One of the secrets to having a successful content marketing campaign is the efficient management of a content calendar. To those not actively involved in the process, sitting behind a computer screen, typing away, sounds like a simple way to work. The reality, of course, is quite different.
As most marketers know, creating compelling, creative content on a calendar can be quite an uphill climb. Managing client demands, deadlines, and revisions is often a delicate balancing act, especially for busy departments with a wide array of needs and expectations.
Time management is a critical part of excelling at the art of content marketing, but a few expert tips and tricks can make the process easier. Here’s how to make the most of a busy content calendar.
Focus on Prioritization
With a full content calendar and a limited time frame, it’s tempting to direct your team’s attention to smaller projects that are easier to manage. However, deadlines are a critical part of content marketing, and that means learning how to prioritize.
Before getting started on your work, evaluate what content provides the most value to your audience, which due dates are nearest, and what projects could benefit from an early start â for example, visual content with a longer production timeline or written content that requires interviews or in-depth research. Take into account details like turnaround time, urgency, and marketing purpose when ultimately determining how to emphasie the work you have outstanding.
Delegate When Necessary
No content marketer is an island. As such, there may come a point in which you need assistance handling work. In order to save time and avoid missing deadlines, it’s important to understand how and when to delegate —or outsource— assignments.
Utilizing freelancers can be an extremely effective way to offload smaller, simpler assignments that do not require the efforts of your in-house team. The costs of working with outsourced content creation are generally low, and many freelancers focus on fast, high quality work with quick turnaround times, offering you a convenient alternative when your on-site team is bogged down in bigger projects.
Set Goals
Content production is an important part of marketing, but creation for creation’s sake isn’t necessarily the best way to move forward. Without a strong idea of what you’re trying to achieve, you’re going to have a harder time prioritizing outstanding assignments and creating a schedule that resonates with corporate objectives.
In order to make the greatest impact, set solid, attainable goals for your marketing outcomes that resonate with current content needs and abilities. These can vary greatly from one organization or agency to another, but can include things like increasing clickthrough rates or improving conversions. With a clearly communicated mission, your department will be more likely to make a difference.
Minimize Distractions
It can be fun to listen to music, answer emails, or take chat breaks while in the middle of meeting your deadlines, but when you want to keep to your content calendar, interference will only hinder your workflow.
To the best of your abilities, keep your workspace free and clear of distractions. Turn off music, mute chat programs, and consider using browser add-ons that prevent you from spending time on social media websites and other favorites. With interference kept to a minimum, you’ll be able to step up your productivity.
High quality content takes time, effort, and commitment, especially for busy marketers with a packed content calendar. With these tips for sticking to your schedule, you’ll be able to maximize output in the most efficient way possible.
