What's the best way to begin a career in Content Strategy?

It's not easy to step away from the everyday tasks of content creation and zoom out enough to see the big picture clearly. It's rather like those optical illusion puzzles — where you have to unfocus your eyes or hold the image just right to see the picture hidden in the pattern! In my experience, you need three things to build and exercise that muscle: 1. To understand the 'why' behind every piece of content you create. What is the ultimate goal of this? And how does it contribute towards the goals of the business? 2. Metrics. Examine everything your business puts out. Was it successful? Did it flop? Why? What can you do better next time? 3. A great mentor. In an ideal world, this will be a manager who walks you through #1 and #2!

This is my take: stepping into content strategy is like opening a new book, each page holds a lesson. ?? Dive into writing, design, and marketing first. They're like the first few chapters, setting the scene for you. Don’t skip the pages of research and analytics, they add a twist to the tale. Engage in online communities, workshops, and network. It's like joining a book club, sharing and gaining insights. With every project, you pen your own story in the vast narrative of content strategy. So, flip the page and start your journey, there's a lot to explore and learn!

To begin a career in content strategy, start by learning the basics of how to plan and create content that resonates with an audience. You can take relevant courses online and build a portfolio with sample content projects. Look for internships or entry-level jobs in marketing or content creation to gain hands-on experience. Networking with professionals in the field and staying updated on industry trends is also important. As you build your skills and experience, apply for content strategy positions, and consider freelance work to gain more exposure. Soft skills like good communication and problem-solving are valuable, and finding a mentor can provide guidance as you progress in your career.

Embarking on a content strategy career journey starts with mastering the basics. Dive into content creation, user research, and SEO. Understand the art of storytelling and the science of data analysis. By building a strong foundation, you'll be equipped to navigate the dynamic world of content strategy and craft compelling narratives that drive success.

I always think about where my content might live, who might interact with it and what would be most helpful to the potential customer. Ask yourself this: would an image and copy from an organic social media post be helpful if you were on a product page? Why or why not. For me, it helps to think about what my clients' goals and objectives are and then think about what type of content is going to be the most impactful at each touchpoint.

Many (not all) content strategists start as writers, which means you'll need a portfolio. But unlike a writing sample, your content strategist portfolio needs more context: - Who is this for? - How does this piece fit into the strategy? - What goals were you targeting? - What were the results from this portfolio item? Can you demonstrate the cohesive, comprehensive power of a complete strategy with your portfolio? That's where you need to focus.

For me, my linkedin profile has been my greatest portfolio. I beleive it has the potential to speak more than your one-page resume. That's why - It's always best to build and experiment on your profile to sharpen your skills. That way, you know exactly what you are speaking about. Thus, you automatically carry the expertise because you are building in publice.

Make sure your portfolio has projects relevant to your ideal client and that it’s easy to navigate! I’ve seen so many portfolios that are just a long list of articles and other projects—and I used to be one of them! This past summer, I rebranded and overhauled my website while making navigating through my portfolio a priority. I’ve segmented it out so different clients can easily see the different sorts of projects I’ve done on different pages. And as I’ve continued to expand, I’ve added more pages to continue that ease of navigation. As a result, I can quickly and easily share relevant links with prospective clients, they can navigate my site on their own, and I also receive lots of positive feedback on my website. It’s a win-win!

Pro tip: Adjust your portfolio according to the preferences of who you are sending it to. If you are trying to get a customer who works with Law, they certainly won't be impressed (or even care) about your results for a health company. Always make it about them!

If you have access, include KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for content. How much traffic it attracts, how well it converts, where it fits in the customer journey, etc.

Before looking for a new role, see how you can apply content strategy in your current role. This is especially relevant if you're in social media, digital marketing, or a creative role. And if you have content strategists on your team, ask how you can learn more about content strategy.

Remember: You are your first customer. If you are trying to sell social media marketing services, your online presence has to be spot on. Also, use your profiles to test new things and different strategies.

The easiest way to gain experience is to look around your environment for an editorial or operational problem that needs fixing. Establish a baseline, then use an understood methodology, such as a gap analysis, to fix the problem. Document the difference between the before and after states, and write it up to show what you did, how, and why. Rinse and repeat. You're gaining experience the practical way.

Content itself is an ever-evolving field as people now are more inclined towards creativity which can be evoked from even the smallest of things. Thus, to develop efficient content strategies in order to keep acing your content game, you need to : ->Keep up with each and every kind of modifications, or developments introduced in this field constantly. ->Try analysing each and every change and finding out the most probable reasons behind them. ->Incorporate the attractive features involved in the amendments into your present writing styles. ->Retain your unique and innovative perspectives of expression throughout.

If you think, becoming a content strategist is a one time thing. Then, let me burst that bubble for you right away. New brands keep coming up. New niches keep getting created. Market always keeps expanding! Thus, the learning never stops! Keep learning, keep yourself updated always!

Of course, it goes without saying that learning how to research, write, edit and analyse the content you produce is an important foundation for any content strategist. However, I think the most effective content strategists have a broader knowledge of the whole marketing mix. While it's not necessary or even achievable to have knowledge of every aspect in detail, a having a wider understanding means that you can plan and execute a content strategy that leans on the right channel and format.

Content strategy is basically the ability to "think beyond the writing." A content strategist chooses the right goals for each piece of content, and guide the audience on a path to a "big picture goal." To do you can't just understand writing, you have to understand the business you're working for and how they make money. You also need to understand the industry you work in. That's a good start in terms of what to learn. But you'll need to learn other things, like project management and presentation skills (because you can't do it all alone).

I'd advise you to keep up with algorithm changes and trust me, they do change a lot. Also, the best source for this is the website or profile of the social media platform you're using.

It's better to start in a generic and a broader niche first and then niche down to a specific area later on once you have build a decent audience for yourself. That way, you can grow with a purpose in mind. And that's how you intentially create a personal brand in a specific niche for yourself.

My approach differs from the typical top-down method focusing on broad themes like diversity and empowerment. Instead, I start from the grassroots of my community, seeking out accomplished women whose stories I'm eager to uncover through interviews. Each guest I select brings forth a distinct, genuine narrative, which I then amplify through my show. This approach highlights the importance of finding one's niche in content work. By delving into the unique stories of accomplished women, I not only capture the richness of their experiences but also resonate with a specific audience seeking this kind of authentic content. This niche focus allows for a deeper connection and a more engaged audience.

Finding your niche takes time and experience. If you are just starting out, try different niches, content forms, platforms... Figure out what you are the best at, and choose it to be your niche!

I'm a social entrepreneur with a focus – I'm a writer dedicated to empowering impact-led founders in shaping their personal brands. While content strategy can encompass a multitude of forms, my niche is my forte. I'm not just about crafting any content; I'm about creating a narrative that resonates deeply with these changemakers. It's like speaking their language, which sets their personal brands apart. So, when you find your niche, like I have, you're not merely a content strategist; you're a trusted collaborator, offering a level of expertise and specialization that truly elevates the impact you can make in the lives of your clients or employers.

An important consideration is that in order to be a consultant, you need to educate yourself about a range of issues and possibilities. Think of yourself as a diagnostician - just as you wouldn't trust a doctor who gives everyone the same diagnosis, you won't be trusted if you have a single set of recommendations for every client. So research, go to events and conferences, talk to practitioners, vendors, etc, get familiar with a range of possible outcomes so that when you're asked to fix a problem, you have a wealth of information from which you can draw upon to find the optimum solution. The best strategists can provide "basic, better, best" options for a given challenge presented to them.

Start your personal brand! aka market you, as a person, whatever your top skills and main topic of interest could be, work on becoming a professional content creator by launching your blog, newsletter, podcast, YouTube channel of LinkedIn Live events series... Anything that requires creating content creation habits - in a structured and scheduled way. "Throw them in the water, and they will learn to swim" That's exactly what an aspiring content strategist should do: start to create. And the flow will follow. The what, who, why, and where of your content will spontaneously be questions you'll ask yourself - and you'll be on your way to mastering content strategy as naturally as if you were showering each morning ;).

One often underestimated skill when starting a career in content strategy is Empathy. Understanding the emotions, needs, and perspectives of your target audience is like having a secret key to unlock their hearts and minds. It's not just about the words; it's about understanding what truly matters to your audience. This skill helps you craft content that connects on a deeper level, making your strategies more effective and impactful. So, don't overlook the power of empathy in your journey to becoming a content strategist.

Networking will always be the best advice for anyone starting in a newer industry. You can start connecting with people on LinkedIn with similar job titles and reach out to ask about opportunities.

As a content strategist, you define the brand voice and are often the first touchpoint for their audience. It isn't always the obvious step up from being a content writer or a graphic designer. So, ensure that you are ready for this role. 1. List down the learnings from your experience. For example, as a content writer, have you developed a keen understanding of content gap analysis, SEO, and other strategies? 2. Fill the gaps in your learnings with courses & hands-on experience. Utilize online resources and sharpen your saw by implementing your learnings on your own website. 3. Deep dive into your niche. In the age of AI, you need to be an SME of your niche to offer a competitive edge. Study it deeply and tailor your pitch accordingly!