Content Management- Creation Phase

Once a need for a certain type of content has been identified, an individual known as the "Author" is responsible for developing the content which will meet that need. When the content is in this stage of its life cycle, it is said to be in the "Creation Phase" of the Content Management process.

The creation stage of a contents life cycle may involve several steps. These can include planning, preparing, researching and, finally, creating. Depending on the type of media material which is being created (text, visual, audio, etc&) these steps can be performed entirely by the Author, or they may involve the entire Content Management Team.

Generally, the Author conducts the research, and undertakes the major portion of the planning, prior to the creation of the finished product. An outline (for text documents) photo layout plan, or synopsis of content is submitted to the Editor or other member of the Content Management Team for feedback, and final approval, before the actual creation of the content is begun.

Once the planning, research and preparation is complete the actual creation of the content is begun. The Author may have a timeline in which to complete the entire creation. In some instances, however, the Author is given shorter deadlines, and is required to submit certain portions of the content to the Editor or Publisher at various intervals.

How the Creation phase is handled is a part of the overall Content Management process. Having standard policies and procedures for the creation Phase of this process helps to ensure a high rate of productivity, as well as a high quality of content.