Content is a powerful tool to win in the competitive marketing industry. Hence, there is a growing demand for content strategists. These experts plan and manage content strategists to grow their businesses.
This job is exciting, but it comes with many challenges. Today, I will show you a day in the life of a content strategist. If you are considering this career, keep scrolling down! By the end, you can make up your mind.
Overview
A content strategist plans, designs, and publishes content based on user’s needs and business objectives. Their primary duty is to develop an effective content strategy to achieve business goals.
The content strategist deals with various content in different formats, including magazines, books, blog posts, and tutorials. Their exact duties vary based on their company’s requirements, but they generally perform these tasks:
- Identifying trends in the market
- Planning content design
- Designing company content
- Establishing a branding plan
- Marketing content
- Working on SEO strategies
As you can see from above, I have many tasks to cover. So, how can I handle them all without sacrificing quality? I will reveal my secrets right now.
Assess Market Data
One of the first tasks to do is to access market data. Once I collect high-quality data, I can plan my content strategies effectively. So, I spend a lot of time doing research. Here are some steps for the best outcomes:
- Understand my target audience: I should know who my target customers are and what they want. I often conduct a survey to collect a realistic view for this task. My sales teams also help achieve an ideal result.
- Analyze my competitors: Comparing my content marketing to industry competitors can give me more ideas of what they are doing and which methods work best. I do it by checking data, such as keyword rankings, website traffic, customer reviews, and online presence:
- Monitor market trends: Understanding the hottest trends in the industry is one of the best ways to stay ahead of the competition. My content can go viral as long as I keep my business up-to-date.
Create Plans for Content
I manage a creative team. Thus, after research, I need to provide them with a detailed plan for releasing the content. More specifically, I develop an efficient process for content creation. Then, I define roles within my team.
This task involves giving guidelines that align with the strategy. But before that, I hold team meetings to brainstorm ideas. Teamwork can make dreams work!
Design and Edit Company Content
Another important thing to do with the content is design and edit it. As a content strategist, I must ensure that it aligns with the overall strategy and meets quality standards.
So, first, I design visual elements, including layouts, graphics, and images. I work with the texts, too. The content should deliver a clear message that reflects the company’s objectives.
After designing, I review the content. This task is as simple as checking what I have done. For example, I check the content’s spelling and grammar errors after writing.
Develop a Branding Plan
A branding plan is a long-term strategy that companies use to achieve business goals. If it succeeds, the businesses can communicate well with customers and raise their brand awareness.
As a content strategist, I’m in charge of this plan. I have to develop a detailed branding profile for my company and create high-quality content that meets its goals and philosophy.
To nail this job, I highlight brand messaging. It’s essential to customize the branding plan and differentiate my business with the following:
- Core values
- Vision statements
- A clear description of how my business helps customers with their demands
- The unique services that customers can only get from my business
Make Goals and Objectives
I also develop objectives for content strategies. This way, I can encourage my teammates to improve.
For example, I plan streaming workflows to optimize collaboration within the team. Plus, I provide guidelines for resource allocation so my teammates have the best tools for their job. Then, they can produce content more quickly.
Market Content Through Social Media
Even when I have developed appealing content, it won’t be successful if only a few people access it. Hence, I have to market it.
Social media is my go-to choice when it comes to advertising. It’s an ideal place for businesses of all sizes to promote their content and reach a larger audience.
Platforms like Instagram and X can help distribute my content further. There are many techniques to try, such as hashtags and paid promotions. My job is to choose which one works best for my content.
Stay Up to Date With New Trends
Marketing is a dynamic industry because it keeps changing. If I don’t come up with something new, my content will fail to attract customers.
Hence, as a content strategist, I have to stay updated with new trends. For example, TikTok is on the rise now. So, I must think of a plan to promote my business on this hot platform.
I also follow some big brands in the industry to see how they are working. And if something is interesting, I will research it and prepare a new campaign.
Build Strategic Partnerships
It would be best to have at least one strategic partnership. My company is now partnering with a web development company, and I’m in charge of this alliance. The developers refer me when I need graphics for my content. This way, we will have mutual benefits.
Use SEO for Effective Content
SEO means search engine optimization. It refers to the process of increasing the visibility of my company’s website on Google search engines. Then, we will have more traffic, hence more new customers.
There are multiple steps to create SEO-optimized content, including:
- Finding winning keywords
- Exploring what searchers need
- Creating an outline
- Writing a draft and making it unique
- Getting feedback and editing content
- Writing a compelling title
- Adding internal links
- Checking analytic tools
Conclusion
Many things happen in a day in the life of a content strategist. I have ups and downs, but ultimately, this job always keeps me excited. I love marketing, and nothing is more thrilling than using content to dominate the industry.
If you have the same passion for marketing, consider this career. Plus, don’t be shy to reach out to me to get more information.
