I’ll admit it. I have a love-hate relationship with checklists (and templates, which we shared in yesterday’s post). On one hand, I thrive on process and consistency. On the other hand, I think check-the-box mentality can result in unoriginal and rote thinking.
That said, checklists are great for some activities. When you have so many moving parts, lists can keep you grounded. Or, if you want to figure out how to tackle a new project, templates can provide the framework to get started.
With that understanding, I offer some of CMI’s most popular checklists, scorecards, and worksheets. Start with what is here and then modify them to suit your needs.
Content marketing strategy and planning
If you read CMI, even in passing, you likely have heard our mantra: Those with a documented content marketing strategy are more likely to be effective. This guide walks you through the questions so you can move in the right direction.
This checklist from Clare McDermott is a great starting place for both writers as well as those who are working with writers and need to scope a content marketing project.
If you are balancing multiple projects (and who isn’t?), this checklist from Gina Balarin can help you determine the scope of your projects and prioritize all of the ideas and requests.
Cathy McPhillips provides five questions to ask when you are evaluating your plan for every social channel.
If you are considering new technology to help with your content marketing efforts, take a look at these 12 questions. HINT: Your needs must drive the technology; the technology should not drive your strategy.
Blogging and other writing projects
You know titles are critical, but how do you know what will work – and what won’t? Here is a 10-point checklist from Roger Parker to help you evaluate your titles.
I’ll admit that I thought, “Do we really need another checklist about blog marketing?” when Mike Murray suggested this post earlier this year. Apparently, the answer is yes. This 57-point list has been one of our most visited and shared posts this year. It tackles everything from setting up your blog, to writing, design, and promotion.
It seems obvious, but is your content readable? This seven-step checklist provides a good gut check.
Do you have too many blog post ideas and don’t know how to keep them organized? This handy tracker from Roger Parker may be just the thing.
If you use SlideShare, this is an indispensable checklist for making sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s before publishing.
You are likely using SEO as part of your content marketing strategy. This 15-point checklist from Tracy Gold is a great place to make sure you have all your bases covered.
Content curation
This worksheet from Roger Parker helps you gauge the quality and consistency of your content curation efforts.
Pawan Deshpande offers a different view of content curation: Is it ethical? He walks you through his 10-step checklist to help you curate ethically and effectively.
One more
If you want to build or improve your online resource center(s) that houses your content, Roger Parker has a checklist to help you think through the key steps.
Follow our simple, step-by-step plan to integrate unique, impactful, and strategic content marketing into your organization. Download Launch Your Own Content Marketing Program.
Cover image by kropekk_pl via pixabay
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