Brand-Driven Content Strategy: Creating a Message Architecture Workshop at Confab Central 2017

Margot Bloomstein
Margot BloomsteinBrand & Content Strategist
1 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
BRAND-DRIVEN CONTENT STRATEGY:
CREATING A MESSAGE ARCHITECTURE
Margot Bloomstein
@mbloomstein
Confab Central June 7, 2017
2 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
BRAND-DRIVEN CONTENT STRATEGY:
CREATING A MESSAGE ARCHITECTURE,
DEPLOYING IT IN THE CONTENT AUDIT AND
CONTENT MODEL, AND APPLYING IT IN THE
EDITORIAL STYLE GUIDE AND CALENDAR,
LIKE YOU DO
3 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Volume and variety are the enemies
of focus and consistency.
3 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Brand-Driven Content Strategy: Creating a Message Architecture Workshop at Confab Central 2017
Brand-Driven Content Strategy: Creating a Message Architecture Workshop at Confab Central 2017
Brand-Driven Content Strategy: Creating a Message Architecture Workshop at Confab Central 2017
Brand-Driven Content Strategy: Creating a Message Architecture Workshop at Confab Central 2017
Brand-Driven Content Strategy: Creating a Message Architecture Workshop at Confab Central 2017
If we want progress, we need
boundaries, expectations, and
guidelines.
“What do we need to say?”
11 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
To say more, start by saying no.
11 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
12 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Content demands attention
13 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Because we all want the same thing,
but content keeps getting in the way.
(CC) http://www.flickr.com/photos/slworking
Content requires time
14 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Content dredges up politics
©Margot Bloomstein
15 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Good communication is the
product of tradeoffs and
opportunity costs.
15 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
16 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Tradeoffs pay off.
©Margot Bloomstein
17 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Content strategy lives
in the tradeoffs.
18 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
What is content strategy?
Planning for the creation,
aggregation, and governance of
content that’s useful, usable,
and appropriate to an experience.
19 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Message
architecture
Content
audit
Content
types
Content
model
Editorial style
guidelines
and calendar
“But isn’t strategy expensive?”
“More like Apple”
Brand-Driven Content Strategy: Creating a Message Architecture Workshop at Confab Central 2017
23 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
More like Apple’s message architecture
Confident but approachable; accessible
Simple
• Minimal detail
• Streamlined and anticipatory
Inviting, friendly
• Supportive but not fawning
24 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Message architecture
Cheeky
• Witty and fun
• Young without being childish
Customer oriented and responsive
• Approachable, friendly, and empowering
Helpful
• Accessible
25 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
26 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
27 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
From: Little MOO | Print Robot <noreply@moo.com>
Subject: MOO | Order 0629312615 | Confirmed
Hello
I'm Little MOO - the bit of software that will be managing your order with
moo.com. It will shortly be sent to Big MOO, our print machine who will print it
for you in the next few days. I'll let you know when it's done and on its way to
you.
Remember, I'm just a bit of software. So, if you have any questions regarding
your order please first read our Frequently Asked Questions or contact customer
services (who are real people!)
Thanks,
Little MOO, Print Robot
28 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Cheeky
• Witty and fun
• Young without being childish
Customer-oriented, responsive
• Approachable and friendly
• Empowering
Helpful
• Accessible
Message architecture vs. brand values
Design
Innovation
Community
Excellence
29 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
What’s a message architecture?
A hierarchy of communication goals
that reflects a common vocabulary
30 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
What’s a message architecture?
A hierarchy of communication goals
that reflects a common vocabulary—
versus brand values, which are the
ethics a company espouses
31 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
First things first.
Why add video testimonials, develop
help content, continue blogging, conduct
a content audit, or email customers…
if you don’t know what’s most important
to communicate?
If you don’t know
what to communicate,
how will you know if
you succeed?
what to communicate
when
where
34 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Serious, technical, and rigorous?
• Annual reports
• Articles on your site
• Articles on other sites
• Blogs
• Books
• Branded tools
• Case studies
• Digital magazines
• eBooks
• Email newsletters
• Facebook posts
• Games
• In-person events
• Infographics
• Licensed/syndicated
content
• LinkedIn posts
• Microsites
• Mobile apps
• Online presentations
• Podcasts
• Print magazines
• Print newsletters
• Research reports
• Twitter
• Videos
• Virtual conferences
• Webinars/webcasts
• Whitepapers
Excerpted from Content Marketing Institute & MarketingProfs Content Marketing Survey
Not all channels fit all goals.
35 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Engaged, fun, and relevant?
• Annual reports
• Articles on your site
• Articles on other sites
• Blogs
• Books
• Branded tools
• Case studies
• Digital magazines
• eBooks
• Email newsletters
• Facebook posts
• Games
• In-person events
• Infographics
• Licensed/syndicated
content
• LinkedIn posts
• Microsites
• Mobile apps
• Online presentations
• Podcasts
• Print magazines
• Print newsletters
• Research reports
• Twitter
• Videos
• Virtual conferences
• Webinars/webcasts
• Whitepapers
Excerpted from Content Marketing Institute & MarketingProfs Content Marketing Survey
Not all channels fit all goals.
What are your company’s primary
communication goals?
What channels do you use now?
Why?
What channels could better meet your
goals?
37 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
©The Lettered Lane
How could we prove this is a car not
like anything else out there? It’s a small
car, but it’s premium. You get a Porsche
911 ride for a fifth of the cost. It’s got
history… but in Europe.
You need to give people content to give
them history.”
39 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
A little thing with big impact.
40 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Message architecture
Premium technology
• Assertive; ready to perform as a driver’s car
• Proactive and supportive of spontaneity
Classic design
• Experienced and savvy
Cheekiness
• Smart, “punny,” hip
• Fun, gleeful
41 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
42 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
43 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
44 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
If these emails are boring you
and you don’t mind missing out
on all the lip-smackin’ stuff
we’ll be sending in the future,
simply send a message to owner-
unsubscribe@insiders.miniusa.com
and include “Unsubscribe” and
your favorite fruit in the
subject field.
45 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Message architecture drives content
Nomenclature
Calls to action
Content types
Sentence structure
Diction
46 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Message architecture drives design
Photographic angles
Background colors
Headline typography
Density of information
Content strategy
can create harmony
from cross-channel
cacophony.
48 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
What’s a message architecture?
A hierarchy of communication goals
that reflects a common vocabulary
49 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
What’s a message architecture?
A hierarchy of communication goals
that reflects a common vocabulary—
concrete, shared terminology,
not abstract concepts
“welcoming but elite”
“traditional but cool”
52 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
©Warby Parker
Words are valuable,
but meaningless
without context and
priority.
Your turn:
Encourage tradeoffs
that pay off
• Engage in a tangible way
• Encourage conversation
“What do you mean?
“Are these concepts synonymous?”
• Identify pain points and debate:
“How can we be strategic and tactical?”
• Force prioritization
• Encourage ownership
• Prevent seagulling
56 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
• Who we are
• Who we’re not
• Who we’d like to be
Go with your gut!
Step 1: categorize
57 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Who we are  Who we’d like to be
Be aspirational. What needs to change?
Step 2: filter
58 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
• Form groups: what goes together?
• Prioritize the goals or groups
• Tell the story of those aspirations
Step 3: group and prioritize
59 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
• Follow up on hesitation and grimaces
• Let participants resolve their own questions
• Expose nuances in meaning & connotation
“So ‘traditional’ but not ‘conservative’—why?”
“You hesitated adding ‘modern.’ How come?”
“Are ‘strategic’ and ‘tactical’ opposites?”
Dig in to ensure clarity
©The Lettered Lane
• Choose content types to manifest the
message architecture
• Gain standards for a qualitative audit
• Prioritize CMS changes and metadata to
support content types
• Reallocate budget and resources across
channels
62 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
63 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Welcoming people, accessible place
• Approachable, casual vibe; not standing on ceremony
• Witty, warm, and engaging
Gracious
• Polished and elegant
• Anticipatory and helpful
Sincere and distinct
• Maintaining authenticity
Easy and efficient
• Modern and innovative in technology
• Facilitating and efficient
Message architecture
64 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
• Welcoming people, accessible place
• Gracious
• Sincere and distinct
• Easy and efficient
Does it uphold the message architecture?
If not, what do you recommend?
Message architecture  audit
65 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
©The Lettered Lane
66 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
67 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Premium
• Lindt embodies quality, in product, marketing, & company interactions
• Approachable: Quality indulgences are more accessible
• Trusted in brand and quality
Empowering
• Entrepreneurial: Innovating, championing individuals and successes
• Market driving: strategic and proactive
• Professional and consistent through experience and being responsive
Community-minded
• Engaged with the Lindt family
• Customer-oriented
• Socially conscious
Message architecture
68 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Elegant layout and typography
• Spread-to-spread sightlines and flow
• Wider borders
• Layered background images
• Italic titles with initial drop caps
69 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Imagery of individual impact
• People engaged with product and service—
not just product or just results of service
• Diversity of role, gender, ethnicity, and age
70 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Accessible, informative copy
• First-person plural
• Frequent rhetorical asides
• Shorter sentences
• Clear, concrete explanations
71 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Editorial calendar “schedules”
the message architecture
72 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Message
architecture
Content
audit
Content
types
Content
model
Editorial style
guidelines
and calendar
73 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
But first things first:
Understand what you need to
communicate—and why.
74 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
Thank you!
Margot Bloomstein | @mbloomstein
margot@appropriateinc.com
Content Strategy at Work: http://amzn.to/CSatWork
BrandSort: http://cards.appropriateinc.com
Talks: http://slideshare.net/mbloomstein
All photography © Margot Bloomstein unless noted.
Screen grabs property of their respective owners.
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Brand-Driven Content Strategy: Creating a Message Architecture Workshop at Confab Central 2017

  • 1. 1 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein BRAND-DRIVEN CONTENT STRATEGY: CREATING A MESSAGE ARCHITECTURE Margot Bloomstein @mbloomstein Confab Central June 7, 2017
  • 2. 2 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein BRAND-DRIVEN CONTENT STRATEGY: CREATING A MESSAGE ARCHITECTURE, DEPLOYING IT IN THE CONTENT AUDIT AND CONTENT MODEL, AND APPLYING IT IN THE EDITORIAL STYLE GUIDE AND CALENDAR, LIKE YOU DO
  • 3. 3 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Volume and variety are the enemies of focus and consistency. 3 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 9. If we want progress, we need boundaries, expectations, and guidelines.
  • 10. “What do we need to say?”
  • 11. 11 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein To say more, start by saying no. 11 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 12. 12 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Content demands attention
  • 13. 13 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Because we all want the same thing, but content keeps getting in the way. (CC) http://www.flickr.com/photos/slworking Content requires time
  • 14. 14 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Content dredges up politics ©Margot Bloomstein
  • 15. 15 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Good communication is the product of tradeoffs and opportunity costs. 15 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 16. 16 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Tradeoffs pay off. ©Margot Bloomstein
  • 17. 17 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Content strategy lives in the tradeoffs.
  • 18. 18 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein What is content strategy? Planning for the creation, aggregation, and governance of content that’s useful, usable, and appropriate to an experience.
  • 19. 19 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Message architecture Content audit Content types Content model Editorial style guidelines and calendar
  • 20. “But isn’t strategy expensive?”
  • 23. 23 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein More like Apple’s message architecture Confident but approachable; accessible Simple • Minimal detail • Streamlined and anticipatory Inviting, friendly • Supportive but not fawning
  • 24. 24 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Message architecture Cheeky • Witty and fun • Young without being childish Customer oriented and responsive • Approachable, friendly, and empowering Helpful • Accessible
  • 25. 25 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 26. 26 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 27. 27 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein From: Little MOO | Print Robot <noreply@moo.com> Subject: MOO | Order 0629312615 | Confirmed Hello I'm Little MOO - the bit of software that will be managing your order with moo.com. It will shortly be sent to Big MOO, our print machine who will print it for you in the next few days. I'll let you know when it's done and on its way to you. Remember, I'm just a bit of software. So, if you have any questions regarding your order please first read our Frequently Asked Questions or contact customer services (who are real people!) Thanks, Little MOO, Print Robot
  • 28. 28 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Cheeky • Witty and fun • Young without being childish Customer-oriented, responsive • Approachable and friendly • Empowering Helpful • Accessible Message architecture vs. brand values Design Innovation Community Excellence
  • 29. 29 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein What’s a message architecture? A hierarchy of communication goals that reflects a common vocabulary
  • 30. 30 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein What’s a message architecture? A hierarchy of communication goals that reflects a common vocabulary— versus brand values, which are the ethics a company espouses
  • 31. 31 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein First things first. Why add video testimonials, develop help content, continue blogging, conduct a content audit, or email customers… if you don’t know what’s most important to communicate?
  • 32. If you don’t know what to communicate, how will you know if you succeed?
  • 34. 34 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Serious, technical, and rigorous? • Annual reports • Articles on your site • Articles on other sites • Blogs • Books • Branded tools • Case studies • Digital magazines • eBooks • Email newsletters • Facebook posts • Games • In-person events • Infographics • Licensed/syndicated content • LinkedIn posts • Microsites • Mobile apps • Online presentations • Podcasts • Print magazines • Print newsletters • Research reports • Twitter • Videos • Virtual conferences • Webinars/webcasts • Whitepapers Excerpted from Content Marketing Institute & MarketingProfs Content Marketing Survey Not all channels fit all goals.
  • 35. 35 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Engaged, fun, and relevant? • Annual reports • Articles on your site • Articles on other sites • Blogs • Books • Branded tools • Case studies • Digital magazines • eBooks • Email newsletters • Facebook posts • Games • In-person events • Infographics • Licensed/syndicated content • LinkedIn posts • Microsites • Mobile apps • Online presentations • Podcasts • Print magazines • Print newsletters • Research reports • Twitter • Videos • Virtual conferences • Webinars/webcasts • Whitepapers Excerpted from Content Marketing Institute & MarketingProfs Content Marketing Survey Not all channels fit all goals.
  • 36. What are your company’s primary communication goals? What channels do you use now? Why? What channels could better meet your goals?
  • 37. 37 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein ©The Lettered Lane
  • 38. How could we prove this is a car not like anything else out there? It’s a small car, but it’s premium. You get a Porsche 911 ride for a fifth of the cost. It’s got history… but in Europe. You need to give people content to give them history.”
  • 39. 39 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein A little thing with big impact.
  • 40. 40 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Message architecture Premium technology • Assertive; ready to perform as a driver’s car • Proactive and supportive of spontaneity Classic design • Experienced and savvy Cheekiness • Smart, “punny,” hip • Fun, gleeful
  • 41. 41 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 42. 42 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 43. 43 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 44. 44 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein If these emails are boring you and you don’t mind missing out on all the lip-smackin’ stuff we’ll be sending in the future, simply send a message to owner- unsubscribe@insiders.miniusa.com and include “Unsubscribe” and your favorite fruit in the subject field.
  • 45. 45 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Message architecture drives content Nomenclature Calls to action Content types Sentence structure Diction
  • 46. 46 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Message architecture drives design Photographic angles Background colors Headline typography Density of information
  • 47. Content strategy can create harmony from cross-channel cacophony.
  • 48. 48 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein What’s a message architecture? A hierarchy of communication goals that reflects a common vocabulary
  • 49. 49 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein What’s a message architecture? A hierarchy of communication goals that reflects a common vocabulary— concrete, shared terminology, not abstract concepts
  • 52. 52 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein ©Warby Parker
  • 53. Words are valuable, but meaningless without context and priority.
  • 55. • Engage in a tangible way • Encourage conversation “What do you mean? “Are these concepts synonymous?” • Identify pain points and debate: “How can we be strategic and tactical?” • Force prioritization • Encourage ownership • Prevent seagulling
  • 56. 56 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein • Who we are • Who we’re not • Who we’d like to be Go with your gut! Step 1: categorize
  • 57. 57 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Who we are  Who we’d like to be Be aspirational. What needs to change? Step 2: filter
  • 58. 58 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein • Form groups: what goes together? • Prioritize the goals or groups • Tell the story of those aspirations Step 3: group and prioritize
  • 59. 59 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein • Follow up on hesitation and grimaces • Let participants resolve their own questions • Expose nuances in meaning & connotation “So ‘traditional’ but not ‘conservative’—why?” “You hesitated adding ‘modern.’ How come?” “Are ‘strategic’ and ‘tactical’ opposites?” Dig in to ensure clarity
  • 61. • Choose content types to manifest the message architecture • Gain standards for a qualitative audit • Prioritize CMS changes and metadata to support content types • Reallocate budget and resources across channels
  • 62. 62 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 63. 63 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Welcoming people, accessible place • Approachable, casual vibe; not standing on ceremony • Witty, warm, and engaging Gracious • Polished and elegant • Anticipatory and helpful Sincere and distinct • Maintaining authenticity Easy and efficient • Modern and innovative in technology • Facilitating and efficient Message architecture
  • 64. 64 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein • Welcoming people, accessible place • Gracious • Sincere and distinct • Easy and efficient Does it uphold the message architecture? If not, what do you recommend? Message architecture  audit
  • 65. 65 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein ©The Lettered Lane
  • 66. 66 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein
  • 67. 67 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Premium • Lindt embodies quality, in product, marketing, & company interactions • Approachable: Quality indulgences are more accessible • Trusted in brand and quality Empowering • Entrepreneurial: Innovating, championing individuals and successes • Market driving: strategic and proactive • Professional and consistent through experience and being responsive Community-minded • Engaged with the Lindt family • Customer-oriented • Socially conscious Message architecture
  • 68. 68 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Elegant layout and typography • Spread-to-spread sightlines and flow • Wider borders • Layered background images • Italic titles with initial drop caps
  • 69. 69 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Imagery of individual impact • People engaged with product and service— not just product or just results of service • Diversity of role, gender, ethnicity, and age
  • 70. 70 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Accessible, informative copy • First-person plural • Frequent rhetorical asides • Shorter sentences • Clear, concrete explanations
  • 71. 71 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Editorial calendar “schedules” the message architecture
  • 72. 72 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Message architecture Content audit Content types Content model Editorial style guidelines and calendar
  • 73. 73 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein But first things first: Understand what you need to communicate—and why.
  • 74. 74 | #ConfabCentral | @mbloomstein Thank you! Margot Bloomstein | @mbloomstein margot@appropriateinc.com Content Strategy at Work: http://amzn.to/CSatWork BrandSort: http://cards.appropriateinc.com Talks: http://slideshare.net/mbloomstein All photography © Margot Bloomstein unless noted. Screen grabs property of their respective owners.