Overview

This article provides a comprehensive guide on using the Contently platform, covering features from calendar management to analytics. It aims to help users maximize the platform's capabilities for efficient content management and production.

Information

This section provides a detailed guide on how to use various features of the Contently platform, including step-by-step instructions and best practices.

• Calendar Overview
• Ideation Tools
• Creating Stories
• Workflow Management
• Review and Optimization
• Talent Recommendations
• Campaign Tracking
• Analytics
• Publication Settings
• Support and Help

Calendar Overview

Step Name/Summary: Calendar Overview

Detailed Guidance:

The calendar shows all content assets and their planned publication dates.

Each card represents a different asset, providing information on due dates and overdue tasks.

Filters on the right side allow users to sort by tags, users, and status.

Ideation Tools

Step Name/Summary: Using Ideation Tools

Detailed Guidance:

Pitches Tool: Allows gathering story ideas from freelancers.

Create a pitch request specifying format, description, and submission date.

Review incoming pitches, which include format, audience, sample lead, and description.

Accept or decline pitches based on the provided information.

Content Request Tool: For internal content requests.

Create custom intake forms for different departments or teams.

Share forms with non-Contently users.

Review and accept content requests, setting clear expectations and requirements.

Creating Stories

Step Name/Summary: Creating and Managing Stories

Detailed Guidance:

Navigate to the "Create Story" page.

Select the publication and input brief details, including title, description, and metadata.

Use pre-saved templates for efficiency.

Add workflow steps, assign tasks, set due dates, and specify payment details if working with freelancers.

Workflow Management

Step Name/Summary: Managing Workflows

Detailed Guidance:

Use the workflow tool to manage content creation steps.

Assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress.

Make inline comments and edits directly within the text editor.

Use the "Submit" button to pass content to the next workflow step.

Review and Optimization

Step Name/Summary: Reviewing and Optimizing Content

Detailed Guidance:

Use the Review tab to check for quality, optimization, and style.

Scan for plagiarism, broken links, and passive voice.

Ensure SEO keywords are included in the headline and body.

Use the Tone Analyzer tool to match the content's tone with the target tone.

Talent Recommendations

Step Name/Summary: Finding and Managing Freelancers

Detailed Guidance:

Use the Talent Recommendations tool to find freelancers based on content strategy and past work.

View freelancer portfolios, bios, and relevant stories.

Star freelancers for future use or invite them to your team.

Campaign Tracking

Step Name/Summary: Tracking Campaigns

Detailed Guidance:

Use the Campaign tool to organize and track content against larger strategic initiatives.

View campaign details, including total budget, engagement metrics, and individual content performance.

Create new campaigns by specifying name, description, and date range.

Analytics

Step Name/Summary: Analyzing Content Performance

Detailed Guidance:

Use the Analytics tool to track unique visitors, engagement rate, and average finish per engaged story.

Break down metrics by source, tags, and funnel positions.

Use the Stories view for an itemized breakdown of content performance.

Utilize Docalytics for detailed insights into PDF content, including heat maps and attention time.

Publication Settings

Step Name/Summary: Managing Publication Settings

Detailed Guidance:

Access publication settings to adjust content strategy, user management, and workflow templates.

Update goals, audiences, voice and style, and SEO keywords.

Manage user access and view freelancer portfolios.

Support and Help

Step Name/Summary: Accessing Support and Help

Detailed Guidance:

Use the chat bubble for technical support.

Reach out to the customer success team for higher-level support.

Access the Help Center for video trainings and tutorials.

Summary

This article provides a detailed guide on using the Contently platform, covering features such as calendar management, ideation tools, story creation, workflow management, review and optimization, talent recommendations, campaign tracking, analytics, publication settings, and support options. It aims to help users effectively manage and produce content using the platform's comprehensive tools and features.