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Workflows

How do I create and automate workflows for content processes?

S
Written by Sophia Siddig
Updated today

W#admin #operations #workflows


Introduction

Workflows are the backbone of the content creation process in contentbird. They help you guide content in a structured way from idea to publication and automate recurring processes.

๐Ÿ‘‰ This ensures that every team member always knows what to do, when to do it, and who is responsible.


What Is a Workflow?

A workflow is a defined process consisting of:

  • statuses (e.g. briefing, creation, approval, publication)

  • tasks within each status

  • responsibilities for each task

  • automations (e.g. status changes, notifications)

๐Ÿ‘‰ Workflows function like checklists that control and make progress transparent.


Creating a Workflow

๐Ÿ“ Management โ†’ System โ†’ Content โ†’ Workflows

When creating a workflow, you define:

  • workflow name

  • project and content type(s)

  • status sequence

  • primary publication status

Important:

  • Only one workflow per project and content type is possible

  • Existing content is not automatically updated


Defining Tasks & Automation

Statuses & Tasks

  • Tasks are assigned to specific statuses

  • Order can be defined via drag & drop

  • Tasks can be optional or mandatory


Automations

  • Automatic status changes after task completion

  • Notifications when statuses change

  • Automatic due dates (e.g. +1 day after the previous task)

๐Ÿ‘‰ Exception:
The โ€œPublishedโ€ status is not set automatically.


Users & Responsibilities

  • Tasks are assigned to individual users or groups

  • Only assigned users can complete tasks

  • Optional: strict mode for clear accountability


Using Workflows in Content

When creating content, you can assign a workflow.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Once assigned, the workflow cannot be changed.

How to recognize a workflow:

  • icon in the status bar within the ticket

  • โ€œWorkflowโ€ button on the right-hand side


Working with Workflows

  • Tasks become active one after another

  • Users are notified automatically

  • Tasks are checked off upon completion

  • Status changes occur automatically or manually

๐Ÿ‘‰ You can return to previous statuses at any time.


Feedback & Collaboration

Comments & @Mentions

  • Tasks can be commented on

  • @mentions automatically notify other users


Feedback Loops

  • Change requests create new tasks

  • These are inserted before the original task

  • The workflow continues only after completion


Adjusting Tasks Flexibly

(depending on permissions, usually Admin/Manager)

You can:

  • add or remove tasks

  • make tasks optional

  • change titles and order

  • adjust due dates

๐Ÿ‘‰ Newly assigned users are automatically added as subscribers.


Notifications

Automatic notifications are triggered for:

  • due tasks

  • changes in responsibility

  • new comments

  • @mentions


Benefits of Workflows

  • Clear structure in the content process

  • Defined responsibilities

  • Automated processes

  • Transparent progress tracking

  • More efficient teamwork


Best Practices

  • Start with a simple workflow

  • Define clear responsibilities

  • Use automation strategically

  • Apply optional tasks thoughtfully

  • Keep workflows flexible and up to date


Conclusion

Workflows and workflow automation in contentbird enable structured, transparent, and scalable content processes.

๐Ÿ‘‰ With clear processes, defined responsibilities, and automation, your entire editorial workflow becomes more efficient and less prone to errors.

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