It all starts after the client reads something on Mashable. They come to agency day saying, “We need to get smarter about content. We need a content strategy.”

Source: IYWIB.com
“Can you guys take a look at our ________________ and come back with a POV?” (Fill in the blank with brand, website, social media presence, and/or paid/owned/earned efforts.

Source: Jonathan Rogers
A small task force is assembled.

Source: Funny or Die
But you all have work to do. Stuff with deadlines.

Source: gifmovie
Then the client emails the account guy. They need the POV tomorrow before they go on vacation.

Source: imugr.com
The team scrambles and pulls a deck together. It’s smart, insightful and actionable. It’s also 2 a.m.

Source: imgur.com
But the client’s reaction is _______________. (Fill in the blank with “I just don’t get how it hangs together” or “Someone from our digital knowledge center needs to weigh in on this.”

Source: replygif.net
Now everyone is involved, and this is all anyone on your team can talk about.

Source: Jonathan Rogers
A client has a suggestion. “Let’s audit all the content our organization produces.”

Source: imgur.com
All 3,400 pieces of content.

Source: imgur.com
Then they ask you to work with their other “digital” agency who “gets it.”

Source: GIF Bomb Lady
You’re heading to Starbucks for your fifth cup of coffee when you hear someone say “content strategy.”

Source: imgur.com
It turns out there are people who spend all day thinking about content.

Source: forgifs
In fact, they’ve done what your client is asking for seven other brands.

Source: LibbyLala
They’re convinced by your plea for help.

Source: gifsoup
A week after the kickoff, the content strategist reappears. You walk into the internal review more nervous than a nerd on prom night.

Source: thebvbway
But then they show you their excel spreadsheet.

Source: imgur.com
It answers everything.

Source: imgur.com
They not only documented every piece of content, but also interviewed eight key stakeholders and found some surprising insights.

Source: giphy
The team runs with it.

Source: giphy
The client loves the thinking.

Source: reactiongifs
The “digital” agency is speechless in the face of your awesomeness.

Source: imgur.com
The client signs a fat, juicy content marketing scope.

Source: imgur.com
The creatives come up with an award-winning concept that gets people participating with the brand on the spot.

Source: bestgifever
Everyone is happy.

Source: imgur.com
And a project nobody wanted turned into a huge win for the team.
Source: Dominic Merrero