting information; you’re crafting an immersive experience. It breaks the monotony, keeps audiences engaged, and often leads to richer, multi-dimensional storytelling.

Moreover, it positions your personal brand as forward-thinking and adaptable, unafraid to venture beyond traditional content boundaries. In essence, mash-up content formats aren’t merely about diversification—they symbolize evolution, ensuring your brand remains relevant and resonant in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

ACTION POINTS

  • Analyze audience preferences: Start by understanding the content formats your audience gravitates towards. Use analytics and feedback to gauge their preferences and consumption habits.
  • Brainstorm complementary formats: Think about which content formats naturally complement each other. For instance, a written tutorial might be enhanced with an embedded video demonstration or an infographic.
  • Test and iterate: Before fully committing to a mash-up format, test it on a smaller scale. Gather feedback from your audience and refine based on their reactions and engagement levels.
  • Invest in tools and training: Ensure you have the necessary tools and skills to produce high-quality mash-ups. This might mean investing in new software or training to effectively blend content types.
  • Promote diversely: When sharing your mash-up content, tailor your promotion strategy to highlight the different formats you’ve used, attracting varied segments of your audience and encouraging comprehensive engagement.

4. Set apart days for deep-dive content 

In the rapid scroll culture of today’s digital world, brevity often reigns. However, there’s a growing appetite for in-depth exploration—content that delves deeper, offering comprehensive insights on specific topics.

Setting apart days for such deep-dive content is a strategic move for personal brands aiming to establish authority and expertise. On these days, move beyond the cursory overviews and into detailed analyses, exhaustive tutorials, or expansive discussions.

Such content serves as a beacon for those hungry for knowledge, drawing in audiences who value depth over quick consumption. Moreover, this approach differentiates your brand in a landscape where surface-level content is abundant.

By dedicating days to profound exploration, you not only satisfy the intellectual cravings of your audience but also position your brand as a repository of rich, value-driven content, standing tall as an expert amidst a sea of fleeting tidbits.

ACTION POINTS

  • Research and identify topics: Begin by identifying subjects within your niche that demand in-depth exploration. Conduct thorough research to ensure you’re providing comprehensive insights, not readily available elsewhere.
  • Dedicate specific days: Choose specific days, such as the first Monday of every month or every third Thursday, for your deep-dive content. This consistency allows your audience to anticipate and prepare for these insightful sessions.
  • Engage with multimedia elements: Given the detailed nature of deep-dive content, incorporate various media—like charts, videos, or infographics—to maintain engagement and illustrate complex ideas.
  • Promote ahead of time: Given the effort and depth of your content, ensure your audience knows when to expect it. Use teasers, countdowns, or highlights to generate excitement and anticipation.
  • Solicit feedback and engage: After publishing, engage with your audience’s comments, answer queries, and gather feedback. Their insights can shape future deep-dive sessions and ensure the content remains valuable and relevant.

5. Follow unpredictable post timings

In a world obsessed with algorithms and optimal posting times, there’s an intriguing counter-strategy: embracing unpredictability. Following unpredictable post timings can be a game-changer for personal brands aiming to break the mold.

Instead of adhering strictly to ‘peak hours,’ sporadic timings can generate an element of surprise, capturing attention in unexpected moments and keeping audiences on their toes.

This approach can potentially sidestep saturated timelines, giving your content a fresh spotlight amidst the usual rush. Moreover, it appeals to various segments of your audience, catering to those who might not be active during so-called ‘prime times.’

It’s a nod to spontaneity in an era of meticulous scheduling, and while it may seem counterintuitive, it’s this very unpredictability that can amplify visibility and engagement. By daring to be different with post timings, you’re not just sharing content—you’re making a statement about your brand’s fearless individuality.

ACTION POINTS

  • Analyze current trends: Before you begin, take a look at your current posting schedule and audience engagement. Understand when you typically post and when your audience is most active.
  • Schedule sporadically: Instead of following a fixed routine, choose different days and times each week to post. This could mean posting early morning on a Monday and late evening on a Thursday.
  • Monitor engagement: Track how your content performs during these unpredictable timings. Monitor likes, shares, comments, and overall engagement to determine if the strategy resonates with your audience.
  • Engage with notifications: Encourage followers to turn on post notifications for your profile, ensuring they don’t miss out when you share content at unusual hours.
  • Iterate and refine: While unpredictability is key, it’s essential to continuously refine your approach based on results. If certain unpredictable timings consistently perform well, they may become part of your regular schedule.

6. Integrate seasonal and pop culture

Crafting content that resonates often means tapping into the pulse of the present moment. Integrating seasonal trends and pop culture into your content strategy is a powerful way to achieve this.

Whether it’s the cozy ambiance of autumn, the excitement of a summer blockbuster, or the buzz around a viral meme, weaving these elements into your posts can create instant relatability. This not only showcases your brand’s awareness but also its ability to stay current and adaptive.

By aligning with what’s trending, your content can capture the collective imagination, sparking engagement and discussions. However, it’s essential to ensure authenticity; the integration should feel organic, not forced.

When done right, this strategy positions your personal brand as culturally attuned, relevant, and dynamic—successfully bridging the gap between timeless brand messaging and the ever-evolving tapestry of popular culture and seasonal nuances.

ACTION POINTS

  • Stay updated: Regularly engage with popular culture platforms, news outlets, and social media trends. Understand the latest buzz, whether it’s a trending show, a viral meme, or an emerging cultural phenomenon.
  • Plan ahead for seasons: Mark important seasonal changes and holidays on your content calendar. Think about special content or campaigns you can align with these periods to enhance relevance.
  • Engage authentically: When leveraging pop culture, ensure it aligns with your brand voice and values. Avoid mere bandwagoning; it should resonate genuinely with your brand and audience.
  • Encourage audience interaction: Use interactive content forms, like polls or quizzes, related to recent pop culture events or seasonal happenings, to boost engagement and discussions.
  • Evaluate and adjust: After integrating a pop culture element or seasonal theme, monitor the audience’s response. Use this feedback to refine future content, ensuring it remains relatable and effective.

7. Engage in real-time conversations

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, real-time engagement has emerged as a potent tool for personal brands aiming to create genuine connections. Engaging in real-time conversations goes beyond scheduled posts and automated replies; it’s about spontaneous interactions that breathe life into the online persona.

Whether responding to current events, joining trending discussions, or simply conversing with followers as events unfold, these immediate interactions foster a sense of immediacy and authenticity. They humanize your brand, transforming it from a distant entity into an active participant in the digital conversation.

Moreover, it signals to your audience that you’re not just broadcasting messages but actively listening and valuing their input. In a world where many crave genuine human connection amidst digital noise, real-time engagement stands out, drawing audiences closer and nurturing trust.

By embracing the now and immersing in the moment, personal brands can amplify their impact and relevance in dynamic online spaces.

ACTION POINTS

  • Activate notifications: Ensure that you receive immediate notifications for comments, mentions, and messages across your social platforms, so you’re always in the loop and can respond promptly.
  • Host live sessions: Organize live video sessions or AMAs (Ask Me Anything) on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. This encourages direct interaction with your audience and fosters real-time engagement.
  • Stay updated with trends: Monitor trending topics and hashtags. Engage in popular discussions relevant to your brand, offering your unique perspective and insights.
  • Allocate specific engagement time: Dedicate specific hours daily or weekly where you actively engage with your audience, answering questions, joining conversations, or simply acknowledging feedback.
  • Humanize your responses: Avoid canned or generic responses. Personalize your interactions, showing that there’s a real person behind the brand, genuinely engaging and valuing the community’s insights.

8. Introduce sudden off-brand days

Amidst the rigor of brand consistency, there lies an unexpected charm in occasional deviation—enter the concept of sudden off-brand days. Every now and then, step away from your standard content palette to surprise your audience with something unexpected.

Whether it’s sharing a personal anecdote, indulging in a hobby, or addressing a completely different topic, these off-brand moments serve as a refreshing palette cleanser in the content stream. Not only does this break any monotony, but it also humanizes your brand, showcasing dimensions beyond the regular narrative.

While it might seem risky, these spontaneous diversions can enhance relatability, reminding followers of the multifaceted individual behind the brand.

By introducing periodic off-brand days, personal brands can cultivate deeper connections, foster increased audience engagement, and infuse an element of delightful unpredictability, ensuring the digital journey remains as intriguing as the brand’s core story.

ACTION POINTS

  • Mark your calendar: While the idea is to be spontaneous, it’s useful to have a rough estimate. Set aside a few days in your content calendar for these off-brand moments to ensure you don’t forget amidst a busy schedule.
  • Diversify your content: Think outside your usual box. If you generally post professional insights, maybe share a personal story, a favorite recipe, or even a book review.
  • Engage and ask for feedback: After sharing something off-brand, engage with your followers. Ask them what they thought of this different content, fostering a dialogue that might offer fresh insights.
  • Document real life: Share candid moments or behind-the-scenes glimpses. Showcasing raw, unedited parts of your life can make your brand more approachable and relatable.
  • Reassess and refine: After introducing an off-brand day, assess the response. Use the feedback to refine the content, ensuring it offers value and resonates with the audience while still providing a fresh perspective.

In summary

  1. Embrace unpredictability: In a digital space that thrives on predictability, standing out requires breaking away from the norm. Whether it’s unpredictable post timings, sudden off-brand days, or real-time engagement, embracing the unexpected can capture audience attention and foster deeper connections.
  2. Integrate current and authentic elements: From weaving in seasonal and pop culture trends to diving deep into user-generated content and real-time conversations, it’s crucial to stay attuned to the present moment. However, authenticity is key—forced integrations can fall flat, while genuine connections resonate deeply.
  3. Diversify strategies for richer engagement: A dynamic content calendar isn’t just about what you post but how you engage. From theme months and mash-up content formats to deep-dive days, diversifying your content and engagement strategies ensures a richer, more memorable brand experience for your audience.

Take your brand's content marketing from run-of-the-mill to remarkable

Shobha Ponnappa

"As a Content/Brand Specialist, and SEO/UX Writer, I can help transform your brand's online presence. I can lift it with innovative ideas to take it to an enviable position. Let's collaborate to create a captivating brand story, engage your audience, boost your online visibility, and increase your ROI. Take the next step towards your brand content success and contact me today."

Join My Community!

Give yourself truly big benefits.

Get my weekly newsletter packed with unusual brand content tips, tricks, tactics, techniques, and trends. I scour the Net for you.

ContenTracker Newsletter

Get a free download of my eBook “Unlock Brand Brilliance: 100 Ways To Make Your Brand Content Unusual” …  change your trajectory.

Ebook Offer

Just fill in the form to join my community … we have big and small brands for company. You’ll stay on the speedway to growth.