Mastering the MoSCoW Method: My Task Management Life-Saver

Suzanne
4 min readSep 11, 2023

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In the bustling realm of social media, where tasks multiply faster than viral TikToks, finding an effective way to prioritise daily duties is paramount for me. Enter the MoSCoW method – a game-changing approach that’s more than just a catchy acronym. It’s the secret map guiding a Social Media and Marketing Officer through the digital jungle, transforming chaotic to-do lists and projects into organised masterpieces. Dive in as I decode this method, revealing how it’s revolutionising my daily dance of digital duties.

Ever felt like your to-do list is a wild beast you just can’t tame? Been there, done that. I used to swear by the Eisenhower matrix, but let’s be real – it felt a bit like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole for my daily tasks. Then, I stumbled upon the MoSCoW method and it felt like I’d found the cheat code to my daily task game!

Traditionally, the MoSCoW method has been the darling of project managers, a trusty tool wielded to streamline and prioritise tasks within larger projects. Not without its disadvantages like any project tool. But, as fate would have it, I stumbled upon its magic in a recent webinar titled “Limited Marketing Resources? Do Less and Achieve More!”

The eloquent chap leading the session had penned an article on the topic (you can dive into his insights here). As he delved into the MoSCoW method, a lightbulb went off in my head. I realised that, subconsciously, I’d been using a similar approach for my own task management. Having a tangible model in front of me, however, was a game-changer. It served as a daily reminder, helping me sift through the essential tasks and those that could take a backseat without any guilt.

What’s this MoSCoW Magic?

Alright, it’s not a secret society in Russia.

MoSCoW is a snazzy acronym for:

  • Must-have
  • Should-have
  • Could-have
  • Won’t-have (or “Will not have today, but maybe tomorrow… or never”)

Some folks even use the “W” to mean “wish.” Wishful thinking, perhaps?

Why MoSCoW Over my previous Eisenhower Matrix?

Imagine trying to decide if tweeting about the latest meme is urgent or important. See my dilemma? It really is as simple as that. I spent too much time agonising where tasks should fit in. The MoSCoW method, on the other hand, is like having different baskets to toss your tasks into. It’s clear, it’s tangible, and it doesn’t judge you for prioritising cats.

A Day in the Life of Too Many Tasks

In the ever-buzzing world of marketing, juggling tasks with just a duo of part-timers in our cozy little company is quite the dance! I’ve got to get crafty, finding our groove without splurging on those pricey team management tools and swanky social media suites. I use an app called Todoist to keep tracks of everything but I use this method before I list all my tasks.

Let’s dive into how this method plays out with some example tasks for a Social Media and Marketing Officer (like yours truly):

Must-have:

  • Post Daily Content: Because the internet waits for no one.
  • Engage with Audience: Reply, react, retweet. Keep that social media love flowing!
  • Monitor Ad Campaigns: Are those ads getting love or being ghosted? Time to find out.
  • Monitor Digital Marketing KPIs: Keep an eagle eye on those metrics!
  • Report Generation: Whip up those daily or weekly reports.

Should-have:

  • Plan Future Content: Because future you will be so grateful.
  • Email Marketing Oversight: Keep a watchful eye on those email campaigns. Are they getting opened or sent to the digital abyss?
  • Research Trends: Stay in the know. Is the dab still cool? Asking for a friend.
  • Manage SEO Efforts: Keep tabs on those keyword rankings.
  • Analyse Customer Behaviour: Don your detective hat and dive into Google Analytics. What’s our audience up to?

Could-have:

  • Collaborate with my Design partner: Jazz up those ad visuals. A little sparkle never hurt anyone!
  • Explore New Platforms: TikTok, Threads, or the next big thing? Stay curious⁠!
  • A/B Testing: Which ad wears it better?
  • Report Generation: Whip up those daily or weekly reports.
  • Learn Something New: A new tool, attend webinars, a dance move?

Won’t-have: (at least for today)

Revamp Entire Digital Strategy: A task for another day, another coffee.

Organise Mega Contests: Need more than a day and probably more caffeine.

Redesign Branding: Let’s not get too wild now.

Attend Every Webinar: Information is gold, but sleep is platinum.

Switch Tools on a Whim: Because relearning where the “post” button is can be traumatic.

Wrap Up

So, there you have it! The MoSCoW method: my secret sauce to navigating the busy world of social media and marketing. Now, the MoSCoW method isn’t just a tool – it’s embedded in my everyday task prioritisation and psyche. Give it a whirl, and who knows, you might just find your own cheat code to daily task nirvana!

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Suzanne
Suzanne

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