Content planning for success: Busting the myths that hold you back

If you’d rather listen to these insights, see episode 141 of The Powerful Content Podcast 

Content planning for success: Busting the myths that hold you back 

Content planning can often be seen as a burdensome task. I know that you likely think that it might stifle your creativity or is only meant for big businesses. However, content planning can be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes, freeing up your brain space and helping you maintain consistency in your messaging. There’s quite a few common myths about content planning, so let’s jump into a few and uncover how a little planning can transform your approach to content creation. 

Myth 1: Planning kills creativity 

It’s a common misconception that content planning limits spontaneity. You may worry that having a structured plan will make your content feel forced and inauthentic. However, planning actually frees up your creative energy. With the basics laid out within a plan, there’s more room for inspirational ideas to flourish within a framework that aligns with your business goals. Think of planning as setting the stage so that you can perform at your best, making creativity a consistent part of your strategy. 

Myth 2: You need every detail perfectly organised 

Some believe that planning requires meticulously mapping out every detail, an approach that can overwhelm rather than empower. The truth is, planning doesn’t have to be complex. It can be as simple as setting monthly themes or topics. This simplicity enables you to stay aligned with your broader business objectives without the pressure of perfection. Start with a high-level outline and allow flexibility for adjustments, making the process both manageable and effective. We do this inside The Content Effect every quarter with our 90 Day Planning Sessions. 

Myth 3: Content planning is only for big businesses 

This myth often stops small business owners from planning their content at all. The reality is, content planning is beneficial for businesses of every size. It provides structure and maximises your limited time and energy more efficiently. Without a plan, you might find yourself scrambling to create content, leading to inconsistency and missed opportunities. By embracing planning, you prepare to showcase your expertise consistently, regardless of the size of your business. 

Myth 4: There’s no time for planning 

I hear this so often within my communities. Time is definitely an entrepreneur’s most precious resource, and content planning might just end up feeling like just another task on your already lengthy to-do list. However, investing a little time in planning can save you hours in the future. A simple 60-minute quarterly planning session can set you up for success and ease the daily pressure of content creation. Allocate a small portion of your schedule for planning, and enjoy the relief it brings to your ongoing workflow. 

Myth 5: Planning means sticking to the plan at all costs 

Flexibility is key to successful content strategy. While you might fear that a plan locks you into a fixed path, planning actually provides the freedom to adapt. With a structure in place, you have the ability to share spontaneous ideas without losing alignment with your overall business goals.

Moving forward with content planning 

So we’ve busted the content planning myths, how do you now move forward and get into the habit of planning so that you can make sure that you meet your objectives strategically with your content? 

It comes down to 3 things: 

1. Know your content creator archetype 

This is all about working with your strengths to make it easy. There’s no ‘shoulds’ when it comes to HOW to plan. It’s up to you to adapt a simple framework so that it works for you. If you don’t know your content creator archetype yet, head to the shownotes to find the link to my quick quiz. There’s just 8 questions to answer for insightful tips on how to approach your content strategy and creation. 

1. Find a way to make it a habit 

We all know that it takes a long time to make a behaviour habitual. Depending on who you believe, it could take between 18 and 254 days!! That’s a big range. 

You can simply Google ‘how to make planning a habit’ and you’ll be bombarded with plenty of suggestions. You could try habit stacking or habit flows where you link planning to something else that you do already, set reminders such as blocking out a day in your calendar, reward yourself if you do it if that works for you OR you could do number 3 . . . 

1. Get the right support from someone who understands that planning is about YOU as a person and what you’re trying to achieve. 

Lucky for you I have the perfect opportunity coming up that can help with this! Come and join my next 90 Day Content Planning Session Live. If you purchase your ticket before Friday 15 November 2024, then I’ve got 2 incredible bonuses for you. You can get access to a Year’s worth of content ideas, which will unleash the ideas that you need to formulate your content for the holiday season PLUS I’ll also gift you a month free inside The Content Effect so that you can bring your plan to life with all the support, encouragement and resources you need to make it happen. Head here to find out more. 

Ok, so now you know that you can throw those content planning myths out the window, and embrace planning by simply knowing and working with your strengths, finding a way to make it a habit, and getting the right accountability and support to make it happen. 

I hope to see you in the workshop! 

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