Developing a Content Curation Plan
Hey there, LinkedIn enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the world of content curation for our favorite professional network. First things first, we need to lay the groundwork for a solid curation plan. Trust me, it’s not as daunting as it sounds!
Start by getting crystal clear on who you’re trying to reach. Are you targeting ambitious marketing professionals or tech-savvy entrepreneurs? Once you’ve nailed down your audience, it’s time to put on your detective hat and figure out what makes them tick. What topics get them fired up? What challenges keep them up at night?
For instance, if you’re targeting B2B marketers, they might be itching to learn about the latest lead generation strategies or how to crack the code of LinkedIn’s ever-changing algorithm. Jot down these insights – they’ll be your North Star in the curation process.
Next up, let’s talk sources. Where can you find the juiciest content that’ll make your audience sit up and take notice? Industry blogs, thought leader articles, and even LinkedIn posts from movers and shakers in your field are all gold mines waiting to be tapped.
But here’s the million-dollar question: What’s your endgame? Are you aiming to position yourself as the go-to thought leader in your niche? Or maybe you’re laser-focused on sparking engaging conversations that’ll grow your network? Whatever your goal, keep it front and center as you curate. It’ll help you stay on track and measure your success down the line.
Finding and Evaluating Content
Now that we’ve got our game plan, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and start hunting for that killer content. LinkedIn’s built-in search and filtering tools are your secret weapons here. Try searching for relevant keywords and hashtags to uncover hidden gems.
Pro tip: Don’t just stick to text posts. Videos, infographics, and SlideShares can add some serious spice to your content mix. Remember, variety is the spice of life – and your LinkedIn feed!
But wait, there’s more! Follow industry big shots and thought leaders to stay in the loop. Their posts often spark interesting discussions and can be great jumping-off points for your own content.
Now, let’s talk tools. Content discovery platforms like Feedly or BuzzSumo can be total game-changers. They’ll help you stay on top of trending topics and find shareable content in a fraction of the time.
When you’re sifting through all this content, keep your BS detector on high alert. Ask yourself: Is this information accurate and up-to-date? Will it genuinely help my audience? Does it align with my brand values? If it ticks all these boxes, you’ve struck content gold!
Sharing and Engaging with Curated Content
Alright, you’ve found some stellar content. Now what? Well, sharing is caring, but there’s an art to it on LinkedIn.
First off, don’t just hit that share button and call it a day. Add your own two cents! Share why you think this piece is valuable, or highlight a key takeaway. This is your chance to showcase your expertise and spark a conversation.
For example, if you’re sharing an article about the latest LinkedIn algorithm update, you might say something like: “Just read this insightful piece on LinkedIn’s algorithm changes. The point about video content getting more reach really resonated with me. What’s been your experience with video on LinkedIn lately?”
See what I did there? I added value, showed my knowledge, and invited others to join the conversation. It’s a win-win-win!
Oh, and don’t forget to give credit where it’s due. Tag the original author or source in your post. It’s not just good manners – it can also help you build relationships with key players in your industry.
Building a Comprehensive Curation Toolkit
Let’s face it, manually searching for content every day can be a real time-suck. That’s where your curation toolkit comes in handy. Think of it as your Swiss Army knife for content discovery.
Google Alerts is a great place to start. Set up alerts for key industry terms and you’ll get a steady stream of relevant content delivered straight to your inbox. Pair that with a robust news aggregator like Feedly, and you’ll never run out of share-worthy content.
Social media monitoring tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social can help you keep tabs on what’s buzzing in your industry across multiple platforms. They’re especially handy for tracking relevant hashtags and joining trending conversations.
And let’s not forget about content calendars and scheduling tools. They’re lifesavers when it comes to planning and maintaining a consistent posting schedule. Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can help you queue up posts in advance, so you’re not scrambling for content at the last minute.
Measuring and Optimizing Your Curation Efforts
You’ve put in the work, now it’s time to see if it’s paying off. Keep a close eye on key metrics like engagement rates, reach, and follower growth. LinkedIn’s built-in analytics are a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to dive deeper with third-party tools if you need more granular data.
Pay attention to which types of curated content perform best. Are your followers loving those industry news updates? Or are they more engaged with how-to guides? Use these insights to refine your curation strategy over time.
Remember, content curation is a marathon, not a sprint. It might take some time to see significant results, but stick with it. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep providing value to your audience. Before you know it, you’ll be a LinkedIn curation pro!
FAQs
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Q: How often should I post curated content on LinkedIn?
A: Aim for a consistent schedule, such as 3-5 times per week. However, quality always trumps quantity, so focus on sharing valuable content rather than hitting a specific number.
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Q: Is it okay to share content from competitors?
A: Yes, if it provides value to your audience. Sharing competitor content can actually position you as an unbiased industry expert. Just be sure to balance it with your own original content.
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Q: How do I know if the content I’m curating is high-quality?
A: Look for content from reputable sources, with well-researched information and data to back up claims. Also, consider if it provides actionable insights or solves a problem for your audience.
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Q: Should I always add my own commentary when sharing curated content?
A: While it’s not mandatory, adding your own insights can significantly increase engagement and showcase your expertise. It’s a great opportunity to start conversations and provide additional value.
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Q: Can I curate my own old content?
A: Absolutely! Repurposing your own content is a great curation strategy. Just make sure to update any outdated information and present it in a fresh way.
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Q: How do I measure the success of my content curation efforts?
A: Key metrics to track include engagement rates (likes, comments, shares), reach, follower growth, and click-through rates if you’re sharing links. Also, pay attention to qualitative feedback in comments and messages.