In the competitive marketing landscape of today, content is king. Content marketing is an effective tool for increasing conversion rates through brand awareness. For this reason, there is a growing demand for professionals who know how to create and manage content.

The content strategist is in-charge of planning, overseeing, and managing the content marketing for a company. As there is increasing demand to reach online customers in an authentic way, it’s an industry that continues to grow rapidly. Read on if you are interested in becoming a content strategist.

I. Know what a content strategist does

You have to perform a wide range of tasks on a day-to-day basis. These vary according to the team you’ll be working on or the project you’ll be assigned to. Here are examples of key responsibilities that you’re expected to handle:

• Performing extensive and exhaustive research to gain knowledge on customer personas
• Identifying any gaps and opportunities for rolling out fresh content on the web
• Planning ideas that connect to the goals of the business and the needs of the target audience
• Gathering and analysing data on consumer trends, thoughts, and behaviours
• Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in search engine optimisation and digital marketing
• Setting up and following a workflow for planning, creating, and publishing content
• Collaborating with writers, editors, project managers, and other members of the team
• Maintaining consistency by developing brand messages, content value proposition, styles guides, etc.
• Updating older content so it will meet any new content standards
• Supervising the development and launch of any new content marketing campaigns and channels
• Performing in-depth audits of their employer’s social media accounts and websites
• Making and maintaining a shared calendar while juggling multiple budgets and campaigns
• Prioritising, distributing, and promoting content for different audiences and channels
• Using analytics tools to monitor the performance of published content on various mediums
• Creating reports that break down the metrics and submitting them to clients

II. Possess key content strategist skills

Since you have to perform the planning, production, distribution, analysis, and management of content, you need to learn and hone the following key skills:

Empathy

Part of content production is determining which formats work for which channels. Beyond that, you also have to develop buyer personas, style guides, tone of voice, and more. These require a deep understanding of the target audience and their pain points.

Search engine optimisation

It’s crucial to have strong knowledge of visitor search intent, keyword research, on-page optimisation, and other aspects related to digital marketing. When content is optimised, it boosts your visibility and exposure which tends to lead to higher conversions or sales.

Editing

To establish an editorial style and manage your content production schedule better, you need to possess editorial skills. These ensure that every piece of content follows the established tone of voice and other standards even if different people are producing them.

Technical skills

Since you’ll be working remotely, you won’t have an IT person or team to assist you whenever you have problems with your computer. It’s good to have basic knowledge about setting up your workstation, installing software, and navigating content management systems.

Storytelling

In order to catch the attention of your target audience, you must be able to tell brand stories. You’ll need to know what the business is about and what they are hoping to achieve through content marketing. Remember to keep it simple and relatable too.

Copywriting

As a strategist, you must know how to produce long-form content that is of good quality. It’s a good idea to know how to create short-form copy like product descriptions or social media captions as well. Sometimes, you might be asked to make scripts for video advertisements too.

Social media

These days, it’s a mistake not to promote content on social networks like Facebook or Instagram. Not only must you know your way around their interface but also you must understand pain points on these particular channels. Content guidelines are different for social media than on blog posts and other places.

Data analysis

Form the whys of your content strategy by having the skill to interpret relevant data. Have some understanding of the post-campaign metrics to determine which content is resonating with the people. Pick key indicators so you may properly measure engagement and value.

III. Cultivate these content strategist qualities

Unlike with skills that may be learned, personal traits are harder to develop—but it remains possible to get them. Hiring managers and recruiters prefer candidates who exhibit the following qualities:

Poise under pressure

It’s hard to keep your cool when you’re juggling multiple projects. All the same, you must learn how to execute all of your campaigns even during unpredictable or difficult times.

Attention to detail

You need the ability to see the big picture while paying attention to the minor details. It’s important for projects to follow quality guidelines while sticking to the schedule.

Passion for the brand

Learn as much as you can about the brand, their target audience, their long-term and short-term goals, and so on. Show your client that you care about meeting their marketing goals.

Start looking for content strategist openings

After knowing what a content strategist does, you need to hone the right skills and qualities to become one. You might say that those are only three steps but they are harder than you think. If you think you need some assistance, we know just where you should ask.

We at Remote Workmate are an offshore staffing firm that specialises in connecting online candidates to virtual work opportunities. Our clients are based from different parts of the globe so you’re sure to find a role that you’re suited for, including content strategy opportunities.