Being a content writer has no strict set of rules or guidelines; most of us just start writing and keep on going until we decide it is time to stop and read, analyze and correct what we have just created. As for publishing, we mostly write when we can, and publish when we can, without a set schedule. There are, however, other ways to go about this – We won’t say better ways, because that’s up to you to decide.
While it is generally true that some content is better than no content at all, this should be a last resort. If you simply put out random, irrelevant or disorganized content, then you are not going to be successful at all. And so, without further ado, here is a short checklist which can help you plan out and execute your content marketing strategy:
1. Publishing Schedule – The first step of any plan should always be to create the schedule. Try and work out a calendar with set dates for regular publications, and then do your very best to stick to it.
2. Buyer Personas – The next part should be to research and create several buyer personas by working out your buyers’ goal, desires, ideas, beliefs, demographics, and challenges.
3. Goals – Think about what you wish to achieve with your content, and, then, make sure you create content specifically for that purpose.
4. Topics – Now that the groundwork is done, it is time to do your research. Look for and identify the subject matter and the topics most relevant to your particular business, industry or niche.
5. Ideas – Don’t just cover the same topic over and over again; try and find new and original ways to approach the subject, new angles to present it from, and new formats to do it in.
6. Creation – Now is the time to write, write, and write some more. At the end of the day, content marketing is about content.
7. Placement – With your content in hand, look for the best places to put it, so that it attracts the most number of target readers.
8. Promote – Once your content is in the right place, do your best to attract attention to it, via social media, emails and anything else your think is relevant.
9. Track – Finally, you need to track and measure the success of your efforts, and get the feedback needed to make all the necessary changes to keep your content fresh and relevant.
As straightforward as these steps may seem, many content creators often forget about at least some of them. Keep the above tips in mind and you will see your efforts paying out.
