If starting a successful social media channel were easy, everyone would be trending! The difference between a hobbyist and a professional creator is a plan. However, the best creators are also flexible. If "Plan A" doesn't work, they pivot to Plan B, F, or even Z!
In this assignment, you will build the blueprint for your channel. You will define your "why," identify your "who," and figure out the "how" of keeping your production sustainable.
Your channel needs a heartbeat—a core idea that connects with people.
In a Google Doc, write your statement: "I want to explore [Your Purpose] for [Your Three-Adjective Audience]."
Even in a digital world, high-quality production takes time and resources. To keep a channel running, creators need to understand funding models. Each model comes with "strings attached"—things you can or cannot say if you want to keep your funding.
Analyze how these three models might influence your content:
Now, let's look at the structure of your videos.
Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.
A Google Doc containing your strategic plan:
We are learning to:
Modify communication choices to effectively connect with a specific target audience
Understand how external factors, including funding models, influence media creation and messaging
Identify and apply conventions and techniques used in different video formats and digital channels
I can:
clearly describe the purpose and target audience for my social media channel plan
explain how different funding models influence messaging, content restrictions, and creator independence
select timelines and visual elements that align with my intended purpose and audience preferences
| Category | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge/Understanding | Purpose and audience are described with a high degree of clarity and thoroughness | Purpose and audience are clearly and thoroughly described | Purpose and audience are described with some clarity | Purpose and audience are described with limited effectiveness |
| Thinking/Inquiring | Provides a sophisticated analysis of how funding models and external factors restrict or influence content | Provides a clear analysis of how funding models and external factors influence content | Provides a basic analysis of funding models and content restrictions | Provides a limited analysis of funding models |
| Thinking/Inquiring | Timeline and selected elements show an expert connection to the target audience's preferences | Timeline and selected elements show a clear connection to the target audience's preferences | Timeline and elements show some connection to audience preferences | Timeline and elements show limited connection to the audience |
| Application | Expertly applies conventions from successful creators to develop a professional-grade channel blueprint | Effectively applies conventions from successful creators to develop a clear channel blueprint | Applies some conventions from researched creators to the channel plan | Applies conventions with limited effectiveness |
| Communication | Communicates the strategic plan with a high degree of organization, clarity, and professional tone | Communicates the strategic plan clearly and in an organized manner | Communicates the plan with some organization and clarity | Communicates the plan with limited clarity |
Purpose and audience are described with a high degree of clarity and thoroughness
Purpose and audience are clearly and thoroughly described
Purpose and audience are described with some clarity
Purpose and audience are described with limited effectiveness
Provides a sophisticated analysis of how funding models and external factors restrict or influence content
Provides a clear analysis of how funding models and external factors influence content
Provides a basic analysis of funding models and content restrictions
Provides a limited analysis of funding models
Timeline and selected elements show an expert connection to the target audience's preferences
Timeline and selected elements show a clear connection to the target audience's preferences
Timeline and elements show some connection to audience preferences
Timeline and elements show limited connection to the audience
Expertly applies conventions from successful creators to develop a professional-grade channel blueprint
Effectively applies conventions from successful creators to develop a clear channel blueprint
Applies some conventions from researched creators to the channel plan
Applies conventions with limited effectiveness
Communicates the strategic plan with a high degree of organization, clarity, and professional tone
Communicates the strategic plan clearly and in an organized manner
Communicates the plan with some organization and clarity
Communicates the plan with limited clarity