#ContentWritingChat Recap: Let’s Talk New Year Content Goals! 2018 Inspiration
To kick off 2018, it seemed only fitting to discuss goal setting for the year ahead during this week’s #ContentWritingChat.
After all, this is the time of year when many of us are setting goals or resolutions. We’re thinking about what we want to achieve in the year ahead and how we’re going to make it happen.
Well, if you need a little inspiration, our first community chat of 2018 is here to help!
#ContentWritingChat Recap: Let’s Talk New Year Content Goals! 2018 Inspiration
Join us for #ContentWritingChat on Tuesday, January 2nd at 10 AM Central Time! We’ll be talking all about setting content goals for 2018! ? pic.twitter.com/yVuALV44mr
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) January 1, 2018
Of course, we had to put a #ContentWritingChat spin on our goal setting though! We decided to focus this week’s chat on content goals for the year and everyone had some great ideas and tips to share. It just might serve as much-needed inspiration for your 2018!
Q1: Do you set content goals for yourself at the New Year? Why or why not?
Although we may see the importance of setting goals for the content you create, not everyone is convinced! We asked our chat participants if they set goals and here’s what some of them had to say about it:
A1. Yep! The new year is a great time to reset. I create new content goals every quarter. #contentwritingchat
— Kristen Dunleavy (@KristenWritesIt) January 2, 2018
Kristen feels the start of a new year is the perfect time to reset. She strives to create new content goals every quarter, which surely helps keep her on track.
A1: I did this year! When you put ideas to paper, it makes them feel more real and allows you to reverse engineer the goal so that you can achieve it. #contentwritingchat
— Maria Marchewka (@_MariaMarchewka) January 2, 2018
Maria said she made content goals for herself this year. She said it allows her to reverse engineer the goal, which helps her to actually achieve what she wants.
A1: Definitely yes. ? As we need to know where we want to head for the year and how we want to reach there. Goals are important. It helps push ourselves. #contentwritingchat https://t.co/mqSruQXEwi
— Badal Nyalang (@JasonNyalang) January 2, 2018
Goals are important so you know what you’re working toward and how you’re going to get there.
A1: Yes, it’s super important to create goals for the year. However, it’s also important to be able to adjust the path that you take to reach those goals throughout the year. You have to be willing to change in order to succeed. #contentwritingchat
— Flying Cork (@flyingcorkpgh) January 2, 2018
While goals help guide you, it’s also important to be flexible. You never know if you’ll need to change your path in the middle of the year.
A1 It’s important to set content goals but this should be an ongoing process. Have a regular review on what you’re producing and see if you can make it better in some way! #contentwritingchat
— Iain G. Scott (@IainGScott) January 2, 2018
Iain said setting goals should be an ongoing process. You want to make sure you’re check in on your progress over time.
A1: Generally speaking, on Jan 1st I always think about something new, or more or better I could do – however, I also know each day can be a fresh start, if you feel it’s the right time#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/G7mfT3Yyib
— @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) January 2, 2018
And don’t forget that every day can be your fresh start. You don’t have to wait for January 1st to begin something amazing.
A1: I haven’t before, but this year I’m being much more strategic about my content. Monthly themes that lead to weekly content that lead to promotional material across platforms. Trying to squeeze every last drop of juice from one piece of content ? #ContentWritingChat
— Warwick Brown (@warwickabrown) January 2, 2018
Warwick is being more strategic with content this year as well. Monthly themes can definitely help with that!
A1: Not really. The goals are laid out according to the business calendar; not “New Year’s Resolutions” time 😉#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/81YdohGrAo
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) January 2, 2018
For Sarah and the ThinkSEM team, their goals are more focused on the business calendar, as opposed to the start of a new year.
A1. I’ve set vague content goals for this year. Typically, I would create a detailed content goal, but I’m trying something new this year to see if it’s more effective. #ContentWritingChat
— Megan McCarthy (@ImMeganMcCarthy) January 2, 2018
Megan normally sets detailed content goals, but this year she’s scaling back. Sometimes it helps to experiment and see what really works for you.
Q2: What kind of goals do you set? Is there anything you’re hoping to achieve this year?
Now that you’re ready to set some content goals, you might be wondering what you should set out to achieve in 2018. Here’s what a few of our chat participants said they’ll be working on:
A2. Goals related to increasing #engagement and following, creating different, more interactive kinds of #content and generally developing a community within the #B2B industry. #ContentWritingChat
— SourceMedia (@SourceMediaCo) January 2, 2018
The Source Media team is setting goals related to increasing their engagement and following.
A2. Stop scrambling to produce lots of ‘meh’ content. Focus on creating high-quality, impactful pieces. #contentwritingchat
— Kristen Dunleavy (@KristenWritesIt) January 2, 2018
No more blah content this year! Kristen is making it her priority to focus on high-quality content, which is something we should all be doing.
A2: I really want to batch produce content every month, then get scheduled in @Buffer so I can concentrate on growing my brand and not constantly sitting at the PC creating day in day out.?? #contentwritingchat
— Warwick Brown (@warwickabrown) January 2, 2018
Batching your content is another great goal to set because it can help you accomplish more in a short period of time.
A2: This year I set goals that’ll push me to create more. For instance, one of my goals is to create at least one new piece of content on @Medium a week. #contentwritingchat
— Maria Marchewka (@_MariaMarchewka) January 2, 2018
Maria isn’t scaling back on content this year. In fact, she’s set a goal to produce more!
A2- I hope to recruit micro-influencers to help create engaging content – blog articles, video, long form #ContentWritingChat
— Jason Wheeler – MARKETING (@WheelerCFB) January 2, 2018
Jason wants to recruit micro-influencers to help with his content creation.
Q2: One work goal is greater exposure for my company’s blog. First step is a more consistent posting schedule.#contentwritingchat
— Danielle Bullen Love (@daniellewriter) January 2, 2018
Danielle has set a goal to stick to a more consistent posting schedule, which will help boost her company’s blog.
A2: Both short-term and long-term goals are important to set a course for success. Those short mounds of success to help motivate your mountain climbing in the future. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/ZZIP7Yn81L
— Shawn Paul Wood (@ShawnPaulWood) January 2, 2018
Don’t forget that both short-term and long-term goals are important!
A2. With the goals, make sure to set something to measure you success by. A deadline or a metric. #contentwritingchat
— Mariana Norton ? Digital Strategy Consultant (@MarianaNNorton) January 2, 2018
Another important element to achieving success is setting a goal that’s measurable. Give yourself a deadline or a metric to track.
Q3: Share your best strategies for staying on track with your goals throughout the year.
To help you stay on track with those goals once you’ve set them, check out this helpful advice:
A3: Writing the goals down and have them visible on your desk. Make sure you look at them everyday to remind you to keep pushing to achieve them. #ContentWritingChat
— Allegheny Answering (@Answering_Svc) January 2, 2018
To stay on top of your goals, try writing them down and keeping them in a place where they’re visible. This way, you’ll never forget about them because you’ll have a constant reminder.
A3: WRITE THEM DOWN. Also, know + write down WHY you have these goals. Set timeframes, but also don’t get discouraged if it takes a bit longer to achieve something — life happens.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/C92MOkYJZP
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) January 2, 2018
Sarah also agrees with writing your goals down. However, she also said to know and write down why you want to achieve these goals. That’ll help keep you motivated and focused as you work toward the bigger picture.
A3. Schedule it out and commit to the schedule. Plan your work and work your plan. #contentwritingchat
— Mariana Norton ? Digital Strategy Consultant (@MarianaNNorton) January 2, 2018
Schedule time to work on your goals and stick with it!
A3: If you break your main goals into smaller sub-goals, you’ll be able to keep track of your journey, and fix what can be going wrong.#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/tUzDyEngMm
— @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) January 2, 2018
Break those bigger goals into smaller, more manageable goals to stay on track.
A3: I have an annual goal, broken down into quarterly goals, then broken down into monthly goals.
I have Google Calendar appointments setup to block off time to evaluate. Basically doing my own monthly review! #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/UAyPLGaoUU
— Craig Wall (@craigtwall) January 2, 2018
Craig said he has an annual goal, which he breaks down into quarterly goals. He even sets a calendar appointment to evaluate his progress.
A3: Adaptability and willingness to change your outlook midstream can help achieve goals.#contentwritingchat
— Danielle Bullen Love (@daniellewriter) January 2, 2018
Danielle knows adaptability is important when it comes to your goals!
A3 Write them down and share them with your mentor. They will help hold you accountable and help you achieve them #contentwritingchat https://t.co/nLPpttNO5G
— Jade Alberts Consult (@Jade_A_Consult) January 2, 2018
Jade suggests sharing your goals with a mentor. This gives you someone to hold you accountable.
A3 Check-ins with a partner.
That’s HUGE for me.
Seriously = accountability has been the #1 way I stayed on track with my gigantic projects of 2017 (course, second book), and kicked laziness pretty much to the curb.#ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy | Author. CEO. Content Educator (@JuliaEMcCoy) January 2, 2018
Julia also sees the benefits of an accountability partner. It’s a great way to stay on track.
A3. Check in as frequently as works for you (at least monthly in my case) to make sure that you are performing tasks that are in line with your goals AND that your goals are still applicable to your changing needs. Adapt as needed. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/F1K9JBW4IR
— Rebecca Wegscheid (@MarketerRebecca) January 2, 2018
Check in on your goals often to make sure you’re actually making progress. If you are, fantastic! If not, you need to make some changes.
A3 My best strategy for staying on track with goals is time management. Block time to do specific tasks no matter what. Know that I’m working for me and my audience. #ContentWritingChat
— Jim Katzaman $ #LifeInsurance $ Worker #Benefits (@JKatzaman) January 2, 2018
Time management is a struggle for many of us, so Jim isn’t alone in this one!
A3 I’ve learned (the hard way) that the best strategy to help me stay on track with goals is to set realistic goals in the first place. It’s painful to scale back sometimes, but necessary. #contentwritingchat
— Lex (@estherproject) January 2, 2018
And don’t forget that you need to set realistic goals. If you don’t believe you can achieve your goals, how can you expect to make them happen?
Q4: What do you do if you slip-up on one of your goals?
Let’s face it, we all mess up on our goals from time to time. We slack off, lose our focus and motivation, or whatever else gets in our way. How do you deal with it? Check out this advice:
A4 Tell yourself it’s OKAY. Seriously. It’s fine to mess up on a goal. I’ve done it myself.
? The most important thing is what you do after. You’ve got to pick yourself back up and keep going & working for that success. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy | Author. CEO. Content Educator (@JuliaEMcCoy) January 2, 2018
It’s okay to mess up on a goal. We’ve all been there. You just need to pick yourself up and keep moving forward.
A4. Don’t beat yourself up. That’s just a waste of time. Refocus and recommit. Move on. #contentwritingchat
— Mariana Norton ? Digital Strategy Consultant (@MarianaNNorton) January 2, 2018
Don’t beat yourself up over any slip-ups or failures.
A4 Don’t be too hard on yourself about missing a goal. Instead take a look at what happened, remember what you did well and use that to help work on what you slipped up on #contentwritingchat
— Becca (@beccasocial) January 2, 2018
Take a look at what went wrong so you can avoid it the next time around.
A4: I think it’s about setting reasonable expectations. Life happens and sometimes you have to make adjustments. Just have to be flexible. #ContentWritingChat
— Jenn Baker Blog (@jennbakerblog) January 2, 2018
Jenn’s advice is to set reasonable expectations and to be flexible.
A4 Slipping up on a goal isn’t the end of the world. Pursuit of perfection is frustrating and silly. Try to do better to stay on track and not make derailments a habit. #ContentWritingChat
— Jim Katzaman $ #LifeInsurance $ Worker #Benefits (@JKatzaman) January 2, 2018
As Jim said, the pursuit of perfection is frustrating and silly. What’s important is that you strive to do better next time.
A4: If you slip-up, acknowledge it and get back on track. No need to halt everything and give up based on one slip-up.
Recollect yourself and keep going. ? #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/Kn7kqdfiwx
— Anne Mercer (@Anne_E_Mercer) January 2, 2018
Don’t halt everything because of one mistake. Keep moving forward.
A4) Fix and/or move on. Has anyone NOT slipped up when working toward a goal? That’s part of the process. And you almost always have another chance. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/R8vAsT0pmx
— Jeremy Bond (@JeremyDBond) January 2, 2018
And guess what? You almost always have a second chance! That’s why Jeremy said to fix it or move on.
A4 Ask yourself if the goal is attainable? See how you could reorganise your work load to ensure that you’re giving it enough focus and energy, and then try again! #contentwritingchat
— Iain G. Scott (@IainGScott) January 2, 2018
Determine if your goal is actually attainable in the first place. It’s also smart to make sure you’re giving your goals the proper time and attention.
A4: What can you learn? Do you need to change your process or project scope? Maybe the goal isn’t the right one. #contentwritingchat
— Shelly Lucas (@pisarose) January 2, 2018
What can you learn from the slip-up? Find the lesson in your mistakes and avoid doing the same next time around.
Q5: How do you combat a productivity or motivational slump to keep the creative juices flowing?
We’ve all been there… That moment when you’ve hit a wall with your productivity. Your motivation is at an all time low, but you have so much to get done! What ever will you do? Here are some great tips:
A5 Add more coffee. 😉 #contentwritingchat #imighthaveaproblem pic.twitter.com/UyYv3Tbg9o
— Lex (@estherproject) January 2, 2018
Extra coffee never hurts!
A5. I basically listen to inspiring messages via @YouTube to remind me to keep on pushing towards my goals #contentwritingchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) January 2, 2018
Cheval liens to watch inspiring videos on YouTube.
A5. We seek inspiration. We listen to music. We look at our competitors, see what they’re doing and consider how we can do it better. We use magazines, news articles, social media and Pinterest to get the creative juices flowing! #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/g4IDQJF7t9
— New Car Deals Ltd (@newcardealsltd) January 2, 2018
You can also listen to music, and even draw ideas from your competitors or social media.
A5 NOTHING works as effectively as taking a break, for my creative slumps.
No social media, no computer screen. Rest. A real break. That could mean a walk in nature, going out to eat, or laying down and relaxing with a book.
Breaks are vital to creativity. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy | Author. CEO. Content Educator (@JuliaEMcCoy) January 2, 2018
Sometimes you just need to take a break and step away from the computer.
A5 I’m a positive person, so I rely on that. I also take a digital detox daily and go to the gym to keep my juices flowing #contentwritingchat https://t.co/d2EGH4n6pS
— Jade Alberts Consult (@Jade_A_Consult) January 2, 2018
Jade says hitting the gym can be a huge help for a productivity slump.
A5. Take a break and return with fresh eyes. Going for a run usually does it for me. #contentwritingchat
— Kristen Dunleavy (@KristenWritesIt) January 2, 2018
Going for a run is Kristen’s go-to!
A5: I get offline and move around.
I’ve had more ideas in the shower, in the middle of a yoga pose, on a sidewalk. than I almost care to admit! #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/jaKVLdvN7m
— Craig Wall (@craigtwall) January 2, 2018
Craig knows those great ideas can strike any time, whether it’s during yoga or in the shower.
A5: Talk to other writers — throw some ideas around. Ask them how they get over their slumps; trade secrets!
Sometimes all you need is a little encouragement from someone else who does what you do.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/gvHyVdAAw2
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) January 2, 2018
Sarah suggests talking to other writers. It’s a great way to discuss ideas and learn from them.
A5: I go somewhere else and write. Might be a coffee shop. Might be a different spot in the office. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/JOzSXWll6L
— Brian Anderson (@BrianAndersonPR) January 2, 2018
Try switching up your scenery! If you normally write at home, try going to the coffee shop.
A5: Not all days will be good days. Show up nevertheless.
—Reading good content can trigger similar topics or ideas.
—Curating (and citing) content from other sources is also a good exercise for a slumped brain.#ContentWritingChat— Narmadhaa (@s_narmadhaa) January 2, 2018
You can also try reading content from other sources to get those creative juices flowing again.
Q6: What will you need to make your goals a reality this year? Any skills to learn or help to obtain?
Sometimes we need to seek help or learn a new skill in order to achieve our goals. And that’s totally okay! You just need to know where to begin. Here’s what some of our chat participants will be working on:
A6: Setting more realistic time goals — i.e., it always takes me longer to finish a blog post than I think it will. “It is what it is,” plan for it based on realistic timelines.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/Ro40B9mcRf
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) January 2, 2018
Sarah said she’ll be focused on setting more realistic time goals. We need to give ourselves ample time to complete a task so we aren’t scrambling at the last minute.
A6 Discipline is what it takes to make my goals a reality. I know how to write. Now it’s a matter of doing it, and doing it consistently. #ContentWritingChat
— Jim Katzaman $ #LifeInsurance $ Worker #Benefits (@JKatzaman) January 2, 2018
Jim said he’ll be working on discipline in the year ahead.
A6 Always working on time management and setting realistic goals. I’m my own worst enemy because I want to do everything and I still think I can. #contentwritingchat
— Lex (@estherproject) January 2, 2018
Time management is definitely important when it comes to content creation.
A6: Better time management, self-discipline, and long-term vision. The latter is honestly my largest challenge I get lost in the day-to-day a lot. #contentwritingchat
— Zachary Fenell (@zacharyfenell) January 2, 2018
Zachary is focused on better time management, self-discipline, and his long-term vision.
A6: Most importantly, Grit. Goals are there to make sure we know where we are going but it is us who determines whether we achieve it or not. So time to gear ourselves up for an adventure.?? #contentwritingchat https://t.co/dG8KA7bX6P
— Badal Nyalang (@JasonNyalang) January 2, 2018
Grit will help you reach your goals!
A6: I want to learn about social media and getting people to my site and email list. So I have some books to read on that. #ContentWritingChat
— Jenn Baker Blog (@jennbakerblog) January 2, 2018
Jenn said she wants to learn more about social media and email marketing this year.
A6: Working with brands and increasing site traffic. I do want to learn how to work with brands in 2018. That’s the new skill that I want to acquire. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/vC6gl4IIji
— Carlarjenkins (@carlarjenkins) January 2, 2018
Carla is focused on learning more about working with brands and increasing traffic to her website.
A6. I need to work on self-promotion and public speaking skills. Always learning and there’s always to much to discover. #contentwritingchat
— Mariana Norton ? Digital Strategy Consultant (@MarianaNNorton) January 2, 2018
Self-promotion and public speaking skills are Mariana’s top two.
A6. Keeping a positive mindset and believe that I will achieve my goals. #contentwritingchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) January 2, 2018
Cheval knows a positive mindset makes all the difference!
Q7: Are there any hot topics or content formats you’ll try out in 2018?
With the year ahead of us, it’s the perfect time to try something new. Which topics and formats are the hot trends right now? Check out these ideas:
A7: I’m totally into video to promote my content, especially on @LinkedIn – loads of engagement & easy to get noticed. #contentwritingchat
— Warwick Brown (@warwickabrown) January 2, 2018
Video is definitely one format to implement in 2018 to receive bigger results.
A7: Video’s so hot, it seems like the obvious choice to try this year.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/7ukkG6bWrf
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) January 2, 2018
Sarah knows video is hot as well! If your brand isn’t already using it, it’s a good time to jump on board.
A7: I’ll do more on the video front – and I’ll explore podcasting, maybe#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/6RoHkSjMgg
— @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) January 2, 2018
Andrea is going to do more on video, but may even explore podcasting.
A7 I plan to livestream consistently in my group, and appear on more guest channels live via webinars/trainings (not just guest blog). So, more video and real-time live appearances. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy | Author. CEO. Content Educator (@JuliaEMcCoy) January 2, 2018
Julia is planning to do more live streaming in 2018.
A7: I will write more about my personal and some life topics to share. Being transparent is a difficult thing to do but can help a lot of other people. #ContentWritingChat
— Botz ? (@botzmag) January 2, 2018
Sharing some personal topics can help people build a stronger connection with your brand. It could be something for you to consider as well.
Q8: Where do you hope to see yourself this time next year in your career or business?
To wrap up the chat, we asked everyone to share where they’d like to be this time next year. Here are a few responses we received:
A8: In the same place: working from home with my dog sleeping at my feet, writing and helping grow the business!#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/gmeBbPe8k1
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) January 2, 2018
Sarah is clearly happy with where she’s at because she doesn’t want to see much change before next year!
A8: By the end of 2018, I’d like to build a more recognizable personal brand – I’d like more people to know about me and what I do#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/wmUg0J1RVj
— @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) January 2, 2018
Andrea’s goal is to build a more recognizable personal brand.
A8: I want to start 2019 super-clear on exactly what I’m doing, how I do it & why. I’m still figuring it out this year. #contentwritingchat
— Warwick Brown (@warwickabrown) January 2, 2018
Warwick hopes to have a clearer vision on what he’s doing and why by this time in 2019.
A8. LOADED question. ?
OK, I’ll be specific:
– Published author of my story (3rd book)
– Taught 100+ students in the ins and outs of rewarding content marketing + see their lives changed
– @ExpWriters 2.0 launched (we’re building a new internal team system)#ContentWritingChat— Julia McCoy | Author. CEO. Content Educator (@JuliaEMcCoy) January 2, 2018
Julia has a lot planned for the year! She’s publishing another book, plans to teach additional more students, and more.
Want to join in the fun this year? #ContentWritingChat takes place every Tuesday at 10 AM Central! Follow @ExpWriters and @writingchat to check it out.
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