Stage 1: Planning and Strategy
Number 8 in our Skills for Modern Technical Communication series: Digital Content Workflows – Stage 1: Planning and Strategy
Before we delve into the technical details, I’d like to capture the essence of planning and strategy in the digital content lifecycle in verse with a little poem I wrote to introduce this topic. I’d like to think that even the most structured processes can benefit from a dash of creativity.
In the realm of content’s grand design,
CJ Walker
Where strategy and planning intertwine,
We chart the course with skillful care,
To build foundations strong and fair.
Where Do Planning and Strategy Fit In?
The digital content lifecycle is a comprehensive framework that guides content from conception to retirement. While we’re focusing on planning and strategy today, it’s important to understand how this first stage sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Think of the content lifecycle as a well-orchestrated symphony, with planning and strategy as the conductor. This initial stage influences:
- How content will be created and authored in stage two
- What review processes will be necessary in stage three
- How content will be organised and managed in stage four
- Which channels will be used for publication in stage five
- What metrics will matter for measurement in stage six
- When and how content will be maintained in stage seven
As technical communicators, we’re uniquely positioned to understand this lifecycle because we’ve traditionally already touched many of these stages. We’re already masters at breaking down complex information and making it accessible. But in today’s AI-driven world, your skills can take you far beyond traditional technical writing. Mastering the planning and strategy phase can elevate us from participants to orchestrators of the entire process.
Why Planning and Strategy Matter More Than Ever
In an era where content is currency, organisations are desperately seeking professionals who can think strategically about content. As AI tools reshape our industry, technical communicators who understand the bigger picture are perfectly positioned to step into leadership roles. Your attention to detail and systematic thinking are exactly what’s needed at the strategy table.
Key Components of Content Planning and Strategy
Content Strategy Alignment
Remember when technical documentation was separate from marketing content? Those days are gone. Today’s technical communicators need to ensure all content aligns with broader business goals. This means:
- Working with stakeholders across departments
- Understanding business objectives and KPIs
- Mapping content to customer journeys
- Integrating AI and automation strategies
Needs Assessment
Your analytical skills shine here. Modern needs assessment involves:
- Conducting user research and analysis
- Identifying content gaps across platforms
- Evaluating technical requirements
- Assessing AI tool capabilities and limitations
- Determining accessibility requirements
Resource Planning
This isn’t just about scheduling writers anymore. You’ll need to consider:
- Cross-functional team coordination
- AI tool selection and implementation
- Subject matter expert availability
- Content technology stack requirements
- Training and skill development needs
Timeline Development
Modern content planning requires:
- Agile methodology implementation
- Integration with product development cycles
- Coordination of multi-channel releases
- AI training and implementation schedules
- Continuous improvement planning
Leveraging Your Technical Communication Background
Your existing skills are a perfect foundation for this strategic work. Technical communicators excel at:
- Systematic thinking and organisation
- Clear communication across teams
- Process documentation and improvement
- Understanding technical constraints
- Adapting to new tools and technologies
Where Are the Opportunities?
The convergence of technical communication and strategic content planning has created exciting new career paths. Here are some roles that we at Firehead recruit for:
Strategic Roles
- Content Strategy Manager
Leads content initiatives across multiple products or services, developing governance frameworks and aligning content with business objectives. You’ll be the bridge between technical documentation and strategic business goals. - Digital Content Operations Director
Oversees the entire content ecosystem, from documentation to marketing materials, ensuring seamless integration of tools and processes. This role often involves digital transformation initiatives and large-scale content projects. - Content Transformation Lead
Guides organisations through digital content evolution, particularly in implementing AI and automation solutions while maintaining content quality and consistency.
Technical Leadership Roles
- Documentation Strategy Manager
Evolving from traditional technical writing to strategic documentation planning, including API documentation, developer portals, and knowledge bases. This role often involves implementing docs-as-code approaches and automated documentation processes. - Knowledge Management Manager
Creates and maintains sophisticated knowledge ecosystems that serve both internal teams and customers. You’ll work with AI-powered knowledge bases, semantic search systems, and intelligent content delivery platforms. - Content Systems Architect
Designing and implementing complex content management systems, taxonomy structures, and metadata frameworks. This role combines technical documentation expertise with systems thinking and technology integration.
Emerging Hybrid Roles
- AI Content Strategy Specialist
Develops strategies for AI-assisted content creation, maintaining quality in automated processes, and ensuring consistent voice across human and AI-generated content. You’ll work with large language models, content generation tools, and quality assurance systems. - Content Automation Strategist
Identifies and implements automation opportunities across the content lifecycle, from creation to maintenance. This includes working with translation memory systems, automated quality checks, and content validation tools. - Digital Content Experience Manager
Creates seamless content experiences across multiple platforms and formats, focusing on personalisation and dynamic content delivery. You’ll work with headless CMS systems, content APIs, and user experience analytics.
Real-World Examples
- A former technical writer at a software company now leads their content transformation programme, implementing AI-assisted documentation processes that reduced content creation time by 40%
- A documentation specialist transformed into a Content Systems Architect, designing a new taxonomy system that improved content findability by 60%
- A technical communicator became an AI Content Strategy Specialist, successfully integrating AI tools while maintaining brand voice and technical accuracy
These roles can be found across various sectors, with particularly strong demand in:
- Technology companies
Especially in SaaS and enterprise software firms needing sophisticated documentation systems - Financial services
Where regulatory compliance meets technical documentation needs - Healthcare and pharmaceutical organisations
Requiring precise, compliant, and accessible technical content - Government and public sector
Focusing on digital transformation and citizen-facing content systems - Professional services firms
Needing structured knowledge management and client-facing technical content - Enterprise software companies
Requiring scalable, multi-platform content solutions
Key Skills for These Roles
To transition into these positions, focus on developing:
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- AI and automation technology understanding
- Data analysis and content metrics
- Change management and stakeholder communication
- Advanced content modeling and architecture
- Project and programme management
Making the Transition
To position yourself for these opportunities:
- Start participating in strategic discussions in your current role
- Learn about content strategy frameworks and methodologies
- Gain experience with content management systems and AI tools
- Build relationships with stakeholders across departments
- Document your strategic contributions and their impact
The Future is Bright
The evolution of content creation and management, particularly with AI integration, has created a unique opportunity for technical communicators. By mastering the planning and strategy phase of the digital content lifecycle, you’re not just adapting to change – you’re positioning yourself to lead it.
Your technical communication background gives you a distinct advantage in understanding both the technical and human aspects of content strategy and planning in the digital content lifecycle. As organisations increasingly recognise the value of structured, strategic content approaches, your skills become even more valuable.
Resources for Further Learning
I’m listing some of our favourites below. Feel free to add to your own suggestions in the comments.
Recommended Reading
- Content Strategy for the Web by Kristina Halvorson
- The Content Strategy Toolkit by Meghan Casey
- Managing Enterprise Content by Ann Rockley
- Strategic Writing for UX by Torrey Podmajersky
- Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen
Tools and Technologies
- Content Management Systems
Learn about Drupal, WordPress, or Adobe Experience Manager - Documentation Tools
Familiarise yourself with MadCap Flare, Adobe TechComm products, Paligo, or Static Site Generators - AI Tools
Experiment with ChatGPT, Claude, or other AI writing assistants - Analytics
Google Analytics, Content Analytics platforms
Next Steps
Ready to expand your role? Start by:
- Volunteering for strategic projects in your organisation
- Taking courses in content strategy and AI implementation
- Building a portfolio of strategic planning work
- Networking with and following content strategists and digital transformation leaders
- Experimenting with AI tools and documenting your learnings
Remember, the digital content lifecycle isn’t just a process – it’s your pathway to new career opportunities. In our next post, we’ll explore the creation and authoring phase, where AI is revolutionising how we produce and scale content. This integrated approach ensures that content moves efficiently through each stage while maintaining quality and meeting organisational objectives.
Interested in learning more? Firehead has a great course: An Introduction to Content Operations by Rahel Bailie, an expert in the field of ContentOps, who knows a thing or two about planning your content. She takes you through everything you need to know to set up a content operations plan for your organisation – you’ll come away with your own working model.
Hilary Marsh’s Content Strategy Overview course is also a useful introduction to the planning and strategic skills you need for the digital content lifecycle. You’ll come away with your own working strategy for your organisation.
Do you want to start right in with modern basics for technical communication to get your context for planning and strategy? We have a course for that too! In fact, a triology! Check out all three of our techcomm foundational courses to get your foot in the door of managing modern technical communication projects.
What aspects of planning and strategy interest you most? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Next week, we’ll build on these foundations as we explore stage 2 of the digital content lifecycle: creation and writing. Subscribe to our blog to ensure you don’t miss it!
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