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I remember the good ole days when we had time to think about content, write it, let it sit and then at some point get it approved and publish it. Those days are long gone and many now expect content to appear out of thin air, get distributed and drive results. (Okay, I’m being dramatic here, but you get the point.) But because of that “rush” as content marketers, we’re always looking for ways to create high-quality content more efficiently. Whether it’s blog posts, social media updates, or email newsletters, having a streamlined content workflow can help us stay on top of our game and deliver value to our audience consistently.
Here are some tips on how to create a content workflow that can help you move fast(er) and create content that can make an impact. I chatted about this with Erika Heald on her weekly LinkedIn Live Content Chat.
The importance of a streamlined workflow
Content marketers are under pressure to create more content in less time. And it has to perform. That’s the point after all. Everybody wants everything right now. And nothing takes time anymore. I mean, remember the days when we would spend a week or maybe two writing an article, and now people expect it tomorrow.
While some types of content can be created quickly, others require more time and effort to get right. The key is to find a workflow that allows you to balance quality and efficiency, so you can meet your audience’s expectations without burning out.
Read next: How making time for writing can actually be accomplished
Tips for streamlining your workflow
1. Repurpose existing content
One way to create content more efficiently is to repurpose content you’ve already created. For example, if you have a podcast episode with multiple topics, you could turn each topic into a separate blog post or social media update.
I took all the content, I threw it into Otter.ai and then look at the topics discussed and see what articles could be written.
2. Use AI-powered tools strategically
AI-powered tools like Otter.ai, Copylime and others can be incredibly helpful for streamlining your content workflow. These tools can transcribe audio and video content, generate content ideas, and even help with writing and editing.
But, it’s important to use these tools strategically and not rely on them too heavily. AI is fantastic if you have good source content, and if you really know how to interrogate it. You have to edit it, and you have to keep interrogating it. And that’s why you need a human editor, as Patricia Chui reminded us on “The Business Storytelling Show.”
3. Find the right tools for your needs
There are countless tools available to help content marketers streamline their workflow, from project management software to social media scheduling platforms. The key is to find the tools that work best for your specific needs and workflow.
4. Continuously optimize your workflow
Finally, it’s important to remember that streamlining your content workflow is an ongoing process. As your audience and industry evolve, so too should your workflow and toolkit.
Things evolve, and the incumbent can be unseated. But it is hard. So I use Grammarly right now, and I couldn’t even tell you how another software tool could come in and unseat Grammarly. But that doesn’t mean that thing doesn’t exist.
By continuously evaluating and optimizing your workflow, you can stay ahead of the curve and create content that truly resonates with your audience.
Conclusion
Creating a streamlined content workflow is essential for any content marketer looking to work more efficiently without sacrificing quality. By repurposing existing content, using AI-powered tools strategically, finding the right tools for your needs, and continuously optimizing your workflow, you can create high-quality content that engages and informs your audience.