Publisher Onboarding Checklist

Publisher Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Publisher starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Media onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Publisher, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Publisher onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Publisher Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps the new publisher understand the organization’s core principles and align their work accordingly. Typically, the HR department or a designated company representative performs this task.

2. Orientation to company policies and procedures: This task involves familiarizing the new publisher with the company’s policies, procedures, and guidelines. It covers areas such as code of conduct, data security, confidentiality, and other relevant policies. The HR department or a designated company representative is responsible for providing this information.

3. Introduction to key stakeholders: The new publisher should be introduced to key stakeholders within the organization, including senior management, department heads, and colleagues. This task helps establish relationships, facilitates collaboration, and provides an understanding of the reporting structure. Typically, the HR department or the publisher’s direct supervisor performs this task.

4. Overview of the publishing industry: To excel in their role, the new publisher should have a solid understanding of the publishing industry, including current trends, challenges, and opportunities. This task may involve providing industry reports, organizing training sessions, or assigning a mentor from within the company’s publishing department.

5. Familiarization with publishing platforms and tools: The new publisher should be trained on the company’s publishing platforms, content management systems, and other relevant tools. This task ensures they can effectively navigate and utilize these resources to publish and distribute content. The IT department or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

6. Review of existing publications and content: The new publisher should review the company’s existing publications, both print and digital, to gain insights into the company’s style, tone, and target audience. This task helps them understand the company’s brand identity and ensures consistency in future publications. The publisher’s direct supervisor or a designated team member may guide them through this process.

7. Understanding the editorial process: The new publisher should be familiarized with the company’s editorial process, including content creation, editing, proofreading, and fact-checking. This task ensures they understand the quality standards and workflow required for publishing content. The editorial team or a designated editor typically performs this task.

8. Training on copyright and intellectual property: As a publisher, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of copyright laws and intellectual property rights. This task involves providing training on copyright infringement, fair use, permissions, and licensing. The legal department or a designated expert in intellectual property may perform this task.

9. Introduction to marketing and distribution strategies: The new publisher should be introduced to the company’s marketing and distribution strategies, including digital marketing, social media promotion, and partnerships. This task helps them understand how to effectively reach the target audience and maximize the visibility of published content. The marketing department or a designated marketing specialist performs this task.

10. Collaboration with other departments: The new publisher should be encouraged to collaborate with other departments, such as sales, design, and production, to gain a holistic understanding of the publishing process. This task helps foster cross-functional collaboration and ensures a seamless workflow. The publisher’s direct supervisor or a designated team member may facilitate this collaboration.

11. Performance expectations and goal setting: The new publisher should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations and goals. This task involves setting measurable targets, discussing key performance indicators, and establishing regular performance review meetings. The publisher’s direct supervisor or the HR department typically performs this task.

12. Ongoing professional development opportunities: To excel in their role, the new publisher should be provided with ongoing professional development opportunities. This task involves identifying relevant training programs, conferences, workshops, and industry events that can enhance their skills and knowledge. The HR department or a designated professional development coordinator may perform this task.

13. Introduction to company resources and support: The new publisher should be introduced to the various resources and support available within the company, such as libraries, research databases, and internal communication platforms. This task ensures they have access to the necessary tools and information to perform their role effectively. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

14. Introduction to company-wide initiatives: The new publisher should be informed about any company-wide initiatives, such as sustainability programs, diversity and inclusion efforts, or community engagement projects. This task helps them understand the company’s broader goals and values. The HR department or a designated company representative performs this task.

15. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions: To ensure the new publisher’s successful integration into the company, regular check-ins and feedback sessions should be conducted. This task involves providing a platform for open communication, addressing any concerns, and providing constructive feedback. The publisher’s direct supervisor or a designated mentor may perform this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Publisher checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Publisher up to speed and working well in your Media team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.