HOW AN EDITORIAL STRATEGIST CAN HELP YOU TAKE CONTENT MARKETING AND DIGITAL MEDIA TO THE NEXT LEVEL

In case you’re wondering, an editorial strategist is a publishing expert who plans, manages, and executes editorial strategies and content operations for magazines, websites, newspapers, and other publications. Consulting firms and experts strive to create cohesive editorial plans that engage audiences, achieve business objectives, and strengthen their publication’s brand and voice.

The primary aims of an editorial strategist revolve around overseeing a publication’s editorial direction and content planning. For example: Performing deep audience and market research to gain insider knowledge of readers’ needs, interests, pain points, and changing behaviors. Experts use these insights to identify emerging content opportunities and guide editorial planning.

Editorial strategists collaborate closely with editors-in-chief and department heads to concept editorial features, series, and franchises across print and digital that support brand pillars and resonate with target demographics. Consultants are responsible for planning timely, relevant, differentiated content that captures attention. Establishing effective workflows, keeping the editorial calendar up-to-date, and ensuring content gaps are filled are also vital.

Beyond high-level planning, editorial strategists often get into the editorial weeds. From pitching and assigning stories to copyediting and distributing pieces for publication, strategists may write, edit, produce, and manage content. Pros also frequently train writers and editors on best practices. Maintaining voice, style, and tone consistency are imperative.

The most talented consultants in the space have a keen understanding of both emerging media and timeless quality journalism. Thought leaders leverage reader and market data to inform strategies but stay rooted in a publication’s core values and convictions. Top experts also exhibit creativity blended with analytic precision and a commitment to excellence.

In an age of information overload, the work of an editorial strategist is more vital than ever. The ability to cut through the noise and deeply engage loyal audiences while upholding publication integrity is what separates good publications from the rest. Editorial strategists fill this critical role in the modern media landscape.