Content strategy is a discipline, a philosophy, a – dare we be so obvious? – a strategic view of content. The definition of strategy is “an elaborate and systematic plan of action”; in chess, it’s evaluation of positions and setting up goals and long-term tactics for future play.
A strategy is developed to achieve a particular goal through the use of tactics. The tactical level is where the strategy gets carried out. Where the production and delivery of content has been a tactic of a larger strategy (a marketing strategy, a sales strategy, a product strategy, an enterprise strategy), the complexity of content has indicated the need for its own strategy.
Whether the content is Web only, or technical content that requires delivery through one or more channels, the evolution of content strategy will continue to prove interesting.
Here are a few interesting perspectives on the emerging field of content strategy:
Content Strategy: The Philosophy of Data
Rachel Lovinger’s article on Boxes and Arrows
The Discipline of Content Strategy
Kristina Halvorson on A List Apart
What is Content Strategy and Why Should You Care?
Amy Gahran article on Contientious
Redefining Content Strategy
Rahel Anne Bailie on Intentional Design