For the longest time I resisted using checklists, even for complex jobs.
In my mind I knew what I had to do and I just did it. Even though I would often find I had missed a step somewhere, or forget where I was and waste time getting up to speed again I still did not want to use a checklist.
I mean really, what was with that???
In December I heard about Kevin Fahey’s IM Checklist for Product Creation.
I have several products that help you plan your product and get it out there but nothing came close to being as complete a list of tasks as these checklists. Some of the tasks are obvious but some will slip through the cracks even if you know what you are doing.
In addition to the tasks many of the spreadsheets tell you how to do the task(s) so even the less experienced will have no trouble following the lists.
For February Kevin has just released the IM Checklists for Social Media.
Based on the quality of the last batch I picked up and the fact that my social media skills are sadly lacking, I bought this today.
Why You Should Use Checklists
Now that I am a convert to the use of lists I can tell you some of the advantages I found when I started using them.
What is in Social Media Checklists?
In this volume (Vol 3) he has 30 lists!!!!
Social Media Hacks
Social Media Branding
Gmail & Google Account
Google Places
Engaging Content
Posting Schedule
Google+ Setup
YouTube Setup
Facebook Setup
Instagram Setup
Twitter Setup
Pinterest Setup
Reddit Setup
Google+ Content Creation
Youtube Content Creation
Facebook Content Creation
Instagram Content Creation
Twitter Content Creation
Pinterest Content Creation
Reddit Content Creation
Connect On Google
Connect On YouTube
Connect On Facebook
Connect On Instagram
Connect On Twitter
Connect On Reddit
Marketing on Social Media
List Building on Social Media
Online Advertising
Offline Advertising
Holy Moly that is a lot of information!
What do the Checklists Contain?
Now I have not read them all but I took a peak at a few.
Some, like Gmail & Google Account, take you step by step in setting these up. Great for first timers or those who are easily distracted.
Others, such as Engaging Content, give you ideas for each of the items in the list.
Then we have the Facebook Setup checklist. Not only does it list each step, it gives a whole section on what constitutes engaging content on Facebook. Great stuff!
My favourite so far is the Marketing on Social Media checklist. It is PACKED with tips and information and ideas about how to market successfully on social media. This one alone is worth the price for me.
Do I Use Checklists?
I do now!
I am creating folders now for each of my upcoming projects and printing out a copy of the checklists for each one.
The checklists come as PDFs so you can print them (I’m old, I like paper!) and as a spreadsheet for download and also in Google Docs and Trello for online access.
These really are worth every penny.
If you do any social media marketing or want to start then I strongly recommend that you check these out.
IM Checklist Vol 3 – Social Media
In case you are interested, here is the first one I picked up and the one in the middle I missed but will pick up shortly.
IM Checklist Vol2 – Email Marketing
IM Checklist Vol1 – Product Creation
If you pick any of these up, please come back and let me know what you think.
