How to Keep Your Sanity When Planning Content
Providing value to your audience is an essential part of attracting your ideal customer or client. But, what you post is far more critical than how much you post whether it's a video, blog, or social media post. Posting content without a strategic plan can do more harm than good for your business. You should never post just for the sake of having something on your profile. Here are five tips to get you started in creating your content strategy.
1. Start a Book of Ideas
Creating content can be a tedious and overwhelming task, especially when you have so many ideas. Lack of planning leads to your content being all over the place. One essential step is to jot down ideas that pop into your head. Once you write them down, determine which ideas align with your business and what you offer. If they don't align, tuck them away for another time. You may be able to develop them later. And, for ideas that do fit, plan out the goal of each post, specific message, and insert a call-to-action.
2. Determine What Your Audience Wants to See
Nothing is more disappointing than spending hours crafting something, only for no one to engage with the post. You can avoid wasting time by finding out what your audience wants to see. As a result, you are more likely to increase engagement since your content addresses your audience's pain points. Learn about their needs, conduct Instagram polls, interviews, surveys, focus groups, etc. Doing this demonstrates that you are attentive to their needs. In return, you will retain a loyal base because of the consistent value you produce. Trust us; this will go a long way!
3. Take Time to Plan & Schedule
Even if it is only one day a week, it is necessary to set aside time to plan your content. Creating a social media calendar helps you organize your material. Schedule in advance and set deadlines, so you do not fall behind. After your posts are published, track the number of comments, likes, and shares. Measuring these numbers helps you to determine what resonated with your audience what did not.
4. Use Automation & Post Frequency
So we hear you saying, "this is great and all, but I do not have time to post and sometimes forget." For the busy entrepreneur, automation is your best friend. Today, there are many tools such as Gremlin Social, Preview (iPhone app), and Hootsuite that allows you to schedule posts in advance. All you have to do is upload and pick the date/time to publish. It's just that simple. So, why are you waiting? There is no excuse why you cannot start today!
Check out our previous blog about how to use social media automation.
Which of these tips will you implement? Post them in the comment box below.
