Listen up, agencies. We have a few questions for you.
How much time do you spend editing? Formatting? Answering questions from your freelancers about structuring their content delivery?
If you answered with “a lot,” we get it. That’s why we use a content template when creating all of our website copy.
Consistency & Other Big Benefits of Using a Content Template
Using a content template keeps your work consistent. In fact, you’ll get the same thing back from everyone, every single time, whether you’re working with in-house writers or freelancers. A content template also:
- Streamlines the outsourcing process: Everything your writer needs for formatting their work is inside the template, ready to go.
- Reduces time spent on formatting and editing: When you format ahead of time, you’ll spend less time doing so when the work comes in. Instead, you’ll get your work out to your clients even faster.
- Simplifies collaboration between developers and other vendors: If you’re working with a web developer or another vendor, you can create a template that outlines exactly what both of you need from the writer. This simplifies the content process from the get-go.
A content template doesn’t only benefit you. It also benefits your writer by:
- Storing everything in one spot: Again, everything your writer needs is right there in the template. With each new piece of content, they simply find the template and go.
- Cutting back on the back-and-forth: A content template reduces the back-and-forth about formatting and editing, cutting back on the number of emails in your inbox.
- Easing the learning curve: New writers find it easier to deliver when using a content template.
How to Create Your Own Content Template
Believe it or not, creating a template to fit your unique content needs is pretty simple. First things first, you’ll need to decide whether you want to use Word or Google Docs or both. From there, you can create a template in a few simple steps.
Creating a Template in Word
The steps below will walk you through creating a custom template in Word. And yes, this works for both Windows and Mac (we’ve got you).
- Once you create your template, click File and Save as.
- Double-click Computer. If you’re using Office 2016, click This PC. If you’re using a Mac, simply select your Documents or wherever you like.
- Give your template a name. Then, under Save as type (File Format for Mac), select Word Template.
- Save your document.
Pro tip: Remember, when naming your template, name it something you’ll remember. For example:
[Agency, Developer, Writer Name] Content Template
Creating a Template in Google Docs
In Google Docs, creating a template is just as simple. Plus, the steps are the same regardless of the computer you use.
- Open up a blank document in Google Docs and create your template.
- Give your template a name, click your document to save it and close your file.
Voilà! To use your template, simply locate it, right-click and select Make a copy. This will create a bright and shiny new document you can fill with awesome copy.
Pro tip: Create a new folder in Drive to save all of your templates in for easy access.
Save Time by Streamlining Your Agency’s Content Efforts
We could all use a bit more time, especially when running a busy agency. Any amount of streamlining can make all the difference. If you’d like to learn more about using a content template or want to save even more time by outsourcing your content needs, send us a message.
