Does Your Business Have a True Content Marketing Strategy?

Content marketing. We’ve all heard of it, but not everyone has the same ideas when it comes to what the term actually means. Some people think it means making sure there is content, even new and revolving content on your website. Others think it means writing articles to drive links back to your website. Let’s take a closer look at what content marketing is and how to better utilize it in your business.

What is Content Marketing?

Content marketing is strategic. It means taking valuable information – information that is relevant, practical, and accurate – and finding ways to distribute it to the intended audience in order to drive profitable action. While in the past marketing meant mere text, it now extends to video, podcasts, infographics, social posts, ebooks, product reviews, lists of curated content, and so much more.

A good content marketing strategy is also developed by listening to what your potential customers are saying online.  Then develop content that meets the wants and needs of their enquiries.

Developing a Content Marketing Strategy

The trick to a good content marketing strategy is having a set, consistent plan. You need to know who your target audience is, the type of content they respond to most, where they generally look for it and determine how to use it to drive visitors to your landing pages for engagement.

Consistency is important because the longer you go between putting out new pieces of content, the more likely it is your audience will forget about you or be drawn towards another source with more frequent pieces of valuable information. You want to draw your audience’s attention and then keep it.

So how do you develop a strong strategy?

1. Make sure you have someone within your organization who is the lead content manager. While everyone may be able to contribute, there should be one point person in charge of assigning, editing, and ultimately distributing your content.
2. Decide what type of content you want to use and figure out who will create it. Will you need a social media manager or SEO consultant? Will you need a blogger? Will you need a graphic designer? Will you need someone with some basic YouTube skills? Is there someone within your office who can efficiently handle these tasks (without compromising his actual job role within your business), or should you outsource?
3. If you’re going to handle the above in your office, do you have the tools and technology necessary to do so?
4. Do you have a content calendar that outlines: a) the purpose for each piece of or that month’s content; b) the places you’d like to distribute content each month; c) the types of content you’ll put in each place; and d) deadlines for having each piece of content created?
5. Once you’ve published your content, use your analytics reports to test and measure the effectiveness of your posts or campaign and revise accordingly.

Truth be told, content marketing can be a little overwhelming – especially if you run a busy business. Give WSI New Media Marketing a call if you’d like help with your content marketing strategy. We’ll take some of the burden off of your shoulders so you can focus on your clients.