Tools that’ll help you with content modeling

Brainstorming tools

Usually, you’ll be figuring out your core content and core content types in the initial content modeling phase. The most accessible tool to use is a whiteboard with post-it notes. Use tools that allow you to update your drawings frequently, so pen and paper are not a good fit in most cases. Frequently, using mind maps allows you to flesh out the most essential content model structures and relationships. An alternative to a whiteboard would be a collaboration tool for mind maps, such as Mural.co or Miro.com. Mural and Miro have extensive templates to help you get started in mind mapping, such as rapid mind mapping and mind map brainstorming.

Review the data

If you work with existing content, check your analytics to see what content is in demand. It is also advised to check relevant search terms. If you are missing this data, set up relevant monitoring on your new project. Alternatively, do a core content model workshop to identify important information for your customers.

Tables and diagrams are friends

At this point, you’d slowly identify content types and their elements. It’s easy to lose track of what belongs where, so you might need to switch to different tools to capture the increased fidelity of your model. A good start would be draw.io or a simple spreadsheet. Making changes at this point will be a bit more cumbersome, so don’t hesitate to double-check your designs from the previous phase a couple of times before proceeding. Draw.io has an elaborate library for designing content types and elements, such as containers, lists, class, and component diagrams.

Take a shortcut – reference schemas

You might think, “What do I use as a reference?” Using references is not a bad practice, but avoid a 1:1 copy, as every business is unique. There is, however, schema.org website that you can use to ensure nothing important was missed. Implementing all elements mentioned for a given object is rarely required, but it can be used as rough guidance in case something obvious is left out.