EP. 036 | How to Build a Content Workflow in 2025
Podcast Summary
In this episode, I break down how to build a sustainable content workflow that actually works for your schedule and energy levels. Learn my exact process for quarterly planning, monthly batching, and weekly execution. Perfect for busy business owners who want to stay consistent with their content without burning out.
Episode Highlights
Creating consistent content doesn't have to mean working harder – it's all about working smarter with the right workflow. In this practical, step-by-step episode, I break down exactly how to build a content creation process that works for you.
I start by explaining what a content workflow really is: the journey your content takes from idea to publication. Through two real-world scenarios, I demonstrate how the right workflow can cut your content creation time from 10 hours to just 2 hours per week.
Key takeaways:
The difference between creating content daily vs. batching
How to map out your own content workflow using Canva
Why energy levels matter more than rigid schedules
Signs your workflow needs adjusting
Tips for making your system sustainable
I share my personal workflow broken down by quarter, month, and week. Most importantly, I explain why there's no one-size-fits-all approach – you need to build a system that matches your energy, schedule, and content style.
For side hustlers, full-time business owners, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by content creation, this episode provides a practical framework to create content more efficiently and consistently.
resources + Tools mentioned
Doors to The Content System open soon: https://www.amberfiglow.com/thecontentsystem
Building a Content Workflow: The Simple Way to Create Better Content in Less Time
Are you tired of scrambling to create content every day? I get it. As a business owner, maintaining consistent content feels like a never-ending task. But here's the good news: you don't need expensive tools or a mindset shift to fix this. You just need a solid content workflow.
What is a Content Workflow?
Let me break this down simply: a content workflow is the journey your content takes from idea to publish button. In my decade of creating content, I've learned that what works for me might not work for you. Some people love writing captions, while others love to show up on video. Your workflow should match your strengths.
The Problem with Creating Content Daily
Picture this: You sit down every morning to create one social media post. An hour goes by, and all you've done is scroll through Instagram for inspiration. Then you spend time setting up your camera, doing your hair, and writing your script. Before you know it, two hours have passed - and that's just for one piece of content! If you're doing this five days a week, that's 10 hours spent on content creation. That's not sustainable for most business owners.
A Better Way: The Batching Method
Here's how I teach people to approach content creation instead:
Start with Planning: Instead of brainstorming daily, set aside time at the start of each week for planning. Yes, it takes longer initially, but once you get rolling, ideas flow more easily.
Batch Similar Tasks: Start to group similar tasks together. For example, I'll record all my videos on one day when my hair and makeup are done. This saves tons of setup time.
Edit and Schedule: Then dedicate specific days to editing and writing captions. This focused approach helps you stay in one mindset instead of jumping between tasks.
My Personal Content Workflow
After a decade of trial and error, I've finally found a content workflow that works for my business and energy levels. Let me be real with you - this didn't happen overnight. I started by posting randomly whenever I felt inspired (spoiler alert: that didn't work). Then I tried the whole "create content every day" approach, which led straight to burnout. Now, I've developed a system that helps me stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how I manage my content. Remember, this is just what works for me - I share it not as a blueprint but as inspiration for creating your own workflow:
Every quarter, I block off a full day for big-picture planning. I get comfy, open my calendar, and map out my long-form content for the next 12 weeks. This includes YouTube videos, podcast episodes, and any upcoming launches or promotions. I also look at seasonal trends and past content performance to guide my planning. I like quarterly planning because it gives me enough runway to be strategic while staying flexible.
Monthly, I have what I call my "batch day." This is when I show up on camera and record all my YouTube videos for the next month. I pick one day when my energy is high, do my hair and makeup once, and knock out 4-5 videos in a single session. These videos become my hero pieces of content. I'll break them down later in the month into smaller pieces of content for social media. This approach saves me tons of setup time and keeps my message consistent across platforms.
Weekly, my workflow becomes more of a tag team effort. My content manager handles the editing of those long-form pieces while I focus on creating short-form content for the following week. I spend about 4 hours each Wednesday reviewing edits and crafting social media content that aligns with my main messages. This system keeps me about a week ahead on content, which means less stress and more flexibility.
How to Create Your Own Content Workflow
Here's a simple exercise I use with my clients:
Open a blank document or Canva Whiteboard
Write down every single step you take to create content
Group similar tasks together
Assign these task groups to specific days or times
This visual mapping helps you see where you might be wasting time or overcomplicating things.
Making Your Workflow Work For You
Let's talk about keeping your content workflow sustainable, because having a system is one thing, but making it work long-term is another story. I've learned this lesson the hard way. For years, I forced myself to create content in ways that drained me because I thought that's what I "should" do. Here are the signs your workflow needs a refresh, and what to do about them:
When you dread content creation days, pay attention to why. I used to create Twitter posts and Instagram carousels because everyone else was doing it. Once I switched to focusing on video content (what I actually enjoy), those Sunday scaries disappeared.
If you keep pushing tasks to "tomorrow," your workflow probably isn't matching your energy patterns. Try moving content creation to your peak energy times. For me, that's morning hours after coffee, not late afternoons when I'm running on empty.
Notice when your content feels forced or inauthentic. This usually means you're trying to fit someone else's mold. I simplified my YouTube videos from heavily edited productions to more natural conversations, and both my audience and my stress levels thanked me.
Missing your own deadlines regularly? That's a clear sign you're trying to do too much. Break down your tasks into smaller chunks or consider outsourcing. I hired a content manager to handle editing, which freed me up to focus on the creative parts I enjoy.
Remember, your workflow should flex with you. Start with small adjustments. Maybe that's batching similar tasks together or cutting one platform that drains you. Keep what works, ditch what doesn't, and build a system that feels energizing rather than exhausting.
Building Your Sustainable Content Workflow
Building a content workflow isn't about copying what works for others. It's about creating a system that matches your energy, schedule, and content style. Start with the basics, adjust as needed, and remember… consistency beats perfection every time.
Your workflow might take time to figure out, and that's okay. The goal isn't to create the perfect system overnight but to build something sustainable that helps you show up consistently for your audience without burning out.