Business Part 4: Your Content Plan

What Areas of Content Do You Need?

When it comes to developing your content plan, there are many areas you need to consider in developing. Here is a list below and then we will expand on each of these.

1. Your Credentials
2. Graphics & Media
3. Business Forms
4. Website Copy
5. Online Content

Now that you know what are the primary areas to focus on when developing your content and business plan, let’s dive deeper into what each of these areas contains or could look like.

Your Credentials

I like to think about using the word craft as an acronym. Because we are to be a craftsman in our profession right? First, let’s look at the letter C for certifications. What certifications do you possess? As for the letter R, it stands for recognition. What industry recognizes your work or your credentials held in? The letter A is for abilities. Who can speak on your abilities and for the work and skill sets you are able to do? F is for fortitude. How long have you worked in your industry? And the last letter T is for the testimonials. Are you listed on a professional site like “LinkedIn”? This is a place that people can give your endorsements and reviews. And for you to place your resume on your profile.

Graphics & Media

Another important area to give serious thought is in the area of your graphics and media when developing your business and content plan.

I will give you a list of areas to take into consideration below.

1. Logo
2. Professional Photo of Yourself
3. Relevant Photos (i.e. Your Establishment, Employees, Industry Photos, etc.)
4. Video (i.e 1-3 minute About Us or Why Us)
5. Portfolio/Gallery of Work or Projects completed

Business Forms

Think about what business forms you will need to develop in your business. Down below will be a list of the most frequently needed and used forms.

1. Client Assessment or Intake Forms
2. Proposal Templates
3. Client Agreements
4. Non-Disclosure Agreements
5. Invoice Template
6. Customer’s Marketing Permission/Release Form
7. Testimonial Template

Having these forms develop and on hand will save you time and headaches.

Website Copy

Most freelancers and service professionals know it’s important to have a presence on the web. But what they don’t know necessarily is what they should have covered on their website; or what are the main areas to have on their website. So let’s cover what you should have below.

1. Headline
2. About Page
3. Service Page
4. Portfolio/Work Samples
5. Testimonials
6. Contact Us

Having these components above is the bare minimum you should have on your website. Over time if you would like to rank higher in the Google search engine, then you can add a blog. A blog is either daily, weekly, or monthly posts about your business, services, events, etc.

Online Content

When it comes to developing your online content, there are many areas you want to consider how you create and develop a systemized way of developing it. First let’s list areas that are important to consider and then how you could create a system of development. See the areas below.

1. YouTube Videos
2. Podcasts
3. Articles
4. Blog Posts
5. PDF’s Reports & eBooks
6. Online Courses

When you are developing your content, not only think about the topic but how that topic can be displayed in various ways and the order of building on the way it’s delivered.

Plus, think about if there is a way you can monetize your article that brings value to your audience. For example, if you are explaining how to do a service you provide as a DIY (Do It Yourself), then think about the tools or software needed to do the job. Use an affiliate link (have an affiliate disclosure on your website/page) to give you the ability to earn from your knowledge you are imparting.

As for creating a system of content, think about doing a live video on a social media platform like Facebook/LinkedIn. Then upload it into YouTube. Transcribe the video or write an article/blog post. Then at the bottom of the post have an offer for your “Freemium.”  A Freemium is something that is of value that you give your viewer/reader an opportunity to learn more while capturing their contact info in a web form. Then in your Freemium (your PDF Report or eBook) offer an upsell to your Online Course and/or your services. This is an example of building a progression of content.