Content Strategy Playbook

Step-by-step actionable guide for implementing content strategies that work. Practical frameworks, templates, and checklists for building your content ecosystem from the ground up.

How to Use This Playbook

This playbook provides practical, actionable steps for implementing The Marketing Forest framework. Whether you're starting from scratch or optimizing an existing content program, follow these phases to build a sustainable content ecosystem.

Each phase includes specific deliverables, templates, and success criteria. Work through them sequentially for best results, or jump to the section most relevant to your current needs.

Phase 1
Foundation
Audit, strategy, and initial content
Phase 2
Expansion
Scale production and distribution
Phase 3
Optimization
Measure, refine, and compound

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

Step 1: Conduct Content Audit

Before creating new content, understand what you already have. A comprehensive content audit reveals gaps, opportunities, and content that can be optimized or repurposed.

Deliverables:

  • Inventory of all existing content (blog posts, videos, guides, etc.)
  • Performance metrics for each piece (traffic, engagement, conversions)
  • Content categorized by type (Evergreen, Conifer, Deciduous, etc.)
  • Gap analysis identifying missing topics and content types

Step 2: Define Strategy & Goals

Align content efforts with business objectives. Clear goals and strategy ensure every piece of content serves a purpose and contributes to measurable outcomes.

Deliverables:

  • Content mission statement and strategic objectives
  • SMART goals for traffic, leads, and revenue
  • Target audience personas with pain points and content preferences
  • Content mix strategy (percentage allocation across five types)

Step 3: Create Editorial Calendar

Plan content production systematically. An editorial calendar ensures consistent publishing, strategic topic coverage, and efficient resource allocation.

Deliverables:

  • 90-day editorial calendar with topics, formats, and deadlines
  • Publishing frequency and cadence by content type
  • Keyword research and SEO strategy for each piece
  • Resource assignments (writers, designers, editors)

Phase 2: Expansion (Months 4-8)

With foundation in place, expand production and distribution. Scale what works, experiment with new formats, and build the interconnections that create ecosystem effects.

Scale Production
  • Document content workflows and processes
  • Build content templates and style guides
  • Implement content management systems
  • Train team members on frameworks
Expand Distribution
  • Build email list and newsletter program
  • Establish social media presence
  • Begin guest posting and partnerships
  • Optimize SEO and internal linking

Phase 3: Optimization (Months 9-12)

Use data to refine strategy and maximize ROI. Identify high-performers, eliminate waste, and create compound growth through strategic optimization.

Key Optimization Activities

  • Performance Analysis: Review metrics for all content, identify top performers and underperformers
  • Content Updates: Refresh Evergreen content with new data, examples, and insights to maintain rankings
  • Repurposing: Convert high-performing Deciduous content into Evergreen guides
  • ROI Measurement: Calculate content ROI and demonstrate business impact

Ready to Implement Your Content Strategy?

This playbook provides the roadmap, but successful implementation requires detailed guidance. Our Foundation Course includes video walkthroughs, templates, and workbooks for every phase.