Diving into Content Strategy from a New Perspective

Content strategy—it’s a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? And why should we care? This week, I took a deep dive into the world of content strategy, and I want to share what I’ve learned, along with my personal take on content I work with.

What is Content Strategy?

At its core, content strategy is all about planning. It’s the process of figuring out what content you need, how you’re going to create it, and how you’ll manage it over time. It’s making sure that everything you put out there—whether it’s a blog post, a video, or a social media update—has a purpose and fits into the bigger picture. Having a plan for your content helps you stay focused and ensures that your efforts aren’t wasted.

Essential Tools for Understanding Content Strategy

As I’ve explored content strategy more deeply, I’ve realized that having the right tools is essential for success. DivvyHQ lists five tools that every content strategist should have. In addition to reading the first 5 chapters of The Content Strategy Toolkit, it was great to get more in depth insight on content audits and managing content strategy with a corporate mindset which includes convincing leaders and stakeholders, getting effective resources and maximizing research strategies.

Delving into the differences between content strategy and other content categories, like content marketing, was also a key part of my foundational learning this past week. Julia McCoy’s article on the topic breaks it down perfectly. The most important takeaway for me was understanding that content strategy sets quantifiable metrics to measure the success of content marketing efforts. This understanding elevates a brand’s story, goals, and messaging, ensuring that every piece of content serves a purpose and contributes to the overall strategy.

Navigating My Own Content *Pre-content strategy deep dive*

Content is a constant in my life, existing in a digital form. I have everything from digital files—like photos, documents, and bookmarks—scattered across multiple devices. Each piece of content has its own place, or at least it should. For a long time, I’ve kept my digital content without much thought, which often leaves me feeling overwhelmed.

One of the hardest parts of managing content is deciding what to keep and what to let go. I used to save everything, convinced that each item might be useful someday. But recently, I’ve started to realize that holding onto everything isn’t practical. Now, I’m more intentional about what I keep. If something no longer serves a purpose or brings me joy, I let it go. This new mindset is helping me reduce clutter and focus on what truly matters.

I’ll admit it—I’ve had a tendency to hoard content. My “save it now, find it later” approach led to piles of digital and physical items that I rarely revisited. But by developing a content strategy, I’ve started to break that habit. Now, I regularly review my content, deciding what to keep and what to discard, and thinking more critically about what I save in the first place. This shift in mindset has helped me move from being a content hoarder to someone who manages content with purpose.

Organizing Content for Peace of Mind

My “save it now, find it later” approach led to piles of digital items that I rarely revisited. But I’ve started to break that habit. Now, I regularly review my content, deciding what to keep and what to discard, and thinking more critically about what I save in the first place. This shift in mindset has helped me move from being a content hoarder to someone who manages content with more purpose.

By adopting a strategic approach, I’m no longer just accumulating content; I’m curating it. Every piece of media is now part of a larger plan. This doesn’t just apply to the content I consume, but also to the content I create. Whether it’s a blog post, a social media update, or a video, I now approach each project with a clear purpose and a strategic plan in mind.

Embracing a Purposeful Content Strategy Moving Forward

Reflecting on my content strategy journey, I’ve learned that managing content isn’t just about organization—it’s about making thoughtful decisions about what I allow into my life. By being more intentional, I’m reducing clutter and creating a more focused, peaceful environment. It’s a process that involves continuous evaluation and adjustment, but the results are well worth the effort.