Google Sheets Content Calendar Template
Introduction
Welcome! This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create a powerful, automated content calendar right within your own Google Sheets. You will be using a tool called Google Apps Script (a scripting platform built into Google Sheets) to automatically generate a multi-tab template complete with dropdown menus, idea lists, and a monthly planner.
Don't worry if you've never coded before! You will simply be copying and pasting the provided code. The entire process takes less than five minutes.
Follow this link to view my Google Doc with the full code included!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15IfHpbpa7gOsk1NLrHzMsSfNhZvLUzwXtuxPCJrkCw0/edit?usp=sharing
Step 1: Create a New Google Sheet
Begin by creating a new, blank Google Sheet in your Google account.
Pro Tip: You can do this quickly by typing sheet.new into your browser's address bar and hitting Enter.
Give your new spreadsheet a name, such as "My Content Calendar".
Step 2: Open the Apps Script Editor
Now, we need to open the script editor where we will paste the code.
In the Google Sheets menu, click on Extensions.
From the dropdown, select Apps Script.
A new tab will open in your browser, displaying the Apps Script editor.
Step 3: Paste the Script Code
The editor will have some default placeholder text. You will replace this with the content calendar script.
Delete all the text currently in the code editor window.
Copy the entire block of code from the "The Full Apps Script Code" section at the end of this document.
Paste the code into the empty script editor.
Step 4: Save the Script
Click the Save project icon (it looks like a floppy disk) in the menu above the code editor. You can give the project a name if prompted (e.g., "Calendar Generator") and click Rename.
Step 5: Run the Generator
Now you are ready to generate the template.
Return to your Google Sheet tab in your browser. You may need to refresh the page.
A new custom menu item named 🚀 Content Calendar should now appear in the main menu bar (next to "Help").
Click 🚀 Content Calendar and then select Generate New Template.
Authorizing the Script (First Time Only)
The very first time you run the script, Google will ask for your permission. This is a standard security step for all Google Apps Scripts.
A dialog box will appear titled "Authorization Required". Click Continue.
Choose the Google account you want to authorize.
You may see a warning screen that says "Google hasn’t verified this app". This is normal because the script was written by you, not a third-party developer. It is completely safe to proceed.
Click the small Advanced link at the bottom.
Click on Go to [Your Project Name] (unsafe).
On the final screen, review the permissions and click Allow.
The script will now run, and in a few seconds, your template will be built!
What to Expect
Once the script finishes, you will see a small pop-up that says "Success!". Your spreadsheet will now have three new tabs, ready to use:
📅 How to Use
💡 Content Ideas
🗓️ Template Calendar
To plan for a new month, simply right-click the 🗓️ Template Calendar tab and choose Duplicate.
