How to Plan Your Year for a Profitable 5-Figure Business?

Turn your vision into actionable steps with this 90-day planning strategy.

It’s been a year since I signed up for Substack after spending two months writing daily on Medium. Still, I only began seriously focusing on Substack in March. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like I’ve been using it for a full year. My priority has been building a community that values authentic connections over the mindless scroll on Instagram or TikTok. I’m here for entrepreneurs who want to take charge of their lives without falling for a one-size-fits-all formula. For me, it’s about rediscovering my love of writing, integrating it with my podcast, and improving my email marketing game. Stepping away from Instagram gave me the clarity I needed to reconnect with myself.

Substack Is So Much More Than Just Another Platform

Substack isn’t just an email marketing or blogging tool. It’s a space where I’ve stepped away from the constant noise of competition. I’ve gone from anxiety-inducing Instagram sessions to hours spent writing, finding inspiration in other creators, and forging real connections. Substack lets me experiment, step outside the box, and write freely to sharpen my skills.

Of course, there are strategies I’m still mastering—like storytelling, persuasion, and learning how to celebrate my wins without comparing myself to others. But the magic of Substack is how it lets me focus on growth without obsessing over likes or chasing followers.

I’m no longer here for vanity metrics. My goal is to create a movement. I dream of hosting retreats one day, helping my subscribers turn their passions into profit without feeling undervalued or overwhelmed.

This shift also gave me permission to explore mindset work.

On Instagram, I stuck to strategy. But since July or August, I haven’t even posted there. My ideal readers get that strategy is important, but they also know mindset is the missing piece for unlocking real success. From improving their relationship with money to overcoming imposter syndrome, mindset matters. Because let’s face it: you can find all the strategies in the world on YouTube, blogs, or even from AI. What people need is connection, implementation guidance, and a way to get out of their own heads.

Planning My Next Moves

For years, I resisted planning. I thought it would stifle my spontaneity. Anytime I heard “how to plan your year?” I tuned out. I couldn’t stand it. But the truth is, my resistance to planning was holding me back.

Why Did I Start Planning My Year?

Back then, I’d create content only when inspiration struck. I spent way too much energy chasing likes and validation instead of building a meaningful community. Two years on Instagram earned me over 1,000 followers, but I had little engagement. Most of the comments I got were from people trying to sell me their services.

Then I shifted my focus. My French podcast grew by 27%, even though my community was still relatively quiet. In March 2024, I decided to restart my business with an intentional plan that centered on my audience. Substack became my creative playground, a space where I could move away from Instagram’s limiting format.

By planning, I started to rediscover myself, define my vision, and truly connect with my dream clients. The key was learning how to plan your year in 90-day cycles. This method, inspired by the book The 90-Day Year, keeps me focused and helps me avoid FOMO by creating four “year-ends” instead of one overwhelming December.

What I Did To Keep Writing And To Build My Future 5-Figure Business ?

October and November were all about setting the foundation and focusing on what moves the needle. If you’re wondering how to plan your year? let me walk you through my strategy:

Website and SEO

My top priority was creating a website and writing SEO-optimized articles. Why? Because organic search is a goldmine for attracting ideal clients. It’s not just about traffic; it’s about finding people who are genuinely interested in what I offer. Plus, SEO works around the clock—even when I’m offline. Every article helps grow my email list and Substack subscribers, which, let’s be honest, are way more valuable than fleeting likes or follows. I adore newsletters because they’re personal—people are taking the time to read and connect with you directly.

Lead Magnet Development

Next on the list was developing a lead magnet to attract high-quality prospects to my newsletter and services. This isn’t just about freebie overload; it’s about delivering something so valuable that people can’t wait to hear more from you.

Pinterest Strategy

Let’s talk Pinterest. This platform has been a total game-changer for me, helping my podcast rack up over 28,000 listens in just three years. The secret? Keywords. Pinterest isn’t just a digital corkboard for recipes or wedding inspo—it’s a powerhouse for driving traffic directly to your content. My plan is to replicate that success for my English podcast, Substack, and blog.

Podcasting

Podcasting holds a special place in my heart. Even with a small audience, I’ve built meaningful connections. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace my French accent instead of letting it hold me back. And if you’re considering starting a podcast, here’s a little reality check: more than 80% of people quit before hitting 20 episodes because of low listens. Don’t be discouraged! Think of your podcast as a library for your dream clients, a treasure trove they’ll return to again and again. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing incredible women entrepreneurs and can’t wait to do more.

Videos

I’ll admit, I used to shy away from video content, but launching my Twitch channel changed that. Turns out, I actually love to live formats! My plan moving forward is to focus on long-form videos, not for instant gratification, but as part of a long-term strategy to nurture and inspire. These videos are about creating alignment with my vision, not chasing views.

Year Planning in 90-Day Cycles

Photo by Marissa Grootes on Unsplash

Planning your year doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending puzzle. Forget trying to map out 12 months in one sitting. Instead, I break my year into 90-day cycles, and let me tell you: it’s a game-changer. These bite-sized quarters help me stay focused, adapt to changes, and actually enjoy the process instead of drowning in overwhelm.

If you’ve ever wondered, How to plan your year? Start by thinking about what you can realistically accomplish in the next three months. The goal isn’t to cram everything into one quarter but to pick a focus, build momentum, and celebrate progress along the way.

Publishing Schedule

Consistency is the secret sauce. No matter what my 90-day goal is, my publishing schedule keeps me grounded:

• 1–2 Substack posts per week to nurture my community.

• 1–2 podcast episodes per week to connect with listeners who prefer audio content.

• 2 YouTube videos per month as part of my long-term growth strategy.

• 4 TikTok videos per week to expand my reach and test fresh ideas.

• Daily Pinterest posts via Tailwind: batch-scheduled in one afternoon for ultimate efficiency.

This schedule isn’t about doing everything perfectly but showing up consistently in the places that matter most to my audience.

Seasonal Content

One of my favorite tricks is leaning into seasonal content. For example, a relationship coach might use Valentine’s Day to dive into unique takes on love and dating. Planning around key themes helps me create content that feels timely, relevant, and, frankly, a little easier to brainstorm.

Promotional Calendar

Planning your year isn’t just about creating content; it’s about making it work for your goals. My content calendar aligns with my launches, whether that’s a new course, live masterclass, or free resource. Each post, video, or podcast builds toward something bigger, creating momentum without feeling forced.

Room for Spontaneity

As much as I love a good plan, I always leave room for those brilliant, out-of-nowhere ideas. You know the ones that strike while you’re in the shower or on a walk? Those moments of inspiration can’t be scheduled, so I build white space into my calendar to make room for them.

Content Calendar Creation

Let’s talk organization. My secret weapon? Notion. It’s colorful, clear, and structured in a way that keeps me sane. Everything—publishing schedules, seasonal themes, and promotional plans—lives in one beautifully organized space. Plus, I focus on repurposing content to stretch every idea as far as it’ll go. Why reinvent the wheel when you can tweak and tailor it instead?

Conclusion

This past year has been a journey of growth, clarity, and intentionality. Moving away from platforms like Instagram to focus on Substack has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business and personal fulfillment. By prioritizing authentic connections and meaningful content, I’ve not only rediscovered my love for writing but also created a framework that aligns with my long-term goals.

Planning my year in 90-day cycles has been a game-changer, teaching me that it’s possible to stay focused without losing spontaneity. With a clear publishing schedule, a solid promotional calendar, and room for creativity, I’m building a sustainable business that reflects my values and vision.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the endless scroll or overwhelmed by the idea of “how to plan your year,” take a breath. Start small. Think about what truly matters to you and your audience. Create systems that support your goals without boxing you in. And most importantly, give yourself permission to experiment, learn, and grow.

The beauty of this process isn’t just in achieving milestones: it’s in becoming the person you’re meant to be along the way.

See you soon

XOXO