how to create a content marketing strategy that doesn't suck

Developing a Content Marketing Strategy…That Doesn’t Suck

Brought to you by the minds behind Valkeryie.com

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Do the math…content marketing is HUGE

61% of consumers say they feel better about, and are more likely to buy from, a company that delivers custom content. (Custom Content Council)

Interesting content is a top 3 reason people follow brands on social media. (Content+)

Social media sites and blogs account for 23% of all time spent online. (Content Marketing Institute)

78% of consumers believe that organizations providing custom content are interested in building good relationships. (TMG Custom Media)

Blogs give websites 434% more indexed pages. (Content+)

90% of consumers find custom content useful. (TMG Custom Media)The

Stat

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But wait. Did you notice a common thread?

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Consumers want CUSTOM content.

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Which means YOU have to come up with cool, one of a kind content.

All. By. Yourself.

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Which might make you feel like this…..

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But don’t worry. It’ll all be okay. We are here to help.

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The first thing to address….

This the era of Content Strategy and it will separate the pros from the amateurs.

CONTENT IS CRITICAL: People care about their own problems much more than they care about your products. When you can capture your expertise and wrap it up in a nice little informational package with a bow on it, you earn people’s attention instead of simply assuming you’ll get it.

Content propels you up the search rankings. In short, content is what makes the world go round and puts money in your pocket.

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But….

If you’re not getting good at content, prepare to lose market share.

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It all starts with a plan…..

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First, make sure your blog has all of the elements required to substantiate your content marketing efforts.

Here is an example….

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Here is how you begin…..

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Now, figure out who your perfect client is

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A few things to think about….

Start with questions about Audience

• Who is the customer? What do they care about?

• Where do they discover content?

• What formats do they prefer?

• What motivates them to act?

• What stories will we tell to align brand & customer goals?

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A jumping off point….

Write down

• The biggest gripes consumers have about your industry

• The top 5 or 10 questions most commonly asked

• Some of your favorite professional stories

• Some common pitfalls in your industry

• How your industry works

• Your feelings about a recently related news article about something in your industry

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Here is a strategy we know works….and makes you money…..

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Doesn’t look easy, huh?

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But wait. There’s more…..

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Remember, it all starts with the blog….

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To create a content strategy, you need to know two things…..

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1. What you want to write

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2. When you want to write it….

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Shauna’s Super Secret Cheat Sheet

• Make memes from quotes of famous people in your industry. Make a blog out of that.

• Create an infographic on a blog you have written or a blog someone else has written.

• Host an educational seminar or webinar. Video it. Post the video on your blog.

• Post any power points or files you used during a presentation on your blog.

• Invite people to share their own stories on your blog.

• Curate content from active social media conversations – think screenshots. Pepper in your own opinions between posts.

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Shauna’s Super Secret Cheat Sheet

• Interview people in your industry. That’s a post.

• Interview people in other industries.

• Tie your industry into a popular show or to similar things celebrities have liked.

• Do social experiments and challenges on your blogs and social media.

• Experiment and show proof of your results.

• Post income statements and sales numbers.

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Shauna’s Super Secret Cheat Sheet

• Host quizzes and online chats.

• Repackage your blogs into a book or e-book.

• Repackage your blogs as an e-blast using your CRM tool.

• Leverage the calendar/holidays/special occasions.

• Do a podcast or weekly video.

• Take photos and videos of events you are at or are going to.

• Curate content from other industry experts.

• Know the difference between long tail and short tail keywords.

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Now that you have a few ideas, there is one last thing…..planning.

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I plan all of my blogs calendars out a month in advance.

The only open spaces are for guest blogs or other curated content, or something hot or trending that I can get to. Otherwise, I know exactly what I am going to push and exactly when I am going to push it.

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Here are some examples…..

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A few cold hard facts before we go….

• It doesn’t matter how good your content is, if your site looks like crap.

• Without social plug ins and widgets, your site will wither and die….fast.

• Design matters.

• Logos matter.

• And not planning your content ahead of time….will kill you.

• Don’t skimp. Don’t cheat.

• The more you force yourself to think creatively, the more creative you will become.

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But we still love you!

We are here to help.

Look for our new services menu coming soon, with some reduced fees!

Watch for our master series classes coming in February. Every Monday.

Free webinar Wednesday will continue.

Connect with us online at www.valkeryie.com or on our social sites: Facebook: ValkeryieConsulting or Tweet us at @Valkeryie79