If you've clicked on any recent article about social media marketing, you'll know that having a Content Marketing Plan is everyone's #1 piece of advice. But how do you get started? After 6 years as a television producer, creating "content plans" 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year and "mini content plans" for each of those 4-7 guests per day- creating those plans comes natural to me.
So, here are my top tips on creating your own. Some you can expand into larger plans, while others might be better served in small bites. Either way, hopefully, this list will get the wheels turning and inspire you.
Focus on the questions people ask you the most
When you tell people what you "do", what are the main questions that get asked? If you're an attorney, is there a question everyone wants some free advice on? Or what are the most interesting aspects of owning a business people want to know? Think FAQ and boom- you have countless ideas for content. If you have no other content, simply taking 12 FAQ and giving each question one month gives you a year full of content ideas. You can break down each question into "Part 1-4" series and you'll have content for every week. See how easy that can be?
Why this can be harder than it sounds
As a professional, you deal with countless details of your job that seem insignificant or obvious to you. But remember, they could be cool little tidbits to everyone else. Take a step outside your experienced bubble and look at it from a total noob's perspective. Now, "how you find the perfect event venue" is suddenly an interesting video people would love to watch
Celebrate the seasons
You don't have to wait until November and December to take advantage of the "holiday season". Thanks to calendars like these, practically every day could be considered a holiday.
New year goals, sweetheart moments, spring fever, summer fun, school starting- it goes on and on.
Take a look at all 12 months and quickly section off different seasons and holidays throughout the year that appeals to your business. March is the perfect month for accountants to share tax tips and for photographers to embrace the new spring flowers. July is back to school homework tips from tutors and summer barbecue ideas from event planners.
How to make it even easier
Take ten minutes today and block out the seasons and dates that immediately come to your mind. That way, when you're looking ahead to your summer marketing campaigns you'll automatically see your goals for a Summer Special you momentarily forgot about. This plan helps you avoid those "oh sh*t!" moments when you're scrambling to find a patriotic post for the 4th of July or a generic graphic for celebrating your company's anniversary.
Rinse and repeat
Did something really work for you in 2019? Repeat it. No one is reinventing the wheel out there, and you don't need to either. Don't pressure yourself into thinking of a new spring campaign if the previous campaign was a success. You shouldn't "copy and paste and post", but taking the same content and creating updated graphics, a video instead of a photo or a new hashtag contest can do wonders in enhancing past ideas.
Hire help
This is by far my BEST idea. Hire someone to do it for you. If creative content planning isn't your jam- your time and energy are better served elsewhere. Hire someone (read: me) to create these plans for you. You'll be amazed at how much relief you'll feel after receiving a full quarter or year's plan of content ideas specific to your business, target audience and goals. These content plans are essential for any marketing strategy. You NEED one. But you also don't have to do it yourself.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation RIGHT HERE. I'd love to help you in 2020!