Simplify Your Content Marketing Strategy
First off, what is content marketing and why is it so important?
Content marketing is the creation and sharing of online material. Think blogs, videos, & social media posts. This content isn’t ALWAYS meant to directly promote your brand, but rather intended to create interest, with the idea of gradually drawing your audience in for more information.
Do you need content marketing?
Yes. Yes you do.* Content marketing works in your favor for building consumer trust. It can help generate potential leads, and can even cultivate existing customer loyalty. In today’s age, most consumers are expecting content marketing from the brands that they interact with. They’re looking for info, and if you aren’t providing it, they will move on to someone that is.
Additionally, a solid content marketing strategy will organically improve your SEO.
So where should you start? Learn more. how to simplify your content marketing strategy.
Strategize
Starting with thinking about what your goals are is a simple way to determine what marketing efforts are going to make the most sense for you. If your goal is to reach more new potential customers, your message will be different from the person that is focused on existing client communication. SMART goals are a great entrance point for this - once you have those clearly defined you will be able to define what sort of content will best support those goals.
Schedule
After you create a strategy, you may look at the work needed and be completely overwhelmed. I have some accounts that require weekly blogs, four to five social media posts, a monthly newsletter, and regular review management all before I am able to focus on public relations and future expansion. So how does all of that get done? Create a calendar and stick to it. A proper editorial calendar will be your road map - you will know what to post, where, and when. If you’re working with a team, this will also help you to delegate work when you have too much on your plate.
Maximize
Don’t create unnecessary work for yourself or try to reinvent the wheel. I say this to people all the time - recycle your material. Make the most of your hard work. Did you have a hugely popular post on social media with a great image? Awesome. You can use that image and expand upon your topic in a blog. Better yet- write the blog and then share it on a different social media platform to attract followers to your website. Take it a step further - feature the image in a newsletter and link it to your blog for more info. Properly weaving your content across various channels is going to help you to create a more cohesive brand, and if done properly will also save you some time.
Lastly, try to have fun with the content you’re creating. If you’re in love with your brand and excited about what you do, that will shine through to your audience and make your message that much more impactful. After all, if it isn’t fun, why do it? Good luck!
Feeling like you need more information and or help? Schedule a consultation.
*Keep in mind that different businesses need different types of content marketing. Example: Perhaps you’re a local construction company. Do you need a pinterest account, a snapchat, and an instagram story? Maybe not - but you most certainly need clear contact information that is prominently displayed (you’d be amazed how many people don’t have this!) a website, and images of your craft showing people why YOU are the person that should be hired. Questions? Let’s Chat!