Buzz words abound on the Internet. And much misunderstanding derives from not understanding what’s behind them.
For example, you may have trouble coming to grips with what Content Marketing is, and what it isn’t.
For one thing, using content for marketing purposes makes sense, but only if it’s part of a continuum that is made up of content (yes) but also of social media and search engine optimisation (SEO).
What good is it, if you write your fingers to the bone as a passionate author, when no one can find the articles you publish?
And once you’re found, does your blog article cater for easy sharing, thus helping enthusiastic readers spread your message?
In an excellent article (link here below), published by the American marketing software company Hubspot, the author develops 4 reasons why content marketing isn’t just about content.
1. Content needs search engine optimisation.
In order to attract people to your blog to read your content, you need to take the necessary steps to optimize that content for the keywords that potential customers are likely to type when searching for the product or service you offer.
This is why it’s important to have in your mind a buyer persona: you need to be able to picture the people you want to reach online, what they value, what their purchasing habits are, whether they’re early adopters or wait-and-see types, etc. Research indicates that businesses that blog 16 to 20 times per month generate over 2 times more traffic than those that blog fewer than 4 times per month.
2. Content needs social media
There’s no question that your potential customers are increasingly using sites like LinkedIn, Google+, Facebook and Twitter to connect and gather information. This is why your business needs to participate there where your target audience is likely to hang out!
There’s no need to be present on every platform. Again, it pays to know your buyer persona. Figure out where they’re likely to hang out and then go and meet them there.
3. Content needs lead generation
One of the core functionalities of content is its ability to generate leads. Research shows that businesses with over 200 total blog articles generate 3.5 times more leads than those with under 20 blog posts.
4. Content needs email marketing & lead nurturing
Despite all the hype about social media, email marketing remains a business’s most valuable asset. An email marketing list that you’ve built up, based on the practice of permission marketing, is worth it’s weight in gold.
Because people who have given you permission to add them to your list are your most valuable business leads. By signing up, they’ve expressed their readiness to listen to you and what your company has to offer. A well thought out next step will transform these faithful subscribers into buyers.
The gist of the original article is about taking a holistic approach to content marketing. Click here to read the complete and original text.
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