It’s usually design, user experience and high tech breakthroughs that take the cake as hot topics at SXSWi. This year, I was surprised (and delighted) to notice a content revolution taking place. The push? Treat content as a living, changing element of your website and your company’s overall online presence.
When we talk content, we’re not just referring to text on a page. Everything from the error messages that pop up on the site to video/audio clips fit under the content umbrella. Each piece of content should work together with the design and other site elements to enhance the user’s experience and engagement with your brand.
This sounds like a big task, and it is, but it’s doable. It all starts with content strategy. It may entail auditing the current content on your website and working from there to improve your cohesive messaging throughout the site.
The Content Strategy Plan:
Audit. Look at your website, Twitter, Facebook, microsites, etc. Check for relevancy and consistency. Anything redundant, outdated or trivial goes.
Ask. Why do you have this content? Who is it for? Who’s writing it? How often does it get updated?
Analyze. Take a look at your current content and determine what you need to create.
Align. Content does evolve. Create a plan for its life cycle, and involve the appropriate parties.
Assume responsibility. You are a publisher. Take responsibility for your content.
Interested in brainstorming ways that a content strategy plan or editorial calendar could enhance your brand online? Let us know!
