Managing an SEO project means juggling content calendars, keyword targets, technical audits, and team collaboration — all while sussing out what’s changed thanks to the latest “helpful” algorithm updates. If that sounds like a lot, you’re right. But it’s easier when you can template out all the work and keep your teams aligned.
Below, you’ll find a handpicked collection of SEO project management templates designed to help you stay organized, hit your goals, and collaborate smarter. You’ll also find exclusive free demos for some of the best ones out there.
1. ClickUp – Get started with this easy-to-use SEO project management template
This SEO template from ClickUp makes it easy to create a flexible, all-in-one workspace for managing keyword research, on-page tasks, backlink outreach, and more.
Why we like ClickUp’s template
This template is simple and straightforward, so setting up a project is pretty intuitive if you’re new to the SEO game or if you’ve been called upon to manage an SEO project but you’re not an SEO. ClickUp’s template breaks SEO projects into manageable phases with embedded task dependencies, time tracking, and client-ready reporting.
2. Notion – Use Notion AI to create this surprisingly thorough SEO plan
While Notion’s Marketplace offers 67 different SEO planning-related templates, only five of those are free. Instead, using Notion’s built-in AI can generate a very serviceable draft of an SEO planning document, complete with sections for keyword research, checklists, performance tracking over time, and even a content calendar.
Why I like Notion’s template
I’m a big fan of simplicity. If you’ve already invested time and energy into using Notion, adding this template should meet most of your needs.
3. Trello – SEO content planning made easy
Trello’s card-based layout is ideal for solo consultants and small SEO teams needing a fast and visual way to plan out SEO content and keep track of their entire pipeline.
Why I like Trello’s template
I think this super-lightweight SEO content planner makes planning and keeping track of all of your content types visually intuitive. With more than 8,500 downloads to date, lots of others seem to agree.
4. Smartsheet – Your SEO spreadsheet on steroids
Changing to new tools is hard. But anyone who’s relied on spreadsheets to build out SEO plans will feel at home in Smartsheet’s SEO Checklist.
Why I like Smartsheet’s template
This is a go-to for SEO leaders managing cross-functional timelines and aligning with stakeholders. Bonus points for including a free-standing template for content and keyword gap analysis.
5. monday work management – Fully integrated SEO content planning
Already working within monday’s do-it-all work operating system? This comprehensive SEO content planning tool is for you.
Why I like monday’s template
Using fewer tools to do more is an elusive goal for any project manager. If the rest of your team is already all in on monday, getting your SEO into your workspace is a no-brainer.
6. TeamGantt – Visual content planning powerhouse
No matter how deep your SEO project research goes, at some point, you’ve got to show stakeholders what’s happening now and what will happen next. That’s where TeamGantt’s Content Calendar Template comes in.
Why I like TeamGantt’s template
There’s still nothing like a Gantt chart for showing everyone on the team the future in a single slide (or sheet or paper if that’s how you roll). Leave it to TeamGantt to deliver big-picture visibility.
7. Google Sheets – Ask and Gemini delivers
Gemini and other AIs get “smarter” every day, especially in very objective, numbers-based settings where you need to gather, keep track of, and derive insights from a massive pile of data. Which sounds suspiciously like an SEO project. You can find a dizzying number of results for “SEO project management template Google Sheets.” Or you can just have Google’s built-in AI take a swing at it.
Here are the results of simply opening Google sheets, then telling Gemini to “create a content plan table,” “create a gap analysis table,” and “create an SEO plan table.”
Why I like Google Sheets
Gemini helps Google Sheets punch well above its weight in the “good enough” class. It’s up to you and your SEO experts to decide if the results you’re seeing will serve your purpose. But for the price, Google Sheets is hard to beat.
What to look for in an SEO project management template
Not all templates are created equal. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a template for SEO work:
- Task segmentation by SEO function: Look for templates that separate on-page, off-page, and technical tasks.
- Collaboration and integration features: Especially important for teams working with writers, developers, and analysts, make sure that whichever tool you choose can export smoothly in formats your teammates’ systems can readily use.
- Custom fields for keywords, status, and SERP metrics: Find templates that can be tailored to your SEO goals.
- Timeline and dependency management: Choose a template that displays the project schedule, tasks, milestones, and dependencies to better plan multiphase SEO campaigns and avoid bottlenecks
- Reporting and export options: Look for templates with strong reporting and export features for sharing progress with clients and stakeholders.
