Author: Franz Malten Buemann

  • Best TikTok Hashtags in 2022 [Ultimate Guide]

    Creating a TikTok is half the battle — now you need the right people to watch it. But with over 1 billion monthly users on the platform, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd.
    Enter your secret weapon — the hashtag. While many marketers approach hashtags as an after-thought, they’re a powerhouse for engagement, visibility, and discoverability. Even if you aren’t running a full-scale hashtag campaign, they should be a part of your overall TikTok strategy.

    Here, we’ll explore the benefits of using TikTok hashtags, discuss best practices for using them, and uncover what types of hashtags are most popular on the platform.
    What are TikTok hashtags?
    Like Instagram and Twitter, TikTok uses hashtags to group content around a particular topic, making it easy for people to find videos that interest them.
    The hashtag “formula” includes a hash sign (#), followed by a topic (e.g., crafts, travel, fashion, sports, etc.). The best hashtags tend to be relatively short, concise, and easy to remember.
    Brands can use hashtags to build brand awareness, increase social engagement, and drive conversions. To go a step further, they can also sponsor a hashtag — known as a branded hashtag — to encourage TikTokers to create content around it. The most popular branded hashtags have amassed millions of views and thousands of response videos.

    Next, let’s dive deeper into the importance of TikTok hashtags — and cover best practices for using them.
    Why are TikTok hashtags so important?
    Hashtags have the power to expand your reach beyond your current audience. Let’s dive deeper into their benefits:
    1. Provide context.
    For one, hashtags provide a layer of context for your TikTok videos. For instance, if you upload a video of you playing a video game, you could include the hashtag #gaming. Then, the TikTok algorithm decides who would be most interested in seeing your video on their feed.
    2. Discoverability and engagement.
    Hashtags categorize videos under certain topics — like #gaming — so users can easily find content they’re interested in. As a result, your content has more chances to be discovered, even if someone doesn’t follow your brand.
    With more eyes on your content, you have a higher chance of engagement. After all, users can only “like” and comment on videos that appear in front of them. So, more reach typically translates to higher engagement.
    3. Building community.
    Hashtags are a great tool for building community. For instance, branded hashtags are an effective way to encourage users to engage with your brand and create videos around a sponsored hashtag.
    For example, when Nissan Australia wanted to promote its new sports car, the JUKE, they turned to TikTok. They created a branded hashtag — #improvisewithJUKE — and challenged users to make their own car commercial voiceover, with the winner receiving a feature in a future JUKE commercial.
    The results? 129.4 million video views globally and over 34,000 video submissions, leading to a 92% lift in brand awareness for the JUKE.
    How to Use Hashtags on TikTok
    Hashtags on TikTok work just like they do on Instagram and other social platforms. When you upload a video, you have the option to write a caption — and this is where you want to include your hashtags. While this sounds simple, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
    1. Find the best hashtags for your content.
    It’s essential to research hashtags relevant to your brand, your industry, and your audience. One way to do this is by checking out your competition because there’s likely an audience overlap. Observe what hashtags they use and note which ones get the most views and engagement.
    You can also find inspiration on the app’s Discover page. Here, you can browse through trending hashtags and sounds. Discover also showcases popular videos that use these hashtags to help you find inspiration.
    2. Combine niche hashtags with popular ones.
    This might sound counterintuitive, but only targeting popular hashtags can be ineffective. While they have a larger audience, they’re also highly competitive. Instead, it’s better to have a mixture of both niche and popular hashtags.
    Niche hashtags have fewer people searching for them, but those who do are highly engaged and interested. For instance, #food is a popular TikTok hashtag with millions of impressions, but #cakedecorating is more niche with a fraction of the audience. By incorporating both, you tap into two different audiences.
    3. Stay mindful of the character limit.
    TikTok limits captions to 300 characters. While you could squeeze as many hashtags as possible into your caption, a long string of hashtags can confuse your audience — and this does a poor job of explaining your video. Instead, experts suggest 3 to 5 hashtags as the optimal number.
    Popular TikTok Hashtags
    According to a recent Statista report, TikTok sees the most hashtag views from entertainment content (535 billion views, to be exact). This aligns with another study by HubSpot that reports funny and entertaining content has the highest engagement and ROI than any other content type.

    The second most popular category on TikTok is dance with 181 billion hashtag views, followed by pranks, fitness and sports content, home renovations, and beauty and skincare.
    To find the most popular hashtags in real-time, visit the Trend Discovery page on TikTok. Here, you will find a comprehensive list of trending hashtags, songs, and creators.
    Back to You
    Once you create a TikTok video, your work isn’t over. Now you need to position your content in front of your audience. One of the best ways to do this is with hashtags. Start with the tips in this article and always keep an eye out for hashtags that relate to your brand or audience.

  • Thoughts on the solstice

    For half the planet, today is the longest day of the year. For the rest of us, the shortest.

    There was a solstice before there were people. All of our other holidays don’t fit that definition. They’re invented. Short-lived. Worldwide, it’s a moment to realize that this is the only planet in the known universe that can sustain human life.

    And the planet is changing. We’re changing it.

    It’s worth knowing how it’s changing, understanding the implications and deciding to work for systemic change. Because it’s not too late, but we need to see the change that’s happening, right now.

    Many believe that it’s worth understanding and sharing the information. We can’t make things better if we can’t see what’s going on.

    Do you want to know?

    Today was going to be the pub day for The Carbon Almanac, but we pushed it back two weeks because of global supply chain issues. The Dutch edition is out today, with editions for Italy, China, Korea, Japan, the UK and the Czech Republic coming soon. The US print run is smaller than we (the hundreds of volunteers who created this book) hoped for, so I hope you can pre-order before it sells out.

    Numbers and charts and tables are only part of the story of our world. We can see the changes with our own eyes. We worked with Getty to collect the work of photographers and artists to capture this moment in pictures. Download and share a free copy here.

    Systemic change requires sharing. Sharing information, sharing connection and sharing the work. You can make an impact simply by understanding and then teaching someone else.

  • What is New in DFY Suite 4.0 Bundle

    submitted by /u/seunsdbiz [link] [comments]

  • Access Static Resource in Lightning Web Component

    Last Updated on June 20, 2022 by Rakesh Gupta Big Idea or Enduring Question: How to import and use static resources in the lightning web component?  Objectives: After reading this blog, you’ll be able to: Understand the purpose of the static resource Use static resources in the lightning web component and
    The post Access Static Resource in Lightning Web Component appeared first on Automation Champion.

  • What is B2B Marketing Analytics? Learn CRM Analytics for Pardot

    B2B Marketing Analytics is the Salesforce CRM Analytics app built for the B2B marketer. In short, get up-and-running with analytics for Pardot faster. Salesforce CRM Analytics is the main analytics add-on for Salesforce, extending functionality beyond Salesforce reports (B2BMA is one part of the full… Read More

  • Four key elements of Starbucks’ customer personalisation strategy

    The most recent Cheetah Digital 2022 Digital Consumer Trends Index survey found that 74% of global consumers want brands to treat them as individuals. Therefore, personalisation is a critical factor for companies to consider as the economy points to more challenges ahead.  In the latest Cheetah Digital Signals executive interview series, Barbara Spiering, Starbucks’ VP…
    The post Four key elements of Starbucks’ customer personalisation strategy appeared first on Customer Experience Magazine.

  • Pride Month in Business: an interview with Melissa Tilling

    Today, we have an incredibly special interview with Melissa Tilling: the CEO and founder of Charitable Travel. Melissa is such a significant figure in both the business world and LGBTQ+ community. Her travel company is also the first and only one to be run by a trans-woman. There is so much that we can learn…
    The post Pride Month in Business: an interview with Melissa Tilling appeared first on Customer Experience Magazine.

  • How to Connect Salesforce to Google Ads

    When it comes to tracking digital advert interactions, Google Ads is the market leader for a reason. Google Ads are ‘always on’, instantly capturing every touchpoint and building an incredibly rich picture. Here’s the drawback – assessing performance only goes so far into the lead… Read More

  • How To Make Instagram Reels and Use Them to Your Advantage

    If there’s one thing that Instagram understood with the creation of Instagram Reels it’s that it’s not just content that’s king — it’s video content. With TikTok surpassing 1 billion global downloads within 18 months of its launch, the app’s endless feed of short, entertaining video clips quickly became an internet sensation.
    But, in August 2020 — as countries like the U.S. considered banning TikTok due to privacy concerns — Instagram launched Reels as a set of new audio and video editing features similar to what users would find on TikTok. Flashforward to 2022, and this burgeoning video feature now accounts for up to 20% of user activity on Instagram.
    With numbers like these, it’s easy to see why Reels remain a major play for Instagram — so we’re here to explain everything you need to know about Reels in order to use them to your advantage.

    Aside from allowing users to record videos with sound or audio overlays, the Reel camera and editor also include the following features on mobile:

    Editing tools: Create augmented reality effects, transitions, and the ability to speed up or slow down videos.
    Audio attribution: Overlay the sound in videos with audio from other user uploads (while the app gives sound credits to the original account).
    Stitchable takes: Make a video with just one long take or a combination of quicker takes.
    Duets: Add your Reel to one made from another account for side-by-side interaction. Find the Reel you’d like to duet with and click the circle settings to “Remix a Reel.”
    Instagram Shareability: Share Reels with just friends on your Stories or profile, or publicly in the Reels tab or Explore page.

    Since June 2021, it’s worth noting that ads are now supported in the Reels tab, the Explore page, and your Feed once a user taps into the Reel scroll. With the range of ways Reels appear to Instagram users — especially where people who don’t follow your brand reside — your business has the opportunity to reach new audiences across the globe.
    Here’s an example of what a Reels ad for your brand could appear as below:

    Video Source
    What’s distinct about Reels ads — and Stories ads — is that Instagram allows users to decide which ads appear to them. If they do not wish to see the ad, they can simply skip it or select the menu in the bottom right to hide or report it.

    Step 1: Enter Reels mode within Instagram.
    First, you need to know how to get to Reels on Instagram. You can start your Reels in 3 ways: Select the
    + symbol at the top right of your homepage and tap Reels.
    Open the Instagram Stories camera and tap
    Reels.
    Select the Reels tab on the bottom of the app and tap the top right camera:

    When you arrive at your Reels screen it should look something like this:

    If so, you are now ready to begin recording, adding videos, editing, and overlaying audio if you haven’t found the right sound yet.
    Step 2: Begin recording a video or adding pre-saved clips.
    Before you record or create your Instagram Reel first make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app. Then access the Reels screen according to your preference. Once you arrive at the Reels screen: Simply hold the center circle button and begin recording to start filming a clip.
    Tap the square in the bottom left corner to add videos from your camera roll, TikTok, or other platforms.
    Begin piecing together video clips or recording a longer video for a total of up to 60 seconds.
    If you let go of the record button but still have time left in your Reel video, you can hold the button again to start a second clip that starts immediately after the first ends. As you record one or multiple clips for your Reel, the progress bar and countdown at the top of the screen will show you how much recording time you have left.

    How to Add Effects to Reels
    To add effects to your video simultaneously, you can select the editing option located on the left side of the Reels screen: Change the design of your video by tapping
    Layout and choosing one of the grid options provided like this dual-screen.
    Slow or increase your video playback by choosing the
    Speed your video to set the pace.
    Go hands-free and record by timer when you select the stopwatch symbol.

    Choose between a 3 or 10-second timer, then drag the meter by the number of seconds you want your clip to be. To stop recording, re-tap the center circle button as you like.
    Add a filter for additional creativity by selecting one from the bottom of your screen.

    The filters for Reels are similar to Instagram Stories and many of these effects crossover between both video formats.
    Step 3: Find audio for Reels.
    Now it’s time to select audio and add it to your Reel. The audio feature enables you to overlay a pre-recorded sound from other users, songs available on Instagram, or your own audio.
    If you are creating content around a specific song or sound bite, you may begin with this step prior to recording or adding clips. In either case, follow these steps to find the right tune to complete your Reel. Select the
    Audio musical note on the left side of your Reel screen.
    Search music in the search bar or browse Instagram’s song or audio suggestions.
    Choose the part of the song or sound you will apply to your video.

    Then, voila — your audio is now added to your Reel. Make sure that you preview how it will align with your video by tapping Next, then adjusting clips accordingly.

    How to Use Original Audio on Instagram Reels
    Pro tip — if you do not see a Reel song you like, you can always add your own. To import your own sound: Select the
    Import button next to the Saved button.
    Add the video with the audio you’d like to use.

    Your Original audio is added and you are now credited for the sound — meaning your Instagram profile icon will as the audio icon.
    How to Find Trending Instagram Reel Songs and Sounds
    If you want to find trending Instagram Reels audio, there are a few different options available. One of the easiest ways is to browse through Instagram itself: scroll through the Reel sounds used by popular accounts or search popular hashtags like #trending songs or #trending audio.

    You can also find trending Reel songs and sounds to use by tapping the Reels you find on your Explore page, clicking the song name on the bottom left corner, and taking a look at how many people have made Reels with that sound.
    Once you decide if a song is popular — and upward trending — you can then save it for when you’re ready to bring your Reel to life.
    How to Save Music on Instagram
    If the sound is indeed too good to let it scroll past you, simply select Save Audio to keep it.

    This audio will now live in your Saved folder so you can add it to a Reel when you’re ready.
    You can also receive periodic notifications from Instagram letting you know if a song saved to make a Reel has passed a certain threshold.
    So whether you’re looking for background music to add an extra flair to your Reel or letting the audio take you viral, there are plenty of resources for finding the right sound that’s in tune with your vision to quickly get your Reel posted.
    Step 4: Post a Reel on Instagram.
    Now that you have created your Instagram Reel and found the perfect track, posting it to Instagram is easy. To have your Reel live in no time: Select
    Next on the bottom right corner of your Reels screen to reach the sharing window.
    Choose the best cover for your Reel by tapping
    Edit cover on the top of your screen.
    Select or deselect
    Also share to Feed to tell Instagram whether or not you want your Reel to be seen on your Instagram profile.
    If you do not want to post it to your Feed, make sure the slider is gray and not blue.
    Add your caption and hashtags as you would with your regular Instagram posts.After you decide whether to share your Reel to the Feed, at the bottom of the screen you have the chance to:

    Tag people or brands in the video.
    Rename Audio used in the video to your liking.
    Add Location information on where Reel was shot.
    Add Fundraiser events you are supporting.
    Recommend on Facebook or show your Reel to anyone on the platform — Facebook friend or not.

    Include a paid partnership label when you tap Advanced Settings at the bottom.

    Once you’ve added all of your preferences, you can now select the Share to Reels button in blue:

    You’ve officially shared your Reel on Instagram! But if you start these steps and decide your minute — or less — masterpiece requires further edits, you can always save the Reel as a draft so you don’t have to restart:

    Finally, Reels can also be sent as direct messages or even posted to your Instagram Stories, similar to the grid posts you publish to your Feed.
    Instagram Reels FAQ
    Do Reels show up on your Feed?
    Your Reel will show up on your Feed like any other Instagram post with a film clapperboard icon on the top right of the video. So feel free to scroll through them like you would a traditional video upload:

    They have the standard 1:1 square ratio or a 1080px by 1080px Instagram post size on your grid. But once tapped, they will have their distinct 9:16 aspect ratio with a width and length of 1080px by 1920px:

    Plus, your caption will sit under the Reel like the rest of your Instagram post captions whenever you choose the best time to post them.
    When’s the best time to post reels on Instagram?
    As far as we know, there is no “right” time to post Instagram Reels per se, but like any other form of Instagram content, the timing of your posts can play a role in their engagement metrics. If you want your Reel to be seen by as many people as possible, then you should post during peak times: the time of day when most of your audience is active on Instagram.
    You can find out what your peak time is by using your Business or Creator Instagram account and tapping Insights to go to your Professional Dashboard.

    Here you will see when your audience is most active, their interactions, their likes, and more metrics that give you a better understanding of how to best reach your audience.
    How to See Instagram Reels Insights
    Once you tap Insights on your profile feed, you will be brought to your Insights Overview.
    To see what days or hours your audience is most interactive: First, select
    Total Followers.Next, scroll to the bottom of the screen.Then, view
    Most Active Times.
    Select Hours to see how many accounts are active at specific times of day by tapping the blue columns. Use the arrows to switch days:
    Select
    Days to see how active your followers are on different days of the week by tapping the blue columns.

    After you gauge how likely your audience is to interact with your Reel at a given time or day, you can now take it a step further and monitor your Reel’s performance: Return to your
    Insights Overview and select
    Accounts Engaged.
    Scroll down to
    Reels Interactions.
    See your most popular Reels according to likes.
    By reviewing your Reels and audience Insights, you will be able to plan your content around what’s most engaging to your followers and post when they’re most likely to enjoy it.
    What You Need to Know About the Instagram Reels Algorithm
    Like most Instagram content, Reels are ranked by Instagram’s algorithm. This algorithm is based on a number of different factors that include post engagement, length, content, and more.
    What you should remember about the algorithm is that there is no trick of the trade to rank higher in users’ feeds. While there are Instagram users who may try to garner high engagement through methods like contests and giveaways, these tactics will not necessarily lead to long-term success.
    But what you can do to help your Reel content appeal to the Reels algorithm is keep these points in mind:

    Create content that is short, sweet, and relevant to the current social times.
    Post regularly so Instagram can expect you to produce a consistent amount of Reel content.
    Be creative with your content and help lead trends instead of just following them.
    Use Instagram’s tools to edit and improve your videos.
    Add niche Instagram hashtags that are relevant to your products, services, and base.

    So with a little bit of creativity and production direction, you can be a Reel connoisseur in no time.
    Viral Brand Reels Examples
    Whether you’re looking to create fun and engaging content to connect with your audience, or simply trying out a new Instagram marketing strategy, a Reel is a versatile tool that can help you achieve your goals. Especially, considering that Reels has increased Instagram engagement for brands like the NBA at a rate of 22% compared to the traditional Instagram videos.
    But what can it do for your brand as you aim to increase awareness, reach, or sales? Let’s take a look at some examples of how brands are leveraging Reels today to do just that:
    1. Nike: A Brand Story
    If you want your customers to believe in your brand, they need to believe in your story. For instance, one brand with exceptional storytelling on and off Instagram is — you guessed it — Nike. In this Reel, they let us into the lives of athletes who use Nike to train, win, and most importantly, live their lives.
    Watch the screen as the Reel pivots between the NBA Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo as a child to him now as an NBA champion and listen to his emotional declaration on doing whatever it takes to succeed.

     

     

     

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A post shared by Nike (@nike)

    But what makes this spotlight on Giannis so impactful — 5 million views strong and counting — in just seconds is that this feeling is one many can relate to, especially their competitive base. Then, with the simple yet iconic black screen and white swoop, Nike is telling you that will help you win — that Nike is a part of what it takes. That’s a narrative that has made many backs this legendary brand.
    2. HelloFresh: Products in Action
    If your Instagram is all about selling a product, Reels are the perfect platform to show the quality of your creation in detail. If you’re promoting a service, Reels offers an opportunity to give your customers and followers a taste of what you do and how you do it.
    For instance, take recipe ingredient delivery service HelloFresh:

     

     

     

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A post shared by HelloFresh US (@hellofresh)

    This brand often uses Reels to cook their own recipes and showcase the delicious ingredients they provide for easy home cooking. By doing so, they are showing us the quality of healthy ingredients, ease of use, and taste satisfaction — the tenets of their products and services — and encouraging consumers to give it a try themselves.
    3. Schiaparelli: A Behind-the-Scenes Peek
    In this Reel, Italian fashion house Schiaparelli takes us behind the scenes of their haute couture design process, giving us a window into their brand that we wouldn’t have had otherwise — without a fashion degree.

     

     

     

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A post shared by Schiaparelli (@schiaparelli)

    By allowing us into the fold of their luxurious fabric selection, expert stitching, and creative fashion boards, the brand is showing us the expert execution it takes to create a one-of-a-kind Schiaparelli piece. We can now derive the value of the product through its craftsmanship, a value the brand knows, but one we may not immediately recognize.
    The point is that now is the time to experiment with Reels to showcase your brand to the public. So constantly try new ways to create your Reel content. These short and snackable clips offer a unique opportunity for you to highlight your products, services, and personality in an authentic way. So consider these tips to put your brand’s best Reel forward on your next post.
    Instagram Reels vs. TikTok
    As you consider Reels, TikTok, and other emerging social media platforms in your marketing strategy, it’s important to weigh the pros, cons, and key marketing takeaways when determining if a channel or feature is right for your team.
    Here are just a few things to remember as you consider Reels:
    Reels compete against a unique, viral sensation.
    Although Instagram has a huge audience that is loyal to its platform, many Gen Z users are used to going to TikTok for viral videos and general entertainment. Because the app has pulled in astounding fan loyalty in its short lifespan, you might find that Reels don’t have the same viral opportunities that TikTok videos might have.
    What works on TikTok might not work on Reels.
    TikTok is a highly experimental platform with a younger, but huge, global audience. Because of these factors, there aren’t many rules about what you should and shouldn’t post on there. Meanwhile, Instagram has been around for years, has a slightly older audience, and has some content norms or audience expectations set in place.
    If you’ve already posted a handful of TikTok videos and want to test them on Reels, you can consider uploading a few, watching how they perform, and learning more about what works well on both platforms.
    However, as you learn the differences between TikTok and Instagram audiences, you might find that high-performing TikToks aren’t as engaging to your Reels audience. If this is the case, you might want to consider creating specialized content for Reels.
    Reels Take Your Instagram Marketing Up A Notch
    Although you’ll want to keep the points above in mind as you consider testing out Reels, you’ll also want to remember the opportunities it offers. For example, Reels might be a great option for you if you’ve mastered Instagram, know what content your audiences want, and are eager to test out TikTok-styled content. If you do begin to test out Reels, it can’t hurt to brush up on your Instagram marketing skills and Instagram platform knowledge to ensure that your profile, other content, and — ultimately — your Reels will be on point for your brand and optimized for brand awareness.

    Editor’s note: This post was originally published in September 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness in June 2022.

  • What is a Content Management Workflow? Why You Need One in 2022

    Creating an effective content workflow is a lot like baking a cake. If you accidentally pour unfinished batter into an unprepared pan, the damage is done. You can’t go back and prep the pan after the fact.

    Imagine your cake batter is your content, and the cake pan is its publication. If your content goes straight from the writer to your consumers, you are running a lot of risks. You must first edit and fact-check the content before publication and distribution. Readers become disinterested or upset at careless, incorrect content. And once the information is out there, it is nearly impossible to recover.

    Having the right people in place on your content team is not enough. To create quality content every time you post, your company needs to outline its processes in a content workflow.
    In this post, we’ll cover the topic of content workflow — what it is, how to manage it, and how you can create one for your business.
    Strategists, writers, editors, and managers are people you would have on your content team. Their tasks, seen in a workflow, include planning, writing, editing, publishing, and more; however, each function is not necessary for every content type.
    Depending on the content type, your workflow will change. Businesses can publish various content like newsletters, blog posts, and social media posts. The content workflow is different for each asset. For example, compare the publication of a newsletter and a social media post. The most evident difference in this process is that the content types go through different channels. Once you break down the workflows, you will discover that each may require separate people, processes, tools, and resources.
    With so many moving pieces necessary for creating a content workflow, managing the process becomes a top priority.
    Content Workflow Management
    If left untamed, your content workflow can become complicated and confusing for your team. To successfully manage your workflow, start by outlining the processes, people, and tools involved in the content creation process.
    Processes
    To manage your content workflow, identify the steps needed to create content. They are:

    Strategizing
    Planning
    Creating
    Reviewing
    Publishing
    Analyzing

    While this is the basic workflow for content, each step has supplementary processes depending on the content type. You can build these extra steps as you create your content workflow. At this stage, it’s helpful to outline a content strategy.
    People
    An effective content workflow focuses on the processes needed to publish content, but people are arguably the most vital part. One aspect of managing content workflow is identifying and managing key players. These people are responsible for fulfilling the steps in the content creation process listed above. For example, for strategizing, you’d need a strategist. For reviewing, you’d need an editor.
    In conjunction with managing your people and their processes, content workflow management also covers the tools needed to complete the work.
    Tools
    For your content team to fulfill their roles and work through content creation processes, they need tools. Content has to be created, edited, shared or managed somewhere. Managing your team’s content workflow means managing the tools it needs.
    Content management systems, like CMS Hub, are essential for publishing blog posts. Canva and Adobe Photoshop are great tools for design. These are just three of the many tools your company might add to its content tech stack.
    As the content marketing industry booms, your business needs to expand to accommodate this growth. This expansion reflects an increase in the people, processes, and tools associated with your content workflow. The more comprehensive your workflow becomes, the more daunting it is to manage; however, integrating content workflow software can solve the problem.
    Content Workflow Software
    Content workflow software, or a workflow management system, is a program that manages the content creation process through planning, production, and publication. Instead of teams using multiple methods and approaches to monitor the content process, workflow management systems help you create a centralized location for your team to visualize its processes. It promotes the execution of your content strategy in alignment with company goals.
    The added benefits of using content workflow software include:

    An increase in productivity
    A reduction in errors
    An improvement in workplace collaboration

    Increase In Productivity
    Without using a content workflow software tool, team members are left with extra work and time wasted. These issues are removed with content workflow software because it is automated. It eliminates sending email updates because the software sends them for you. Content teams don’t have to guess the timeline of a project because the system manages it for them. Everything happens quickly and efficiently.
    Reduction In Errors
    Nothing is perfect, and you can’t expect the same from your content workflow. Even so, content workflow software helps reduce errors. It helps your team stay ahead of deadlines. It allows you to identify what processes in the content workflow need adjustment. Content management software gives your company the tools for improving your workflow.
    Improvement In Workplace Collaboration
    Content management software improves workplace collaboration between team members and the apps and platforms they use. Executing your content strategy requires many different people who use various tools. Workflow management software allows your team to notify and update another member while the software integrates with several content management systems, email providers, messaging services, and social media platforms.
    To take advantage of the benefits of using content workflow software, learn more about Marketing Hub and how its marketing automation technology simplifies tasks.
    Content Workflow Template
    Content workflow software is fundamental in keeping up with your content strategy; however, you need the appropriate steps to build your workflow. Only then can you get the most out of the software. Where do you begin? Here’s how you can create your content workflow.
    How to Create a Content Workflow
    The people, processes, and tools necessary for executing your content strategy are helpful markers in creating your content workflow. To create a content workflow, you need to:

    Decide what content to create.
    Create a breakdown of actionable tasks.
    Assign roles.
    Determine the time associated with each task.
    Document your content workflow.

    Decide what content to create.
    First, decide “what” you are creating. Is it a social media post? Is it a newsletter? Your company has the choice of creating many content types like infographics, blog posts, video content, and more, and you will need to create a workflow for each.
    Create a breakdown of actionable tasks.
    Once you are focused on a particular content type, outline the necessary steps needed to get it from strategy to publication. Consider this sample workflow for a blog post. Its process might look like this:
    Strategizing > Planning > Creating > Editing > Publishing > Analyzing
    While these are broad tasks for creating a blog, this is where it needs to expand. Strategizing typically includes performing content audits, creating buyer personas, and conducting keyword research. Editing might involve implementing SEO techniques or adding images and links.
    Every step in the process needs to be accounted for so it can be assigned to the appropriate team member.
    Assign roles.
    After you have the tasks for your content process, it’s time to decide who does them. This step can help identify if anyone is at capacity in their role and if you need to bring in additional members. Using our blog example above, this is how you might assign roles.

    Strategizing > Content Strategist
    Planning > Content Manager
    Writing > Copywriter
    Editing > Editor
    Publishing > Content Manager
    Analyzing > Content Manager

    After assigning responsibility for each task, determine how much time is necessary for completion.
    Determine the time needed for each task.
    To determine how much time you need for each task, consult your content team. How much time does your writer say it takes them to write a 500-word post? What about a 2500-word post? Use the length of time they give you and build in additional time. It can help your company avoid working with tight timelines or missing deadlines.
    After this step, your content workflow might look like:

    Strategizing > Content Strategist (1 day)
    Planning > Content Manager (<1 day)
    Writing > Copywriter (2 days)
    Editing > Editor (1 day)
    Publishing > Content Manager (<1 day)
    Analyzing > Content Manager (Ongoing)

    Once you have outlined a process for the tasks, people, and length of time needed for creating your content, your content workflow is complete.
    Document your content workflow.
    The last step in creating your content workflow is documenting it. Companies typically use standard operating procedures (SOPs) to keep their teams aligned with the process. Marketing Hub, Trello, and Evernote are examples of systems that give teams easy access to documents like SOPs.
    Content workflows work, so you don’t have to.
    Content creation isn’t simple. There are many elements in publishing content and successfully executing your content strategy. Creating a content workflow helps your team stay on task by increasing productivity, reducing errors, and improving workplace collaboration. The predetermined flow of each process makes it easy, but managing individual tasks becomes increasingly chaotic without content workflow software.
    When managing how your content transforms from an idea to publication, content workflows handle the heavy lifting.