Do you have a content formula
The content marketing formula is: High-quality content + audience building = increased revenue, along with community and business growth. You must create fantastic stories and attract new customers, which is not impossible.
Let’s face it; not every business is exciting. Just because what your company does does not make for entertaining cocktail party banter does not mean you have to give up on the idea of creating quality information. You only have to be smart about content marketing and marketing your business.
If you do not work in an exciting business and struggle with getting attention, don’t give up. Content marketing for boring companies is entirely possible, and it can turn things around.
What good things has your business done for others
What are some things someone in your company knows which if broadcast would help others, too? Keep in mind, people are selfish, and they want to know what’s in it for them (WIIFM).
The point of content marketing is to build your business by providing valuable information and knowledge to customers and prospective customers. Establish your company as the experts, so when people are looking for something, your company comes to mind.
Just what is it your business has done to help people solve their problems? People want their problems solved. Tell them a story about how your company solved a problem for someone and they will be interested.
Here are some ways you can use quality content
- A blog tied to your website is an excellent first step. Consistency is essential because people will lose interest if there is nothing new.
- You can use Facebook or other social media to drive traffic to your blog post. You might even use social media advertising to extend the reach and hopefully build traffic to your website.
- Packaging and customer service material can be upgraded and made more user-friendly.
- Have others share links to your blog post on their websites to help you reach a broader market.
- You could combine blog posts with other interesting material to create an email newsletter.
The important thing is to focus on getting your content in front of as many potential customers as possible on a regular basis.
Finding content ideas when you think you have none
Many business owners say they have nothing to write about. In reality, the best ideas are usually sitting in your inbox and in the conversations your team has every day. Every question a customer asks is a potential article, video or social post.
- List the ten questions your sales or support staff hear most often and answer each one in detail.
- Explain the common mistakes people make before they come to you, and how to avoid them.
- Walk readers through how your product or service actually works, step by step.
- Share behind the scenes stories about your people, your process and your standards.
- Compare options honestly, even when one of them is not something you sell.
This kind of content builds trust because it is practical and generous. It shows prospects that you understand their situation, and it gives them a reason to choose you when they are ready to buy.
Planning content so it keeps working for you
Good content rarely happens by accident. A simple content calendar helps you stay consistent and keeps everyone on the same page. It does not need to be complicated; a shared spreadsheet listing topics, owners and publish dates is enough to start.
Before you write anything, decide who the piece is for and what you want them to do next. A clear audience and a clear next step make your content sharper and easier to measure. It might be signing up to a newsletter, calling your office or simply reading another related article.
Think about search as well. Use the words your customers actually type into Google, write helpful headings and keep paragraphs short so the page is easy to scan. Content that is easy to read tends to be shared more and to perform better in search over time.
Finally, get more value from every piece you create. A detailed blog post can become a series of social posts, a section of your email newsletter, a short video or a handy guide for your sales team. Review your results every few months, update older articles that still attract visitors and do more of what is working.
