Just imagine competing to rank on Google and actually ranking well, generating more traffic and sales to your website, building trust and brand awareness, and becoming an authority in your niche!
Sounds like a dream?
If you have an online business or brand and want to create more recognition, build trust, acquire more leads etc, then you need a good content marketing strategy – at least that’s what the rules of the game are right now!
A dedicated social media manager with good Online Reputation management (ORM) skills is definitely handy. But if you’re aiming at marketing through him – it might not be the wisest of decisions you have made so far! From where I stand, content marketing needs a dedicated professional behind the desk – because let’s be honest, not everything works with this hyper informed generation.
Information source: Sproutworth
What content marketing really is
Content is king!
If you want to compete in the game of “google rankings” then you need content – not just content, but good content – and lots of it!
But first lets just clarify what “Content marketing” actually is.
Wikipedia defines content marketing as – any marketing that involves the creation and sharing of media and publishing content in order to acquire and retain customers. And now that Wiki said it, I can’t really frame a better definition for you. Right?
5 (+1) reasons why content marketing is vital for your business
Below are 5 reasons why content marketing is vital for helping your business grow now and in the future:
1. Google rankings
Why do you think sites like MOZ and searchengineland both rank right up on page #1 of Google for the keyword “SEO”? Content marketing.
The recent algorithm changes on search engines have only increased the importance of content for businesses. Big or small, there is no way you can skip this – it’s either quality content on a consistent basis, or being ranked on the 5th page for your keyword!
2. Building trust
The best way to win trust? Content marketing, again.
Creating a consistent flow of not just quality, but industry informative/ knowledge sharing posts help establish the image of a customer centric brand. A brand that doesn’t shy away from sharing insights into their field, is definitely the one to trust and engage with.
3. Increased sales
Can content marketing actually increase sales? Yes! of course.
Need an example? Let’s take a look at one of my favourites – Pat Flynn, from smartpassiveincome.com – he is one of those geniuses who makes money online by telling people how he makes money online! And trust me, he does that really well; especially when you see his last month’s earnings were $143,524.43!
If that’s what an individual can earn – businesses, do I need to say more?
4. Brand awareness
Brand awareness is a lot different from marketing. Marketing aims at bringing in leads and thereafter, sales; on the other hand, brand awareness is promoting the idea behind a brand – something that gives the target audience a thing to relate the brand with.
Whether you’re a startup, small business or someone who is already reigning the industry – if your brand message isn’t clear, there’s no way you’ll reach any further than you are now. The hyper informed generation of today wants things that they can relate with and not a sales pitch!
5. Authority in your niche
If you want to stand out from the crowd and become one of the top authorities in your niche, then you need to be more informative and share the knowledge of your industry with your audience without thinking twice. Offer different forms of content – from e-books, whitepapers, case studies, blogs, etc.
The internet has caused everyone to be constantly information hungry – if you become their source of information, there is no denying you an authority in your niche.
And the last of them all,
6. Cheaper than other forms of marketing
For this one, we have our statement backed by the man who has been there, done that and helped a number of businesses reach where they are today – Neil Patel. He says, “the difference between Paid SEO and Content marketing is that, Content marketing doesn’t get affected by algorithm updates, while paid SEO does”.
Still thinking why you need to use content marketing for promoting your business? I am fairly sure not!
