It’s hard to believe it, but we’re halfway through the year already. If you’re like most business owners, you’re likely reviewing your yearly goals and determining if you’re on track to meet them.
So let’s get real for a second. How’re things coming along with your marketing goals? How is content creation coming along? Are you on track? Are you publishing content on your website, your blog and/or your social media channels as often as you planned?
If you’re now reading this post with your eyes wide open, don’t panic. Instead, create a few to-dos you can actually act on. Don’t know where to start? Fall back on these four tried-and-true tactics to help you get your contact strategy back on track.
1. Get SMART
Goal setting is essential for any strategy, especially for content. Take some time to set a SMART goal for your content. Not sure what a SMART goal is? Let’s take a closer look.
S: Specific
When it comes to strategy, it’s best to be as specific as possible. What exactly do you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve it? How will you achieve it? For example, if you want to reach new leads through your blog, perhaps you’ll want to write one blog post each week on Friday to be published on Monday.
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of being specific. When publishing content, setting a date, time and amount is the best way to keep up and remain accountable.
M: Measurable
Your SMART goal should be measurable. Using the example above, what will you be able to feel and see when your goal is attained each week? Is your blog gathering new leads? Are you seeing increased engagement and traffic on your website? Seeing the benefits of your goal makes each new future goal easier to set.
A: Attainable
The goal you set should be attainable for you. This means you’ll need to consider the total effort you’ll need to put into your goal. How much time will it take? How much will it cost? How will it affect your other business priorities? A goal that is too big for you now will only cause disappointment each time you come up short. Can’t write two blog posts a week? Stick to one. Once you find a groove, you can then make a new goal to increase your frequency.
R: Relevant
Will this goal help you achieve your overarching business goals? In the case of the blog example, more high-quality content will help optimize your website, enhance your traffic and produce more potential clients. If your goal is to sell your service, this is a surefire way to get there. Ensure your content goal is relevant to your overarching goals.
T: Time-Based
Deadlines are the best way to evoke action. Set a content goal that is time-based: each day, week or month. But remember to keep it realistic and flexible. After all, things happen, and businesses change. Effective time-based goals can hang on for the ride.
2. Schedule It
If you have set a content goal for each day, week or month, mark it on your calendar. Then treat your content strategy like you would a client meeting—nothing moves it, and nothing gets in the way.
3. Just Do It
Rip off the band-aid. Take the plunge. The best way to get on track is to just start somewhere. Start by identifying one small item you can do today that you can cross off your to-do list. For example, type out a few blog topic ideas. Or, put your weekly blog post publishing day on your calendar. This one thing will give you the momentum you need to keep moving forward.
4. Phone a Friend
If you find that you have a hard time writing for your blog, your website or creating social media content, grab a friend to use as an accountability partner. Schedule a set time where both of you will work on your content together. You’ll have company, you’ll be focused, and you’ll be able to bounce ideas off one another when you get stuck.
You Can Phone Us, Too! #squadgoals
Hey, we get it. Trust us! Keeping track of a content strategy in the midst of running the rest of your business is tough. That’s why our team at Custom Content Solutions is here to help. Give us a call today at 612-643-1824 or send us a quick message.
