Content marketing is a hot topic today. Unfortunately, many companies are simply throwing money at the problem without having a solid strategy to benefit from it. Though 93% of B2B marketers use content marketing, only 72% have a strategy, and only 30% have documented that strategy. By creating an editorial process that works well for your business, you can focus your content to gain serious returns on your investment.
5 Tips to Help You Optimize Your Editorial Process
1. Your Content Strategy Is Not the Same as Your Editorial Calendar
Though it’s easy to assume that because you have one, you have the other, there are solid differences between the two. Your editorial calender is how you implement your content strategy. If your company is focused on promoting organic oranges grown using sustainable methods, you need to figure out how to move your company’s image from its current point to where you want it. Then you’ll need to brainstorm topics and issues that will need to be addressed and in what order they should happen to get your brand there.
2. Focus on Creating a Consistent Message
Part of the editorial process is focusing your content to create a consistent voice, style and subject manner. We’ve all seen content that has so many different approaches and tones that it’s hard to figure out exactly what the company is about. By taking the time to figure out exactly what you like or don’t like, you can provide solid guidance and useful feedback to your content creators to ensure that content meets your company’s needs.
3. Outsource, Outsource, Outsource
You could do your own editing, but it can make more sense to outsource the process. Whether you don’t have as strong of a sense of grammar as you feel you need or just don’t have the time to devote to the issue, outsourcing allows you to focus on more important issues. By outsourcing your editorial needs, you can ensure they’re handled by someone who can get the job done quickly and effectively.
4. Use, Rinse, Repeat
Your editorial process is only as good as you allow it to be. Like all good business plans, you need to stop on occasion to review your progress, determine what’s working and what still needs work and adjust your process accordingly. By taking the time to regularly review your editorial process, you can focus your content for the best possible return on your investment.
5. Allow Enough Time
Today’s world is focused on instant gratification. But to craft high-quality content through your editorial process, you need to allow time to find the right contributor, provide them time to finish the first draft and then leave enough time for any necessary revisions. By providing enough time, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible content for your brand.
By taking the time to optimize your editorial process, you can ensure that the content you create will boost your brand to the next level. If you need help generating the high-quality content you need without breaking the bank, WriterAccess can help. Please feel free to reach out to our team to get started.
Cathleen V loves writing dynamic content from the front porch of her family’s sheep farm in southwest Missouri. She believes in taking the time to do extensive research on her clients to create content that is a perfect match to each client’s needs the first time, every time. When she’s not writing or chasing sheep, she’s in the studio creating beautiful glass and fiber artwork, and also volunteers in a range of emergency response roles in the community.
