It’s safe to say that most people are glad 2020 is over, with the hope of brighter times in 2021. But teams can’t spend too much time celebrating—the new year is here and marketers have new goals to meet, campaigns to plan, and communities to delight.
In this #ContentChat, we kick off the new year by reflecting on 2020, sharing our goals for 2021, and exploring ways we can support each other throughout the year.
If you missed the chat, please share your answers via this form so that we can coordinate the best guest lineup and resources for you this year.
Q1: What was your biggest content marketing achievement in 2020?
The community has a lot to celebrate from last year, including some client wins, high-performing content, and impressive fundraising achievements. Check out all we shared below, and leave a comment with what you’re most proud of from 2020.
A1: I’m most proud of the collaboration and positive momentum with my retainer clients over such a tumultuous year. And happy we’re moving forward with more content marketing with them in 2021. #ContentChat https://t.co/pLn67Tphm7
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
A1. That would be having marketed my services well enough to attract my ideal clients. #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 18, 2021
A1: Created a new segment for two online platforms and they quickly became the highest performing ones! #ContentChat
— Jette-Mari Anni (@JetteAnni) January 18, 2021
A1: It might sound strange, but cultivating a diverse and talented applicant pool for our open position (we closed off new resumes at the end of the year) was an interesting challenge but it went pretty well! #ContentChat
— Derek Pillie 🎯 (@derekpillie) January 18, 2021
A1b: And now that I’ve said that, I realized that my writing habit came to fruition this year as we started our content calendar for 2021. My partner was awed by the volume of material I already have. #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
We had a digital campaign for a non-profit break fundraising records. We raised $78,000 in 60 days. #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
A1: Implementing a fresh #SEO strategy that involved marketing and our writers. We were able to grow organic traffic by 150%. #contentchat
— Melanie Graham (@WriterGirlMel) January 18, 2021
A1: It was incredibly rewarding to create ~25 different landing pages for the Back to Work Safely campaign/reopening guidelines. It was my first time creating content that could literally save lives! #ContentChat
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) January 18, 2021
Getting our Q4 content plan up and running. #contentchat #B2C
— SmallFishBigPond 🐠 (@HallAudree) January 18, 2021
Q2: Who are you grateful for from 2020, and why?
Expressing gratitude is an important practice to support your mental wellbeing and promote a positive workplace culture. Aim to express gratitude at least once a week—who will you reach out to first?
A2. I’m the most grateful for my Twitter connections and Twitter chat communities. They kept me sane, taught me a lot throughout the year, sent referrals my way, and asked after me even as I couldn’t manage to stay active in the last quarter in 2020. #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 18, 2021
A2: All the support from my colleagues at @WriterGirlAssoc. They understand the importance of balance, flexibility, physical health and emotional wellbeing. Our marketing growth in 2020 was really a team effort.
Also, my pets. 🙂 #contentchat
— Melanie Graham (@WriterGirlMel) January 18, 2021
A2. I am grateful for my workplace actually, they kept checking how were doing, gave more flexible working, had complete understanding around working parents with kids learning from home etc. #Empathy #ContentChat
— Shruti Deshpande (@shruti12d) January 18, 2021
A2: I’m grateful for the connections with other freelancers and entrepreneurs that I’ve made this year! Would not have gotten though 2020 without a community. #contentchat
— Kaitlyn Arford — Freelance Writer (@kaitarford) January 18, 2021
Yes, same! Especially the #MarketingTwitter community 🖤
— Rebekah Bibee (@BekahBibee) January 18, 2021
Q2. I’m grateful for my clients. Throughout Covid, I was still able to work and help my clients succeed and thrive online 🙌🏻 #ContentChat
— Rebekah Bibee (@BekahBibee) January 18, 2021
A2: The business partner who left before we built a brand.
The business partner who stayed.
My SO who is putting up with me starting a company and going back to the racetrack at the same time.
Not necessarily in that order. #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
Another one: @ThatChristinaG for starting #MarketingTwitter! #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
A2: I am grateful for all my kickass content marketing boss ladies, who know who they are (and there isn’t enough room here to at mention them all), and to @AlekIrvin for all his hard work and help building momentum last year. #ContentChat https://t.co/SLsIo5et0u
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
A2: I am grateful for a lot of people in 2020. @SFerika for being such a wonderful leader, mentor, and friend. My freelance buddies who provided emotional support through the rollercoaster year. And my partner for always being there for me. #ContentChat
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) January 18, 2021
A2: First and foremost I’m grateful for my partner in crime in the office who is retiring after having done this work for well over a decade. I’m not sure how I would have reentered my line of work without her and would never have survived 2020 without her help! #ContentChat
— Derek Pillie 🎯 (@derekpillie) January 18, 2021
A2b: More Content-focused gratitude to @rorysutherland for Alchemy… I really enjoyed that read this year. #ContentChat
— Derek Pillie 🎯 (@derekpillie) January 18, 2021
A2 I’ve made a huge number of connections and friends on Twitter through joining chats and taking advice from them, so I’d definitely say I’m most thankful for the chat communities and the people I’ve met on this platform
-Alyx #contentchat https://t.co/E06IzI5slf— Charlie Appel Agency (@ColfaxInsurance) January 18, 2021
Q3: How are you preparing for 2021 that is different than how you prepared for 2020? Are you using different tech, tools, or templates?
In 2021, the community understands the need for: a well-documented content strategy (with flexibility) that ladders up to larger organizational goals…
A3: Having a better, well-documented content strategy that ladders up to larger organizational and business goals. We’re planning projects and tactics out quarter by quarter while building in more room for flexibility (thanks, 2020). #contentchat
— Melanie Graham (@WriterGirlMel) January 18, 2021
It’s so important to build in flexibility to your #contentmarketing plan. Because 2020 sure showed us how necessary that is! And it’s a good reminder that you can still plan even with ambiguity in the air. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
A3. Always having a plan B and even a plan C in come cases! #ContentChat
— Shruti Deshpande (@shruti12d) January 18, 2021
Setting realistic and measurable goals at an individual and organizational level…
A3b Not really content-related but I’m investigating how my team can use OKRs to help us stretch and grow professionally while still working to achieve objectives that are inline with our organization’s goals. #ContentChat
— Derek Pillie 🎯 (@derekpillie) January 18, 2021
Sure… OKRs are a way that many companies, notably Google, kicked off tracking how people are making progress toward organization objectives. OKR stands for objectives and key results. There’s a great video here: https://t.co/eYprPoaVsi #ContentChat
— Derek Pillie 🎯 (@derekpillie) January 18, 2021
Templates to increase your efficiency and improve content quality…
A3. No new tech or tools for now. Making templates as needed. The rest of it is mostly the same except for setting goals for myself for the first quarter, of course. #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 18, 2021
Tools to better understand and reach your community…
I’m evaluating a couple and using a couple others. We have an active install of ActiveCampaign, and we’re running social from SocialPilot. We’re looking closely at Sharpspring to replace almost our entire martech stack. #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
A3:@ProWritingAid to make my editing process easier https://t.co/5IheUJfNCQ@answerthepublic for story ideas
And so many more! ⬇️https://t.co/MEGbhADdo0 #ContentChat
— Kaitlyn Arford — Freelance Writer (@kaitarford) January 18, 2021
A3: I am working on making sure that as an agency @ErikaHeald uses the same awesome templates our clients use for our own content marketing. And I’ve added @SEMrush and @answerthepublic into heavy rotation. #ContentChat https://t.co/pJm27T8LzM
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
How are you using Answer the Public, Erika? I use it myself and would love to know your experience with it. #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 18, 2021
I’ve been using it to gut-check topics, and to validate brand messaging in addition to content idea generation. Often we think we know what words and phrases resonate, but it provides a much better look into how people actually find us. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
Exploring new or different client relationships and new business processes…
A3: In 2020, I was on a contract with a HUGE corporation helping them turn around a product launch disaster. It was a gilded cage.
In 2021, I’m determined not to accept being locked up, no matter how big the $$$. #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
A3 For the final quarter last year we tried out a new method to bring in business that ended up not panning out the way we wanted
So we’re doubling down on building relationships with our current clientele and learning to ask for referrals
-Alyx #contentchat https://t.co/lAOOyFcCs7— Charlie Appel Agency (@ColfaxInsurance) January 18, 2021
And trying new channels to drive results.
A3: A3: Not using any new tools but leaning more toward developing a social media presence. Definitely keep COVID at the forefront of your strategy (since it seems like we might be in this thing for the next year or two) because it impacts so much. #contentchat
— Jessica Dortch (@jesscreatively) January 18, 2021
Q4: What skill(s) are you hoping to develop or expand on in 2021?
A few priorities for our community include video marketing (filming, streaming, editing)…
A4: Video marketing and video #SEO. I’m looking to expand our video channels quite a bit, but expand it strategically. #contentchat
— Melanie Graham (@WriterGirlMel) January 18, 2021
A4: I want to kick off some video content for my @ErikaGlutenFree blog, which means I need to get some practice and skill-building around shooting and editing videos. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
Live streaming like a pro. Doubling down!
— Jason A Miller (@JasonMillerCA) January 18, 2021
A4 I’m looking to learn some basic animation to help some of our more standard graphics stand out in the social space. We’re hosting a big event that will have a streaming component so also trying to sort out how best to corral that puppy. #ContentChat
— Derek Pillie 🎯 (@derekpillie) January 18, 2021
Email marketing…
A4. I plan to work on exploring and improving email marketing this year. Any tips for starting a newsletter welcome! Please share away. 😁 #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 18, 2021
Content planning and SEO…
A4: I’m developing a blog this year! So I need to work on a content schedule and implementing SEO.#ContentChat
— Kaitlyn Arford — Freelance Writer (@kaitarford) January 18, 2021
Data analytics and measurement…
A4. I am getting into more analytics and measurement, ensuring i can read deeper metrics for improved sales enablement. #ContentChat
— Shruti Deshpande (@shruti12d) January 18, 2021
A4: Working on deepening my #dataanalytics expertise #contentchat
— Gayane Margaryan (@gayanemar) January 18, 2021
Website building…
A3: I’m soon starting a new internship and my boss told me he’ll teach me some website building basics – I’m so stoked! #ContentChat pic.twitter.com/ZRcUoMwjjN
— Jette-Mari Anni (@JetteAnni) January 18, 2021
And graphic design.
A4. I’m hoping to dabble more in graphic design. I do it casually, but would like to expand my skillset and portfolio. #ContentChat
— Rebekah Bibee (@BekahBibee) January 18, 2021
Q5: What do you hope to accomplish by the end of 2021 (work or personal)?
What are your goals for 2021? Can our community help you reach those goals? Let us know in the comments.
A5: I’d love to have a solid email marketing plan that’s in place, growing subscribers and engaging subscribers with more personalized content. That includes more automated series and drip campaigns. #contentchat
— Melanie Graham (@WriterGirlMel) January 18, 2021
A5. By the end of 2021, I should’ve published at least 9 new blog posts on my site, used LinkedIn to build a community, and have a newsletter. Please don’t tell me this too much to ask for? 😂 #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 18, 2021
A5. Really hope I get my blog flying. It does need some TLC and I feel like I just can’t get started on that one! #ContentChat
— Shruti Deshpande (@shruti12d) January 18, 2021
Personal: Read (well, listen to) more books. 📚🎧
Business: Finetune email marketing, finish my course for freelancers. 💥#ContentChat
— Deb Lee (@DAllisonLee) January 18, 2021
A5: we have a Wedding to have and I really want to get a blog going! #ContentChat
— Jette-Mari Anni (@JetteAnni) January 18, 2021
A5…
Oh, the usual.
Finish the novel.
Get the band back together.
Avoid accidentally killing any of my loved ones.#ContentChat
— David McGuire (@McGuireDavid) January 18, 2021
A5: Getting my blog up and running! And I plan to create a dog-friendly garden on my patio this year. #ContentChat #amwriting
— Kaitlyn Arford — Freelance Writer (@kaitarford) January 18, 2021
A5. I need to finish my website. Its been ‘under construction’ for an embarrassingly long time and 2020 proved that it’s essential #ContentChat
— Rebekah Bibee (@BekahBibee) January 18, 2021
A5: I want to continue to grow the agency this year, including bringing on a virtual assistant. #ContentChat https://t.co/fHc5ayqWQA
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
A5b: On a personal goal, I am ripping apart part of my garden to get rid of the annoying rocks and weed paper so I can more easily grow more flowers in my dahlia beds, and not hate Camellia season. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
A5: I’d like my agency to be able to support all the partners as a full-time endeavor. #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
Q6: How can you be of help to other members of the #ContentChat community throughout the year?
Need help with content strategy, branding, SEO, or more? Reach out to these community members who are ready to assist!
A6. Happy to help anyone who has questions about how to become more productive, fix broken workflows, or who needs a little advice about which apps can help them get stuff done. 😊 #ContentChat
— Deb Lee (@DAllisonLee) January 18, 2021
A6: More than happy to help anytime with content strategy, blog planning, editing and writing! DM me anytime 🙂 #contentchat
— Melanie Graham (@WriterGirlMel) January 18, 2021
A6. My DMs are open for anyone who want to talk in the #ContentChat community. If I can help you plan, listen through your content ideas, or proofread your work, feel free to let me know. 🙂
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) January 18, 2021
I am more into campaign conception and implementation, hit me up if you need anything in that area. Happy to help the #ContentChat community!
— Shruti Deshpande (@shruti12d) January 18, 2021
A6: I’m good at finding creative solutions! If you’re ever stuck with content dm me ☺️ #ContentChat
— Jette-Mari Anni (@JetteAnni) January 18, 2021
A6: My DMs are open! I can talk pricing, negotiating, and content. I also interview people all the time so I’d you ever need advice on finding sources or interviewing, I got you!#ContentChat #FreelanceTwitter
— Kaitlyn Arford — Freelance Writer (@kaitarford) January 18, 2021
A6: I’m a serial entrepreneur on top of 25 years of corporate experience. If you’re starting something and need help, I’m happy to offer my experience. I’ve also branded or rebranded dozens of companies and products. #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
A6: I am thinking about hosting a monthly “office hours” afternoon, where any of you can pop into video chat with me for advice, brainstorming, or just to say “hi!” #ContentChat https://t.co/Hr1W7n74Sv
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Expert (@SFerika) January 18, 2021
A6: I also offer pictures of Seamus on-demand for your Emotional Support Animal needs. #ContentChat
— John Cloonan (@johncloonan) January 18, 2021
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