What is the most effective way to explain content strategy to a non-technical person?

People really don’t have time nor interest in understanding some high-level technical things. So whenever you want to explain content strategy to a non-technical person, just give them a real-life example in their business language. For example, if the person owns a cosmetic brand, explain using an example of their own brand, such as how to create an offer that increases their sales. This way, they will understand the concept to its core.

In the hustle and bustle of Today's life, the primary focus of people is to make their lives simpler in every aspect. Having to explain content strategies to a person who has no prior experience can be a tedious task, but here are a few ways you can make it simpler. Whenever it comes to having a conversation, connecting with others can be a really helpful and efficient way for them to understand our thoughts. A medium through which you can connect is by the strategy of content visualization. It means that the listener is able to visualize your speech so that they can understand it easier. This can be done by storytelling, giving real life examples, a basic understanding of the concept, etc.,

Using Analogies can help in making people who aren't into technical stuff understand even the most crucial part very easily. People aren't willing to learn something that doesn't interest them or isn't exciting. That's why using analogies or comparing content strategy to trip planning or any kind of event planning can help them understand the basics of what Content Strategy is.

I like to think of content as one big puzzle. Every content item you create is another piece of the puzzle. Content strategy helps complete the puzzle in the fastest way possible. Without content strategy, you're just throwing pieces on the board.

Non technical people understand your points when they can relate to something. Show the best way is to use relationships and also use simple language and simple methods. Because of course your audience are non technical persons. If you cannot explain what you are solving in simplest possible words you cannot sale anything.

More than outcome, content strategy is more about the roadmap to achieve the desired business goals. Based on the business goals or desired outcomes, we prepare a roadmap that helps us reach there. Content Strategy mentions "What?" & "How?".

Uma maneira bem simples de explicar uma estratégia de conteúdo, é utilizar a analogia da constru??o de uma casa. N?o há como construí-la sem um projeto sólido. N?o se pode come?ar por uma parede e no meio do projeto perceber que n?o era uma boa ideia uma parede naquele local. A mesma lógica se aplica a uma estratégia. Ela precisa ser bem pavimentada desde o come?o definindo com quem se comunicar, como se comunicar, porquê e onde.

Highlight the Value Chain: Emphasize to non-techies that content strategy is not just about creating content but about strategically placing each piece in a larger value chain. Explain how well-crafted content influences brand perception, drives user engagement, and ultimately contributes to achieving business goals. By illustrating this broader impact, you convey that content strategy is a pivotal element in the holistic success of the project or organization.

Use the following question to help non-technical people frame effective content strategies: "What can we create that addresses a high-demand question or issue or thought leadership topic that (a) is really important to our customer persona(s), (b) isn't answered satisfactorily elsewhere, and (c) will allow the person who consumes it to skill up, learn, or otherwise benefit whether he or she buys from us or not?"

The most effective way to explain the Content strategy simply means getting the right content, to the right people, in the right platform,with the right tone.

I would always say that you should put things out as though they will be read by someone in elementary school. If your listener does not understand what you are sharing, then no communication has happened. As much as possible, simplify the terms that you use in describing content strategy so that the next person can perfectly understand.

I personally dislike when people knowingly speak in very technical terms to someone non-technical about any topic, because they're speaking for themselves, not the listeners. Always speak with empathy, put it in their words or worldview and simplify with analogies.

Speak in a way your audience understands! The odds that your audience is going to know your business’ or client’s lingo are minuscule (sorry, but it’s true). So, if you’re focusing on your branding before you’ve adequately explained what you’re talking about, you’re sunk. Reformulate your content to speak to a broad audience. Research what industry analysts are talking about to look for some common ground.

In my opinion, the most crucial part of the strategy is akin to an exploratory sales stage to identify pain points. Understanding the customer's needs and challenges at this initial stage allows for the development of more effective solutions aligned with their expectations.

Always be open to feedback, but be selective about its implementation. All feedback isn't equal. Those who have aligned interests in seeing your content do well will adopt the necessary perspective to serve the audience. People outside of the core audience who don't have aligned interests in your success are great for sparking new ideas that DO serve your core from a different angle.

Human brain understands when it sees a similar type of thing. So, if long-form blogs are part of a content strategy, you can explain it by showing Canva's blog page, show them how they are getting traffic to their website, and how this strategy will help them.

'Show, dont tell" is always a great way to communicate, both creative & content strategy to clients. Often they cannot visualise an offer or post type, so share a similar one in their category. Share your research as well with them so clients are confident that your strategy is based on current trends and effective in their category. Create a calendar so you can structure the information for even more clarity.

I typically explain content strategy as determining what content goes where, and then go on to explain that it stretches from very technical skills like publishing in a content management system to more granular skills like copywriting. I also explain that marketing content strategy is a very different animal (though with some overlap) from UX content strategy.

Showcasing cases most of the time is very helpful, especially if the content strategy belongs to a company in the same industry. The macro activities of how to start, implement, boost, and monitor are crucial for understanding.

If your content strategy is too complex for a non-technical person to understand, your content strategy is likely too complex.

1. Start with a simple analogy, comparing content strategy to planning a roadmap for effective communication. 2. Emphasize the importance of aligning content with organizational goals and how it contributes to overall success. 3. Break down key components, such as target audience, messaging, and channels, in a way that relates to their everyday work. 4. Highlight the role of consistency and clarity in conveying a cohesive message that resonates with the audience. 5. Illustrate the impact of a well-defined content strategy on enhancing brand perception and fostering positive interactions with clients or customers.

Simply put, content strategy is a periodic plan (weekly/quarterly/yearly) that entails what, where, why, how, when, and how often, you will be putting out information about your organization and what it's doing in the market. This information could be videos, newsletters, podcasts, social media posts, press releases, reports, blogs, emails, etc., depending on how well-equipped your team is to perform them. If done right, this strategy can also help you gather more data on what your next steps should be to position yourself in a market in the way you intend to.