From Content Pillars to Auto-Filled Calendars

Define pillars, feed topics, and let Auto Post fill your calendar with balanced formats.

Strategycontent pillars aiauto fill calendarai content calendarbalanced posting schedulepostly auto scheduler

Overview

This playbook shows a repeatable workflow for From Content Pillars to Auto-Filled Calendars with Postly Auto Post. Define inputs (prompts or files), generate brand-aware assets, schedule with best-time windows, and iterate from analytics.

Preflight Checklist

  • Connect target platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube) and verify role/permissions.
  • Upload/confirm your Brand Kit (tone, keywords, color cues, do/don’t phrases).
  • Choose cadence: daily, weekdays, or custom windows; set weekend/holiday rules.
  • Prepare prompts or upload topics CSV/TXT/JSON with columns like theme, CTA, product, link.

Step-by-Step Playbook

  1. Inputs: Use prompts (manual) or a topics file (automated).
  2. Generate: Hooks, captions, hashtags; optional images/reels with presets.
  3. Review: Edit using AI Assist (Rewrite, Tone, Add CTA/Hashtags, Translate).
  4. Schedule: Pick windows; enable smart rescheduling and limits.
  5. Publish: Auto-publish or queue; drag-and-drop to adjust.
  6. Analyze: Read saves, shares, retention; iterate weekly.

Pro tip: Pillars → Series → Formats

Define 3–5 content pillars, attach recurring series (weekly tip, case snippet, myth-buster), then map to formats: carousels, single images, reels/shorts, and text posts. Schedule each series as a queue.

Copy & Creative Patterns

  • First 1–2 seconds win: Front-load a strong hook; use question, contrarian angle, or stat.
  • Carousel blueprint: 1) Hook, 2) Steps, 3) Recap, 4) Single CTA aimed at saves or shares.
  • Hashtags: 8–18 themed, rotated per pillar; avoid broad spammy tags.
  • Accessibility: Add descriptive alt text; subtitles for reels; avoid text-only visuals.

Formats & Specs

FormatSizeNotes
Square1080×1080General posts & carousels
Portrait1080×1350IG feed vertical
Reels/Shorts1080×192015–90s, captions on, branded end card
Landscape1200×628Link previews & blogs

Governance & Collaboration

Use roles and approvals. Assign drafter → reviewer → approver. Enable audit logs and version history. Keep a “blocked list” of off-brand phrases and ensure 2FA and token refresh cadence for connected assets.

Metrics to Watch

  • Save Rate — value proxy; optimize carousels and actionable posts for saves.
  • Share Rate — virality signal; aim shareable frameworks and short reels.
  • Follower Velocity — 7–28 day change; tie spikes to formats & hooks.
  • Reel Retention — identify drop-off seconds; test new openings and pacing.
  • Engagement vs Reach — normalize across formats and time.

Low-lift A/B tests

Try 3 hook variants for the same reel, or rotate thumbnails and first 2 lines of captions. Keep everything else fixed.

FAQ

How many posts per week should I run?
Start with a consistent baseline (3–5/wk per platform). Add queues for seasonal bursts with end dates.
Do I need a Brand Kit?
Yes—tone, do/don’t phrases, color cues, and sample phrases dramatically improve output quality.
What if a scheduled post fails?
Check asset permissions, token freshness, and role access. Enable smart retries and alerts.

Next Steps

  1. Create or import your Brand Kit.
  2. Choose inputs: prompts or upload topics CSV/TXT/JSON.
  3. Turn on queues for pillars; set windows; review weekly analytics.