Build Your Content Creation Proces
Want to steal my content creation process?
Most people feel overwhelmed with creating content and finding the time to be consistent with it.
I am going to share with you my content creation process so that you have a plan to follow and can keep it simple for yourself.
Your content plays a crucial role in not only attracting potential customers but to warm up your current audience to make a purchase.
Content marketing has been the backbone of my business since I started in 2011 with my blog, Frugal Fanatic.
It has led me to build a passive business because the pieces of content that I posted years ago are still driving people to my site which leads them to make a purchase.
Back then, I didn’t have a plan. I just kind of posted whenever.
As years went on I started to see the potential with my blog and got serious with my content creation process.
I still follow the same plan and it allows me to be consistent on both of my websites, with my emails and even with my social content. It can be so simple when you have a process mapped out and follow it each time you create a new piece of content.
My Content Creation Process
#1 - Content Spreadsheet
I like to keep all of my content ideas in one place inside of a Google Spreadsheet.
It makes it really easy to have all of my ideas, notes and suggestions in one place.
That way, when I am ready to plan my content I don’t have to sit and come up with ideas.
I personally like to have this list digitally so I can access it anytime an idea pops into my head.
I don’t always use every idea, but it makes the planning process so much smoother when I can see what I have written in the past and the ideas I have for the future.
*If you like this post, you’ll also like: How to Create Evergreen Content for Your Blog
#2 - Planning + Research
The second part of my content creation process is to plan ahead and map out all of my content on a monthly basis.
When doing this I will schedule time in my calendar at the beginning of the month to plan out all of the content I want to share for the upcoming month.
This includes looking at my calendar for any promotions, launches or events I am doing. I will then plan what I want to share with my audience for those things and then add in any supplemental content.
I will break it down into a tentative schedule for emails, blog posts and social content so I have an idea of what is happening and when.
This can include behind-the-scenes, case studies, how-to pieces, etc.
The important part is having it all on a calendar so you can see an aerial view and then plan your schedule accordingly to get it all done.
I will also spend some time in this planning phase doing any research or SEO work that needs to be done for my upcoming content. This alleviates some of the work and overwhelm I feel when it is time to actually write or record my content.
#3 - Repurposing + re-platforming (is that a word?)
Another part of my content creation process is to repurpose not only older content but any new content I write. Instead of just writing an email and then that being all I do with it, I will use that email and break it down into 3-4 social posts and/or use it for a blog post on my website.
This allows me to have several pieces of content from one original blog post or email.
Read more about How to Repurpose Content here.
Not only do I repurpose it between platforms, but I will also pull things from my archives when I am relaunching or promoting one of my products again. I don’t want to be recreating the wheel every single time.
I literally re-use launch emails and social content. I will go back and update and make any changes necessary, but the majority of the content will stay the same.
This saves so much time.
You can check out this post on how to create content faster here.
#4 - Follow a workflow
Having a workflow as a part of my content creation process is a game-changer.
I used to just sit down and try to write an entire blog post, create graphics and schedule it all at the same time. Not to mention I was doing it the night before I wanted it to go live on my website.
Your workflow doesn’t have to be a fancy process, but you do need to document the tasks that you complete every time you create content. Whether it is a blog post, a podcast, an email or even a video.
Following a workflow will not only save time but guide you on what needs to be done. If you need help with this process, check out this post: How to Build a Blog Post Template.
I personally use Asana to manage my blog post template.
Each time I am ready to create content I will duplicate the workflow template and then get started.
To create your own workflow make a list of all the tasks you complete when you create content. Break it down to the most basic steps so you can follow it next time you create new content.
You can also check out:
This is the process I follow every single time I create content for either one of my websites.
I keep a spreadsheet with ideas and then at the beginning of each month I will plan all of my content and do the necessary research along with seeing what I’ve already created in the past and then I will follow the workflow templates I have made in Asana.