How to Build a Content Strategy from Scratch (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to Build a Content Strategy from Scratch (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to Build a Content Strategy from Scratch (Step-by-Step Guide)
Why You Need a Content Strategy
Why You Need a Content Strategy
Here’s the truth: posting random stuff doesn’t build a business. A content strategy is simply a plan. It tells you what to post, why you’re posting it, and who you’re talking to. Without it, you’re just throwing darts in the dark.
The good news? You don’t need a marketing degree to figure this out. If you can explain what you do to a friend, you can build a strategy.
Here’s the truth: posting random stuff doesn’t build a business. A content strategy is simply a plan. It tells you what to post, why you’re posting it, and who you’re talking to. Without it, you’re just throwing darts in the dark.
The good news? You don’t need a marketing degree to figure this out. If you can explain what you do to a friend, you can build a strategy.
Step 1: Know Who You’re Talking To
Step 1: Know Who You’re Talking To
This is the most important part.
Ask yourself:
Who am I trying to help?
What problems keep them up at night?
What do they want to see or learn when they come across my content?
If you’re not clear on your audience, you’ll waste time. Write down one real person you’re talking to. Give them a name if it helps.
This is the most important part.
Ask yourself:
Who am I trying to help?
What problems keep them up at night?
What do they want to see or learn when they come across my content?
If you’re not clear on your audience, you’ll waste time. Write down one real person you’re talking to. Give them a name if it helps.
Step 2: Define Your Main Goal
Not every piece of content has the same job. Decide what your goal is:
Do you want more leads?
Do you want to build trust?
Do you want people to buy now?
Your goal shapes your message. For example, a post that teaches something builds trust. A post with a clear call-to-action might drive sales.
Not every piece of content has the same job. Decide what your goal is:
Do you want more leads?
Do you want to build trust?
Do you want people to buy now?
Your goal shapes your message. For example, a post that teaches something builds trust. A post with a clear call-to-action might drive sales.
Step 3: Choose Your Core Content Pillars
Think of pillars like buckets. Each bucket is a topic you’ll always talk about.
For example, if you’re a business coach:
Pillar 1: Mindset
Pillar 2: Marketing
Pillar 3: Systems
Stick to your buckets. That way, people know what to expect from you.
Think of pillars like buckets. Each bucket is a topic you’ll always talk about.
For example, if you’re a business coach:
Pillar 1: Mindset
Pillar 2: Marketing
Pillar 3: Systems
Stick to your buckets. That way, people know what to expect from you.
Step 4: Pick Your Platforms
Don’t try to be everywhere. Choose one main platform to start. Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn — pick the one that feels most natural and matches your audience.
Remember: it’s better to be consistent on one platform than disappear on five.
Don’t try to be everywhere. Choose one main platform to start. Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn — pick the one that feels most natural and matches your audience.
Remember: it’s better to be consistent on one platform than disappear on five.
Step 5: Plan Your Content Calendar
This is where most people fall apart — no plan. You need to see what’s coming next week or next month.
The easiest way? Use a content strategy worksheet or planner.
Download my free content strategy worksheet to map this out step-by-step. It’ll help you see your ideas on paper and stay consistent without burning out.
This is where most people fall apart — no plan. You need to see what’s coming next week or next month.
The easiest way? Use a content strategy worksheet or planner.
Download my free content strategy worksheet to map this out step-by-step. It’ll help you see your ideas on paper and stay consistent without burning out.
Step 6: Create, Post, Adjust
Start simple. Create your first few pieces of content. Post them. Watch what happens.
Which posts got comments?
Which ones flopped?
Which ones felt easy to make?
Your strategy isn’t permanent. It’s a living thing. Adjust as you learn.
Start simple. Create your first few pieces of content. Post them. Watch what happens.
Which posts got comments?
Which ones flopped?
Which ones felt easy to make?
Your strategy isn’t permanent. It’s a living thing. Adjust as you learn.
Final Thoughts
Building a content strategy from scratch doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Know your audience.
Set your goal.
Pick your topics.
Choose your platform.
Plan with a worksheet.
Post and adjust.
Do this and you’ll stop guessing, save time, and start building real momentum online. Ready to take action? Grab the free content strategy worksheet here.
Building a content strategy from scratch doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Know your audience.
Set your goal.
Pick your topics.
Choose your platform.
Plan with a worksheet.
Post and adjust.
Do this and you’ll stop guessing, save time, and start building real momentum online. Ready to take action? Grab the free content strategy worksheet here.
