Contently Platform Overview and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview

This article provides a structured guide to using the Contently platform, covering the entire content production lifecycle, from strategy and planning to creation, distribution, and analytics. It includes tools for managing freelancers and evaluating content performance.

Information

This guide provides a structured approach to using the Contently platform, ensuring users can effectively manage their content production and leverage the available tools for optimal results.

• Calendar Page Overview
• Using the Pitching Tool
• Creating and Managing Stories
• Talent Request Tool
• Analytics Overview

Calendar Page Overview

Action: Navigate to the calendar page to visualize and manage content publishing schedules.

Details: The calendar shows all planned content for a given month, including overdue items. It is useful for power users, editorial managers, and stakeholders who need a quick reference of content production status.

Using the Pitching Tool

Action: Access the pitching tool under the Ideation tab to gather story ideas.

Details: This tool allows users to request pitches from freelancers, helping to scale content production. Users can accept or decline pitches, and only pay for commissioned stories. The tool also supports internal story idea gathering from subject matter experts and other teams.

Creating and Managing Stories

Action: Create a new story or accept a pitch to start crafting content.

Details: The story page includes a text editor for writing, tabs for requirements (brief, format, deadlines, content strategy), and a workflow tab to manage the content creation process. Users can set up customizable workflow templates and use commenting tools for collaboration.

Talent Request Tool

Action: Use the Talent Request tool to find and hire freelancers.

Details: The tool provides personalized freelancer recommendations based on content strategy and audience. It uses Google's Natural Language Processor to match freelancers' portfolios with the user's content needs. Users can add freelancers to their team, invite them to pitch, or make custom requests.

Analytics Overview

Action: Access the analytics section to evaluate content performance.

Details: The analytics tool provides insights into reader engagement, content performance, and how these metrics align with overall marketing strategy. It offers both macro and per-story views, helping users understand which articles drive results and why. The tool is designed to be user-friendly for those who may not be data experts.

FAQ

How do I navigate to the calendar page?

You can navigate to the calendar page by selecting the 'Calendar' option from the main menu. This will allow you to visualize and manage your content publishing schedules.

What is the pitching tool used for?

The pitching tool is used to gather story ideas from freelancers and internal teams. It helps scale content production by allowing users to request, accept, or decline pitches.

How can I find and hire freelancers?

You can use the Talent Request tool to find and hire freelancers. The tool provides personalized recommendations based on your content strategy and audience needs.

Summary

This article explains how to use the Contently platform for content production, including tools for managing schedules, gathering story ideas, creating content, hiring freelancers, and analyzing performance. It provides a comprehensive guide to optimize content strategy and execution.