How can you save time when creating content for your website, blog, and social media sites?

We’re continuing our conversation on small business content strategy in this post.

In part 1 of this series I shared some tips on the type of content to consider in your strategy, so now let’s look at a few time-saving tips for creating the content to make your business stand out.

Part 2: Time-Saving Tips for Creating Content

Most small business owners or solopreneurs do not have a large team available to create blog posts, podcasts, videos, and photos.

So once you’ve determined the type of content to create, use a few tips and tools to save yourself some time.

Tip #1: Begin with the End in Mind

I’m adapting a favorite Stephen Covey quote here, to begin your content planning process with the end result in mind.

Every piece of content you create should:

Be part of something bigger

and/or

Become a content generator for your “snackable” or shorter social media posts.

If you’re focusing on a blog, this means you need a long-term plan in place on how to make your content multi-purpose.

Answer 2 questions for your long-term content plan now to save time in the future:

(1) How will each blog post be part of a larger series, Guide, or eBook?

For example, if you want to create an eBook, then plan to write several blog posts that make up the core content for the eBook.

After you’ve published the blog posts, take that content, add a few images or graphics, and create an eBook.

(2) How can each blog post be broken down into shorter, “snackable” content that gets shared on social sites?

For example, if your plan is to create 2 new blog posts each month, then think ahead on how you can use those two blog posts to create additional content for the whole month.

For each blog post, you could:

• • • Create three image graphics with a unique quote from the blog content
    • Create a short video that summarizes the blog post
    • Create an audio version of the blog post
    • Create an Infographic that shows how-to steps or statistics from the blog post

Tip #2: Use the “Time Block” Method to Create Content

The time blocking or batching method is where you set aside a block of time to focus on only one type of task, in this case, content creation.

The idea is that if you do only one type of task during this block of time, you’ll get a lot more done than if you start and stop this task several times each day or week.

Maybe you set aside one day for filming a month’s worth of videos. Or you create several blog posts on the first Monday and Tuesday of the month for the next several months’ worth of posts.

You can also create simple templates for images with a tool like Canva. Then once you’ve created a few templates, simply plug in your content for quick posts.

Optimizing your time by focusing on just one type of task during this time block will help you create more content and remain consistent in the content planning process.

Tip #3: Use Tools Within Social Sites or Third-Party Platforms to Re-Post Top Content

Facebook’s “Memories” app is a good example. You’ll see posts from previous years, and maybe the content is still relevant. Or at least you can use it for #throwbackthursday or #flashbackFriday.

Check the insights for your social profiles: Facebook page, Instagram account, Twitter account, etc., and take note of your content with the highest engagement or reach.

If you have a blog, use Google Analytics or WordPress plugin Monster Insights to find your best-performing content.

Then re-post that content. Use Facebook’s built-in scheduling tool or use a free/low-cost third-party tool like the Buffer App to schedule top content.

Hopefully, you’ve found these 3 tips, along with the first blog: 4 Types of Content For Your Small Business helpful in putting together your small business’ content strategy.

If you need some help with your content strategy, then contact me for a free consultation and we’ll determine the next, best step for your small business!

[original post updated September 2021]