Content Marketing: the rules of thumb

Posted on Tags: Marketing, content marketing

Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful ways to convert your target audience into regular customers. Give people quality, tailored, meaningful content and they’ll soon start to share it through their own social channels. Not only does this content give people something to talk about, but it helps to build their trust in you as a brand and can result in the generation of substantial, valuable leads.

Another way to find your customers

Although Facebook and Twitter have the widest reach, they may only give you a small percentage of leads. Try using industry-specific social networks to find and engage with your target audience – sites like Spiceworks for IT professionals, and i-Meet for event planners.

Ask your audience what they want

Don’t just guess – invite people to tell you what they want. Use social networks to ask the questions, listen to what they have to say, then get thinking on some fresh ideas to suit them.

Tailor-make your content

Your target audience are more likely to follow up on your content if it’s personal and relevant to them, so make sure it is. And remember – the better the content, the easier your potential customers will be able to find you through Google.

Reward your readers

People don’t just want to be entertained – they want answers to their problems. Give your readers a solution, and write content that’s unique, exciting, interesting, engaging and worthwhile for them to read.

Don’t be shy – go social

Your content needs to reach as many prospective customers as possible – if you hide it away on your website, no one will find it. Sharing your content across social media channels and the web will give you chance to engage with the people talking about you. The more engaging it is, the more likes, retweets and conversations you’ll stir up, and the higher chances of it going viral.

Mix it up

It’s not just about what’s in it, but how you deliver it. Really think about the best way you can present a piece of content to your potential customers, whether that’s through a video, blog, webinar, white paper, e-book or infographic.

Cold calling – don’t knock it

It might not be as sexy as social media, but cold calling still works. It’s worth remembering that nearly every interaction with your audience starts off as ‘cold’ – it’s the time, effort, skills and resources you put into your content marketing strategy that help to build warmer relationships with them.

If you need a steer on your content marketing, get in touch chris.arksey@strawberry.co.uk.