What is a content plan? A content plan or content map is prepared with the aim of optimal writing. The content production plan is written considering the audience’s questions and their needs. In content mapping, the experience of the audience is simulated so that each part of the plan is properly prepared. The structure and format of the content production plan are different for each type of content. The content map is also used to manage the content calendar. In the past, the content map was prepared manually by individuals. Still, today, with the advancement of technology, the preparation of the content production plan is adjusted and prepared by content marketing tools. In other words, today, the road map is prepared automatically—existing content marketing tools filter content.
With the content plan, two big goals can be achieved: “getting the idea of creating content” and “getting other content.” New ideas can be created by using the content production plan. On the other hand, by using the content plan, you can access related content inside and outside the website. In the content plan, all existing communications are mentioned so that they can be cited.
What is the use of a content map?
A content plan is extremely useful for a content-producing team or a content-producing individual. The application of the content map lies in different parts of the plan. For example, the content producer checks the conditions of each stage of the content and gives more maneuvers in the sensitive parts. In other words, the application of the content plan is to guide and control different parts of the content. The content plan in each part of the content responds to each and every need of the audience, and compliance with this issue (answering the audience’s questions) in carrying out the content production order.
It is unique. Another one of the many uses of the content map is a better understanding of the content producer, the audience, and their needs. Yes, you got it right! With audience analysis, you become aware of the audience’s goals, needs, and problems.
The content plan’s application is in preparing and adjusting the content calendar. On the other hand, by checking the content map, you can determine the central content and remove the extra topics of the content, or you can use the content map to fill the gaps in content. The content creator (or the content creation team) can use the content creation map to optimize the quality of each piece of content. The application of the content plan in the production of targeted content and its development is evident.
Features of content production plan
The main purpose of preparing and adjusting the content plan is to focus on the strategic goals of the website. One of the many features of the content production plan is influencing technical decisions. Through the content production plan, the content producer gets to know the website’s content needs and, hence, can make wise decisions for the website content management system. Earlier, we talked about the technical decisions of the website that it develops and expands in this way. On the other hand, the content production plan provides the basis for checking the activity of the audience in order to check the activity of the audience in relation to the products and services. Another of the many features of a content plan is the shared vision created by the content plan.
The features of the content production plan are not limited to the mentioned items but also include the creation of a common language between content producers. Among other features, it is possible to mention the formation of new ideas, cooperation between the members of the content-producing team, and the increase in employee participation. In this way, you can easily gain a perspective of communication with your audience and identify additional content. Identifying additional content is one of the achievements. The content producer can also identify and fix the existing defects and gaps.
Introduction of practical tools
1- Google Docs tool
One of the useful tools in content planning is Google Docs. Google Docs is a free application with the ability to display various charts. All these charts are used to prepare and set the content production roadmap. Google Docs is also used for the content production team. Google Docs tool automatically prepares the support version.
2- Lucidchart tool
Like Google Docs, Lucidchart is free. In foreign countries, a monthly fee must be paid to use the features of Lucidchart, but in Iran, the open-source version is used, which does not require monthly payments. Lucid Chart is an extremely advanced visual application used to draw all kinds of charts and lines. Lucidchart is able to provide a variety of visual formatting to content creators.
3- Buyer Persona tool
Bayer Persona is also free and useful for audiences. This tool helps the audience to analyze the characteristics of the buyer, and as a result, the content plan is designed. Using Bayer Persona conveys the producer’s visual vision to the audience. Buyer Persona plays an important role in content planning.
4- HubSpot tool
Like the introduced tools, HubSpot is free, but the facilities it provides to the user are much more than other tools. HubSpot features include identifying buyer characteristics and creating a list of personal sources to create customer profiles. By creating a content creation roadmap, the HubSpot tool has been able to facilitate the path of content creation in the digital marketing space.
Content map design steps
How do you design a content map? At the beginning, you should list your business’s commercial and financial goals. Audience research helps you to know your customers well. For this reason, you can list your expectations from the output content. The importance of audience awareness is extremely high. With audience research, in addition to understanding the audience’s expectations, you can also identify the audience’s needs and produce content based on these needs. Then, the content requirements should be determined. Determining the content requirements includes the content’s style technical, and legal characteristics. The content that is prepared based on the content plan also needs to be audited. The stages of content plan design are also used in website redesign.
How do you design a content map? The steps of designing a content plan are as follows:
Personality: To design a content plan, you must know the tastes and interests of the audience.
Customer path: The path that the customer takes in dealing with the content is important in the design of the content plan.
Content analysis: In designing the roadmap for content production, you must consider what the audience needs in each section.
Content audit: At this stage of content plan production, you must create content catalogs.
Existing content production roadmap: Existing content should be related to different parts of the audience path.
New content production roadmap: The content production plan is produced in a targeted manner with the aim of covering the gaps.
Last word
A content plan is a concept that serves content strategy. Content production roadmap is used to optimize content. By using the plan, reduce the distance between the content and the audience and achieve your work goals! Good luck.