What Is Digital Planning & How to Get Started: 2023 Guide

In today's fast-paced business world, staying organized, on top of tasks and projects, and effectively communicating with team members is essential. That's where digital planning comes in. With the help of digital tools, software and templates, digital planning allows businesses to streamline their operations and improve productivity, communication, and collaboration. 

A great starting point for those new to digital planning are free digital planning templates. These templates provide a cost-effective solution for businesses to get familiar with the concept of digital planning and how it can be beneficial for the company's operations. A digital plan is a comprehensive plan that encompasses all the aspects of the business that can be planned and managed digitally. It is a digital representation of how the business operates, manages tasks and events, and helps to achieve their goals.

What is digital planning?

Digital planning refers to the process of using technology to develop and execute plans for business operations and strategies. Digital planning tools, such as software and online platforms, can be used to collect and analyze data, create and share documents, and collaborate with team members. These softwares and platforms are available on nearly all devices, which allows for digital planning on macbook, digital planning on windows and even digital planning on iphone, making accessibility that much more functional. 

The goal of digital planning is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning process and make it easier to make data-driven decisions. This can be achieved by automating repetitive tasks, providing real-time access to data, and allowing for better collaboration and communication within teams.

How does digital planning work?

Digital planning involves using a digital device, such as a tablet or a smartphone, to organize and plan out tasks, events, and notes. There are many different apps and software that can be used for digital planning, such as calendar apps, to-do list apps, and note-taking apps. These apps typically allow you to create and edit notes, set reminders, and schedule events. 

Top digital planners also offer advanced features such as the ability to collaborate with others or integrate with other tools and services. Additionally, some apps are specifically designed for digital planning, and have features that mimic the physical experience of planning, such as the ability to add stickers, change colors, and create digital checklists. 

The advantage of digital planning is that it is highly versatile, accessible, and easy to share the information with others and also it is digital, which means it can be easily backed up or synced across multiple devices.

4 benefits of digital planning for companies

Digital planning is a powerful tool for organizing and managing business tasks, schedules, and notes which increases productivity, streamlines operations and improves communication and collaboration among team members. Using free digital planning templates is a great way to quickly set up your planner and adapt it to your specific business needs. Benefits of digital planning for companies include:

Efficiency

Digital planning allows for easy organization and scheduling of tasks and appointments, reducing the need for paper-based systems and helping to streamline operations. In addition, all staff members can have one central location for their daily tasks, which will minimize misunderstandings and boost productivity.

Easiness of sharing and granting access

Companies can easily share and grant access to digital plans among team members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and able to work together more effectively. You can also create projects and teams with employees, assigning different permissions to individual users across the organization.

Portability and convenience

Digital plans can be accessed from any device, allowing team members to stay productive and on top of tasks even when away from the office. In addition, if you forget, misplace or lose your physical planner, then you would not be able to access required data, but as long as your digital planner is backed up onto cloud storage, it can be accessed on mostly all devices. 

Sustainability

Digital planning is an environmentally friendly option, reducing the need for paper and saving resources. In addition, it also enables for remote communication and collaboration, which can also save on travel and other resources.

What are digital planning tools?

What is a digital planner? A digital planner is a type of software or application that allows users to organize and manage tasks, schedules, notes, and other information electronically. It typically includes features such as a calendar, task list, notes, and contacts. 

Can you do digital planning on macbook? Digital planners can be accessed on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers and they can be synced with other apps like Google calendar and others. They are often used as a replacement for traditional paper-based planners, which provide many benefits such as the ability to share with team members, and also it is more eco-friendly. Now that it is understood what a digital planner is, it's important to focus on how to use a digital planner.

To use a digital planner, you will first need to download and install the planner software on your device. Once you have the planner open, you can start by creating new tasks and events, setting reminders, and organizing your schedule. You can also customize the layout and design of your planner to suit your needs. Additionally, many digital planners offer features such as syncing with other calendar apps and the ability to share your schedule with others.

How to get started on digital planning for your business in 6 steps

"How do you do digital planning" is an important question to consider when getting started with organizing your business. Digital planning allows you to stay on top of tasks and deadlines, increase productivity and efficiency while also improving communication and collaboration among team members. 

Step 1: Identify your planning needs 

When identifying planning needs, it is important to consider the specific goals and tasks that need to be accomplished. This can include things like deadlines for projects, appointments, or meetings, as well as ongoing tasks or responsibilities. It may also be helpful to consider how different tasks or events are related to one another and how they fit into overall goals or priorities.

Once these needs have been identified, it is possible to select or create a digital planner that can best support them, such as by selecting a planner with specific features or integrations that are needed.

Step 2: Research digital planning tools

Look into different software and apps that are available to support your planning needs. Consider whether the digital planning tools you are observing can integrate with other tools, applications and services you are already using such as email, cloud storage, etc. 

The user interface chosen should be intuitive and easy to navigate as some tools might have a steeper learning curve than others. Observe whether the digital planner offers customer support or a knowledge base to help you troubleshoot issues and get the most out of the tool. Are there online communities or tutorials available for learning how to use the tool effectively?

Step 3: Assess the feasibility of each option

Assess the digital planner and whether it has specific features that you are looking for, for example if you need a tool that can handle multiple calendars, to-do lists, or project management. It is also important to consider costs as digital planning tools can range from free to quite expensive, therefore take into account what you're willing to spend and what you're getting for your money. 

Lastly, identify what type of device you will be using to access the planner as some tools might have a web version and an app, choose what best suits you.

Step 4: Choose a tool and set it up

Once you have selected a tool that best fits your needs, take the time to set it up and customize it to fit your business’s needs. You can set it up by creating an account and inputting your personal and/or business information. Depending on the tool, you may be able to customize settings like time zone, notifications, and color schemes. Next, existing data must be imported, some tools allow you to import data from other calendars or task lists. Then follows sharing with others and dependent on the tool, you may be able to share your calendar or task list with others, so they can see when you are available or when tasks are due.

Once you have set up the digital planner, it is time to start using it! It's important to get in the habit of regularly adding new events and tasks, updating progress, and checking the calendar. This will help you stay organized and on top of deadlines. Most digital planners also have tutorials or help centers available to help you navigate the tool and its features.

Step 5: Introduce to the team

Provide training and support for your team members to learn how to use the new digital planning tool effectively. Ensure to communicate the benefits by clearly explaining how the digital planner will benefit the team. 

Offer training and resources to help team members learn how to use the digital planner effectively. This could include tutorials, videos, or written instructions. By making the digital planning tool mandatory, it will allow team members to stay on the same page, avoid confusion and duplicate work. Most importantly, be available for support and give time to adjust, as change can be difficult for some people until they see the benefits and are accustomed to the new tool.

Step 6: Monitor and optimize

Keep track of how the digital planning tool is being used and make adjustments as needed to optimize its effectiveness for your business. This can help to identify any issues with adoption or usage. Throughout the initial implementation phase it is crucial to monitor progress on tasks, projects, and deadlines to ensure that they are on track and that the digital planner is being used effectively to manage them. 

Gathering feedback from team members on their experience using the digital planner could also be beneficial as this can help to identify any issues or areas for improvement. 

Observe analytic data such as usage statistics, task completion rates, and user feedback to identify patterns and areas for improvement and make adjustments accordingly.

Final points on digital planning for entrepreneurs

Digital planning is a vital tool for businesses and entrepreneurs to improve productivity, communication, and collaboration. Utilizing digital tools, software and templates, companies can streamline operations and achieve better results. 

To fully reap the benefits of digital planning, it is crucial to identify the right software that suits the specific needs of the company and its processes. Choosing the right digital planning software and having a collective understanding of how to use it, can lead to improved efficiency and performance within the company.

FAQs

What do you need for digital planning for a business?

In order to implement the best digital planners system within a business, several key elements are required, such as: Office computers, or any other suitable digital devices, to access the digital planning software that caters to the team's and business needs. 

Security measures are also needed to protect sensitive business information. Integration capability is essential when working  with other tools and software that the business is already using such as email, cloud storage, CRM.

What iPad do I need for digital planning for my company?

To perform digital planning on an iPad, you'll need an iPad running on iOS 13 or later, with enough storage and RAM to run your chosen digital planning software and store any necessary data. Consult the software's system requirements for specific requirements.

What is the best tablet for digital planning?

The best tablet for digital planning depends on individual preferences and needs, popular options include iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro, both have large screens and stylus compatibility. Other factors to consider include performance, software, and app availability. Digital planning on ipad mini has also been considered compatible because of the size of the ipad, making it easy and compact for transport.

Is digital planning expensive to introduce?

The cost of introducing digital planning can vary, depending on tools and devices used. Some options may be inexpensive, while others like specialized software or hardware can be costly. It may also involve costs for employee training and software subscriptions, with scope and scale of implementation affecting the overall cost.

What to do when digital planner hyperlinks aren't working?

1) Check your internet connection

2) Make sure the hyperlink is typed correctly

3) Restart the device or app

4) Clear the cache and cookies on your device or browser

5) Reinstall the app or update it to the latest version. If the problem persists, contact the developer or technical support for assistance.

Do I really need an Apple pencil for digital planning?

Having an Apple Pencil or any other digital stylus can enhance the experience of digital planning, making it more similar to traditional paper planning. However, it is not necessary as you can still plan digitally by using the text feature in the app to add notes.

How to master neat handwriting on iPad?

To master neat handwriting on an iPad, consider using a stylus and practicing regularly. Adjust the settings in the note-taking app to find the right pen thickness and font size and play around with different handwriting styles. Use lined paper as background and make sure to hold the stylus at the right angle. 

How can I make a digital planner?

To make a digital planner, use a note-taking app, spreadsheet, or design software. Create pages for sections like calendar, tasks, and notes. Add hyperlinks, images, and diagrams. Use free digital planning templates or premade layouts to find what works best for you. Experiment with different designs and functionalities.