Your role as a service provider is a pretty big deal. Tons of people view and rely on the content you put out into the world every single day. It is no wonder that there is so much riding on your content plan.
If you are feeling the pressure to put out perfect web content, you are not alone. Formulating a just-right content plan is a problem that many entrepreneurs face.
What Is A Content Plan?
Do you find yourself constantly brainstorming scattered ideas and thoughts about your content? You know, those ideas that are constantly rolling around in your head about your website or new Instagram content. Maybe those ideas make it onto post-it notes or into some obscure document on your laptop…or they just linger in the back of your mind.
Those ideas are the ingredients for your content plan!
A content plan outlines in great detail what your content will look like and how it will be executed. Ultimately, an effective content plan makes your life much easier. It should include information on everything from your motive and your target audience to a plan for any research.
Why Do You Need A Content Plan?
A content plan goes one step beyond your content strategy, breaking down exactly with who your content is made for, how it will get made, and where your content will wind up. It also includes a map for tracking your content and measuring its success.
A content strategy alone is not enough, as it generally covers the creation of your marketing goals—but not the accomplishment of them. You need a content plan to ensure that your content gets where it needs to go, and truly wows your audience.
How To Create The Perfect Content Plan
Ready to make the perfect content plan? There are several things you need to keep in mind before you dive in. Use the following pointers to help you design the perfect content plan for your next big project.
Identify The Audience You’re Hoping To Serve
The way that you present information to children differs from the way you would present it to the elderly, affluent families, working mothers, etc. There are infinite varieties of people cruising the Internet, so you must focus your content plan to attract those who apply.
It helps to study the people that you are trying to reach with your content plan. If your target audience is built up of single women between the ages of 25 and 45, you can send out surveys or ask around to discover their interests, where they spend their time and any current trends for that particular demographic.
How Will Your Content Help That Audience?
This part of your content plan affects the tone of your delivery. Is your message urgent or fun? Is there a call to action? You must have a clear vision of the purpose and the benefits of the content you are working on.
In most cases, people will interact with content that has three qualities:
- Presented in a compelling way
- Identifies a problem or interest that they have
- Informs them about that problem or interest in a valuable way
What Type Of Content Will You Create?
There are endless ways to spread the word! It is important to consider your target audience to decide what kinds of content you want to develop. While some demographics respond well to social media, others pay close attention to letters that come through a mailbox.
Outlining this portion of your content plan stems back to the research that you did. Does any of the data that you collected, or prior experiences, inform what kinds of content you should produce? And don’t limit yourself! In some cases, it is worth it to explore multiple avenues, such as social media postings and direct email.
Related: 7 Content Writing Tips Every Online Business Owner Should Know & Use
Analyze Data To See Where You Should Post
Even with a general idea about your audience’s interests, precise data can help steer you toward the best websites or companies to channel your content through. It is crucial to work from data when creating your content plan, as you can’t always trust your hunch when it comes to digital marketing.
Google Analytics is a phenomenal tool in this regard. Google Analytics provides you with valuable information on where people browsing the Internet spend the most time. Chase current trends to ensure that your content gets plenty of views.
Figure Out How Your Business Stands Out From Others As A Core Part Of Your Content Plan
Be original. When trying to appeal to particular demographics, it can be challenging to use the imagery and language that your data calls for in a unique way. Yes, lots of people love dolphins. But how can you present them in a new and memorable design?
People often respond to content that helps them in some regard. Be sure to include details that set you apart from your competitors so that customers want to choose you!
Strategize The Execution Of Your Content Plan
When it is time to hit the “go” button, you will need to have all of your ducks in a row. This includes what your content will look like and say, who will make it, and who will publish it.
Take the time to lay out the cost of the resources you have picked and prepare to move forward with a healthy budget. After all, your content plan will only work if you can afford it.
Taking the time to create a thorough content plan will help ensure that you are driving the most business. Keep all of these tips in mind when you tackle your next big project! You are sure to attract all the attention you deserve for your hard work.
Once you start creating content (especially blog posts with a focus on SEO!) you need to make sure to monitor your metrics.