Content marketing is a tried and proven way to build your brand and increase your revenue. It also can be frustrating if you’re not getting the results you think you deserve. The truth is that there are three things that are probably holding you back from succeeding in your content marketing strategy. These three things are simple but can definitely be frustrating. Before we dive into those three things, let’s break down what content marketing is for people who are unfamiliar with it.
What is content marketing?
Content marketing is a way to drive more sales and increase brand awareness through the creation and distribution of content that informs, educates, and empowers your target audience. This content can be in the form of blog posts, videos, infographics, and white papers. All of this content you produce is designed to help your customers/clients solve problems you’re best at helping them solve. Here are a few examples of topics you’d cover in your blog posts, videos, infographics, etc. depending on the business you’re in:
Accounting firm:
Use these 5 tips to make tax season less stressful
Should you use Quickbooks for your business?
How to figure out what you’ll owe in taxes this year
Boxing gym:
Here are 10 foods you need to add to your diet to improve your boxing
Why you need to hydrate every day
Physical therapy office:
What’s the recovery time for labrum surgery?
Here are 4 ways to warm up before a long run
Wedding planner:
Here are the most popular spring color combinations in 2020
Why you should consider hiring a caterer for your wedding reception
How to pick the perfect outdoor venue for your summer wedding
If you’re an expert in any of these industries listed above, there’s a good chance you can easily provide the answers to the content topic ideas. Knowing how to wrap your hands for boxing as a boxing coach is second nature for you. The same goes for staying on top of the latest color trends if you’re a wedding planner. Your content doesn’t necessarily have to go deep and in-depth in order for you to provide value with your content.
3 things you need to do for content marketing to succeed
Below are three things you need to be willing to do in order to succeed in your content marketing efforts. If you’re not willing, it may be in your best interest to give up on content marketing altogether.
Do your research: In order to create quality content, pay attention to industry trends and listen to the problems your customers are dealing with. Stay on top the latest topics and issues by researching the work and content from thought leaders in your industry. This might also mean collaborating with experts in your sector who complement your business. Here are a few examples of businesses that can team up to expand reach and credibility:
Fashion photographer/fashion designer
Nutritionist/running store
Video marketing agency/copywriter
Skincare company for children/daycare
Partnerships will help you build a stronger brand and position you to help more people.
Be willing to pivot: If you’ve only been producing infographics with no return, try out other content ideas. Be willing to mix it up try out video marketing and blog creation as well. You should also create content centered around a varied range of topics within the industry you are in. For example, do more than just talk about diet and nutrition if you’re running a Crossfit gym. Talk about injury prevention and sports psychology as well.
Play the long game: It probably sounds really cliche but content marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re investing in your brand and building a solid relationship with your customers. All of the major brands didn’t achieve their legendary status overnight. They focused on creating quality products/services in order to help you solve real problems you’re dealing with. Take your time and build up your brand’s content one week at a time.
Building a strong brand that earns the trust of customers takes deliberate effort and work. Do your research, be willing to pivot, and play the long game. You’ll be able to position your business for success with content marketing!
Do you have any questions about content marketing and what it can do for your business? Email Josh at josh@jamiascreative.com!