When I was trying to think of how to start this post off with a BANG, all that kept coming to my head were random rap song lyrics from the 90s (hip hop hooray… ho… hey….ho…). See?
So, instead of making you want to bust out some Hammer pants, I figured I’d just jump into what you REALLY want to know. All the details about Momcomm’s new content planning course: the course name, when the course will start, more detail about what’s included, the price and all that important stuff.
But first things first. Don’t ya wanna know the course name?
I’m super psyched to introduce the name to you because I’m so darn proud of how it all came together! So here goes nothing…
You likey? If you don’t drink coffee, tea or anything else that brews, well, pretend I named it something different. Heh.
So What Will the Course Be About?
I touched on this last week but I’m elaborating a bit today.
In Content Brew, you’ll learn how to plan & create fresh content ideas for your blog, Facebook and Twitter. You’ll also learn ways to find content to share and tools to make doing all of this easier. At the end of this course, you’ll have anywhere from a month to a quarter’s worth of content planned out for your blog, Facebook page and Twitter (to a more-limited degree), not to mention a process that you’ll use over and over again.
As I’ve been designing this course, one thing is apparent. It’s a lot of class! So I asked a Facebook group I’m in if they’d prefer four hard core days or seven lighter days and the overwhelming majority (more like 100%!) preferred having a course stretched out longer. So, while I originally said four, it’s gonna be seven days (Monday-Sunday).
Here’s what we’ll learn each day:
- Day 1: Getting to Know the Content Calendar
- Day 2: Planning and Creating Blog Content Ideas (Part 1)
- Day 3: Planning and Creating Blog Content Ideas (Part 2)
- Day 4: Keep Fresh Content Brewing Using Evernote
- Day 5: Planning and Creating Content for Facebook and Twitter
- Day 6: The Art of Using the Right Words to Drive Traffic
- Day 7: Finding and Keeping Track of Content to Share
- Bonus: Easy Automation to Shelve Ideas and Articles for Content Planning
If you noticed, I didn’t say anything about writing content for blog posts. We stick to planning content using a calendar and learning how to both generate ideas and keep track of those ideas. However, we will write content for Facebook and Twitter.
A few awesome things that you’ll learn:
- Exactly why you need a content calendar (hint: it won’t stifle your creativity nor your spontaneity)
- How to customize a calendar for your blog
- Why and how you should include social media in your content planning (we’ll stick with Facebook and Twitter for this course)
- Eight questions to ask yourself for more effective content planning
- What types of posts bring in the best traffic
- Techniques for coming up with an endless supply of content ideas
- 23 Content Generation Prompts for Facebook and Twitter
- Attention-grabbing words and phrases to increase engagement
- Tools to save you time and keep you organized
- And more more more.
How to Know If This Course Is For You
Content Brew is for any level of blogger who wants to wants to nail down the process of using a content calendar AND learn techniques to come up with loads of ideas for blog posts, Facebook posts and tweets.
You’re ready to have a full arsenal of content for your blog, Facebook and Twitter page at your fingertips so you stop wasting time with the dreaded “I don’t know what to write about.” (or what to post on your fan page). I tell you, there’s nothing better than sitting down to write a blog post and already knowing what to write about because it’s on your calendar. Or getting ready for some social media interaction and already having a question ready to post. It’s like your brain already did most of the work ahead of time. Even if you have tons of ideas already but no time to write then, some of the techniques and handouts will help you save time so you can squeeze in some more writing into your life.
Content Brew is also a great alternative to those who can’t travel for blog conferences due to cost or time. Of course, if you go to blog conferences already well this will only deepen your knowledge even further.
The best part about this course is that it’s not just reading, video-watching and downloading pretty handouts. You’ll be DOING stuff. Planning content, learning techniques and getting loads of handouts that you’ll reference long after the course is over.
What You’ll Get
During the seven-day course, you’ll receive lots of goodies:
- 2012 content calendar template (spreadsheet format)
- Daily written lessons, with each day having a video, handout or both
- A total of six handouts which won’t be a regurgitation of the lessons but rather idea guides that’ll give you an endless flow of ideas (ex. 30 Fill in the Blank blog post ideas with examples for each one)
- Interaction and feedback from me and other students in a private Facebook group (when I asked for a vote, the Facebook group won hands-down versus a forum)
- Two live chats on the Momcomm website (one morning and one evening to accommodate as many as possible)
- Interaction on Twitter with the #contentbrew hashtag
What You Need to Take the Course
In order to take the course, you’ll need a few things (and none cost a dime!):
- A blog or website (EASY!)
- A program to open a spreadsheet (Google Docs, Excel, Numbers, OpenOffice)
- Colored markers and paper (yes, we’ll go old-school for one assignment!)
- A Facebook page and Twitter account (we’ll be planning content for these platforms)
How the Course Will Work
I KNOW it’s tough to be online at a certain time, which is why this course doesn’t require it. Each day you’ll get an email from me with an intro to that day’s lesson and a link to a password-protected page. Read the class lesson, watch any video and grab any handouts for the day. Each day has a homework assignment so you’ll actually accomplish something in this class too rather than just add to your to-do list. And of course, we’ll have loads of interaction through the private group, two live chats and Twitter.
If you get behind for any reason, no worries. You’ll be able to access the course for at least a year. I’ll keep each Facebook group open for three months and I’ll stay active in the group until the next class starts. So don’t worry about signing up and then life getting in the way. You have plenty of time!
Cost
I know you’re dying to know the cost so here you go: $49.
For $7 a day, you’ll get seven days of class, a bonus lesson, content calendar template, six handouts, multiple videos, interaction and feedback from me and others and a process you’ll use over and over.
But hold up, if you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ll not only get first dibs at a spot in the class, you’ll also get a code that’ll give you 25% off, which makes it only $36.75. Pretty slick deal, I’d say.
Sign Up and Course Dates
So when does all the shenanigans start?
Course Dates: Monday, March 19 – Sunday, March 25
Sign-up for Newsletter Subscribers: Monday, March 5 at 10 am EST (update: the deadline has now passed to get the discount code!)
Sign-up for Everyone Else: Tuesday, March 6 at 10 am EST
Just so you know, I plan to offer this course every 4-8 weeks depending on how successful it is!
Class size will be limited so I can give feedback to anyone who posts in the Facebook group.
And just because I can’t help myself…
#contentbrew Twitter Chat This Thursday!
Yes, I figured we should start the party early! During the chat, we’ll share our experiences with content planning and I’ll answer some questions you may have about the course. Ya know the coolest part? I’ll give away THREE spots in the course! You must RSVP to get eligible for the giveaway (and tweet during the chat, but that’s probably a “duh”).
Time: Thursday, March 1 at 9 pm EST (1 hour)
Hashtag: #contentbrew
RSVP using your Twitter URL and name (http://www.twitter.com/name) and follow @MelACulbertson if you aren’t already!
Talk to Me!
Whew! Have you digested all that goodness yet? I wanna know what you think!
Momcomm gives blogging chicks practical, can-do tips for writing, blogging and using social media (and sometimes a snarky rant).
Content Brew (self-paced)
DIY Blog Critique
Summer Bucket List for Bloggers (Free Printable)
I'm a mom who loves marketing, photography and all things social media. I have two boys whose claim to fame is that they were born on the same day... three years apart.
Twitter: reedster2
says:
Oh wow. I am SO going to try to clear my calendar for this. Loved your book. This is a great program!
Cindy recently posted..I Look Like a Model
Twitter: Book4MyDaughter
says:
Congratulations on creating such an incredible course. I still need to look at my schedule, but I am hoping to be able to join—I NEED this course. Thanks!
a Book for My Daughter recently posted..The Bribe
Would that Twitter chat be a.m. or p.m.?
Thanks!
Oops! It’s PM. I added it to the post. Thanks for catching that and hope you can make it!
Twitter: Heligirl
says:
I’m so freaking proud of you Mel! This looks amazing. I wish I had time to participate. My workload has gotten so high I’m slacking off on the blog front. I’ll see if I can’t sign up just to support you. Big hugs and a pat on the back my friend!
Heligirl recently posted..Learning through Play
Thanks so much, Jen! It’s be so challenging yet fun to put together. I keep adding stuff to it cause my mind won’t shut up. Heh.
Twitter: grneydcntrygirl
says:
Awesome!!! I am so excited about this!! I need to figure out how to plan my content instead of flying by the seat of my pants!
Sounds like a great way to freshen up my content on the blog as well as in my freelance writing areas!
Looking forward to it! Thanks Melissa!
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..The Authentic Blogger
Twitter: SGRcom
says:
Excited to be a part of this! I’ve been wanting to use a content calendar in my blogging but don’t really have that many ideas to put in it.
Kecia recently posted..Beautiful Beaches
Twitter: Mimi_Avocado
says:
I’m a blogging newbie. Would love to win a spot in this course! See you on Thursday!
Mimi @Mimi_Avocado recently posted..Easy Southwest Chicken Soup with Avocados
Twitter: carlenehetland
says:
I am soo excited about this whole entire Momcomm thing! I mean the whole darn thing! Finally, someone who can answer all the questions I’ve had about how to really turn my “idea” into something GREAT! Thank you so much, Melissa! Can’t wait to caht with all of you on Thurday night, March 1st! WOOT!
Carlene Hetland recently posted..Makin’ it Happen – One Meal and One Workout at a Time
Twitter: mommyofamonster
says:
You know I’m in! Would love to win it, but will definitely be willing to pay for it too!
Natalie recently posted..Mommy Moment – Jessica Style
Twitter: janmary3
says:
Very excited to sign up for this
Everything you produce/create is of a high quality and easy to understand, so looking forward to it.
Also great that there will be a group element to it – a great way to connect with other bloggers and support eachother
Thanks for the awesome resource! I’ll be there Thursday evening!
Jackie recently posted..Monday Menu ~ Cupcakes
Oh Im SO in! Id love to win a spot–but even if I dont Im definitely willing to pay. I need to learn how to plan out my content, so Im not up until 12:30 am trying to pump out a post for the next day. Thanks so much for offering this!
Jessica recently posted..Pure Bliss Baby
Twitter: SaidKristin
says:
This sounds pretty damn awesome! Not sure I’ll be able to make the first round of class, but I definitely want to keep it on my radar for the future. I would, however, like to try to make the Twitter party this Thursday.
Kristin @ What She Said recently posted..What I Did While You Were at Blissdom
Twitter: redmestic
says:
How fabulous! With 3 little boys 3 and under, there is simply no way I can attend a conference. I am so excited!
Audra B recently posted..I’ll Always Have Snuggles
Ooohhh… you had me at the graphic.
This sounds wonderful. I have written the Twitter party down on my calendar.
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
Sounds like a fun and exciting course, can’t wait!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..How Love Works
I hope you do repeat this course in a couple of weeks. The timing of this one doesn’t quite work for me, but I would LOVE to take it eventually. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for another opportunity!
Kathleen Quiring | Project M recently posted..Confessions of a Struggling Parent
Twitter: juliahembree
says:
How exciting! I am new to the blogging world and almost everything I do know I have gathered from MomComm and Kludgy Mom posts. I wasn’t even aware of a content calendar until I read this post. (I know, right?) I obviously NEED this course. And a free spot would be truly treasured, as I’m not in a position to pay for a spot now. I am looking forward to learning more about it! See you tomorrow night on Twitter! http://twitter.com/juliahembree
Twitter: CountingKisses
says:
I’m soooooo excited about this class! This is definitely the next step of what I NEED to figure out for my blog.
It sounds fun & amazingly informative, I can’t wait to get started! 
Amy @ countingmykisses.com recently posted..Things I Love: Myself
Twitter: spoonfed_baby
says:
Can’t wait! I have Bunco (lol) tonight but I am usually home by 9, so I hope hope hope I can still chat. I am new to blogging and this sounds like a great way to get tips and network! Love your website!
Sarah @ Spoon Fed Baby recently posted..Pacifier VS. Thumb
Twitter: Merry120
says:
This sounds FABULOUS! I hope you do it again because I will be flying to Mexico the last day. Between that & getting ready for the trip, I just can’t do it.
Merry120 recently posted..Favorite iPad Apps for Preschoolers
Twitter: ThereSheGoes11
says:
When is the next class?! I’m dying to know! I need help!
Sarah@ThereSheGoes recently posted..Exercising Through Pregnancy: The Third Trimester