When it comes to marketing, do you wish it took less time to implement your ideas? What if your branding was more consistent? A little planning up front can save you a lot of time down the road as you are creating content. We love setting up repeatable processes, and using templates to jumpstart your execution is a smart strategy.
What is a Template?
Think of a template as a starting point for a blog, video, email or social post that has standard elements to it. Templates usually will include your brand colors, fonts, and logos, as well as a specific format or layout.
Templates for Effective Email Marketing
Emails are one example where a template can help you create communications that look great every time as you build recognition and brand awareness. The email templates we create typically include your branding, a spot for teaser text, a call-to-action section, a title, your social media links and your contact information. Having a template in place saves you a lot of time and makes sure you hit the important elements of an email that works.
Social Media Templates Save Time
Some of the platforms or tools you already use may have template options available for use. Be sure to check them out! Instagram, for example, is embracing templates for its Reels platform, with a new feature it’s testing where you can take one of your Reels or anyone else’s and use it as a template, replacing the template clips with your own. That’s one way to look good and also save yourself time.
We often set up templates in Canva with various dimensions appropriate for the different social media platforms. Setting up templates in Canva allows you to brand your social post by using brand colors, logos and fonts. This works especially well if you are using repeatable social features, like a Product of the Week, Customer Spotlight or a Tip Thursday.
Using Templates in Video Marketing
There are also ways you can use templates in your video marketing. Templates work especially well for intros and end screens for your videos or even for your video scripts.
The bottom line is this. Creating and implementing a content plan for social media, email, videos or your website doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Get into the marketing habit with repeatable processes and templates for creating your content, and remember, consistency gets traction. Taking the time to plan and set up templates helps that consistency happen.
Links in this episode: Instagram is testing a way to make Reels using formats from other posts
