You’ve been working hard, but how do you know if you’re really improving?

1 Define your criteria

The first step to evaluate your content development skills is to define what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. Do you want to increase your traffic, engagement, conversions, or authority? Do you want to improve your writing, research, design, or SEO skills? Do you want to master a specific format, topic, or niche? Depending on your answers, you’ll need to choose different criteria and metrics to track your performance and compare it with your expectations and benchmarks.

2 Collect feedback

The second step to evaluate your content development skills is to collect feedback from different sources and perspectives. You can use various tools and methods to gather feedback, such as analytics, surveys, reviews, comments, ratings, testimonials, or peer reviews. You can also ask for feedback from your clients, colleagues, mentors, or audience. The key is to be open-minded and receptive to constructive criticism and praise. Feedback can help you identify what works and what doesn’t, what you need to improve and what you can leverage.

3 Analyze your results

The third step to evaluate your content development skills is to analyze your results and look for patterns, trends, and insights. You can use various tools and methods to analyze your results, such as spreadsheets, charts, graphs, reports, or dashboards. You can also use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze your results, such as content audits, content scoring, content performance analysis, or content gap analysis. The key is to be objective and data-driven. Analysis can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, your opportunities and threats, and your gaps and needs.

4 Set your goals

The fourth step to evaluate your content development skills is to set your goals and plan your actions. You can use various tools and methods to set your goals, such as SMART goals, OKRs, KPIs, or action plans. You can also use different levels and time frames to set your goals, such as short-term, medium-term, or long-term goals, or individual, team, or organizational goals. The key is to be specific and realistic. Goals can help you focus your efforts and resources, motivate your actions, and track your progress.

5 Review your progress

The fifth step to evaluate your content development skills is to review your progress and adjust your strategy. You can use various tools and methods to review your progress, such as checklists, calendars, journals, or portfolios. You can also use different frequencies and formats to review your progress, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly reviews, or self-assessments, feedback sessions, or performance reviews. The key is to be consistent and flexible. Reviews can help you monitor your achievements and challenges, celebrate your successes and learn from your failures, and update your goals and plans.

6 Learn new skills

The sixth step to evaluate your content development skills is to learn new skills and expand your knowledge. You can use various tools and methods to learn new skills, such as courses, books, podcasts, webinars, or blogs. You can also use different modes and styles to learn new skills, such as online, offline, or hybrid learning, or self-paced, instructor-led, or collaborative learning. The key is to be curious and proactive. Learning can help you improve your content development skills and stay ahead of the curve.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?