Are you constantly against the clock creating new and innovative content ideas? Maybe it's time (no pun intended) to give yourself some structure. Creating a content plan helps you to lay the foundations for your brand and it can also save you money - but you know that, that's why you're here.
So, here's our pointers on how to get started.
1. Set your time parameters
Months, seasons, weeks, whatever works best for your business. Create a timeline lasting at least six months, although it's better to work annually to give yourself something that's easy to make clear comparisons against year on year. Once you've chosen your parameters for time, create a chart that leaves space within each month/season for you to add exactly what you plan to do.
2. Space out your news
Plot out big news like exciting new launches throughout the year, making sure to spread them out. If you can arrange a launch each month that's great! If not, now you can see where you have gaps for smaller news like blog posts and articles and begin to pencil those in accordingly. Working this way can also help you prompt your internal teams to provide more frequent newness.
3. Include dates for photography and video and big design projects
Now that you've set out when you want your launches to land, plan in when you are going to get the assets you need to support those launches. For example if you're working seasonally - you're going to want to plan in key photoshoots for each season. That way you can avoid last minute (.com) scrambles for assets and it also means you can plan out your photography budget more easily.
4. Include collaborations with other editors and brands
If you're not the only content contributor, make sure to include anyone else that may be providing you with content. Or any content other brands are putting out that you think you should be aligning your brand with. For example if you work with a team of brand ambassadors or influencers, try to pencil in some spotlight for each content creator each month.
5. Think outside of the box
It's easier said than done, but at the end of the day you want your content to shine. So to help with this, do research on the kind of content your competitors put out during previous year and try to stay different. It's okay to get inspiration from great content along the way too.
6. Research trending terms
Launching a new product? Try naming it in line with an up-and-coming search term. You can use Google Trends to see how often a term is searched and it can give you the inspiration you need to create an on-trend new product. However make sure to keep it relevant to your business.
7. Make it visual and fun
This ones simple. For a content calendar to work you need to look at it regularly, keep it updated and share it with others. The best way to do this is by keeping it compact, easy to digest and interesting. Use images from mood boards to help you communicate how you think a certain month should feel and enjoy it!
We hope this helps you on your way to conquering your content. Come back soon for more messages from The Marketing Group Chat.