Here Are The Tools I Use As A Content Strategy Consultant

/

In this post, I’m sharing my (incomplete) list of tools I’ve enjoyed using in my content strategy projects.

Now, here’s the thing.

I use tools in the research stage, like Ahrefs or Semrush for keyword research. 

I use tools in the activation stage, like Trello or Asana for editorial calendars. 

But when building a strategy, I mostly stare out the window and think.

Or I walk and think.

Or I bring a notebook outside and…. think

So while I am sharing my tools I use in content strategy projects here, it comes with a very corny, but very true caveat:

Your brain is the best tool you can bring to a content strategy project.

I know we’re all looking for that magical tool to make content strategy easier and more approachable. I’m here to tell you that you already have it.

Bring an open, curious mind, and you’ll bring immense value to your project. 

Ok, corny caveat done.

Generally, if I include a list of possible tools, the first one listed is my preference. In almost all cases, these tools have a free option.

Research tools

This is the stage where I’m trying to learn more about the below 3 opportunities: 

  • Audience questions that our content can answer

  • White space that our content can fill

  • Education related to our offering

The 3 questions to ask, and try to answer, when conducting research for a content strategy

Doing research helps me learn about these three opportunities… which then helps me identify the strategy’s content pillars.

Here are the tools I turn to while doing research for a content strategy:

Understand general reach through BuzzSumo.

Social listening tools like HootSuite.

Content analytical tools like Google Analytics.

SEO tools like Google Search Console, ahrefs, and/or Semrush.

Audit tools like Screaming Frog or Market Muse.

Survey tools like SurveyMonkey or Mailchimp’s survey tool to send to your readership. Or, tools like Centiment to poll your target more broadly. 

Strategy setting tools

This one is extremely simple. I either create a deck in Google Slides or a narrative-style document in Google Docs.

Editorial management tools

This is a broader category that, generally, covers everything associated with ongoing content creation.

Project management tools like Trello, Asana, Google Docs,ClickUp, Airtable, and Miro. These will essentially serve as your content calendar.

Writing via Google Docs, Hemingway App, Grammarly.

Visual assets and creation via Canva, Figma, Miro, Pexels, and Unsplash.

Content production via Hubspot, Medium, Wordpress,Contentful, Ghost. Note: There are approximately 4 million options for publishing. These are just a few I’ve enjoyed using. 

Reporting via Google Analytics and Google Search Console.

Again, this is not a comprehensive list — and no tool will replace your brain for strategy setting. But I hope it’s a good start for the tools I’ve found helpful in my research and strategy activation work.