How can you train new content marketing team members effectively?

When you are creating a training plan for junior employees you need to cover - what they should do - what they shouldn't do - why they should or shouldn't - opportunities to practice - time and space to come up with new ideas of their own This will give them the structure to build their skills properly, but also the opportunity to find their own ways to grow and develop.

When teaching new content team members about the content strategy, don't just tell them what you're doing. They also need to understand what not to do. Because content people can be seduced work that builds out their portfolio or satiates their interest in a topic, instead of doing useful work for your business and your brand.

1) Start with core principles and make sure they understand your audience and voice 2) Get them hands-on with actual projects as soon as possible -- learn by doing! 3) Make sure they know it's totally fine to ask ALL the questions The end goal is a training plan that's more roadmap and less rulebook. Make sure you don't just cover the "what," but the "why" behind your content strategies.

Content people aren't always provided feedback regarding how well the content they create performs (or doesn't perform). But don't neglect this. It's how your people get better.

Make sure to introduce your new teammates beyond the content marketing team. Give them a list of people to meet. Connect them with leaders on other teams, as well as executive leaders. Consider, "Who do you think would have a strong opinion on our marketing strategy?" "Who uses the product most?" "Who talks to customers most?" In general who would be a really great person to connect with? Encourage them to set up regular 1:1s with people they'll work with closely and build relationships beyond the job description. People want to help people they like, so encourage them to consistently communicate and collaborate across departmental silos.

Show up and be humble! I don't care how senior you are or how long you've been at it, there are things you can learn from junior team members you're onboarding. Hear them out. Understand their perspectives. Ask them questions. Seek out their input. I promise you, they see things you don't.

One strategy that works is giving the new member tasks to do. Allow them to figure out how to get the task done while giving them the guidance they need. It's amazing how much they'll learn by doing. They'll also learn some more when you review what they've done and provide feedback on how they can do it better.

Guidelines, coaching and kindness Prepare guidelines wich could help: like content guidelines, a tone of voice document, etc. Share the secrets you would have liked to know when you started. And be kind.