It’s a bit bittersweet to be writing my last blog post for the course and hard to believe Digital Content Strategies is wrapping up this week. With everything this course covered, it feels as though much more than just 8 weeks have passed. I can say with confidence, however, that I know a lot more about content strategy than I did 8 weeks ago.

What’s the most important thing someone learning about content strategy should do? Why?

Plan, plan, plan!

One of the biggest helps during the project phase of the course was all the initial planning (not to mention the additional planning that happened as the project progressed). It was a huge help to list all goals for the content audit, distribute the workload, and establish deadlines for every major task or milestone.

The importance of planning is still true outside a classroom project. When it comes to performing a content audit, especially with a team of people, planning thoroughly can help kickstart a content strategy in the right direction. Additionally, planning check-ins allows for questions to be asked, helps monitor deadline progress, and ensures everyone is on the same page (whether it’s understanding deadlines or how content should be assessed). Someone learning about content strategy, maybe because they plan to develop a content strategy of their own, should definitely not underestimate how much planning helps.

Another thing I believe is worth mentioning is understanding early on some of the best practices that exist when developing content (like reusing content). Every piece of content that is developed should be focused and consistent with other pieces of content.

What’s the most important thing someone learning about content strategy should NOT do? Why?

Don’t underestimate the time commitment (and importance) of a content audit.

Assessing or auditing content requires a lot of time, but the things that can be learned about the health of content are needed to decide what strategies or tactics to employ. My advice to anyone learning about or getting ready to develop a content strategy is to allow for plenty of time for a content inventory/audit. Gather as much information as possible to help identify the best strategies or tactics to employ.  

What was most meaningful about content strategy for your own career goals? Why? (If you cannot easily address your career goals, answer based on your course goals.)

My biggest takeaway from this course was getting so much insight into what content strategy is and what content strategists do for a living. Being shown real life examples with actual businesses, as well as participating in a content strategy for a real client, were some of the more meaningful aspects of the course. Now when I come across job ads for content strategists, I will know more of what it is like to have a career in that part of the industry. At the same time, there are elements of content strategy (like best practices) that are applicable to parts of my career currently and for managing a portfolio website.