Creating a content plan
What it is
A content plan outlines the content you're going to create, the user needs it answers, who'll need to be involved and key dates.
Your content plan is created in line with your organisation's content strategy and is based on findings from your discovery.
Why it's important
A content plan helps make sure the content production process runs smoothly by making it clear who's doing what and when.
It helps:
- you plan what resource you'll need
- make sure each piece of content meets your users' needs
- increase the transparency of your work with your stakeholders and the wider organisation
- focus you on your goal
How do you do it?
Inventory
It's useful to begin by carrying out a content inventory. Documenting the content which is already available helps you understand the landscape and identify where changes might be made. Speaking to subject matter experts will also help you understand more about the context you are working in.
User needs
Find out what high-level user needs have been identified in discovery and document these in your content plan, along with things like user journey maps.
Format and purpose
Think about what your content needs to do and how to structure it. Mapping your content to the different parts of your organisation may not necessarily be the best way.
Users may not be familiar with how your organisation's set up, or your organisation’s structure may not reflect their thought processes about what they're trying to do, watch or find. You should design your plan around tasks or problems your users are trying to solve and make your content accessible to everyone.
Content items
When you're planning your content, think about:
- format – what content format best answers user needs
- acceptance criteria – what is needed for a user need to be met
- success criteria – how you can measure that the content meets user needs
- user needs and user stories for each piece of content
- who will write, peer review, fact check and own the content
- when the content can be published
- when the content needs to be archived
Workshops
Leading workshops is a good way to show people what you're doing and why. It also gives you a chance to clarify what you're asking people to do. Use your stakeholder map to help you get the right people in the room.
Helpful resources
Digital Scotland Service Standard
This article offers guidance relevant to the following criteria from the Digital Scotland Service Standard:
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