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Workflows

How do I create and automate workflows for content processes?

Written by Sophia Siddig

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.

👉 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)

👉 Workflows function like checklists that control and make progress transparent.


Creating a Workflow

📍 Management → System → Content → 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)

👉 Exception:
The “Published” 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.

👉 Once assigned, the workflow cannot be changed.

How to recognize a workflow:

  • icon in the status bar within the ticket

  • “Workflow” 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

👉 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

👉 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.

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

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