What do you do if your content marketing strategy clashes with stakeholder expectations?

1 Assess Impact

If you find that your content marketing strategy isn't aligning with stakeholder expectations, the first step is to assess the impact of these differences. Evaluate how the divergence affects the business goals, brand image, and overall marketing objectives. Consider if the strategy can be adjusted without compromising its effectiveness or if a complete overhaul is necessary. This assessment will provide a foundation for discussion and help prioritize which areas require immediate attention and potential compromise.

2 Open Dialogue

Opening a dialogue with stakeholders is essential when your content marketing strategy faces opposition. Approach the conversation with an open mind and the intent to understand their concerns and expectations. This is not about defending your strategy but rather finding common ground and exploring how your plan can be adjusted to address their feedback. Remember, stakeholders often have valuable insights that can enhance your strategy, so listen actively and consider their perspective carefully.

3 Present Data

When discussing your content marketing strategy with stakeholders, it's important to present data to support your decisions. Use analytics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your approach or to highlight areas that might need adjustment. By showing concrete results or trends, you can make a more compelling case for your strategy or understand better why stakeholders may have reservations. Data-driven discussions can depersonalize the conflict and focus the conversation on achieving the best outcomes.

4 Propose Solutions

After understanding stakeholder concerns and armed with data, it's time to propose solutions. Offer a range of options that address their expectations while still maintaining the integrity of your content marketing strategy. Be creative and flexible, suggesting compromises that could satisfy both parties. It's important to show that you're willing to work collaboratively towards a solution that benefits the overall objectives of the company.

5 Implement Changes

Once a consensus is reached, it's critical to implement changes to your content marketing strategy promptly and efficiently. This demonstrates your commitment to resolving the conflict and improving the strategy. Keep stakeholders updated on the progress and impact of these changes. This not only builds trust but also provides an opportunity for continuous feedback, ensuring that the strategy remains aligned with both your vision and stakeholder expectations.

6 Monitor Results

Monitoring the results after implementing changes is crucial to ensure that the revised content marketing strategy is performing well and meeting stakeholder expectations. Keep track of key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly report back to stakeholders. This ongoing evaluation not only shows accountability but also allows for timely adjustments should new issues arise. It reinforces a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement within your content marketing efforts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?