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Content Strategy

Published: Nov 30, 2024

How to Find the Perfect Content Strategy Consultant for Your Small Business

How to Find the Perfect Content Strategy Consultant for Your Small Business

I’ve been around the content block a few times, and let me tell you, finding the right strategy consultant is like dating - you gotta kiss a few frogs before you find your prince charming. But don’t worry, I’m here to be your fairy godmother of content! Let’s turn that pumpkin of a website into a traffic-driving carriage, shall we?

TLDR: What should small businesses look for in a content strategy consultant?

1️⃣ What experience should a content strategy consultant have?

Look for consultants with a proven track record working with small businesses in your industry. They should have case studies or testimonials showcasing their ability to drive traffic, engagement, and conversions through content.

2️⃣ What services should a content strategy consultant offer?

A good consultant should offer a comprehensive range of services including content audits, keyword research, content planning, creation guidance, and performance analysis. They should be able to align your content strategy with your overall business goals.

3️⃣ How much should small businesses budget for content strategy consulting?

Costs can vary widely, but expect to invest anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per month for ongoing consulting. One-time strategy sessions or audits might range from $500 to $2,500. Remember, it’s an investment in your business growth!

Table of Contents

Top Skills to Look for in a Content Strategy Consultant

When you’re on the hunt for a content strategy consultant to boost your small business’s online presence, you want someone who’s got the chops to really make a difference. Here are the key skills that separate the pros from the amateurs:

SEO Expertise

A top-notch consultant should know SEO like the back of their hand. We’re talking:

  • Keyword ResearchKeyword research They should be able to uncover those golden nuggets that’ll drive traffic to your site.
  • On-Page Optimization Making sure your content is structured in a way that search engines love.
  • Link Building Getting other reputable sites to link back to yours.

Content Creation and Editing Skills

Your consultant should be able to craft content that’s not just SEO-friendly, but also engaging for your audience. Look for someone who:

  • Has a portfolio of compelling blog posts, articles, or case studies
  • Can adapt their writing style to match your brand voice
  • Knows how to structure content for easy readability (think headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs)

Data Analysis and Reporting

Numbers don’t lie, and a good consultant should be able to:

  • Use tools like Google Analytics to track content performance
  • Interpret data to make informed strategy decisions
  • Provide clear, actionable reports on your content’s ROI

Industry Knowledge

While they don’t need to be an expert in your specific field, they should:

  • Show a willingness to learn about your industry
  • Have experience working with businesses similar to yours
  • Understand your target audience and their content preferences

Strategic Thinking

A consultant worth their salt should be able to:

  • Develop a comprehensive content strategy tailored to your business goals
  • Create content calendars that align with your marketing objectives
  • Adapt strategies based on performance data and industry trends

Social Media SavvySocial media marketing

In today’s digital landscape, your consultant should know how to:

  • Leverage different social platforms to amplify your content
  • Create platform-specific content strategies (e.g., short-form video for TikTok, professional posts for LinkedIn)
  • Use social listening tools to gauge audience sentiment and gather content ideas

Project Management

Look for someone who can:

  • Keep projects on track and within budget
  • Collaborate effectively with your team and other stakeholders
  • Use project management tools like Trello or Asana to keep everyone in the loop

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

The digital marketing world changes faster than you can say “algorithm update.” Your ideal consultant should:

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest content marketing trends
  • Be willing to experiment with new content formats and strategies
  • Attend industry conferences or webinars to keep their skills sharp

Communication Skills

Last but not least, your consultant should be able to:

  • Explain complex concepts in simple terms
  • Provide constructive feedback on your existing content
  • Be responsive and open to your ideas and concerns

Remember, finding a consultant with all these skills might feel like searching for a unicorn. But don’t worry if they’re not a master of everything - the key is finding someone whose strengths align with your biggest content needs. And hey, if they can make you laugh while talking about meta descriptions, that’s just a bonus!

How to Find Content Strategy Consultants for Your Small Business

Finding the right content strategy consultant for your small business can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to help you snag that perfect match. Let’s dive in!

Leverage Online Platforms

The internet is your best friend when it comes to finding talent. Here are some top spots to start your search:

LinkedIn

  • Use the search bar to look for “content strategy consultant”
  • Filter results by location, industry, and recommendations
  • Check out their experience, endorsements, and articles they’ve published

UpworkUpwork

  • Post a job describing your needs
  • Browse freelancer profiles and invite promising candidates to apply
  • Use the platform’s built-in tools to interview and hire

Fiverr

  • Search for content strategy gigs
  • Read reviews from past clients
  • Start with a small project to test the waters

Tap into Your Network

Sometimes the best consultant is just a few degrees of separation away. Try these networking strategies:

  1. Ask for referrals from business peers

    • Reach out to other small business owners in your area
    • inquire about their experiences with content consultants

  2. Attend industry events and conferences

    • Network with speakers and attendees
    • Keep an eye out for consultants giving talks or leading workshops

  3. Join relevant Facebook groups or subreddits

    • Participate in discussions to build relationships
    • Ask for recommendations when you’re ready to hire

Explore Local Resources

Don’t overlook the talent in your own backyard:

SCORE

  • This nonprofit offers free business mentoring
  • Many chapters have content marketing experts on hand

Local business incubators

  • These often have a network of consultants they can connect you with
  • You might find up-and-coming talent at a more affordable rate

Chamber of Commerce

  • Check if they have a directory of local marketing professionals
  • Attend chamber events to meet consultants face-to-face

Vet Your Candidates

Once you’ve got a shortlist, it’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff:

  1. Review their portfolio

    • Look for case studies relevant to your industry
    • Check out their personal blog or website to gauge their content skills

  2. Set up discovery calls

    • Ask about their process and how they measure success
    • See if your communication styles mesh well

  3. Request references

    • Talk to past clients about their experiences
    • Ask specifically about results and ROI

  4. Start with a trial project

    • Give them a small task to assess their skills and work style
    • Use this as a chance to see if you work well together

Consider Specialized Agencies

If you’re struggling to find individual consultants, these agencies might be worth a look:

  • PortentPortent

    • Offers comprehensive content strategy services
    • Known for their data-driven approach

  • Column FiveColumn Five

    • Specializes in visual content strategy
    • Great if you’re looking to incorporate more infographics or videos

Remember, finding the right consultant is a bit like dating. You might need to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince or princess of content. But when you do find that perfect match, it’ll be worth all the effort. Your small business’s online presence will thank you!

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Content Strategy Consultant

Finding the right content strategy consultant for your small business is crucial. You want someone who gets your vision and can help you crush your goals. Here are some key questions to ask potential consultants to make sure you’re on the same page:

Experience and Expertise

  1. What industries have you worked with before?What industries have you worked with before?

    • Look for experience in your niche or related fields
    • Ask about specific challenges they’ve faced and overcome

  2. Can you share some success stories from past clients?

    • Request case studies or testimonials
    • Pay attention to measurable results like traffic increases or conversion rates

  3. What’s your approach to staying current with content marketing trends?

    • They should mention things like industry publications, conferences, or courses
    • Bonus points if they’ve contributed to thought leadership in the field

Strategy and Process

  1. How do you develop a content strategy?

    • Listen for a clear, step-by-step process
    • Make sure they emphasize understanding your business goals and target audience

  2. What tools do you use for keyword research and content planning?

    • Common tools include SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz
    • They should be able to explain how they use these tools to inform strategy

  3. How do you measure the success of a content strategy?

    • Look for specific KPIs like organic traffic growth, engagement metrics, or conversions
    • They should mention analytics tools and regular reporting

Collaboration and Communication

  1. How often will we meet to discuss progress and strategy?

    • Regular check-ins are important for staying aligned
    • Ask about their preferred communication channels

  2. Who will be our main point of contact?

    • Ideally, you want direct access to the strategist, not just an account manager
    • Understand their availability and response times

  3. How do you handle feedback and revisions?

    • Their process should be collaborative and open to your input
    • Ask about their policy for making changes to the strategy if needed

Content Creation and Optimization

  1. Do you handle content creation, or just strategy?

    • Some consultants offer full-service packages, while others focus solely on strategy
    • If they don’t create content, ask if they can recommend reliable writers or agencies

  2. How do you optimize content for both search engines and users?

    • Listen for a balanced approach that prioritizes user experience while also considering SEO
    • They should mention things like keyword optimization, meta descriptions, and internal linking

  3. What’s your process for updating and refreshing existing content?

    • Content audits and regular updates are crucial for maintaining rankings
    • Ask how they identify underperforming content and their approach to revitalizing it

Pricing and Contracts

  1. What’s your pricing structure?

    • Rates can vary widely, so get specifics on hourly, project-based, or retainer pricing
    • Ask about any additional costs for tools or resources

  2. Do you require a long-term contract?

    • Some consultants prefer ongoing relationships, while others work on a project basis
    • Understand any minimum commitments or cancellation policies

  3. Can you provide a detailed proposal outlining deliverables and timelines?

    • A professional consultant should be able to give you a clear roadmap of what to expect
    • This helps set expectations and avoid misunderstandings down the line

Industry-Specific Questions

  1. How would you approach content strategy for a [your industry] business?

    • Their answer should show they understand the unique challenges of your field
    • Look for specific ideas tailored to your business, not just generic advice

  2. What content formats do you think work best for our target audience?

    • They should have insights based on data and experience
    • Ask about their experience with different formats like blogs, videos, or podcasts

Red Flags to Watch Out For

  • Promises of overnight success or guaranteed rankings
  • Unwillingness to share past results or client references
  • Lack of clarity about their process or deliverables
  • Poor communication during the initial consultation

Remember, the right consultant should feel like a partner in your business’s growth. They should be excited about your vision and able to clearly explain how they’ll help you achieve it. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut – if something feels off, keep looking. The perfect match is out there!

How Much Should You Budget for Content Strategy Consulting?

Figuring out how much to spend on content strategy consulting can feel like trying to nail jello to a wall. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Let’s break it down so you can budget like a boss.

Typical Pricing Models

Content strategy consultants usually charge in one of three ways:

  1. Hourly Rates

    • Expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $300 per hour
    • Great for small, one-off projects or advice sessions
    • Be prepared for potential scope creep

  2. Project-Based Fees

    • Can range from $1,000 to $25,000+ depending on complexity
    • Ideal for defined projects like content audits or strategy development
    • Make sure deliverables are clearly outlined upfront

  3. Monthly Retainers

    • Usually $1,000 to $10,000 per month for ongoing support
    • Best for long-term partnerships and consistent content needs
    • Often includes a set number of hours or deliverables each month

Factors That Influence Pricing

The cost of content strategy consulting can vary wildly based on a few key factors:

Experience LevelExperience Level

  • Newbies might charge $50-$100/hour
  • Seasoned pros with big-name clients under their belt? $200-$300/hour or more

Industry SpecializationIndustry specialization

  • Niche experts (like fintech or healthcare) often command higher rates
  • Their specialized knowledge can be worth the extra cost

Project Scope

  • A quick strategy session? Might be a few hundred bucks
  • Full-scale content overhaul? You’re looking at thousands

Geographic LocationCost of living

What You Get for Your Money

Let’s break down what different budget ranges might get you:

Shoestring Budget ($500 - $2,000)

  • One-time strategy session or mini-audit
  • Basic content calendar
  • High-level recommendations

Mid-Range ($2,000 - $5,000)

  • Comprehensive content audit
  • Detailed content strategy document
  • Keyword research and topic ideation
  • Basic competitor analysis

Premium Package ($5,000 - $10,000+)

  • Everything in mid-range, plus:
  • Ongoing support and strategy refinement
  • Content creation guidelines
  • Analytics setup and reporting
  • Training for your in-house team

Tips for Budgeting Wisely

  1. Start small

    • Test the waters with a smaller project before committing to a big retainer

  2. Prioritize your needs

    • Focus on the most critical areas first, like fixing major content gaps

  3. Look for package deals

    • Some consultants offer discounts for bundled services

  4. Consider ROI, not just cost

    • A $5,000 investment that brings in $50,000 of new business? That’s a no-brainer

  5. Don’t forget about implementation costs

    • Budget for content creation, design, and tech support to bring the strategy to life

Real-World Budget Examples

To give you a better idea, here are some real-life scenarios:

  • Joe’s PlumbingPlumbing Local business, spent $2,500 on a content audit and basic strategy. Saw a 30% increase in organic traffic within 6 months.

  • Technica Software B2B startup, invested $5,000/month in ongoing strategy and content creation. Doubled their leads in the first year.

  • Wholesome Pets E-commerce site, paid $15,000 for a comprehensive strategy overhaul. Increased online sales by 50% and reduced customer acquisition costs by 25%.

When to DIY vs. Hire a Pro

Sometimes, hiring a consultant isn’t in the cards. Here’s when to consider each option:

DIY Content Strategy

  • You have a solid grasp of content marketing principles
  • Your budget is super tight (under $1,000)
  • You have the time to learn and implement strategies yourself

Hire a Consultant

  • You’re feeling lost in the content wilderness
  • You have some budget to work with ($2,000+)
  • You need expert insights to take your content to the next level

Remember, investing in content strategy is like planting a garden. It takes time and nurturing, but with the right care (and budget), it’ll bloom into something beautiful. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always cat videos. I hear they’re pretty popular on the internet.

DIY Content Strategy vs. Hiring a Consultant: Pros and Cons

Deciding whether to tackle content strategy yourself or bring in a pro can feel like choosing between cooking dinner or ordering takeout. Both have their merits, but which one’s right for you? Let’s break it down:

DIY Content Strategy

Pros:

  1. Cost-effective

    • Save money on consultant fees
    • Great for bootstrapping startups or tight budgets

  2. Deep business knowledge

    • Nobody knows your business like you do
    • Easier to align content with your brand voice

  3. Flexibility

    • Make changes on the fly without consulting anyone
    • Experiment with different approaches at your own pace

  4. Skill development

    • Learn valuable marketing skills firsthand
    • Apply newfound knowledge to other areas of your business

Cons:

  1. Time-consuming

    • Steep learning curve if you’re new to content marketing
    • Takes time away from other important business tasks

  2. Lack of expertise

    • May miss out on industry best practices
    • Risk of making costly mistakes

  3. Limited perspective

    • Harder to see your business objectively
    • Might miss opportunities an outsider would spot

  4. Slower results

    • Trial and error approach can delay success
    • Might take longer to see significant ROI

Hiring a Content Strategy Consultant

Pros:

  1. Expert knowledge

    • Benefit from years of experience and proven strategies
    • Stay up-to-date with latest industry trends

  2. Time-saving

    • Frees you up to focus on core business activities
    • Faster implementation of effective strategies

  3. Fresh perspective

    • Get an outsider’s view of your brand and content
    • Identify blind spots and new opportunities

  4. Accountability

    • Regular check-ins keep your content strategy on track
    • Clear metrics and reporting to measure success

Cons:

  1. Higher upfront cost

    • Professional services come with a price tag
    • Might be challenging for businesses with limited budgets

  2. Potential mismatch

    • Not all consultants will be a perfect fit for your brand
    • May take time to find the right partner

  3. Dependency

    • Risk of over-relying on the consultant’s expertise
    • Potential challenges if you decide to part ways

  4. Less control

    • Need to compromise on some ideas or approaches
    • Strategies might not always align 100% with your vision

Real-World Examples

To put this into perspective, let’s look at how some small businesses approached content strategy:

DIY Success Story:Beardbrand

  • Founder Eric Bandholz built a multi-million dollar men’s grooming brand through DIY content marketing
  • Created a popular YouTube channel and blog, becoming a thought leader in the beard care niche
  • Achieved success through consistent, high-quality content creation and community engagement

Consultant Success Story:Groove

  • Help desk software startup hired consultant Alex Turnbull to overhaul their content strategy
  • Implemented a data-driven approach to content creation and promotion
  • Grew blog readership from 0 to 250,000 monthly readers in under two years

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Deciding between DIY and hiring a consultant depends on several factors:

  1. Budget

    • DIY if funds are tight
    • Consultant if you have at least $2,000-$5,000 to invest

  2. Time availability

    • DIY if you can dedicate 10-15 hours/week to content strategy
    • Consultant if your schedule is already packed

  3. Existing skill set

    • DIY if you have some marketing background or are a quick learner
    • Consultant if you’re starting from scratch or need rapid results

  4. Business stage

    • DIY might work well for very early-stage startups
    • Consultants can help scale content efforts for growing businesses

  5. Competition

    • DIY if you’re in a less competitive niche
    • Consultant if you’re up against big players with established content strategies

Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds?

Can’t decide? Consider a hybrid approach:

  1. Start with a consultant

    • Get expert help setting up your initial strategy
    • Learn the ropes through hands-on collaboration

  2. Gradually take over

    • As you gain confidence, handle more tasks in-house
    • Keep the consultant on for periodic check-ins or specific projects

  3. Invest in training

    • Use some of your budget for courses or workshops
    • Build your team’s content marketing skills over time

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best approach is the one that aligns with your business goals, resources, and long-term vision. And hey, if all else fails, you can always pivot. That’s the beauty of content strategy – it’s always evolving, just like your business.

Why Your Small Business Needs a Content Strategy Consultant

Let’s face it, running a small business is tough. You’re juggling a million things, and suddenly everyone’s telling you that you need to be pumping out content like you’re the next Hemingway. But here’s the thing - creating content without a solid strategy is like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. That’s where a content strategy consultant comes in handy.

Boost Your Online Visibility

First things first, a good content strategy consultant will help you get noticed online. They’ll:

  • Dig into keyword research to find out what your potential customers are actually searching for
  • Help you create content that answers those burning questions
  • Make sure your website is structured in a way that search engines love

For example, Moz reported that businesses with blogs get 67% more leads than those without. A consultant can help you tap into that potential goldmine.

Engage Your Audience (Without Boring Them to Tears)

Creating content that people actually want to read (or watch, or listen to) is an art form. A content strategy consultant will:

  • Figure out who your audience really is and what makes them tick
  • Help you develop a brand voice that resonates with your target market
  • Come up with content ideas that’ll have your audience coming back for more

Think about Dollar Shave Club. Their hilarious videos went viral and put them on the map. That’s the power of great content.

Turn Clicks into Customers

Getting eyeballs on your content is great, but what you really want is to turn those readers into paying customers. A consultant will:

  • Create content that guides potential customers through your sales funnel
  • Help you develop lead magnets and calls-to-action that convert
  • Set up systems to nurture leads through email marketing and other channels

HubSpot found that companies that blog get 55% more website visitors and 88% more leads per month than those that don’t. A content strategy consultant can help you see those kind of results.

Save You Time (and Sanity)

Let’s be real - you’ve got enough on your plate. A content strategy consultant can:

  • Develop a content calendar so you’re not scrambling for ideas at the last minute
  • Provide templates and guidelines to make content creation easier
  • Handle the nitty-gritty details like SEO optimization and social media scheduling

This frees you up to focus on what you do best - running your business.

Keep You Ahead of the Game

The digital marketing world changes faster than fashion trends. A good consultant will:

  • Stay on top of the latest algorithm updates and best practices
  • Help you adapt your strategy as needed
  • Introduce you to new content formats and platforms that could benefit your business

Remember when everyone thought TikTok was just for teenagers? Now it’s a marketing powerhouse. A consultant can help you spot those opportunities before your competitors do.

Measure What Matters

Creating content is great, but how do you know if it’s actually working? A content strategy consultant will:

  • Set up analytics to track the right metrics for your business goals
  • Provide regular reports on your content performance
  • Help you understand what those numbers actually mean and how to improve them

According to Content Marketing Institute, only 39% of marketers say they’re successful at tracking ROI. A consultant can put you in that successful minority.

Real-World Success Stories

Don’t just take my word for it. Check out these small businesses that saw big results with content strategy:

  • River Pools and SpasRiver Pools and Spas This pool company went from struggling to thriving by focusing on creating helpful content. They now get over 500,000 website visitors a month and have become a national brand.

  • Groove This small software company grew their blog to over 250,000 monthly readers in two years, significantly boosting their customer base.

So there you have it. A content strategy consultant isn’t just another expense - they’re an investment in your business’s growth. And in today’s digital world, can you really afford not to have a solid content strategy? I didn’t think so.

Success Stories: Small Businesses That Nailed Their Content Strategy

Let’s dive into some real-world examples of small businesses that knocked it out of the park with their content strategies. These stories prove that you don’t need a big budget or a huge team to make a splash in the content world.

River Pools and Spas

This small pool company in Virginia turned their fortunes around with a killer content strategy:

  • Started a blog answering common customer questions about pools
  • Created in-depth guides on pool types, maintenance, and costs
  • Produced videos showing pool installations and maintenance tips

Results:

  • Organic traffic grew from 250 visits/month to over 500,000
  • Became the most trafficked pool website in the world
  • Expanded from local installer to national pool manufacturer

Key Takeaway: Answer your customers’ questions thoroughly and honestly. It builds trust and establishes you as an industry expert.

Beardbrand

This men’s grooming company started as a blog and YouTube channel before launching products:

  • Created a YouTube channel with grooming tips and beard care advice
  • Developed a distinctive brand voice that spoke directly to their target audience
  • Used content to build a community around beard culture

Results:

  • Grew to over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers
  • Expanded into a multi-million dollar e-commerce business
  • Featured in major publications like The New York Times and Fast Company

Key Takeaway: Build a community around your content before pushing products. It creates a loyal customer base.

Groove

This help desk software startup used content to compete with bigger players:

  • Started a blog sharing their startup journey, including failures and lessons learned
  • Created detailed case studies of customer success stories
  • Developed in-depth guides on customer service and startup growth

Results:

  • Grew blog readership to over 250,000 monthly visitors in two years
  • Increased customer base by 10x
  • Achieved $5 million in annual recurring revenue

Key Takeaway: Be transparent and share your journey. People connect with authentic stories.

Ahrefs

This SEO software company used content to become a go-to resource in their industry:

  • Created in-depth tutorials on how to use their tools effectively
  • Developed a YouTube channel with actionable SEO advice
  • Published original research and data studies on SEO trends

Results:

  • Grew to over 300,000 YouTube subscribers
  • Became one of the top SEO blogs with over 500,000 monthly readers
  • Expanded from a link-building tool to a comprehensive SEO suite

Key Takeaway: Educate your audience on how to use your product and provide value beyond just your offerings.

BufferBuffer

This social media management tool used content to build brand awareness:

  • Started a science-based blog on social media psychology and best practices
  • Shared detailed breakdowns of their internal processes, including salaries and revenue
  • Created a podcast discussing social media trends and strategies

Results:

  • Grew blog readership to over 1.5 million monthly visitors
  • Attracted over 70,000 paying customers
  • Built a reputation as a transparent and ethical company

Key Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to share your expertise, even if it seems unrelated to your product. It builds authority and trust.

Common Threads of Success

Looking at these success stories, we can spot some recurring themes:

  1. Consistency: All these companies produced content regularly, often for months or years before seeing big results.

  2. Quality over Quantity: They focused on creating in-depth, valuable content rather than churning out short, superficial pieces.

  3. Audience Focus: They created content that directly addressed their target audience’s needs and questions.

  4. Multi-Channel Approach: Most used a combination of blog posts, videos, and social media to reach their audience.

  5. Authenticity: They weren’t afraid to show their personality or share their struggles, which helped build genuine connections with their audience.

Remember, these businesses didn’t become overnight successes. They put in consistent effort over time, always focusing on providing value to their audience. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep at it, learn from these examples, and you might just become the next small business content success story!

Next Steps: Implementing Your New Content Strategy

You’ve got your shiny new content strategy in hand - now what? Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn that plan into action. Here’s how to get the ball rolling:

Set Clear, Measurable Goals

First things first, you need to know what success looks like:

  • SMART goals
    • Specific: “Increase organic traffic by 25%”
    • Measurable: Use tools like Google Analytics to track progress
    • Achievable: Be ambitious but realistic
    • Relevant: Align with your overall business objectives
    • Time-bound: “…within the next 6 months”

Create Your Content Calendar

A content calendar is your roadmap to consistent publishing:

  1. Choose your tool

  2. Plan content types

    • Blog posts
    • Social media updates
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics

  3. Set publication frequency

    • Be realistic about what you can consistently produce
    • Quality trumps quantity every time

Develop Your Content Creation Process

Streamline your workflow to keep the content machine humming:

  1. Ideation

  2. Research and outlining

    • Dive deep into your chosen topics
    • Create detailed outlines to guide your writing

  3. Writing and editing

  4. Review and approval

    • Set up a clear review process with stakeholders
    • Use collaborative tools like Google Docs for easy feedback

  5. Publishing and promotion

    • Optimize for SEO before hitting publish
    • Create a checklist for consistent promotion across channels

Optimize Your Website for Content

Make sure your site is ready to showcase your awesome content:

  1. Audit your site structure

    • Is your navigation user-friendly?
    • Can visitors easily find your content?

  2. Improve page load times

  3. Implement an SEO plugin

Set Up Your Analytics

You can’t improve what you don’t measure:

  1. Install Google Analytics

    • Set up goals to track conversions
    • Create custom dashboards for easy monitoring

  2. Use heat mapping tools

  3. Track social media metrics

Start Creating and Publishing

Time to put your plan into action:

  1. Focus on quality over quantity

    • It’s better to publish one great piece than five mediocre ones

  2. Be consistent

    • Stick to your publishing schedule
    • Your audience will come to expect and look forward to your content

  3. Engage with your audience

    • Respond to comments on your blog and social media
    • Use feedback to inform future content ideas

Promote Your Content

Don’t just hit publish and hope for the best:

  1. Email marketing

    • Send new content to your email list
    • Use tools like Mailchimp for easy email campaigns

  2. Social media

    • Share on all relevant platforms
    • Consider using Buffer for scheduled posting

  3. Outreach

    • Reach out to influencers in your industry
    • Look for guest posting opportunities on relevant blogs

Measure and Iterate

The work doesn’t stop once you’ve published:

  1. Regular reporting

    • Set up monthly or quarterly review sessions
    • Look at key metrics like traffic, engagement, and conversions

  2. A/B testing

    • Test different headlines, content formats, or promotion strategies
    • Use tools like Optimizely for easy A/B testing

  3. Content audits

    • Conduct a thorough content audit every 6-12 months
    • Identify top-performing content and opportunities for improvement

Stay Flexible

Remember, your content strategy isn’t set in stone:

  1. Keep an eye on industry trends

    • Follow industry blogs and attend webinars to stay current

  2. Be ready to pivot

    • If something’s not working, don’t be afraid to change course

  3. Celebrate wins (big and small)

    • Did a blog post go viral? Pop some champagne!
    • Hit a traffic milestone? Treat the team to lunch!

Implementing a content strategy is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of patience. But stick with it, and you’ll see your small business’s online presence grow in ways you never imagined. And hey, if you ever feel stuck, remember: even the content marketing pros were beginners once. Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be the one doling out advice to newbies!

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing a Consultant

When you’re on the hunt for a content strategy consultant, it’s not just about finding someone with skills - it’s about finding the right fit for your small business. Here are some red flags that should have you running for the hills:

Overpromising and Underdelivering

Watch out for consultants who promise you the moon and stars:

  • “I’ll get you to #1 on Google in a week!”
    • SEO takes time. Anyone promising overnight success is probably full of hot air.
  • “We’ll double your traffic in a month!”
    • While rapid growth is possible, realistic consultants set achievable expectations.

Real talk:Neil Patel, a respected digital marketing expert, says it often takes 6-12 months to see significant SEO results. If someone’s promising faster results, be skeptical.

Lack of Transparency

A good consultant should be an open book:

  • No clear pricing structure
    • If they’re dodgy about costs, what else are they hiding?
  • Vague about their process
    • They should be able to walk you through their strategy step-by-step.

Poor Communication

Communication is key in any relationship, including with your consultant:

  • Slow response times
    • If they’re not getting back to you during the sales process, imagine how it’ll be when you’re a client.
  • Inability to explain concepts in simple terms
    • A great consultant can break down complex ideas without the jargon.

Lack of Relevant Experience

While everyone starts somewhere, you want someone with a track record:

  • No case studies or testimonials
    • Ask for examples of their work with businesses similar to yours.
  • Unfamiliarity with your industry
    • They should at least show a willingness to learn about your niche.

One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Your business is unique, and your strategy should be too:

  • Cookie-cutter strategies
    • If their proposal looks like it could apply to any business, it’s probably not tailored to your needs.
  • Pushing services you don’t need
    • A good consultant focuses on what’s best for your business, not their bottom line.

Outdated Techniques

The digital world moves fast. Your consultant should keep up:

  • Focus on keyword stuffing or other black hat SEO techniques
    • These can get you penalized by Google.
  • Ignoring mobile optimization

Lack of Data-Driven Decisions

In content strategy, gut feelings aren’t enough:

  • No mention of analytics or tracking
    • How will they measure success if they’re not tracking anything?
  • Inability to explain ROI
    • They should be able to tie their efforts to your business goals.

Poor Online Presence

Practice what you preach, right?

  • Their own website is a mess
    • If they can’t optimize their own site, how will they help yours?
  • No social media presence
    • In today’s digital age, this is a red flag for any marketing professional.

Ignoring Your Goals

Your consultant should be focused on your objectives:

  • Pushing vanity metrics
    • Lots of traffic is great, but if it’s not leading to conversions, what’s the point?
  • Not asking about your business goals
    • They should be aligning their strategy with your overall business objectives.

Lack of Ongoing Education

The digital marketing world is always changing:

  • No mention of staying current with industry trends
  • Unfamiliarity with new tools or platforms
    • While they don’t need to be experts in everything, they should be aware of new developments.

Real-World Red Flag Example

Let me tell you about my friend Sarah. She runs a small e-commerce store selling handmade jewelry. She hired a consultant who promised to “10x her traffic in 30 days.” Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen.

The consultant used outdated link-building techniques that got Sarah’s site penalized by Google. It took months to recover, and she lost a ton of sales in the process.

The lesson? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A good consultant sets realistic expectations and uses white hat techniques that stand the test of time.

Remember, choosing a content strategy consultant is a bit like dating. You might need to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince or princess. But by keeping an eye out for these red flags, you can avoid a lot of headaches (and wasted money) along the way.

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions and request references. A great consultant will welcome the opportunity to prove their worth.

And hey, if you find yourself nodding along to more than a couple of these red flags? It might be time to swipe left on that consultant and keep looking. Your perfect match is out there, and they won’t set off any of these alarm bells!