In our final content strategy deep-dive of the month, I was on the hot seat answering questions about creating a strategic editorial plan. Over the course of the #ContentChat, we covered a wide range of topics around content marketing editorial research and planning. For those of you who hate editorial calendars and aren’t sure you should read on, our special guest host Maureen Jann and I made a short video to share our POV on why everyone hates editorial calendars but should actually be using them.
Q1: What is an editorial plan and why do I need one for my content strategy?
An editorial plan documents and organizes how your planned content rolls up against your content strategy.
A1a: An editorial plan covers the topics, content types, audiences, funnel stages, and channels you are using to reach your audience. #ContentChat pic.twitter.com/3nx4W1VnK1
— Erika Heald | Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) May 21, 2018
A1b: An editorial plan ensures you are giving the right messages to the right audience at the right funnel stages in support of your business goals. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) May 21, 2018
A1 An editorial plan is a documented view of your proposed communications for the year. It includes what you’ll say, who’s responsible and where/when the message will be published and promoted. It’s the first step of the delivery stage. #contentchat pic.twitter.com/iYy4JHUeOb
— Bill Skowronski (@BillSkowronski) May 21, 2018
An editorial plan gives you needed structure for executing your content strategy.
A1: Having a content strategy without an editorial plan isn’t a full strategy. The editorial calendar helps you set themes that ladder up to biz goals & gives you structure. #ContentChat
— Berrak Sarikaya | Content Strategist | Speaker (@BerrakBiz) May 21, 2018
A1: An editorial plan comes AFTER your content strategy. The strategy is the why and the plan is the when. #ContentChat https://t.co/T97KQhDcON
— Amy Higgins (@amywhiggins) May 21, 2018
A1: I would say it’s an excellent tool for staying consistent and keeping a good cadence with your messaging #contentchat
— Olivia Griffin (@OliviaGriffinMA) May 21, 2018
An editorial plan keeps your content from being reactive while keeping you on track for your goals.
A1. You need an editorial plan so you
1) stay focused
2) don’t just be reactive
3) have communications that build on itself over time#ContentChat— Tod Cordill (@todcordill) May 21, 2018
A1: It’s a strategy tied to specific deadlines. It keeps things organized and makes it easier to stay on top of your goals #contentchat
— Kristen Hicks (@atxcopywriter) May 21, 2018
[Read more…] about May 21 Content Chat Recap: How to Research and Document Your Editorial Plan