If your SEO team is working remotely, you’ll want to make certain that your team collaborates well during strategy sessions and delivers when it’s time to put goals into action.
So, let’s take a look at the key steps to take to run a high-impact remote content strategy session for SEO teams…
Define Clear Objectives
It’s crucial that you first identify the main goals for any content strategy session that you’re planning on holding. Why? Well, without clear objectives in place, your sessions could easily drift off course.
Once you have defined your objectives, communicate them with your team well ahead of the remote session (so that everyone can prepare as necessary, that is).
For instance, you could shoot over documents via email that outline bullet points for each talking point and decision that needs to be made.
By aligning everyone from the start, you will ensure that the time is spent productively.
Structure the Discussion Around Designated Key Themes
Make sure that the most important topics you want to cover get the time and attention that they deserve.
Allocate time frames for each of the main themes you need to cover, such as twenty minutes for brainstorming, followed by another twenty minutes for competitor analysis.
You’ll want to avoid contributions going off on a tangent. Having timeframes and set rules in place will enable you to avoid things going off-topic.
Encourage participants to prepare insights that are tied to each theme ahead of time. Again, this will ensure your session stays focused.
Choose the Right Tools to Facilitate Better Collaboration
You should depend on certain tools to help everyone stay organized and collaborate better.
For one thing, you’ll need to use the right video conferencing platform for your needs. Make sure it includes chat tools for quick exchanges or questions during the session.
Project management apps are also invaluable when you need to assign tasks (and track deadlines later on). They keep everything visible and centralized to ensure no one misses the tasks that are given and follow-up actions.
When brainstorming ideas as a group, use interactive options – like an online whiteboard.
For connecting and creating ideas visually, Canva offers a free online whiteboard for remote brainstorming that’s simple yet versatile.
Also, you could utilize polling or feedback tools during the meeting if you need input quickly, like prioritizing topics from multiple suggestions. You can then avoid long debates when time is precious. (No one likes lengthy sessions that go over the allotted time!)
Your SEO content strategy sessions will run much more smoothly when you choose the right tools.
Encourage Open Communication Throughout the Meeting
Effective collaboration is critical for a high-impact content strategy session, especially when the session is remote. So, ensure you make it easy for everyone to contribute.
In virtual settings, some team members may feel hesitant to speak up. Therefore, actively create a space where everyone feels comfortable.
You should:
- Set ground rules from the beginning of the session to make sure there aren’t interruptions and ensure everyone can get a turn at speaking.
- Address quieter participants directly but kindly, asking for their thoughts on specific topics.
- Build moments for collaboration into your agenda. Such as? Group brainstorming or quick polls.
When you establish an atmosphere of trust and inclusivity, creativity will thrive!
Follow Up with Actionable Deliverables and Deadlines
After your remote SEO content strategy session, make sure that you follow up with actionable deliverables and deadlines.
At the end of the meeting:
- Summarize the key decisions taken.
- Assign the actionable deliverables to each team member.
And after the session? Send out a follow-up email that lists things like:
- Responsibilities.
- Deadlines.
- The next steps to take.
