I realized a while back that I needed a way of visualizing my content workflow, especially as it relates to online marketing.
Essentially, I lacked a system for my online marketing that would give me a bird’s eye view of what I should be focusing on.
So I started writing down my ideas. Once I was done, I had a big list of ideas but it was disorganized.
I knew there had to be a better, easier way.
So I kept working on it and came up with my own revised process that I call content promotion.
And now, this process of content promotion has completely changed how I approach and choose my content mix. My hope is that it will be a game-changer for you, too.
I’ve been continuously updating this process as my content strategy evolves, and it is now the single most valuable asset in my business.
I’m sharing it with you today because it’s made a huge difference not only in my business, but for my clients too.
First, What is Content Promotion?
As defined by Campaign Monitor,
“Content promotion is the process of distributing blog posts and other resources via both paid and organic channels, which may include pay-per-click advertising, influencer outreach, PR, social media, email marketing, and syndication.”
Campaign Monitor
You’re basically doing X, Y, Z so you can get a high-level view of all the components. Hopefully I’ve convinced you of the merits of using content promotion.
Next, I’ll walk you through the process of creating one yourself. There are really only four main steps. This is a super valuable process that you’ll likely change over time, and it will definitely grow and evolve as your business evolves.
Step 1. Content outline
I want you to start by outlining all the content you currently publish. Ask yourself, “What is the goal of the content I am currently providing my clients and/or customers with”?
For me, it was to increase brand awareness and maximize exposure. You may find that you also need to increase brand awareness or maximize exposure at this point.
As a result of outlining my content, I have been able to not only save time, but I’ve also been able to improve my content promotion as a whole.
Step 2. Content promotion checklist
It can be helpful to set a timer here. Give yourself 20 minutes to complete your content promotion checklist. Also, think of everything that comes to mind so you have enough to work with.
In my case, I used Google Docs to create a template for my checklist. This is a really unique part of my process for online marketing. It helps me streamline my content so I’m not spending hours coming up with ideas or writing copy for my content. Plus, it keeps me focused.
For example, when I create a new blog post, I use a checklist and project plan. As a result, I’ve been able to stay consistent with creating my blog posts. Plus, my checklist and project plan have kept me on track which helped maximize exposure with my audience.
Step 3. Project management
Next, download Trello, or your favorite project management tool.
This is your opportunity to record your ideal workflow for each type of content you create, so you (and your team if you have one) have it handy.
Let’s look at my process for creating blog posts again. I outline my full blog post project in Trello. I have categories for everything that helps bring the blog post to life. Under each category are cards that include specific tasks for each step of the process. My high-level process for creating each blog post is:
research for post → complete content promotion checklist → outline post → create post draft → review/edit post → publish post → move to ‘published’ card in Trello
The above process is the exact process I used to create this post.
Then, after publishing, I use a post-publish checklist of ways I can continue to recycle my post in other forms of content, like email marketing, video content, or social media posts. Following this process has helped me stay consistent, provide value in different ways, and maximize my exposure.
Step 4. Repurpose Your Content
Finally, once you’ve outlined your content, completed your content promotion checklist, and added your process in Trello, it’s time to recycle and reuse your content in multiple ways.
At this step, you’ll want to consider how you will market your content and repurpose it in other ways.
If you plan on using Instagram, it’s important to always create your copy for the post prior to when you want to post it. I always use Planoly to create my copy and schedule my posts to be published automatically.
Sticking to an outline for each process that I do has helped me improve my reach and engagement. Plus, I’m able to stay focused on my end goals of maximizing exposure and increasing brand awareness.
Tips For Using This Content Promotion Process
Now that you have a content promotion process, here are some ways you can put it to use:
- #1 – Plan your campaigns every month so that you can be prepared ahead of time.
- #2 – Always have a process for every task you do so that you’re not all over the place in your business.
- #3 – Put all your projects in Trello or a similar application so you can keep them all organized, and much easier to track.
- #4 – Use checklists in addition to your project plan, for all your tasks so you can make sure you’re not skipping any important steps.
Remember to update your content promotion regularly.
I have gotten great results by updating it every quarter. I’ll review it, check my progress, and add or tweak any steps to make it really work for me.
If you make a regular practice of updating your content promotion, it’ll be really easy to maintain and won’t take much time.
Do you need help understanding the right tools to use for your online business?
If you’re interested in using tools that will help you grow your online business and create your own project plans and processes, including the exact tools I currently use, you can grab my Top 10 Tools To Grow Your Online Business As A Solopreneur checklist.
Click here to learn more about my Top 10 Tools To Grow Your Online Business As A Solopreneur.
Here’s a peek at what’s inside:
- Discover a surprisingly simple way to grow your community using one of the top email marketing programs
- Learn the value of using the right tools for your business, especially as a Solopreneur
- Learn one of the easiest ways to design graphics for your business, even if you don’t have prior design experience
- Plus learn even more tools to help you grow your business, increase your profits, and get organized in every area of your business
WRITTEN BY
Demet Nicole
Online Marketing Entrepreneur & Business Coach
As an online marketing entrepreneur and coach, Demet Nicole helps entrepreneurs create, organize, and brand online businesses, beyond the 9-5.
