Content Strategist

Job Overview

The Content Strategist is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive content strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives. On a daily basis, this role involves conducting thorough research to understand the target audience, analyzing content performance metrics, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to create engaging and relevant content. The primary objectives include enhancing brand visibility, driving audience engagement, and ensuring consistency in messaging across all platforms. Additionally, the Content Strategist must stay updated with industry trends and best practices to continuously refine and optimize content strategies.

Organizational Impact

A Content Strategist plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's overall success by crafting and implementing a cohesive content plan that aligns with the organization's strategic objectives. This role significantly impacts other teams, such as marketing, sales, and product development, by providing them with well-researched and targeted content that enhances their efforts and drives engagement. By optimizing content operations, the Content Strategist ensures that resources are used efficiently, leading to improved operational performance. Furthermore, their work directly influences financial outcomes by attracting and retaining customers through compelling and relevant content, ultimately boosting revenue. In terms of compliance, a Content Strategist ensures that all content adheres to industry regulations and standards, thereby mitigating potential risks. Overall, the strategic insights and content solutions provided by this role are crucial in achieving the company's long-term goals and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

Key Systems

A Content Strategist must be proficient in a range of essential software, tools, and technologies to effectively execute their role. Key platforms include content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal, which are crucial for managing and publishing digital content. Familiarity with analytics tools like Google Analytics is vital for tracking and analyzing content performance. Additionally, expertise in SEO tools such as SEMrush or Ahrefs is important for optimizing content visibility and reach. Proficiency in project management tools like Trello or Asana is necessary for coordinating content projects and ensuring timely delivery. Furthermore, knowledge of graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite can enhance the visual appeal of content. While CRM systems are not typically central to a Content Strategist's role, understanding platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce can be beneficial for aligning content strategies with broader marketing goals.

Inputs

A Content Strategist is responsible for managing a variety of data, documents, and tasks essential for developing and executing content strategies. This role requires inputs such as audience insights, analytics reports, and market research, often sourced from marketing and analytics departments. Additionally, collaboration with creative teams provides design and multimedia elements, while editorial guidelines and brand messaging documents are typically supplied by the communications department. External sources, such as industry reports and competitor analysis, also play a crucial role in informing content decisions. The strategist must adeptly integrate these diverse inputs to create cohesive and effective content plans.

Outputs

A Content Strategist is responsible for producing a range of key deliverables that guide and enhance an organization's communication efforts. These outputs typically include comprehensive content plans, editorial calendars, and detailed content audits. The content plans outline the strategic approach to content creation and distribution, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals and target audience needs. Editorial calendars provide a structured timeline for content production and publication, facilitating coordination among team members. Content audits assess existing materials to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. These deliverables are utilized by marketing teams, content creators, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging, optimize content performance, and drive engagement both internally and externally.

Activities

- Develop and implement comprehensive content strategies. 

- Conduct thorough content audits and gap analyses. 

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align content goals. 

- Analyze content performance metrics and adjust strategies accordingly.

- Oversee content creation and ensure quality and consistency. 

- Research and identify emerging content trends and opportunities. 

- Manage content calendars and ensure timely delivery of content.

Recommended Items

- Content Strategy Framework

- Editorial Calendar Template

- Content Audit Checklist

- Brand Voice and Tone Guidelines

- SEO Best Practices Guide

- Content Style Guide

- Audience Persona Template

- Content Performance Metrics Dashboard

- Content Creation Workflow Checklist

- Content Distribution Plan Template

- Competitive Content Analysis Framework

- Content Governance Model

- Content Review and Approval Process

- Content Repurposing Strategy

- Crisis Communication Guidelines

Content Example

- Content audits and gap analysis reports. 

- Editorial calendars and content roadmaps. 

- Audience personas and journey maps. 

- SEO and keyword research reports. 

- Content style guides and tone of voice documents. 

- Performance analytics and content effectiveness reports. 

- Competitive content analysis reports.

Sample Event-Driven Tasks

- Conduct a content audit when a new project is initiated. 

- Develop a content plan upon receiving a project brief. 

- Create a content calendar when a project timeline is established. 

- Perform keyword research when a new SEO strategy is requested. 

- Draft content outlines when a new content piece is assigned. 

- Coordinate with designers when visual content is needed. 

- Review and edit content before a project deadline.

Sample Scheduled Tasks

- Conduct content audits and performance analysis. 

- Develop and update content calendars. 

- Coordinate with cross-functional teams for content alignment. 

- Research and identify content trends and opportunities. 

- Review and edit content for quality and consistency. 

- Monitor and report on content metrics and KPIs. 

- Plan and lead content strategy meetings.

Sample Infill Tasks

- Conducting content audits. 

- Updating content guidelines. 

- Researching new content trends. 

- Reviewing competitor content. 

- Optimizing underperforming content. 

- Collaborating with cross-functional teams. 

- Analyzing content performance metrics.