s something of a thorny problem.
Let’s kick off with some definitions, Monica Bussolati has put together a great resource of content strategy definitions, some of which I’ve included below:
Planning for the creation, delivery, and governance of useful, usable content ~ Kristina Halvorson, Brain Traffic
Planning for the creation, aggregation, delivery, and useful governance of useful, usable, and appropriate content in an experience ~ Margot Bloomstein, Appropriate Inc
A content strategy flips the tables on traditional, linear marketing by defining the process and then securing the right resources for producing a consistent stream of content mapped to buyer needs across all phases of the buying cycle ~ Michael Brenner, SAP
You’ll notice each of these definitions have words and phrases in common - ‘planning’ features front and centre in Kristina’s and Margot’s definitions, and Michael’s is in a similar vein, talking about ‘defining the process’.
All of these definitions are heavily-weighted towards planning and process - in each they take centre stage. This makes me a little uncomfortable.
I’m in no way suggesting that these definitions are incorrect. Planning and processes are of course imperative. But planning and processes concern delivery. Planning, developing, and managing are things you do after you’ve determined your strategy.
To my mind the issue with these definitions is that the strategy which underpins the content you’ll create is secondary to the planning and processes.