Whether you’re running a vibrant blog, managing a multi-author website, or publishing content for clients, maintaining a consistent posting schedule is crucial. WordPress is a powerful platform, but when it comes to scheduling posts in bulk, the default features can be limiting. Fortunately, there are plugins specifically designed to help you bulk schedule posts, saving time and keeping your editorial calendar organized and streamlined.
Why Bulk Scheduling Matters
Imagine having a month’s worth of posts ready to go, but you need to manually pick a date and time for each one. Depending on how many posts you have, this can be incredibly time-consuming. Bulk scheduling allows you to:
- Save Time: Set up multiple posts to publish at different times or dates in just minutes.
- Automate Your Workflow: Keep your blog active even when you’re away.
- Improve Consistency: Maintain a regular publishing rhythm across all your content.
How WordPress Handles Scheduling by Default
Out of the box, WordPress lets you schedule a post for future publication. While this feature is useful, it lacks scalability for larger content batches. You still have to open each post individually, set the publishing date and time, and click “Schedule.”
This process can quickly become impractical, especially if you’re dealing with dozens — or even hundreds — of posts. That’s where plugins come in to enhance your workflow.
Best Plugins to Bulk Schedule Posts in WordPress
Several plugins can help with bulk scheduling, but three options stand out for their reliability and features:
- Editorial Calendar
- Bulk Schedule Posts
- WP Scheduled Posts (Now known as SchedulePress)
1. Editorial Calendar
This plugin adds a flexible calendar view to your WordPress dashboard. You can drag and drop unpublished or scheduled posts into date slots, making it easy to visualize your publishing schedule.
Key Features:
- Simple calendar interface
- Drag-and-drop post management
- Direct access to post edit screen from the calendar
2. Bulk Schedule Posts Plugin
This lesser-known plugin does exactly what it promises — lets you schedule multiple draft posts at once. Whether you want to schedule by intervals (e.g., every 2 days) or set specific dates, it gives you flexibility in how you roll out your content.
Key Features:
- Schedule multiple drafts based on time intervals
- Simple interface within the post manager
- Great for managing batches of content
3. WP Scheduled Posts (SchedulePress)
This plugin is a robust content scheduling tool with both free and premium versions. SchedulePress gives you a calendar, editorial features, social media integration, and auto-scheduling based on customizable rules.
Key Features:
- Auto-scheduler that can pick optimal times
- Post status manager
- Supports multiple authors and custom post types
Step-by-Step: How to Bulk Schedule Posts Using SchedulePress
Let’s use SchedulePress for a hands-on walkthrough. It offers one of the most efficient ways to batch schedule posts with advanced features.
Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin
Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New, and search for SchedulePress. Click Install and then Activate.
Step 2: Configure General Settings
After activation, a new menu item labeled SchedulePress will appear. Go into the Settings section and set up the basics like timezone, default schedule time gaps, and publishing days.
Step 3: Turn On Auto Scheduler
Under the Auto Scheduler tab, enable the tool and configure publishing slots. For instance, you can set the plugin to publish one post every weekday at 10 a.m.
Step 4: Prepare Your Content
Create multiple blog posts and leave them in draft or pending review status. Make sure each post has a title, and optionally, content and metadata.
Step 5: Bulk Apply Schedule
In the post list view, check off all the posts you want to schedule. Then, select ‘Bulk Actions > Schedule’ from the dropdown and apply. The plugin will choose the best time slots based on your earlier settings.
That’s it! SchedulePress handles the rest. Your posts are now queued and set to publish automatically.
More Advanced Options
If you’re using the Pro version of SchedulePress or similar plugins, you can unlock features like:
- Social media auto-sharing once the post is live
- Email notifications to authors on status changes
- Custom rules for different post categories
Things to Keep in Mind
While bulk scheduling can be incredibly empowering, there are a few best practices to ensure it works smoothly:
- Review Each Post: Even if you’re batching them together, ensure every post has been proofread and contains relevant categories and tags.
- Use a Content Calendar: Sync your bulk scheduling with an editorial calendar to stay organized.
- Track Performance: Look into analytics after publishing to identify the optimal timing for future auto-schedules.
FAQ: Bulk Scheduling in WordPress
Q: Can I bulk schedule pages as well?
A: Most bulk scheduling plugins focus on blog posts, but some — like SchedulePress Pro — allow for custom post types including pages.
Q: What happens if two posts are scheduled at the same time?
A: WordPress handles concurrency well. However, it’s best to stagger publications unless you’re intentionally publishing series or related content together.
Q: Can I undo bulk scheduling?
A: Yes. Simply go into each post and change the status back to draft or use bulk edit to revert scheduling settings.
Final Thoughts
Whether you manage a solo blog or a large editorial team, the ability to bulk schedule WordPress posts is a game-changer. With the help of plugins like Editorial Calendar, Bulk Schedule Posts, or the feature-rich SchedulePress, you can simplify your workflow, increase productivity, and keep your content strategy firmly on track.
Instead of worrying about when your next post goes live, spend that time making your content sharper, richer, and more engaging. Let the scheduling take care of itself.
Happy blogging!