Keep talking…

A content creation framework is a set of guidelines for creating content. It helps the entire process – from the beginning stages, all the way up to promotion and beyond. The frameworks are created inside a company for business use, so every single one is as unique as the mind or team that thought it up!

In this blog post, we’ll go over why you should use one, and some of the best ways to get started with your own content creation framework.

Why do you need a content creation framework?

The stages of creating content need a constant eye for detail and are (quite frankly) tons of work! Research, planning, editing and all the other fun stuff that comes with churning out content takes time – and practise – to get right.

That’s why planning content using a framework is much easier. Following the repeatable yet agile guidelines you set for your company means less time spent being unproductive. Your creative team can come up with ideas in an organised, changeable manner, and beat writer’s block!

Content creation frameworks can be used both in the short term (planning a few weeks or months ahead) or long term (content ready for a year or more ahead!) They’re a great strategy to ensure your content is fresh, focused and flexible.

How to build a content creation framework

You’ve got a grasp of the basics, so here are some tips on how best to approach your own content creation framework:

1) Conceptualising content

Forming the initial ideas for your content is a must if you want to start getting it out there anytime soon. If you’re struggling for ideas, do some online research. Write down frequently asked questions (we use AnswerThePublic to see what people are searching for) or industry knowledge which would be helpful for your target market to know.

2) Planning a timeline

You don’t have to be caught between meeting deadlines and maintaining flexibility. Create some goals to determine your focus. For example, why are you writing this blog post? Are you looking to grow traffic? If so, your focus should be on promoting existing blog content and creating new posts. Keep your goals attainable and dynamic through the entire process – check in with your team regularly to see what needs to be changed.

3) Creating a workflow

A workflow should identify who in your team does what. It follows the steps a piece of content goes through (like editing, refining, and more) and who is responsible for a certain task. Using multiple components keeps it specific. For example, use broader steps than just started/finished – outline things like ‘first draft completed’, ‘design and formatting in progress’ or ‘awaiting approval’.

4) Reviewing and editing content

Reviewing your work before you publish it helps you catch any embarrassing grammatical errors. Though they happen to the best of us, it’s best to avoid them!

It also helps to ensure that your content is accurate, well-written and aligned with the brand. Follow these 7 best practises in order to keep your work tip-top:

1. Set clear expectations – Know what to look for: keep an eye out for grammatical errors, fact-checking, story gaps, wordsmithing, or anything else not up to par.
2. Define roles – Make sure every member of your team knows their specific role. This will eliminate chaos and keep things on track.
3. Determine a timeline – Set due dates; one missed deadline seems inconsequential, but it could affect everyone’s work.
4. Use a style guide – Your content needs to be consistently authentic, well written, and aligned with your company’s brand — even among various writers with different writing styles.
5. Track edits – Make suggestions by tracking changes as opposed to making edits directly: it’s easier to make changes rather than having to figure out what was altered first.
6. Manage progress – Use a document to reflect the roles, timeline, and deadlines you’ve determined for your reviewal process. It provides transparency across the team, and keeps all stakeholders on the same page. Also, it allows for agility so that you can remain flexible and adjust deadlines if need be.
7. Search Engine Optimisation – After your content is created, do some search engine optimisation of your content. Use keywords or add links to bring that audience in!

5) Organising and storing content

Put all of your files in a centralised location, like Google Drive or Dropbox where the whole team can access it. With all of your files in one place, it’s easier than ever to find content in the future. Use descriptive titles to make coming back to them a breeze!

Phew – it’s over!

Congratulations – you now know all there is to know about content creation! If you remember to follow a content creation framework like the one outlined above, expect to see improvements in how you do business.

From first coming up with content ideas to when you’re ready to organise and store them, a content creation framework will assist you at every step of the way!