As a content marketing agency, we’re creating, writing, strategizing, and managing all the steps in the content process nonstop to help our clients grow and thrive. Sometimes, it feels like we’ve tried all the tools out there. So to save you all the trial and error, we’ve gathered a list of our trusted content hacks and resources that make daily content tasks that much easier. After all, behind every great piece of content is a toolkit full of resources (and gems of wisdom) that make the magic happen.
From design magic to AI-powered efficiency, these are the behind-the-scenes essentials that help us deliver premium content with a human touch. Whether you’re looking to level up your design game, streamline your workflow, or craft copy that truly resonates, we’ve got you covered.
Consider this your go-to guide for content greatness. Bookmark it, revisit it, and feel inspired to create your own authentic, inspiring content.
Streamline Your Content: Operations & Process
Colby Spencer, Director of Operations
Go-to Tool: Asana
When it comes to keeping our content process efficient, Colby swears by Asana. It’s the project management game-changer that keeps Forge & Spark running smoothly from start to finish. We even wrote an entire blog post about how we use it—we love it that much!
Staying Updated:
Colby recommends the Delightful newsletter by Steve Bryant on Substack, which offers insightful and often humorous takes on the content marketing landscape. Plus, it’s an enjoyable read for any content nerd out there.
Workflow Tip:
At Forge & Spark, workflows are all about collaboration and iteration. Colby believes in pressure-testing new systems in real-time, allowing the team to quickly identify what works and what doesn’t.
Creative Powerhouses: Design & Visuals
Lara Kroeker, Creative Director
Go-to Tool: Adobe Podcast
Lara’s current go-to for elevating audio quality in our video content is Adobe Podcast’s Enhance Speech feature. Whether it’s an iPhone-recorded reel or another quick video, this tool works wonders by cleaning up audio and making it sound studio-quality without complicated equipment.
Staying Updated:
Lara follows the latest Figma updates closely and regularly explores new features to keep her design work fresh and efficient. Figma itself is constantly evolving with new features and AI integrations that help streamline the design process. It’s a must-follow for anyone serious about staying current in design.
Feedback Source:
The Forge & Spark team is Lara’s greatest feedback loop. Collaborating with writers helps ensure that every visual aligns perfectly with the story we’re telling.
Elevating Your Words: Copywriting & Editorial
Kirsten Rodenhizer, Senior Editor & Strategist
Go-to Language Resources:
As a trained journalist, Kirsten leans daily on well-loved classics like the Canadian Press Style Guide and The Canadian Oxford English Dictionary. She also likes FreeDictionary.com for its idiom catalog and its specialized legal and financial glossaries, which can be helpful when supporting industry clients.
AI Tools, Used with Caution:
While she’d never rely on AI for final copy, Kirsten uses tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for support tasks such as enriching outlines, brainstorming, and framing interview questions. It’s like having a digital assistant in the background to supercharge her work.
Marketing Inspiration:
When she needs an infusion of brand-content inspiration, Kirsten likes to peruse aggregator websites such as Email Love and Really Good Emails. But, ultimately, there’s no replacement for original thought—and working closely with a client to tell their story organically.
Optimizing & Analyzing: Research & Insights
Alisha Sharma, Content & SEO Strategist
SEO Tools of Choice:
Alisha swears by SEMRush and Ahrefs for content audits, keyword research, and competitor analysis. These tools help her identify what’s working, what needs a tweak, and where we can outrank competitors.
Finding Trends & Feedback:
Alisha is all about data. She digs into analytics—like time on page and user behavior—to understand how audiences interact with content and which pieces resonate most.
Top Sources of Inspiration:
Alisha turns to the Moz Blog and Ahrefs Blog for SEO tips and case studies, plus Later’s blog for the latest trends in social media strategy.
Staying Connected with Purpose: B Corp Knowledge
Saranne Wentholt, Agency Coordinator and Forge & Spark B Keeper
Go-to B Corp Resource:
The B The Change newsletter is a must-read for keeping tabs on the broader B Corp movement. It features impactful stories and thought leadership from companies committed to using business as a force for good. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or examples of how other B Corps are tackling challenges, B The Change delivers.
Must-read Local Resource:
For those wanting to stay connected to the B Corp scene closer to home, the B Local Vancouver newsletter is packed with updates on local events, new certifications, and important reminders specific to the Vancouver community. It’s a great way to see what’s happening with purpose-driven businesses in our area and find opportunities to connect and collaborate.
Creating Premium Content: Storytelling
Lisa Manfield, Editorial & Story Director
Crafting Authentic Stories:
For Lisa, great content is all about originality and authenticity. It’s more than just a repeat of what’s already out there—her focus is on creating fresh, insightful content that leaves readers with actionable takeaways. Whether for SEO or lead generation, her approach is to balance creativity with optimization.
Source of Feedback:
Lisa finds that clients offer the best feedback. Their input keeps her connected to what works in the real world, ensuring that content stays relevant and meaningful.
Stay Creatively Inspired: Social Media Marketing
Chelle Morgan, Senior Content Strategist
Go-to Tools:
With multiple clients and projects on the go, Evernote is Chelle’s organization lifesaver. She creates Notebooks for each client, keeping meeting notes, tasks, and brainstorming ideas all in one place. For social media content, Chelle swears by InShot for editing Reels. With its easy-to-use mobile interface, she can add music, edit clips, and finalize videos—right from her phone.
Staying Updated:
Chelle’s go-to for staying on top of social trends? The Social Media Marketing Podcast by Mike Stelzner from Social Media Examiner. Covering everything from Instagram Reel strategies to LinkedIn marketing and, of course, leveraging AI, each episode offers fresh insights into the ever-changing social media landscape.
Audience-Driven Feedback:
For Chelle, the audience is the ultimate feedback source. By analyzing comments, saves, and shares, she tailors future content to hit the mark with followers’ interests and preferences.
At Forge & Spark, the tools and resources we use are just part of the magic. It’s our commitment to collaboration, creativity, and authentic storytelling—combined with a few incredible tools behind the scenes—that makes everything come together. By blending strategy with heart, it’s possible to deliver content that resonates, drives impact, and truly connects with audiences.
Ready to level up your content strategy and storytelling? Let’s build something impactful together.
Get in touch, and let’s chat about how we can bring your brand’s story to life.
