I keep it simple: listen to the audience first. I use their data and feedback to guide stakeholder conversations, ensuring input is grounded in real user needs. This shifts the conversation from opinions to evidence, so we can focus on what truly moves the needle for the audience.

I first make sure stakeholders are aware of the target audience's pain issues using data in order to match their comments with their demands. Following that, I prioritise the recommendations that will directly help the audience by filtering the others. I frequently reframe customer input in real-time by asking, "How does this help the user's problem?" As a result, we remain committed to delivering value for the audience rather than merely appeasing stakeholders. The key is striking a balance between personal discoveries and the real desires of the public.

Check audience profiling as a baseline but dig into what the audience pain points are rather than just pushing brand messaging. The best content performs when you've actually dug into real life conversations on and offline. Don't use insight reports that are out of date to align your strategy either.

Keeping it simple and actionable. My little secret in the past 3 years of working as a content strategist is involving the "right" stakeholders and over-communicating. The truth is not everyone in your company should be involved in your content strategy process. Some are just part of the 'too many cooks' that'll spoil the broth. See the people I always involve CEO CMO CCXO CTO Lead SEO Head of Sales Head of creative design I hope I didn't miss anyone. These people are directly involved with content and how it helps achieve the business's goals. My next task is to educate them about our target audience and how we want to use content to reach them. Then gather ideas, brainstorm together and come to a consensus. Regularly.

To ensure stakeholder feedback aligns with the target audience’s needs, start by clearly understanding both the audience and business goals. Use data and insights to identify what resonates with the audience, then evaluate stakeholder input against those findings. Open communication with stakeholders is key—explain how their feedback fits or conflicts with audience expectations. Prioritize feedback that enhances audience relevance, while gently steering away suggestions that don’t align. Ultimately, the content strategy should bridge stakeholder objectives with audience value, ensuring that content serves its purpose while engaging the right people effectively.